Evaluación productiva en vaquillas charolais (11-15 meses) alimentadas a base de pasto gramalote (Axonopus Scoparius) con sal mineral y diferentes niveles de caña de azucar (Saccharum Officinarum) en el cantón Morona.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the productivity of Charolais heifers (11-15 months) fed gramalote grass (axonopus scoparius) with mineral salt and different levels of sugar cane (saccharum officinarum) in Morona canton through an experimental research with a quantitative approach that evaluated the dependent variables: weight gain, feed conversion, feed supplement consumption, mortality and benefit/cost ratio. A completely randomized block design was applied with four treatments and four replications, and a total of 32 experimental units, that is, 32 Charolais heifers selected and grouped according to age and weight, differentiating them by means of bovine earrings. The animals were fed with gramalote grass base and different levels of sugarcane within the daily diet (T0= 0%, T1=10%, T2=15% and T3=20%). Microsoft Excel and InfoStat software were used for the analysis and processing of statistical data. It was obtained that on the productive parameters after 60 days of supplying sugar cane in the animals' diet. There was no significant difference in weight gain with an average of 0.64 kilograms; feed conversion was better when 20% sugar cane was included with a value of 0.1386 kilograms of dry matter to convert one kilogram of meat; there were zero cases of mortality and the benefit-cost ratio was 0.06 dollars. It is concluded that, although sugar cane provides simple sugars in cattle feed, the high fiber content reduces digestibility, decreasing rumen utilization. It is recommended that sugar cane be fed together with other energy-rich raw materials to supply the energy needs of heifers.