The effect of feeding systems on performance of beef heifers, on period of eight to 18/20 months of age. Charolais heifers and their crosses with Nellore were evaluated. The feeding systems were: 'Oat + Annual ryegrass + Pearl millet'- Black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) and Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) and Pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) pasture; 'Oat + Annual ryegrass + natural pasture'- Black oat and annual ryegrass and natural pasture with Annoni grass (Eragrostis planna Nees); 'Oat + Annual ryegrass + supplementation + pearl millet'- Black oat and Annual ryegrass with supplementation and Pearl millet pasture; 'Oat + Annual ryegrass + supplementation + natural pasture'- Black oat and Annual ryegrass with supplementation and natural pasture with Annoni grass. The supplement utilized was ground sorghum on 0.7% of the live weight/day. Live weight, condition score, ovarian activity and number of heifers showing heat on period of 18 to 20 months of age were recorded. Heifers kept only in natural pasture during summer/autumn did not achieve recommended live weight for mating at 18/20 months of age. Heifers cicling were heavier and had greater average daily gain in winter. Heifers kept on Oat + Annual ryegrass + Pearl millet had greater ovarian activity at 18/20 months of age.
annual ryegrass; black oat; mating at 18/20 months of age; pearl millet; production systems
