Natural and improved pastures on growth and reproductive performance of Hereford heifers

This study evaluated yearling growth and reproductive performance of Hereford heifers at 24-26 months of age grazing on natural pastures at two stocking rates during winter and spring, associated or not to improved natural pastures. Heifers were classified according to three weight groups (Light, Medium and Heavy) and randomly distributed into four feeding management practices: 0.6 AU (1 animal unit = 450-kg body weight) - heifers on natural pastures at a stocking rate of 0.6 AU/ha; 0.8 AU - heifers on natural pastures at a stocking rate of 0.8 AU/ha; 0.6 AUI - heifers on natural pastures at a...