Development of dual-purpose calves under grazing and captivity, during drought and rainy seasons

Livestock farming faces various factors that affect the development of calves, such as the dry season. The purpose of this study was to compare the post-weaning performance of dual-purpose calves raised in stalls fed the same grass species during periods of drought and rain. Nine Girolando Brown Swiss cross calves were used, divided into two groups, the grazing group (GG; n=4) and the stabled group (CG; n=5). A linear fixed effects model with factorial design was implemented. The average daily gain (ADG) during the dry season was observed to be 419±95 g/day/calf and 310±15 g/day/calf for GG and CG, respectively. However, during the rainy season, GG showed an increase while CG showed a decrease in body weight (790±131 and - 110±63 g/day/calf, respectively). During the rainy season, grazing management (GG; $0.88±0.09 USD/day/calf) is 30% less expensive than barn management (CG; $1.25±0.07 USD/day/calf). However, during the drought period, grazing management is only 5.7% cheaper. Appropriate management measures for developing calves must be taken into account depending on whether grazing is extensive or confined, as well as drought or rain conditions.