ChileanJAR

A system for beef production was carried out at the Carillanca Experiment Station (INIA, Temuco) during two periods, 317 and 283 days, utilizing 24 “Overo Negro” and “Overo Colorado” bullocks from spring calving. They started with 7 to 8 months of age and with 174 kg (first period), and 213 kg (second period) average live weight. The animals finished with 16 to 17 months of age and 388 to 474 kg average uve weights. Seeded, non irrigated pastures were utilized, comprizing white dover, red dover and annual and perennial ryegrasses. The animals began grazing in March-April, with a stocking rate of three animals/ hectare. They remained on the pasture until the second half of January of the following year, except for winter time, when they were supplemented with silage and concentrate, in a wooded site. Silage came ±rom the excess forage produced by the same pastures and harvested in spring. The effect of adding 1.5 kg of concentrate/animal/day to the silege during 67 days in winter was measured. Daily weight gains with vs. without supplementation were statistically different (P < 0.01). Hence, total yields of live weight/ha were 714 and 639 kg, respectively in the period. The effect of adding 1.5 kg VS. 2.5 kg of concentrate/animal/day to the silage during 84 days in winter was compared in the second period, but no statistical differences were found (P > 0.05). In this period, the total yields of live weight/ha were 786 and 781 kg, respectively.