The effect of residual nitrogen fertilization on the yield components, forage quality, and performance of beef cattle fed on Mombaça grass

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of residual nitrogen (N) on pastures of Mombaça grass and its impact on pasture structure and the nutritive value and performance of beef cattle. The experiment analyzed randomized blocks subdivided into plots, with three replications. The research focused on a number of pastures having received three annual doses of N (100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) from 2015 to 2017, with no N fertilization in 2018. The results indicated that pastures under residual effect of 300 kg ha-1 of N were characterized by higher (P<0.05) rates of forage accumulation than those under the residual effect of 100 kg ha-1 N. Furthermore, this study indicated no effect (P>0.05) on the pasture nutritive value and average daily gain (0.490 kg day-1). The stocking rate was higher (P<0.05) in pastures under the residual effect of 300 kg ha-1 of N, and lower in those at 100 kg ha-1 of N, while weight gain per area followed the trend observed in the stocking rate. The results thus suggest that the suspension of N fertilization for one year after three years of sequential fertilization was responsible for an immediate loss of 50 and 55% of the productivity of plants and animals, respectively. Highlights: Fundamental nitrogen fertilization to ensure pasture productivity. The use of nitrogen fertilization has been limited by cost, due to the extension of the areas involved and the need for frequent applications. We suspended nitrogen fertilization for one year after using the same doses of nitrogen for three years in order to evaluate a possible residual effect on plant and animal production. Suspending the N fertilization of Mombaça grass for one year after three years of sequential fertilization with the same doses leaves a residual effect on the pasture structure and performance of beef cattle. The suspension of nitrogen fertilization reduces the rate of forage accumulation by an average of 50%, causing a 55% reduction in animal productivity.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of residual nitrogen (N) on pastures of Mombaça grass and its impact on pasture structure and the nutritive value and performance of beef cattle. The experiment analyzed randomized blocks subdivided into plots, with three replications. The research focused on a number of pastures having received three annual doses of N (100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1) from 2015 to 2017, with no N fertilization in 2018. The results indicated that pastures under residual effect of 300 kg ha-1 of N were characterized by higher (P<0.05) rates of forage accumulation than those under the residual effect of 100 kg ha-1 N. Furthermore, this study indicated no effect (P>0.05) on the pasture nutritive value and average daily gain (0.490 kg day-1). The stocking rate was higher (P<0.05) in pastures under the residual effect of 300 kg ha-1 of N, and lower in those at 100 kg ha-1 of N, while weight gain per area followed the trend observed in the stocking rate. The results thus suggest that the suspension of N fertilization for one year after three years of sequential fertilization was responsible for an immediate loss of 50 and 55% of the productivity of plants and animals, respectively. Highlights: Fundamental nitrogen fertilization to ensure pasture productivity. The use of nitrogen fertilization has been limited by cost, due to the extension of the areas involved and the need for frequent applications. We suspended nitrogen fertilization for one year after using the same doses of nitrogen for three years in order to evaluate a possible residual effect on plant and animal production. Suspending the N fertilization of Mombaça grass for one year after three years of sequential fertilization with the same doses leaves a residual effect on the pasture structure and performance of beef cattle. The suspension of nitrogen fertilization reduces the rate of forage accumulation by an average of 50%, causing a 55% reduction in animal productivity

Estrutura do pasto e valor nutritivo do capim-tanzânia submetido a estratégias de pastejo rotativo

