Ingestive Behavior and Body Development of Backgrounded Heifers From Three Genotypes in the Brazilian Pantanal

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the ingestive behavior and body development of backgrounded heifers from three genotypes in the Brazilian Pantanal. Twenty‐two heifers with an average body weight of 180 kg and 15 months of age were used, distributed into three genotype groups: eight Nelore (N), seven Nelore × Angus (½ Angus, NA), and seven Nelore × Pantaneiro (½ Pantaneiro, NP). Nelore and NP heifers exhibited similar grazing times, which were higher compared with NA heifers. It was observed that chest depth, heart girth, rump width between ischia, and hook width between ilia values were higher in NA heifers and similar among the other genotypes. The total and average daily gain of NA heifers was higher than N and NP heifers. It is concluded that there are significant differences in ingestive behavior and body development among genotypes, suggesting variations in the capacity of genotypes to adapt to the Pantanal environment. These results suggest that the crossbreeding between Nelore and Angus maximizes the benefits derived from heterosis, as individuals from this cross are more efficient in weight gain and have body development with desirable characteristics. The crossbreeding of the Pantaneiro breed with Nelore resulted in low body development in the NP heifers, indicating limited heterosis gains from this cross, even in the breed's native environment.