Effects of energy sources and inclusion levels of concentrate in sugarcane silage-based diets of finishing Nellore young bulls: Feeding behaviour, performance and blood parameters

2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (04) ◽  
pp. 350-356
Author(s):  
V. B. Ferrari ◽  
N. R. B. Cônsolo ◽  
R. T. Sousa ◽  
J. M. Souza ◽  
M. H. A. Santana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behaviour ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Carbohydrate Supplementation ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Large Particles ◽  
Final Weight ◽  
Daily Gain

AbstractReplacing ground maize (GM) with steam-rolled maize typically increases feed efficiency in maize-silage-based diets. However, little is known about optimal carbohydrate supplementation in sugarcane silage-based diets. The objective was to quantify the effect of partially replacing GM with steam-rolled maize (SRM) or pelleted citrus pulp (PCP) at two concentrate levels (600 or 800 g/kg DM) in sugarcane-based diets on feeding behaviour, performance and blood parameters of finishing Nellore bulls. One hundred and eight young bulls were allocated to 36 pens in a randomized block design and fed for 84 d. Feeding 800 g/kg concentrate decreased time spending eating and ruminating, but improved G:F ratio, hot carcass weight and carcass dressing, compared to 600 g/kg concentrate. Bulls fed SRM and PCP diets with 600 g/kg concentrate had lower intake compared to GM. Both final weight and average daily gain decreased when bulls were fed PCP and SRM with 600 g/kg concentrate compared to GM diets, and when fed with PCP and 800 g/kg concentrate. Substituting PCP for GM decreased gain efficiency, carcass weight, rumination time and intake efficiency, indicating that the bulls consumed less feed per hour spent eating. Substituting SRM for GM increased backfat thickness and blood urea concentration. In conclusion, the replacement of GM with PCP reduces intake and enhances selection against large particles, decreasing rumination, performance and final carcass weight and dressing. Replacement of GM with SRM increases blood urea and fat deposition, with no impact on performance.

Maintaining the same ratio between standardized ileal digestible methionine and cysteine do not affect its requirements for starting pigs

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
C. F. Muniz ◽  
L. D. Castilha ◽  
M. S. S. Pozza ◽  
C. A. L. Oliveira ◽  
F. Sato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Longissimus Dorsi ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Sulphur Amino Acids ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract This study aimed to determine the requirements of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine (Met) + cysteine (Cys) of 15–30 kg barrows, maintaining or increasing the 1:1 ratio between SID Met and SID Cys. Seventy crossbred barrows averaging 15.2 ± 0.54 kg of live weight were allotted in a randomized block design 2 × 3 + 1 factorial scheme, with five replicates and two animals per pen. Treatments consisted of maintaining or increasing the 1:1 ratio between SID Met and SID Cys, three levels of SID Met + Cys (5.8, 6.4 and 7.0 g/kg) and a basal diet containing the lowest SID Met + Cys level (5.2 g/kg), formulated to provide a 1:1 ratio of SID Met (2.6 g/kg) and SID Cys (2.6 g/kg). Performance, blood parameters, longissimus dorsi muscle depth, backfat thickness and S–S linkages in the bristles were evaluated. The best average daily gain was estimated at 6.61 g/kg of SID Met + Cys, without maintaining the 1:1 ratio between sulphur amino acids (SAA). The daily intake of SID Met + Cys increased due to dietary SID Met + Cys levels, maintaining or increasing the same ratio between SAA. Plasma glucose increased and total cholesterol decreased according to SID Met + Cys levels, without maintaining the same ratio between the SAA. The requirement of SID Met + Cys for 15–30 kg barrows was 6.61 g/kg (7.88 g/day) for an optimum average daily gain, with no need to maintain the same ratio between the SAA.

scholarly journals Ranking of Four Types Fodder as Sole Diet Considering Biological Characteristics and Growth of Local Growing Bulls

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Khan Shahidul Huque ◽  
Biplob Kumer Roy ◽  
Nazmul Huda
Keyword(s):  
Cost Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Biological Characteristics ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Arithmetic Average ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Growth Performances ◽  
Daily Gain

