Perfil produtivo de confinamentos de bovinos de corte localizados no oeste goiano

Abstract

The use of feedlot systems for cattle fattening has been growing in Brazil, considering the advantages it presents over pasture-based models. Although it is regarded as a profitable production system, it must be carefully evaluated due to operational management, animal acquisition costs, and technology adoption. In this context, the objective was to develop three chapters as follows: Chapter 01 – a literature review on the main aspects of feedlot fattening for beef cattle; Chapter 02 – production of a scientific article titled Technical Profile of Beef Cattle Production in Feedlot Systems in the Western Region of the State of Goiás; Chapter 03 – a technical manual titled Basic Principles of Ruminant Nutrition. Through the literature review (Chapter 01), it was demonstrated that feedlot cattle systems operate in a short production cycle, allowing for a higher production of weight per area and freeing up pasture areas on farms for other livestock categories. It was identified that this is a complex activity requiring significant knowledge of economic scenarios and technical expertise for success.The scientific article, presented in Chapter 02, was developed based on responses to 30 questions applied to owners and managers of 15 feedlot operations located in the western region of Goiás state. The questions covered nutritional, sanitary, and management aspects of the cattle, as well as issues related to environmental sustainability and animal marketing. It was found that a large majority (80%) of the feedlots evaluated received some form of technical assistance during their production process. Slightly more than half (53.3%) produced their own cattle to be feedlotfattened, while 46.7% used specific software for feedlot management.Chapter 03 presents the technical manual, in e-book format, titled Basic Principles of Beef Cattle Nutrition, with an emphasis on precision nutrition to meet the animals' nutritional requirements, thereby enabling them to express their genetic potential. It was observed that 80% of the feedlots had technical assistance within their production, and 60% of the total feedlots studied had some kind of incentive focused on meat quality. Agricultural production was present in 60% of the feedlots studied. This dissertation provided a better understanding of the production profile of feedlots in the western region of Goiás state, which can serve as a guide for other studies of a similar nature, as well as make information related to beef cattle nutrition accessible and practical for those interested in this area.