It was evaluated the performance of beef heifers receiving different levels of supplement: 0; 0.3; 0.6 and 0.9% of body weight day-1, in black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.) plus Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pasture. The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and two area replicates. Beef heifers from different treatments had access to the same forage allowance (herbage mass and supply of green leaves). Increases on supplement quantity positively interfered on average daily gain, stocking rate, weight gain per area and forage transformation efficiency. Supplemented heifers had greater weight and body condition at 13 months of age than the non supplemented ones. In black oats plus Italian ryegrass pasture, providing up to 0.9% of body weight of the animal concentrate supplementation is an alternative for obtaining heavier heifers and in better body condition score.
animal growth; Avena strigosa; beef heifers; continuous grazing; Lolium multiflorum
