Supplementation of dairy weaners grazing tropical pastures

Abstract

Experiments were carried out to determine the potential of tropical pastures for growth of dairy replacement heifers, and to assess the need for supplementation of growing animals grazing these pastures. Grain supplementation (1,4 kg maize/head/day) increased ADG to 0,62; 0,56 and 0,51 kg/day at stocking rates of 7,4; 9,9 and 12,4 heifers/ha, respectively. Growth rates of the Friesian heifers were equivalent for animals fed either maize or molasses at equivalent DM levels. Protein supplementation also had beneficial effects on live weight gains of calves.

Eksperimente is gedoen om die potensiaal van tropiese weiding vir die grootmaak van verse wat as plaasvervangers in melkkuddes moet dien, te bepaal. Verder is die nodigheid vir byvoeging aan groeiende diere wat hierdie weidings bewei, ondersoek. Graanbyvoeding (1,4 kg mielies/kop/dag) het die ADG laat toeneem na 0,62; 0,56 en 0,51 kg/dag wanneer onderskeidelik 7,4; 9,9 en 12,4 verse/ha aangehou word. Groeitempos van die Friesverse was gelykstaande aan die van diere wat mielies of melasse gevoer is teen ekwivalente DM vlakke. Prote" lenbyvoeding het ook 'n voordelige effek gehad op die toename van lewende massa van kalwers.

Keywords: Dairy replacements, weaners, tropical pastures, stocking rate, supplements, growth of dairy replacements