Homeopathic additives and virginiamycin® in grazing beef cattle

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of homeopathic additives and the non-ionophore antibiotic virginiamicin® on intake, digestibility, metabolic characteristics and carcase characteristics in Nellore bulls under supplemented grazing. Twelve uncastrated Nellore bulls were used, with an initial mean weight of 346.04 ± 13.33 kg and initial age of 20.00 ± 2.00 months. The animals were kept in individual paddocks of Urochloa decumbens Stapf. (syn. Brachiaria) and divided into two treatments: Lipomax® - supplement concentrate with homeopathic additives (Convert H®, Sodo 100®, Figotonus®) and a non-ionophore antibiotic (Virginiamycin®); Control - supplement concentrate containing the same protein content, but with no additives. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomised design. Intake, the apparent digestibility of the dietary constituents and the metabolic characteristics of the bulls were not affected by supplementation with additives (P>0.05). Lipomax® improved weight gain in the animals (P<0.05) and the hot and cold carcase weight was also higher in animals supplemented with Lipomax® (P<0.05). The proportion of muscle and fatty tissue in the carcase was not affected by supplementation with additives (P>0.05). Supplementation with homeopathic additives and virginiamicina® had a positive effect on performance and on hot and cold carcase weight in grazing Nellore bulls.