The objective of this work was to evaluate the sward structure and nutritive value of Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia subjected to rotational stocking managements characterised by a common pre-grazing condition of 95% canopy light interception (LI) and two post-grazing residues, 25 and 50 cm. Treatments (95/25, 95/50 - LI/residue) were assigned to experimental units (groups of six 2500 m² paddocks per treatment) according to a complete randomised block design, with two replications. The variables measured corresponded to: canopy light interception, pre and post-grazing sward height, herbage mass and pre and post-grazing morphological composition, herbage bulk density, herbage accumulation and nutritive value (including to IVOMD) of the morphological components. Pre-grazing herbage mass did not differ between residues, although the herbage accumulation rate was higher for the 50 than the 25 cm (164.9 and 90.6 kg/ha.day DM, respectively). Post-grazing herbage mass values were higher for the 50 cm residue and were characterised by a higher proportion of leaf blade in relation to the 25 cm treatment, which presented a higher proportion of dead material. On average, the contents of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and lignin in acid detergent (LAD) as well as the values of the "in vitro" organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were similar for both treatments. Crude protein and IVOMD decreased and NDF and LAD increased from top to the bottom of the sward, indicating grazing intensity as an important variable for promoting adjustments in the grazing efficiency and nutritive value of the consumed herbage by the grazing animals.Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a estrutura e o valor nutritivo de pastos de Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia sob regime de desfolhação intermitente submetido a duas intensidades de desfolhação e a duas alturas de resíduo (25 e 50 cm) associadas à condição pré-pastejo definida por 95% de interceptação da luz incidente (IL) pelo dossel forrageiro. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos completos casualizados, com duas repetições. Foram avaliadas as condições de interceptação de luz incidente, as alturas pré e pós-pastejo, a massa de forragem pré e pós-pastejo e seus componentes morfológicos, a taxa de acúmulo, a densidade volumétrica da forragem e o valor nutritivo dos componentes morfológicos da forragem disponível. A massa de forragem no pré-pastejo foi semelhante entre as intensidades de desfolhação, apesar de a taxa de acúmulo nos pastos com 50 cm de resíduo ter sido maior (164,9 kg/ha.dia de MS) que a daqueles com 25 cm de resíduo (90,6 kg/ha.dia de MS). A massa de forragem no pós-pastejo foi maior nos pastos rebaixados para resíduo de 50 cm e apresentou maior percentual de lâminas foliares na sua composição morfológica. Os teores de proteína bruta (PB) e a digestibilidade in vitro de matéria orgânica (DIVMO), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e lignina em detergente ácido (LDA) foram semelhantes entre as intensidades de desfolhação. Entretanto, à medida que o estrato da vegetação se aproximou do solo, os teores de PB e a DIVMO diminuíram e os teores de fibra em detergente neutro e de lignina em detergente ácido aumentaram. Esses resultados indicam a intensidade de pastejo como variável importante para ajustes na eficiência de pastejo e no valor nutritivo da forragem disponível para animais em pastejo.FundectCNP

Performance and feed conversion of beef cattle steers on Tanzania guineagrass under two grazing intensities and rotational stocking

O experimento foi realizado para avaliar o valor nutritivo da forragem, o desempenho e a conversão alimentar de novilhos em pastos de Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzânia submetidos a duas intensidades de pastejo rotativo (resíduos de 25 e 50 cm), associadas a intervalo de pastejo correspondente ao tempo necessário para que o dossel forrageiro interceptasse 95% da luz incidente durante a rebrotação. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados, com duas repetições. Foram avaliados a altura do dossel pré-pastejo, os intervalos de pastejo, o ganho de peso individual, a conversão alimentar, a taxa de lotação e o ganho de peso por unidade de área. Pastos manejados com o resíduo 50 cm apresentaram maior número de ciclos de pastejo em relação àqueles manejados com resíduo de 25 cm. O maior ganho de peso médio diário foi registrado nos pastos manejados com 50 cm de resíduo (801 g/dia) em relação àqueles manejados com de 25 cm de resíduo (664 g/dia). Em contrapartida, a taxa de lotação foi mais alta nos pastos manejados com o resíduo 25 cm, fazendo com que os ganhos de peso por unidade de área fossem 601 e 559 kg/ha para os resíduos de 25 e 50 cm, respectivamente. O manejo do pasto visando altura de resíduo de 25 cm proporciona maiores ganhos de peso por unidade de área e maior uniformidade de produção e o resíduo de 50 cm promove maior ganho individual e maior número de ciclos de pastejo.The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the nutritive value, animal performance and feed conversion of beef cattle steers grazing Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Tanzania pasture subjected to intensities of rotational grazing. Treatments corresponded to two grazing intensities (post-grazing residues of 25 and 50 cm) associated with a grazing interval corresponding to the time necessary for a 95% canopy light interception (LI) condition during regrowth. A randomized complete block design was used, with two replications. The pre-grazing sward height, grazing interval, weight gain, stocking rate and weight gain per unit area were assessed. Pastures managed with 50 cm residue post-grazing condition resulted in a larger number of grazing cycles than the 25 cm residue. The highest daily average weight gain was observed in the pastures managed with 50 cm residue (801 g/.day) compared to those managed with 25cm residue (664 g/day). However, the 25 cm post-grazing condition allowed for higher of stocking rate values, resulting in 601 and 559 kg weight gain/ha for the 25 and 50 cm conditions, respectively. Grazing management with a post-grazing residue of 25 cm result in higher weight gain per unit area and a more stable pattern of animal performance while management with 50 cm residue result in higher individual performance and a larger number of grazing cycles.FundectCNP

