Liveweigth changes of weaned calves grazing caatinga and buffelgrass and supplemented with leucaena hay

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating an alternative supplementation system, designed to significantly anticipate the 48-60-month average slaughter age observed in steers, in the Northeast semi-arid region. The liveweight gain of 45 weaned male calves was monitored under three treatment groups: (C) exclusive and yearlong grazing on caatinga; (CB) rainy season grazing on caatinga and dry season grazing on buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris, L.) pasture; (CBL) the same as CB plus leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.) hay supplementation, during the dry season. Observations were made over two dry and two rainy periods, a 711-day total period. At the end of the experimental period, the leucaena-supplemented animals were, on average, 33.4 kg and 107.5 kg heavier (P < 0.05) than those of the CB and C groups, respectively. Results showed that it was possible, for steers, even with an inadequate leucaena hay supply, to achieve the regional average slaughter weight with, at least, 14 months of anticipation.