Abstract

OVIEDO, Carlos et al. SUPPLEMENTATION OF LACTATING CALVES DUAL PURPOSE IN THE DRY SEASON IN THE MIDDLE SINU VALLEY, COLOMBIA. rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2011, vol.14, n.1, pp.57-62. ISSN 0123-4226.

SUMMARY The aim of this research was to evaluate weight gain and the relation benefit - cost of lactating calves, managed under the dual purpose system, supplemented with cottonseed and molasses during the dry season in the Picacho farm in the Municipality of Monteria, Department of Cordoba, Colombia. 26 lactating crossbred calves were used, randomly divided in a control group of 13 animals that received the traditional farm management and an experimental group of 13 animals that received also the traditional farm management and supplement food based on cottonseed and molasses. After an adaptation of two weeks the calves were weighed every 14 days during 84 days. Student t test and analysis of repeated measures was used for the statistical analysis. The relation benefit - cost was obtained through the technique of partial budget. The average daily gain differed (P≤0,05) between the experimental group (484g) and the control (346g). Net incomes generated for the experimental treatment were 80462 pesos and for the control were 58154 pesos. The increase in net income was 22308 pesos, with a marginal return rate of 1,73 and an economic benefit of the experimental group on the control group of 9346 pesos per animal. In conclusion the supplement reduced the negative effect of the dry season on body weight gain and represents also an economically viable alternative.

Keywords : Cottonseed; molasses; supplement; weight gain.

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