Productivity and reproductive performance of grazing beef heifers bred at 18 months of age

• Published in: Revista brasileira de zootecnia 2012-02, Vol.41 (2), p.306-313
• Main Authors: Souza, Alexandre Nunes Motta de, Rocha, Marta Gomes da, Roso, Dalton, Pötter, Luciana, Rosa, Aline Tatiane Nunes da, Ilha, Gustavo Freitas, Confortin, Anna Carolina Cerato
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AGRICULTURE, DAIRY & ANIMAL SCIENCE; Alexandergrass; Eragrostis plana; Pearl millet; pregnancy at 18/20 months; VETERINARY SCIENCES
• ISSN: 1516-3598; 1806-9290; 1516-3598; 1806-9290
• DOI: 10.1590/S1516-35982012000200011

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance and body development of beef heifers reared from 15 to 18 months of age on Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum), Alexandergrass pasture (Urochloa plantaginea) or native pasture invaded by Annoni-2 grass (Eragrostis plana Nees). The experimental design was completely randomized following a repeated measure arrangement, with three treatments and two replications. The grazing method was continuous with variable stocking rate in order to maintain the sward height at 40 cm. Masses of leaf, stem and dead material, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were similar between Pearl millet and Alexandergrass. Average daily gain, stocking rate, live weight gain per hectare, body weight, body condition score, weight-to-height ratio and reproductive tract score of the heifers kept on annual summer pastures (Pearl millet or Alexandergrass) were superior, compared with the heifers on Annoni-2 grass pasture.