REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GUAYMI CREOLE CATTLE UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT CONDITIONS

Abstract

During the period 2011-2021, the reproductive performance of Guaymí cattle was determined under different management conditions in the conservation herds of Río Hato and El Coco of Penonomé. Feeding was based on grazing, with supplementation most of the time with protein salt, the stocking rate varied between 0.8-1.6 AU^.ha^-1. Weaning was natural and mating continued, with mating of heifers from 0,13,15 and 17 moths of age. 59% of 44 heifers conceived before 19 months of age with an average weight of 232 ± 22 kg and reached an age at first calving of 25.9 ± 2.2 months. With sire from birth to 19 months of age, 36, 48, and 18% of the weights at the first conception were in the ranges of 200-210, 220-240, and 240-270 kg, respectively. Being these weights correlated with the age at conception and the weight at adulthood. The calving Interval, achieved with the presence of bulls on open days between calving and conception, was 12.6 ± 2 months and the Interval between the first and second calving was 13.4 ± 3.3 months. The breed showed high reproductive efficiency when heifers were bred from 0-15 months of age, protein salt was supplemented and the stocking rate varied from 0.8 a 1.2 AU^.ha^-1. With this management, 100% of the heifers, out of a total of 12, conceived, with an average weight of 235 ± 28 kg and reached an age at first calving of 24.5 ± 2.2 months.