SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE BOVINOS DE CORTE A PASTO NA FASE DE RECRIA NO PERÍODO SECO

Abstract

Beef cattle farming in Brazil, one of the country's main economic sectors, faces significant challenges related to pasture seasonality, particularly during the dry season. Supplementation of cattle on pasture during the rearing phase is a vital strategy to maintain and improve animal performance. This review paper addresses the main supplementation practices adopted in Brazil, focusing on mineral, protein and protein-energy supplementation, which are essential to meet the nutritional deficiencies of tropical pastures. Mineral supplementation is essential for the balance of minerals necessary for cattle development, while protein and protein-energy supplementation aim to improve weight gain and feed efficiency of animals, especially during the dry season, when forage quality is low, with protein-energy supplementation being the one that provides better financial viability due to weight gain. In addition, the review highlights the importance of adequate supplementation management, such as correct distribution of troughs and formulation of supplements, to ensure access to and intake of the nutrients that make up the supplement. Supplementation is, therefore, a crucial tool for the competitiveness, sustainability and profitability of beef cattle farming in Brazil, allowing farmers to face seasonal variations and maintain production quality.