RELATÓRIO DE EXPERIÊNCIA EM BOVINOCULTURA DE CORTE EM FASE DE CRIA NA FAZENDA PARANÃ - IACIARA (GO)

Abstract

Brazil holds one of the world's largest cattle herds, reaching 234.4 million heads in 2022, consolidating its position as a major global beef exporter. In this context, beef cattle production plays a strategic role in the national economy, with the Central-West region, particularly the state of Goiás, standing out. The calving phase, spanning from calf birth to weaning (6 to 8 months), is recognized as one of the most challenging and fundamental links in the production chain, directly impacting the animals' future performance and the system's profitability. This paper presents an experience report detailing activities conducted during a mandatory supervised internship in a beef cattle breeding system. Throughout the period, the student monitored reproductive management routines, such as Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination (FTAI), observing the D0/D9/D11 protocol with the use of estradiol benzoate, prostaglandin, estradiol cypionate, and equine chorionic gonadotropin, in addition to noting the implementation of the Zoetis company's protocol. The internship provided an opportunity to verify calf management practices, including monitoring births and the occurrence of disorders such as uterine prolapse, which required emergency intervention. Difficulties related to forage scarcity and the consequent emergency feedlotting of animals were identified, leading to maternal-offspring disorganization and cases of orphaned calves, highlighting the properties' vulnerability to unforeseen events and the need for forage planning. Additionally, challenges in daily calf management, such as the high incidence of cesarean sections and prolapses, as well as the difficulty of reallocating misplaced animals ("entreveros") in a 17,000-matrix property, were observed. The hands-on experience allowed the student to gain proficiency in hormonal and insemination protocols, overcoming previous limited experience in the reproduction area. It is concluded that the internship significantly contributed to the student's professional development, providing extensive practical knowledge and contact with industry professionals, thus enhancing their expertise for the job market and boosting their career prospects in animal science.