A NOTE ON THE VALIDATION OF A MANAGEMENT AND GRASS SUPPLEMENTATION SYSTEM FOR CATTLE FATTENING UNDER PRODUCTION CONDITIONS

A group of 263 crossbred Holstein x Zebu calves with 139 kg LW and 10 to 11 months of age was used in a guinea grassland (Panicum maximum va r. common and Likoni) of 107.4 ha divided into four paddocks in the Gu stavo Fraga enterprise. The objective was to validate an integral mana gement and grass supplementation system on production for growth fatte ning of dairy calves. The system reduced the fattening cycle by 229 da ys, increased weight gain by 368 g/animal/day and beef yield by 4.5% i n respect to the system used in the enterprise. Similarly, the managem ent of the demonstration grassland showed higher indices in compositio n, availability and quality. Molasses supplementation plus 10% of urea and differed protein indicated savings of 55 and 42% of molasses and sunflower meal compared to the traditional methods. The validation of the integral system showed its feasibility and technical and economica l superiority in respect to the pasture management method, the feeding and the animals used in the enterprise.