The influence of the weaning age on the growth of heifers in the cowlands of Mato Grosso state

Abstract

This work was carried out in order to determine the influence of the weaning age on the growth of heifers during growing period, when in native pasture. Eighty eight experimental units were divided into three experiments, each one with different mineral supplementations. Each trial was compounded by three treatments (six, eight and ten months old at weaning) in a completely randomized design. Statistical analysis showed no difference among treatments (age of weaning) in terms of weight gain at 18 months of age. It was concluded the viability of weaning at six months old in native pasture from the mid-period of inundation in presence of good amount and quality of pasture and associated a deworming programme. Since there was no statistical difference between 18 and 24 months of age, it is expected no influence of weaning at age on the first mating.