Supplementation with Norgold Concentrate + Molasses-Urea at 3% to Grazing Zebu Bovines During the Growing or Fattening Stages in the Dry Season

Abstract

To determine the production potential of grazing Zebu bovines, using Norgold concentrate + molassesurea at 3% during the growing and fattening stages, 60 young bulls with similar weights and breed characteristics were used. Four experimental groups were made, which grazed for 9h daily, on marvel grass (Dichantium annulatum) + bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) average quality, 3kg of Pennisetum Cuba CT - 115; 1.0; 1.5; and 2.0 kg of Norgold concentrate for groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively, along with mineral salt and water ad libitum. Initial and final live weight, absolute weight, mean daily gain, and consumption were determined. Cost/benefit was also estimated. The animals in treatment 4 reached 401 kg of live weight (47.43% of their weight in comparison to initial live weight at 180 days); the average daily gain and conversion were 716.66 g and 10.37 kg of feed/kg of live weight, respectively. It was concluded that the treatment including 12.0 and 1.5 kg of Norgold concentrate, respectively, had mean daily gains and feed conversion (P < 0,05) higher than the traditional systems based on molassesurea, and other byproducts. The meat production achieved showed a positive cost/benefit ratio, which means that the system is feasible, productive and cost-effective.

Keywords

• cattle
• grassland
• fattening
• supplementary feedstuffs
• cost-effectiveness
• environment