Influence of the cut intervals on hay quality of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani in brazilian Cerrado

El pasto Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani es una planta forrajera híbrida de alta calidad, de tamaño pequeño y con intensa actividad de macollaje. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para examinar el potencial del pasto Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani en diferentes edades de rebrote (49, 63, 77 y 91 días) para la producción de heno, en el período lluvioso. El experimento se realizó en la Escuela Agrícola de la Universidad Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul-Brasil, entre octubre de 2015 y abril de 2016. Los tratamientos correspondieron a cuatro edades de rebrote, con cuatro repeticiones, distribuidas en parcelas de 9 m2. Las edades de rebrote influyeron en las características morfogenéticas del pasto, excepto por la senescencia de la hoja y la longitud final de la hoja. Los rendimientos de materia verde (9.6-17.6 t ha-1) y seca (2.6-5.9 t ha-1), el rendimiento de heno (3.4-6.9 t ha-1) y las proporciones de tallo (91.6-455.9 g kg-1) y material senescente (34.8-98.4 g kg-1) aumentaron con las edades de rebrote, mientras que la proporción de hojas (837.7-402.1 g kg-1) y la relación hoja:tallo (15.9-0.9) disminuyeron (P<0.05). Los contenidos de materia seca (881.7-852.8 g kg-1) y de proteína (81.2-47.6 g kg-1) del heno disminuyeron con las mayores edades de rebrote; sin embargo, los contenidos de fibra detergente neutro (746.5-759.2 g kg-1), fibra detergente ácido (519.8-567.7 g kg-1) y lignina (74.3-86.4 g kg-1) aumentaron a medida que lo hicieron las edades de rebrote. La digestibilidad de los nutrientes disminuyó con las edades de rebrote (P<0.05). Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani tiene el potencial de producir heno ha-1, mejor valor nutritivo y una alta proporción de hojas en el intervalo de rebrote de 49 a 63 días.The grass Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani is a hybrid high-quality, small-sized forage plant with intense tillering activity. This study was carried out to examine the potential of the grass Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani at different regrowth ages (49, 63, 77, and 91 d) for hay production, in the rainy period. The experiment was conducted at the Farm School of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul-Brazil, between October 2015 and April 2016. The treatments corresponded to four regrowth ages, with four replicates, distributed into 9 m2 plots. Regrowth ages influenced the morphogenetic characteristics of the grass, except for leaf senescence and final leaf length. Green (9.6–17.6 t ha-1) and dry-matter (2.6–5.9 t ha-1) yields, hay yield (3.4-6.9 t ha-1), and proportions of stem (91.6–455.9 g kg-1) and senescent material (34.8–98.4 g kg-1) increased with the regrowth ages, while the proportion of leaves (837.7-402.1 g kg-1) and the leaf: stem ratio (15.9–0.9) decreased (P<0.05). The dry matter (881.7–852.8 g kg-1) and protein contents (81.2–47.6 g kg-1) of the hay decreased with the higher regrowth ages; however, the neutral detergent fibre (746.5–759.2 g kg-1) acid detergent fibre (519.8–567.7 g kg-1) and lignin (74.3–86.4 g kg-1) contents rose as the regrowth ages did. Nutrient digestibility decreased with the regrowth ages (P<0.05). Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani has the potential to produce of hay ha-1, better nutritive value and a high proportion of leaves in the regrowth interval of 49 to 63 d

Valor nutritivo da forragem e produção animal em pastagens de Brachiaria brizantha

