This study tested the influence of different forage allowances during the growing season on vegetation dynamics and animal performance. Treatments consisted of different herbage allowances (kg DM/100 kg liveweight/day, expressed in %) and different combinations of herbage allowances in sequence: 4.0%, 8.0%, 12.0%, and 16.0% herbage DM allowance during the entire year; 8.0% herbage allowance in Spring and 12.0% in Summer/Autumn; 12.0% herbage allowance in Spring and 8.0% in Summer/Autumn; 16.0% herbage allowance in Spring and 12.0% in Summer/Autumn. The grazing method was continuous stocking with variable stocking rate, and the experimental animals were yearling crossbred steers. A randomized complete block design was used, with two replications. Data are presented from the 2001/2002 growing season regarding pasture production, animal daily gain, and animal gain/ha. Results showed that 4.0% of herbage allowance decreased animal performance. The 8.0% herbage allowance in Spring and 12.0% in Summer/Autumn treatment promoted higher animal performance, indicating that this type of management may be interesting to manipulate sward structure, resulting in a better forage quality at the onset of Autumn/Winter season.
natural pasture; variation of forage allowances; steers
