Efeito de métodos de castração e do uso de vermífugos sobre o ganho em peso de bovinos mestiços leiteiros

Abstract

The effect of three castration methods and the effect of three anthelmintics (abamectin, ivermectin and albendazole) on the performance of dairy cattle crossbreeds was studied. Eighty four steers were distributed into four groups, according to the castration method (G1 – scrotum lateral incision, G2 – removal of the scrotum apex and G3 – burdizzo). To study the effect of the castration on the performance of the animals it was included an intact group (G4) as a control. These four groups were subdivided into subgroups of 7 animals each to verify the effect of three antihelmintic compounds on the performance during the postoperative phase. The animals were maintained under pastures and received a mineral and protein supplementation. The daily weight gain was obtained by weighing intervals of 28 days and data was analyzed by LSMEANS of SAS (1996). The three castration methods did not influence the weight gain. The abamectin was more efficient than albendazole, improving the weight gain when the animals were in high body score and environment was favourable. The intact animals showed heavier then castrated.