Aims: In this experiment, evaluation of intake, digestibility and growth performances of local growing bulls by feeding Jumbo-green, Para and German grass based on Index (Mf) of Maize are considered and ranked this fodder accordingly. Study Design:  Completely randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka, between July 2016 and September 2016. Methodology: Biomass production efficiency (Xddm), animal production efficiency (Xap), CH4 emission deduction efficiency (XCH4) and benefit to cost efficiency (Xbc) was considered to identify the biological characteristics of four fodders. Statistical analysis was done through SPSS-17 to evaluate the intake, digestibility and growth of animal. Rank of each fodder was calculated through the equation of Maize index (Mi) = (Xddm + Xap + XCH4 + Xbc)/4. Results: Aggregation of four arithmetic average efficiency; Jumbo-green, Para and German got 0.42, 0.40 and 0.72 point out of 1.0 point of Mi, respectively. Among four fodders German grass performed best in terms of average daily gain (107 gm/d) and feed conversion ratio (46.9) compared to maize silage (64 gm/d & 58.4, respectively). Weight loss of bulls fed Jumbo and Para has occurred unexpectedly. Conclusion: In combination of mathematical calculation and statistical evaluation, the rank of four fodders measured as Maize>German>Jumbo-green>Para.

scholarly journals 2 Evaluation of Masters Choice Corn Silage on Growing Steer Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 127-127
Author(s):  
jiehua Xiong ◽  
Bradley M Boyd ◽  
Levi J McPhillips ◽  
Kyle Vosburgh ◽  
Galen E Erickson
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Corn Hybrids ◽  
Fiber Digestion ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Corn Hybrid

Abstract Corn hybrids can be selected for improved digestion rates using lab techniques, which should impact animal performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate two Masters Choice corn silage hybrids on growing steer performance. In an 84-day growing study, 288 crossbred steers (initial BW = 303 ± 12 kg) were utilized in a generalized randomized block design with three diet treatments, 12 steers per pen and 8 pen replicates per treatment. Diets consisted of 80% corn silage (DM basis) of Masters Choice hybrid MCT6365 RIB (MC1, that has been selected to improve fiber and starch digestion) and MCT6733 GT3000 (MC2, that has been selected to improve fiber digestion) were compared to a conventional corn hybrid Farm Choice (CON, that is commonly grown in Eastern Nebraska). All corn was grown in one field under identity preserved method and harvested at 37-38% DM in three consecutive days. Relative to CON, feeding MC1 resulted in similar dry matter intake (DMI, P = 0.28), but numerically increased average daily gain (ADG, P = 0.14) which significantly improved feed efficiency (G:F, P = 0.02). Feeding MC2 led to greater DMI (P < 0.01), similar ADG (P = 0.45), and lower G:F (P < 0.01) compared to CON. The results suggest that feeding Masters Choice hybrid MCT6365 RIB (MC1) corn silage at 80% of the diet DM improved ADG and G:F by 4.2%, while feeding MC2 decreased G:F by increasing DMI compared to CON. Differences in corn hybrids exist when feeding growing cattle 80% silage.

scholarly journals PSXIV-10 Evaluation of an alternative to sodium monensin use in Nellore cattle finished on pasture with high-intake supplementation

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 439-440
Author(s):  
Ivanna M Oliveira ◽  
Maxwelder S Soares ◽  
Hugo A S Issa ◽  
Luiz F Costa e Silva ◽  
Anne Koontz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Optimal Growth ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
High Intake ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Nellore Cattle ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Supplement Intake

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of Alltech® Advantage Confinamento (a proprietary blend of trace minerals and yeast) on performance and carcass traits of Nellore cattle finished with high-intake supplementation during the dry season. Fifty-two Nellore bulls [526 ± 5.71 kg of body weight (BW); age of 28 mo old] were distributed in a randomized block design (block = BW). Four animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to estimate the initial hot carcass weight (HCW). The remaining animals were divided into two treatments: ad libitum supplementation (estimated daily intake = 20 g/kg BW; crude protein = 14%; total digestible nutrients = 74%) with sodium monensin or Advantage Confinamento (29.9 mg or 3 g/kg of dry matter of supplement, respectively). The animals were evaluated for 112 days (28 days of adaptation and three periods of 28 days; June to October, 2018). The experimental area was divided into 12 paddocks (one ha each; Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu). Each paddock had four automatic feeders (Intergado®) and two animals per treatment. The feeders allowed the evaluation of individual supplement intake on pasture. There was no difference between monensin and Advantage Confinamento for final BW (641 vs 646 kg, P = 0.6120), average daily gain (1.04 vs 1.09 kg, P = 0.5383), carcass gain (0.781 vs 0.815 kg/day, P = 0.5101), final HCW (380 vs 384 kg, P = 0.5421) and dressing percentage (59.4 vs 59.5 %, P = 0.8208). In conclusion, Advantage Confinamento provided support for optimal growth performance equal to the use of sodium monensin when Nellore bulls were finished with high-intake supplementation on pasture during the dry season.

