ABSTRAC
The experiment was carried out to evaluate the development of beef heifers in three feeding systems: exclusively on ryegrass pasture (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) or in ryegrass pasture and receiving 0.93% of body weight of corn whole grain or oats grain as a supplement. The experimental design was completely randomized with repeated measures in time. The utilization of ryegrass pasture, with or without the use of corn or oats grain as a supplement, provides reproductive development of heifers in order for them to be mated at 14 months of age. The body weight at the beginning of pasture utilization is crucial for heifers to reach adequate reproductive development at the beginning of the mating season.
Keywords:
Angus; reproductive tract score; oats grain; corn grain; stocking rate