Performance, body development and ingestive behavior of Nelore and crossbred heifers finished in a grazing system

AbstractThe aim of this experiment was to evaluate growth, body development and ingestive behavior of Nelore and crossbred heifers. Twenty-two contemporary heifers (eight Nelore, seven Nelore  × Angus (½ Angus) and seven Nelore × Pantaneiro (½ Pantaneiro) crosses) were evaluated. The variables evaluated were weight, subcutaneous fat thickness [assessed by ultrasound in thelongissimus dorsi (SFT) andbiceps femoris (SFTP8)] morphometric measures and ingestive behavior (determined between 7 am and 5  pm). The daily gain differed between the breeds (P <  0.05), being greater for the ½ Pantaneiro than Nelore and equal to ½ Angus at the end of the study. The ½ Angus heifers differed (P <  0.01) from the other breeds for SFT (4.36 mm), with no difference between Nelore (2.77 mm) and ½ Pantaneiro (3.38 mm). The SFTP8 was greater (P <  0.01) (5.36 mm) in ½ Angus heifers than t others crossbreed, and greater in ½ Pantaneiro than in Nelore (4.28 vs 3.29 mm). The heart girth and rump width between the ilia were larger (P <  0.01) for the ½ Angus than ½ Pantaneiro and Nelore (169 cm; 41.6 cm, respectively). Substernal height was greatest (P <  0.01) for the Nelore (69.1 cm), reflecting the greater anterior and posterior height. The ½ Angus spent the longest time (P <  0.05) walking and less time grazing. Idleness also differed (P <  0.05) throughout the day. Crossbred heifers exhibited better performance and de...
Source: Tropical Animal Health and Production - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research