The experiment evaluated the animal response and economic return of energetic supplementation in oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) plus Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) pasture. The treatments were: STP- Supplementation during the entire pasture cycle; SAS- Supplementation until the end of September and SS- No supplement. The continuous grazing system with variable stocking rate was used. The supplement utilized, with different quantities, was ground sorghum in order to maintain the same herbage mass for all treatments. Live weight daily gain was higher in STP and SAS, 0.716 and 0.710 kg, respectively than 0.580 kg in SS. The stocking rate was greater with supplements. The higher weight gain per hectare was at STP (627 kg), 75% higher than no supplement treatment, 359 kgha of LW. No significant effects on body condition score of treatments was recorded. The total cost and the net income were 775.42/165.08, 605.75/204.25 and 333.58/204.92 R$ha for STP, SAS and SS, respectively. No supplements and the use of supplementation until the end of September resulted in higher economic return.
stocking rate; weight gain; sorghum; beef heifers
