Growth curve of Nellore calves reared on natural pasture in the Pantanal

摘要: Weight-age and hip height-age relations of Nellore calves, from birth to 10 months old were fitted using a logistic model including sex year as fixed effects. Calves their dams reared on natural pasture continuous grazing system. The crude protein content total digestible nutrients analyzed for selected by the animals. weights calves adjusted 205 days 365 days. There no significant effects growth curve parameters, but there height. average weight (a parameter) at age was 170 kg inflection point observed 93.5 old. When weight-age curves combined in same graph, intersection occurred 142 number gain 160 (adjusted) 240 slaughter different between years, which probably due quality pastures. It is necessary implement nutritional management strategies such high and/or feeding supplementation once they reach three age.