scholarly journals Growth, performance, and carcass characteristics of feedlot Holstein steers fed ractopamine hydrochloride1

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-117
Author(s):  
Cathy L Lockard ◽  
Chris J Richards ◽  
Caleb G Lockard ◽  
Maggie Youngers ◽  
Mariah A Woolsoncroft ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Growth-promoting technologies such as implants, ionophores, and β-agonists improve feedlot performance, efficiency, and carcass characteristics of cattle. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of dose and duration of ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics when fed to Holstein steers. A randomized complete block design was used with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 3 RH doses (0, 300, or 400 mg∙steer−1∙d−1) fed for 3 durations (28, 35, or 42 d). Holstein steers (n = 855; initial body weight [BW] = 448 ± 37 kg) were blocked by BW and randomly allocated to 1 of 9 pens (15 blocks; 9 dose × duration treatment combinations) approximately 72 d before harvest. Weekly pen weights, chute temperament scores, and animal mobility were determined during the RH feeding period. At harvest, carcass data were collected on all steers, and tenderness was measured on steaks from 3 or 4 randomly selected steers from each pen and slice shear force (SSF) was determined on one steak selected from each side of the carcass after aging for 14 or 21 d. For feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and SSF, no dose × duration interactions were observed (P ≥ 0.11). With increasing RH dose, average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas BW gain increased linearly with RH dose and duration (P ≤ 0.01). Hot carcass weight (P = 0.02) and longissimus muscle (LM) area (P ≤ 0.01) increased linearly with increasing RH dose. The percentage of carcasses in the USDA Yield Grade 2 category increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) and percentage of carcasses in the USDA Yield Grade 4 category tended (P = 0.08) to decrease linearly as RH dose increased. In the 14-d aged steaks, the percentage of steaks with SSF ≤ 15.3 kg decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the percentage of steaks with ≥20.0 kg SSF increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with increasing RH dose. After 21-d aging, there was a tendency (P = 0.06) for a greater percentage of steaks from steers fed RH to have SSF ≥ 20.0 kg (2% of total steaks), but no difference (P ≥ 0.12) in the percentage of steaks with SSF ≤ 19.9 kg. Final chute temperament (P ≥ 0.45) and animal mobility (P ≥ 0.67) scores were not affected by feeding RH. Increasing the dose of RH (300 or 400 mg∙steer−1∙d−1) fed for 28 to 42 d before harvest increased ADG, G:F, hot carcass weight, and LM area when fed to Holstein steers with no negative effects on behavior or mobility. The percentage of steaks classified as not tender improved when steaks were aged for 21 d from steers treated with RH.

scholarly journals The Use of Coffee Husk as Napier Grass Substitution and Its Effect on Madura Cattle Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 166
Author(s):  
Asep Sudarman ◽  
G B Listiawan ◽  
L Khodijah
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Napier Grass ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Coffee Husk ◽  
Feed Digestibility ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Daily Gain

