Productive performance of Nellore steers on rotational grazing on Marandu grass and Convert HD 364 grass

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Brachiaria spp. Cv. Mulato II (Convert) on performance, meat quality and carcass characteristics of castrated Nellore steers in the growing and finishing phases, in rotational grazing system, compared to Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, under the same conditions. The experimental area was divided into two treatments: Marandu and Convert with 20 hectares each, splited in four replications per treatment, composed of five paddocks of one hectare each. Animals were managed based on the availability of leaf blade dry matter (6.19% body weight) in rotational grazing with 7 days of occupation and 28 days of rest. Ten animals were used in each replicate (testers), as well as regulatory animals whenever necessary. Animals were managed based on the availability of leaf blade dry matter (6.19% body weight) in rotational grazing with 7 days of occupation and 28 days of rest. Ten animals were used in each replicate (testers), as well as regulatory animals whenever necessary. For performance analysis, 10 animals of each replicate were used, while for carcass and meat analyses, only six of each replicate. Production and chemial characteristics of the two grasses were evaluated. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments and four replicates; data were tested by analysis of variance using the R software. Animals fed on Convert grass were superior than those fed on Marandu grass, with higher average daily gain (0.682 kg vs. 0.605 kg), slaughter weight (470.45 kg vs. 451.43 kg), hot carcass weight (239.93 kg vs. 232.36 kg). The study also showed the possibility of finishing castrated young steers (up to 30 months) and with subcutaneous fat thickness required by industry (3 mm) in both pastures.