The objectives of this work were to evaluate animal production and its relationship with pasture characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cultivars Marandu, Xaraés and Piatã. The experiment had a randomized complete block design, with three treatments and two replicates. Two-ha paddocks were divided into two and submitted to alternated grazing, with 28 days of grazing and 28 days of rest. Three tester steers were kept in each paddock; additional steers were placed in each paddock by the put-and-take technique, to assure post-grazing residues of about 3 Mg ha-1 of dry matter. The pastures were sampled monthly to estimate the nutritive value of the forage. The animals were weighted, and the stocking rate was adjusted twice a week. Despite the lower average daily gain (ADG), in the cv. Xaraés pasture, the stocking rate was greater, which resulted in greater productivity, in comparison with cvs. Marandu and Piatã. The pasture with cv. Piatã had the highest ADG. These results indicate that cvs. Xaraés and Piatã are new alternatives for Cerrado pastures. The choice of the forage cultivar should fit the animal and production system targets.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção animal e sua relação com as características dos pastos de Brachiaria brizantha cultivares Marandu, Xaraés e Piatã. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com três tratamentos e duas repetições. Os piquetes com 2 ha foram subdivididos em dois e submetidos ao pastejo alternado, com 28 dias de utilização e 28 dias de descanso. Foram utilizados três novilhos teste, por piquete, e novilhos reguladores para manter resíduos pós-pastejo em torno de 3 Mg ha-1 de matéria seca. Mensalmente, os pastos foram avaliados para se estimar o valor nutritivo da forragem. Os animais foram pesados, e as taxas de lotação foram ajustadas duas vezes por semana. No pasto da cv. Xaraés, apesar do menor ganho médio diário (GMD) dos animais, a taxa de lotação foi maior, o que resultou em maior produtividade da cv. Xaraés, em comparação às cvs. Marandu e Piatã. No pasto da cv. Piatã, houve aumento do GMD, o que indica que as cvs. Xaraés e Piatã são novas alternativas para a diversificação dos pastos no Cerrado. Assim, a escolha da forragem deve se dar em razão da meta do sistema de produção, ou seja, a produção por animal ou por área

Structural and productive features of Panicum cultivars submitted to different rest periods in the irrigated semiarid region of Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural and productive features of Panicum maximum cultivars (Tanzânia, Mombaça, Massai, and Zuri) in three rest periods (30, 45 and 60 days), in the semiarid region of Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The length of the leaf blade and the diameter of the stem increased as a function of the cut intervals. Leaf blade width and number of live leaves (3.86 leaves tiller-1) were not affected by cut intervals. The height of the canopy increased with the ages, with effect in the mass of forage, being the cv. Zuri the most productive with 148,75 cm e 18.297,49 kg ha-1 DM at 60 days. The highest masses of leaves and stems were obtained in the longest rest period, while the leaf/stem ratio decreased. In the cut-off interval of 45 days, the cultivars of Panicum maximum have shown satisfactory yield, and the smaller cut interval provides a reduction in canopy height and stem thickness

The soil-plant interface in Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombasa subjected to different doses of nitrogen in rotational grazing

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar los efectos de tres dosis de nitrógeno (N) en las características morfogénicas y estructurales, la masa (MR) y la distribución de las raíces en el perfil del suelo, y la resistencia del suelo a la penetración de las pasturas de guinea Mombasa manejados con pastoreo rotacional. El diseño experimental utilizó bloques al azar con tres dosis de N (100, 200 y 300 kg ha-1) y tres repeticiones. El criterio para interrumpir el rebrote de los pastos fue la altura de 80 a 90 cm del dosel (90-95 % de intercepción de luz por el dosel). Los animales fueron retirados de los potreros cuando el dosel alcanzó el 50 % de la altura prepastoreo. Se evaluó la masa y acumulación del forraje, las características morfogénicas y estructurales del dosel, la MR y distribución en el perfil del suelo, y la resistencia del suelo a la penetración. En pastos fertilizados con 200 y 300 kg ha-1 de N, se observó la mayor aparición foliar (0.090 hojas macollo-1 día-1 y 0.081 hojas macollo-1 día-1), tasas de alargamiento (2.82 y 2.61 cm macollo-1 d-1) y mayor acumulación diaria de forraje (113.8 y 106.6 kg ha-1d-1). El uso de 300 kg ha-1 de N promovió una mayor resistencia del suelo a la penetración a 10 cm de profundidad en el pospastoreo (3.3 MPa). No se observó ningún efecto de las dosis de N en la MR (P>0.05). Por lo tanto, el control de la altura antes y después del pastoreo de los animales en los potreros ayudó a mantener la estructura del pasto y evitar el proceso de compactación del suelo.  De acuerdo con los resultados, se concluye que 200 y 300 kg ha-1 de fertilización con N es una estrategia para intensificar los pastos.This work aimed to evaluate the effects of three nitrogen (N) doses on the morphogenic and structural characteristics, root mass (RM) and distribution in the soil profile, and penetration soil resistance of Mombasa guineagrass pastures managed with rotational stocking. The experimental design used randomized blocks with three N doses (100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1) and three replicates. The criterion for interrupting the pastures’ regrowth was the height of 80 to 90 cm of the canopy (90–95 % of light interception by the canopy). The animals were removed from the paddocks when the canopy reached 50 % of the pre-grazing height. Forage mass and accumulation, canopy morphogenic and structural characteristics, RM and distribution in the soil profile, and soil resistance to penetration were evaluated. In pastures fertilized with 200 and 300 kg ha-1 of N, the highest leaf appearance  (0.090 and 0.081 leaves-1 tiller-1 d-1),  elongation rates (2.82 and 2.61 cm tiller-1 d-1) and highest daily forage accumulation (113.8 and 106.6 kg ha-1d-1) were observed. Using 300 kg ha-1 of N promoted greater soil resistance to penetration at 10 cm of depth in the post-grazing (3.3 MPa). No effect of N doses was observed for RM (P>0.05). The pre- and post-grazing height control of animals in the paddocks therefore helped to maintain the pasture structure and avoid the soil compaction process. According to the results, it is concluded that 200 and 300 kg ha-1 of N fertilization is a strategy for intensifying pastures