This research aimed to evaluate the performance of fattened madura cattle fed on coffee husk as a source of fibre to substitute grasses. Twenty Madura steers aged approximately 1.5 to 2.0 years with initial weight of 165-190 kg were divided randomly into four different experimental diets, namely R0= 90% concentrates +0% coffee husk +10% napier grass, R1= 90 % concentrates +3.33% coffee husk +6.67% napier grass, R2 = 90% concentrate +10% 6.67% coffee husk +3.33% napier grass, R3 = 90% concentrates 90% + 10% coffee husk +0% napier grass. The feed was given at 3% body weight of dry mater. The cows were kept in individual pen for two months. Variables measured were dry mater intake, feed efficiency, average daily gain (ADG), digestibility of feed and income over feed cost. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance based on randomized block design followed by Duncan’s multiple range test. Results showed that dry matter intake, ADG, feed efficiency and feed digestibility of cattle on each treatment of the feed were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Average of dry matter intake and daily gain for R0, R1, R2, and R3 were 6.01, 5.84, 5.73 and 5.62 kg/head/day and 0.88, 0.87, 0.84 and 0.93 kg/head/day respectively. While the average of feed efficiency and DM digestibility for R0, R1, R2, and R3 were 14.64, 14.89, 14.65 and 16.54 % and 84.82, 84.37, 83.47 and 83.30 %, respectively. It is concluded that the used of 10% coffee husk as a source of fibre for substitution of napier grass can be used without negative effect on madura’s cattle performances and tend to give higher values of IOFC on fattening program.

scholarly journals Evaluating dietary acidifiers as alternatives for conventional feed-based antibiotics in nursery pig diets

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payton L Dahmer ◽  
Cassandra K Jones
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Experimental Unit ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Nursery Pig

Abstract A total of 360 weanling pigs (DNA 200 × 400; initially 9.7 ± 0.23 kg BW) were used in a 21-d experiment with 6 pigs/pen, 10 replicate pens/treatment, and 2 separate nursery rooms, each with 30 pens. Pigs were weighed and allotted to pens based on BW in a completely randomized block design to one of 6 treatment diets: 1) Negative control (no organic acids or antibiotics) and the control with 2) 0.25% Acidifier A; 3) 0.3% Acidifier B; 4) 0.5% Acidifier C); 5) 50 g/t Carbadox; 6) 400 g/t Chlortetracycline. Upon weaning, a common diet with no antibiotics or additives was fed for 21 d (phases 1 and 2; d -21 to d 0), followed by a 21 d experimental period (phase 3; d 0 to d 21) where treatment diets were fed. Pigs and feeders were individually weighed on a weekly basis to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed efficiency (G:F). Data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (v 9.4, SAS Inst., Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit, treatment as a fixed effect and room as a random effect. Dietary treatment had a significant impact (P < 0.05) on ADG, ADFI and G:F each week and for the overall experimental period (d 0 to 21). Specifically, from d 0 to 7, pigs fed CTC had increased (P = 0.001) ADG compared to those fed Acidifier B, Acidifier C and Carbadox, while pigs fed the negative control and Acidifier A diets were intermediate. Additionally, pigs fed the CTC diet had improved (P = 0.0002) ADFI when compared to all other treatments. From d 7 to 14 and d 14 to 21, pigs fed the Carbadox diet had decreased (P < 0.0001) ADG compared to all other treatments. During the overall period (d 0 to 21), pigs fed diets containing Carbadox had reduced ADG and ADFI (P < 0.0001), while pigs fed CTC had improved (P < 0.0001) ADG compared to all other treatments. Additionally, blood parameters, fecal consistency and fecal microbial populations were analyzed on a subset of pigs (n = 5 pigs/treatment). Dietary treatment significantly impacted (P < 0.05) concentrations of protein, globulin, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase in the blood. Treatment also significantly impacted (P = 0.0005) fecal score but did not affect (P = 0.59) fecal microbial growth from d 0 to 21. In summary, CTC continues to be a valuable additive to improve performance in the nursery. Further investigation surrounding the efficacy of dietary acidifiers as antibiotic alternatives is warranted given inconclusive evidence in this study.

scholarly journals Virginiamycin and sodium monensin supplementation for beef cattle on pasture

2019 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 1999-2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.C.F. Maciel ◽  
H.M. Saturnino ◽  
F.A. Barbosa ◽  
V.M.R. Malacco ◽  
J.M.C. Andrade Júnior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Daily Dose ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Supplement Intake

