This research aimed to evaluate the performance of beef heifers submitted to Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) pasture and under differents supplementation frequencies: exclusively on Italian ryegrass pasture; supplemented seven days/week and supplemented five days/week (Monday to Friday). The weekly amount of supplement (17% CP, 71% TDN) was similar for heifers daily supplemented and supplemented five days a week. The method used was of continuous grazing with variable stocking rate in a complet randomized design with three treatments and two area replication. The stocking rate is greater when animals are supplemented, regardless of supplementation frequency. The average daily weight gain, body condition score and live weight gain per area were similar among supplementation strategies. The reducion of supplementation frequency has no negative effects on animal performance and may be an option for feed management of herd.
average daily weight gain; Lolium multiflorum; stocking rate
