This work was carried out to study the effect of dry matter feed intake level (DMI/% BW), weight gain, production and viability of embryos in cross-breed heifers so does production and viability of embryonic structures in Nellore cows. During the first trial, 27 cross-breed (½ Nelore x ½ Simental) heifers were used divided in 3 treatments and 9 replications: 1.2%; 1.6% and 2.6% of DMI/day in relation to body weight, respectively. The heifers were synchronized and after nine days these animals were superovulated using FSH. The embryos were collected seven days after the artificial insemination by uterus flushing. This procedure was repeated twice with intervals of 45 days. In the second trial, 21 Nellore cows of 3 years old were used. The cows were divided in 3 treatments: 1.0; 1.8 and 2.6% of DMI according to body weight. After 30 days, the cows were synchronized with norgestomet implant and superovulated with FSH. The embryos were collected seven days after artificial insemination by uterus flushing. The final body weight, average daily gain and carcass weight were superior for cows fed 2.6% of DMI. On the other hand, the DMI levels and collect period did not influence on corpus luteum number nor on total, transferable and degenerated numbers of structures and not fertilized oocites for heifers and the cows.
cows; dry matter intake; digestibility; embryos; heifers; superovulation
