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Evaluation of the economic viability of milk production on pasture and supplements in the region of Campos Gerais - Paraná, Brazil

Aiming to evaluate the profitability of milk production under an integrated dairy-crop system, on experiment was carried out at a commercial farm, of Paraná State, from July 2004 up to April 2005. A completely randomized block design, with four treatments, corresponding to different supplementation levels, with three replicates was applied. Treatments were pastures supplemented with 20%, 45%, 65% and 100% of supplementation (total diet calculated to give maintenance and milk production of 28kg/cow per day). The experimental area contained 32.4 hectares, being 22.4 hectares used during winter, composed of a mixture of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) and black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb), divided into twelve paddocks. During summer an area of 10 hectares was used, with Kikuyo (Pennisetum clandestinum) also divided in 12 paddocks. Three Holstein and one Jersey cows were used in each experimental unit as testers animals. The grazing system was continuous, with variable stocking. Put-and-take animals were used to control ward height, maintained around 20cm. Individual milk production was evaluated twice a week and percentage of fat, protein and somatic cell count were evaluated weekly. The economic analysis was proceeded using the methodology proposed by the Milk Cost Follow Up System of Paraná State. During the evaluation period, treatment 1 with 20% of supplementation showed the best results, with a total operational cost of R$ 0.4635 liter-1 and net income of R$ 0.13 liter-1.

production system; economical analysis of milk production; pastures; forage


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