SUPLEMENTAÇÃO COM SAL MINERAL PROTEINADO PARA BOVINOS DE CORTE, NA FASE DE RECRIA, NO PERÍODO SECO, NA REGIÃO DO BAIXO AMAZONAS PARAENSE

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with protein mineral salt, compared to mineral salt, on the weight gain and economic viability of beef cattle in the growing season, in the dry period. 24 non-castrated Nellore calves, with an average of nine months of age, 216 ± 28.8 kg of body weight, distributed in a randomized block design with two treatments, were used. 12 animals fed with mineral salt and 12 animals fed with protein mineral supplement, each animal constituted an experimental unit. The treatments consisted of protein mineral supplementation (PMS) and mineral salt (MS) in the amount of 0.1% live weight (LW). There were no significant differences (P> 0.05) between treatments, for final weight and average daily weight gain of calves fed with mineral salt and protein mineral supplement. Expenses with daily supply of mineral protein supplement compared to mineral salt showed low variations in values. In addition, the offer of protein mineral supplement and mineral salt met the maintenance requirements, with moderate gains in the animals' performance in the dry period. Under the conditions of this experiment, the use of protein supplementation did not provide greater weight gain for cattle in the growing season, in the dry period. Economic viability was also not affected by the protein supplement.