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of including virginiamycin (VM), sodium monensin (MON) or the association (VM+MON) in the energetic mineral supplement, on the intake and performance of beef cattle on pasture. Forty Nellore heifers with 24 months of age and initial body weight (BW) of 251.5±16.6kg, were distributed in four treatments in a randomized block design. Treatments consisted of adding VM, MON or VM+MON to the supplement (CONT). Additive concentrations were defined to reach a dose of 40 to 45mg/100kg BW. The herbage allowance was not a limiting factor for the animals’ intake. Supplement intake was lower than expected, with 33.0, 18.8 and 26.3mg per 100kg BW for VM, MON and VM+MON, respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI, mean=2.65% BW) and animal performance were not affected by the inclusion of additives. The average daily gain (ADG) was 0.561kg/animal day-1. The inclusion of additives in energetic mineral supplement does not affect the DMI and the ADG of grazing animals. The variability in supplement intake and daily dose intake of additives may have influenced the performance of the animals. Monensin inclusion presented the less expensive supplementation cost, due to reduction in supplement intake without changing weight gain.

scholarly journals Net energy for 60- to 120-kg pigs fed low-crude protein diets

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (9) ◽  
pp. 1632-1638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alysson Saraiva ◽  
Juarez Lopes Donzele ◽  
Rita Flávia Miranda de Oliveira ◽  
Francisco Carlos de Oliveira Silva ◽  
Márvio Lobão Teixeira de Abreu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Protein Diets ◽  
Daily Gain

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary net energy content (NE) on performance and carcass traits of finishing barrows fed low-crude protein (CP) diets. Pigs (60.0±1.05kg, Exp. 1, 93.0±1.56kg, Exp. 2) were allotted in a randomized block design to 3 dietary treatments. Exp. 1 had 6 pens treatment-1 and Exp. 2 had 8 pens treatment-1 and all pens had 2 pigs. The treatments were: 199g kg-1 CP and 2566kcal kg-1 NE, 155g kg-1 CP and 2631kcal kg-1 NE, 155gk g-1 CP and 2566kcal kg-1 NE in Exp. 1, and 180g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 NE, 145g kg-1 CP and 2638kcal kg-1 NE, 145g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 NE, in Exp. 2. In Ep.1, except for average daily gain (ADG) there was no effect of dietary CP or NE on any other parameter evaluated. The diet with 155g kg-1 CP and 2566kcal kg-1 NE resulted in greatest ADG. In Exp. 2, the greatest results of ADFI and ADG were obtained with 145g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 of NE. Pigs fed the diet with 180g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 NE had less carcass meat. There was no effect of dietary CP or NE on backfat. The CP diet containing 2566kcal kg-1 NE resulted in greatest ADG of 60- to 95-kg barrows. For 95- to 120-kg barrows the diet with 145gk g-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 of NE resulted in greatest ADG and carcass meat.

scholarly journals Ewe performance in the post-weaning phase and structural characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars in the dry season

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. e52805
Author(s):  
Alex Álvares da Silva ◽  
Gelson dos Santos Difante ◽  
João Virgínio Emerenciano Neto ◽  
Antonio Leandro Chaves Gurgel ◽  
Leonardo Santana Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Randomized Block Design ◽  
Daily Gain

The objective of this study was to examine the performance of ewes in the post-weaning phase and the structural characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars in the dry season. The treatments were represented by four Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Piatã, Marandu, Paiaguás, and Xaraés), which were evaluated in a randomized-block design with two replicates for the forage variables and eight replicates for the animal performance variables. Canopy height, masses of forage and morphological components and chemical composition of morphological components were evaluated. Thirty-two ½ Santa Inês and ½ Dorper sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 22.7 ± 1.2 kg were used. Average daily gain (ADG – kg animal-1 day-1), stocking rate (in animal units [AU] = 30 kg of body weight) and weight gain per area (kg ha-1 day-1) were measured. There was no cultivar effect (p > 0.05) on the structural characteristics of the pasture. The highest crude protein content in the leaf blade (11.8%) were found in cultivar Marandu. Average daily gain was higher in the animals that grazed on cultivar Marandu (0.08 kg animal-1 day-1) as compared with cultivars Xaraés (0.05 kg animal-1 day-1) and Piatã (0.04 kg animal-1 day-1), whereas the ewes that grazed on cultivar Paiaguás showed intermediate ADG values (0.06 kg animal-1 day-1). There was no difference between the cultivars for stocking rate (9.2 AU). Weight gain per area was highest in cultivar Marandu (0.33 kg ha-1 day-1) and lowest in cv. Piatã (0.16 kg ha-1 day-1). Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Piatã, Marandu, Paiaguás and Xaraés proved to be forage options for the post-weaning phase of ewes supplemented with concentrate in the dry season.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document