Performance of Nellore steers grazing on Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Mombaça receiving chopped sugar cane tops and protein supplementation - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v32i4.8142

The aim of this study was to evaluate protein supplementation on the performance of steers grazing on Mombaça grass and receiving chopped sugar cane tops at a level of 0.80% of live weight (dry matter (DM) basis), during the dry season. Forage availability and quality of the experimental pasture were also evaluated. Thirty-two Nellore steers, weighing 300 kg (± 25.80) of initial live weight, eight per treatment, were used. The statistical design was completely randomized and each steer group was allocated to one of four paddocks (1.125 ha paddock-1). All steers received a protein supplement at 0.40% of live weight (DM basis) and the four treatments consisted of the following four crude protein (CP) concentrations in supplements: 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0% CP (DM basis). Average forage mass availability and green leaf blades availability were 10,069 and 2,195 kg of DM ha-1, respectively. Average CP, neutral fiber detergent (NDF) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in forage mass were 6.87, 62.63 and 49.80%, respectively. Average daily gain was 0.61 kg steer-1 day-1 and these results show that the strategy of feeding steers in pasture, with chopped sugar cane tops (0.80% LW) and protein supplement with 12.50% CP (0.40% LW), during the dry season, allows high gain per area (363 kg live weight ha-1).