Cattle reproductive performance in the Paiaguás subregion of the Brazilian Pantanal. III. Effect of mineral supplementation on cow's reproductive and weight variables
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-3921.pab1988.v23.13781Keywords:
dicalcium phosphate, phosphorus, micronutrients, mineral deficiencies, native pasturesAbstract
The effects of supplementation of common salt (CS), CS + dicalcium phosphate (SP) and SP + sulphur + Co, Cu, I and Zn (SPM) on the calving interval (CI), calving weight (CaW), weaning weight (WW) and conception weight (CcW) of zebu cows were studied in native pastures of the Paiaguás subregion in the Pantanal Mato-grossense, Brazil. The experiment, a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement, in a completely randomized design, was iniciated in July, 79, with 300 cows on 990 ha of native pastures, and was concluded on May 84. The analysis of variance showed significative (P < 0.05) effects of suplementation with SP and SPM on CaW, WW and CcW, but not on CI. There were no differences between SP and SPM. Phosphorus average intake in treatments SP and SPM was of 7 g/AU/day. It was concluded that the cows' reproductive performance response to dicalcium phosphate was limited by nitrogen deficiencies and/or pasture seasonality.