The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Nelore heifers in
Mombasa grass grazing receiving protein supplements with different levels of sodium
chloride (6 and 12%) and protein-energetic supplements with different levels of crude
protein (12 and 16%), . Twenty-four Nelore heifers, 18 months old and weighing
231.54 kg, were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with six replicates (animals) per
treatment, being: T1 = protein supplement with 20% CP and 12% sodium chloride
(NaCl), T2 = protein supplement with 20% CP and 6% sodium chloride (NaCl), T3 =
energy supplement with 12% CP, T4 = energy supplement with 16% CP. Four
pastures of Mombaça grass were used, with an average stocking rate of 3.39 AU /
ha. It was observed that during the study there was a reduction in pasture availability
from 1,557.12 to 1,103.5 kg DM / ha from start to finish study. The CMS values of the
animals that received protein energetic supplements, expressed in kg / animal / day,
were superior to those that consumed only protein supplementation, however, the
supply of energy protein supplement did not affect the variables related to the
average weight gain and total weight gain. In addition, a difference of 0.62 kg of GMD
was observed in the beginning to the end of the study, this result may be associated
with less pasture availability. Thus, heifers kept on Mombasa grass pasture during
the transition period showed similar gains, and the producer can opt for any
supplement.
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