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Publication Date

1977

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Ninety crossbred steers(¼ Holstein x ¼ Zebu) of approximately 100 kg live weight were used in a randomized block design with 3 replica­tions to study the effect of protein supplemen­tation to pastures. The levels were: 0, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 g ofN x 6.25/animal/day. The experiment was carried out during two succes­sive dry periods. Stocking rates of 5 animals/ha were maintained for each treatment, and each area was divided in 4 paddocks for rotation. The protein supplement had a PN: NPN ratio of60:40. During the first dry period the animals in the control treatment gained 100 g/day and 360,410,420,430, and 440 g/day for the remain­ing treatments, respectively. During the rainy season no supplements were given and there wer·e no differences in Jive weight gains between groups. Gains for supplemented animals were . also higher for the second dry period, but only 35 to 45 % of that observed in the first dry sea­on. Daily live weight gains throughout the whole experiment were 250 g/animal/day for the control and 320,360,410, 380, and 430 for the remaining treatments. The results showed a positive response· to protein supplementation. conditioned by availability and quality of pastures and animal parasitic infestation. Fur­ther studies during the end of the growing-fat­tening period appear necessary.

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Effect of different levels of protein supplementation to steers grazing pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens Stent.) in the dry season

Ninety crossbred steers(¼ Holstein x ¼ Zebu) of approximately 100 kg live weight were used in a randomized block design with 3 replica­tions to study the effect of protein supplemen­tation to pastures. The levels were: 0, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 g ofN x 6.25/animal/day. The experiment was carried out during two succes­sive dry periods. Stocking rates of 5 animals/ha were maintained for each treatment, and each area was divided in 4 paddocks for rotation. The protein supplement had a PN: NPN ratio of60:40. During the first dry period the animals in the control treatment gained 100 g/day and 360,410,420,430, and 440 g/day for the remain­ing treatments, respectively. During the rainy season no supplements were given and there wer·e no differences in Jive weight gains between groups. Gains for supplemented animals were . also higher for the second dry period, but only 35 to 45 % of that observed in the first dry sea­on. Daily live weight gains throughout the whole experiment were 250 g/animal/day for the control and 320,360,410, 380, and 430 for the remaining treatments. The results showed a positive response· to protein supplementation. conditioned by availability and quality of pastures and animal parasitic infestation. Fur­ther studies during the end of the growing-fat­tening period appear necessary.