DIETARY STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING METABOLIC DISORDERS IN CONFINED BEEF CATTLE

Abstract

This study had as its object of analysis the feeding strategies applied to beef cattle under feedlot conditions in two farms located in João Pinheiro, Minas Gerais, with an emphasis on the reduction of metabolic disorders. The objective was to evaluate the impact of different diets on productive performance, economic efficiency, and the occurrence of ruminal disorders. The methodology consisted of a case study carried out over 90 days, involving 20 animals divided into two groups, each receiving a distinct diet: the first containing monensin at a higher concentration combined with sodium bicarbonate as a buffer, and the second including a lower concentration of monensin associated with live yeast supplementation. Data collection included initial and final body weight, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, cost per kilogram of gain, cost per arroba, and records of metabolic disorders. The results showed that the buffered diet achieved a higher average daily gain (1.70 kg/d) and better feed conversion (7.30 kg DM/kg gain) compared to the yeast-based diet, which reached 1.62 kg/d and 7.83, respectively. Costs also favored the buffered diet, with R$ 9.94/kg of gain and R$ 149.14 per arroba, against R$ 10.93/kg and R$ 163.91. In the discussion, the findings were aligned with technical recommendations that stress the importance of gradual dietary adaptation, feed bunk management, and the targeted use of additives. The conclusions highlighted that the integration of physically effective fiber, ionophores, and buffers reduces the incidence of metabolic disorders, improves feed efficiency, and decreases costs, consolidating these strategies as essential for intensive finishing systems.