Impact of supplementation with different protein sources on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and development of lambs

The aim was to evaluate the impact of supplementation with different protein sources from agro-industrial production on the parasitological profile of ovine matrices and the development of their offspring. The protein sources used were: soybean bran, cotton pie, babassu pie, and coconut pie. A total of 60 ovine matrices were used, with confirmed pregnancy and supplemented in the final third of gestation at 0.5% of live weight in pastures of deferred Marandu grass. The evaluations occurred from the final third of gestation and in the lactation phase until weaning. The data collected in the matrices were: counting of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and identification of infective larvae (Faecal test), evaluation of the degree of anemia by the FAMACHA©  method, body weight (kg), and body condition score (BCS). In the lambs, the biometric measurements were taken from the 30 days of life until weaning. In Faecal test, the prevalence was 98% of Haemonchus spp. There was no effect of the protein sources for EPG (3476.0) and FAMACHA©. However, in the mats supplemented with coconut pie were observed the lowest body weights (36.9 kg) and lower BCS (2.7). Babassu, coconut and cotton cakes, and soybean meal used as a protein source in the supplementation of ovine matrices kept in deferred pastures of Marandu grass at the 0.5% level of live weight maintain the production indexes consistent with the physiology stage of the matrices even with a high endo-parasitic load

Brachiaria grasses in vitro digestibility with bovine and ovine ruminal liquid as inoculum

Se planteó la hipótesis de que es posible que el inóculo de diferentes especies de rumiantes con capacidades digestivas diferentes que se alimentan de un determinado forraje puede mostrar diferentes utilizaciones de alimento en comparación con otras especies de rumiantes. Se evaluaron cinco gramíneas Brachiaria: B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, B. decumbens acceso D70, B. humidicola cv. Tupi, B. humidicola cv. Común, y B. ruziziensis acceso R124, en dos edades de rebrote (21 y 42 d). Se analizó la producción, el contenido bromatológico, la digestibilidad de materia seca in vitro (DMSiv) y la digestibilidad de la fibra detergente neutro in vitro (DFDNiv) utilizando inóculos bovinos u ovinos. El experimento utilizó un diseño factorial de 5 × 2 × 2 y encontró efectos significativos para la variedad de gramínea y la edad de rebrote. Además, se encontraron interacciones significativas de gramínea × edad en la materia seca, la proteína cruda, la fibra detergente neutro y la fibra detergente ácido de la muestra total y lamina de la hoja. Hubo un efecto significativo de la variedad de gramínea y la edad de la gramínea en la masa del forraje, la relación lámina de la hoja/tallo, lámina de la hoja, tallo, material senescente y crecimiento. En los ensayos de la digestibilidad in vitro, el origen del inóculo mostró un efecto significativo en algunas variedades. Debido a las diferencias en los ensayos in vitro, se recomendó el uso de inóculos específicos de las especies para las evaluaciones de alimentos según el animal al que se destina. Asimismo, B. decumbens cv. Basilisk presentó la mejor digestibilidad in vitro (DMSiv y DFDNiv) en inóculo bovino, mientras que B. humidicola cv. Tupi tuvo mejor digestibilidad in vitro (DMSiv y DFDNiv) en inóculo ovino.It was hypothesized that it is possible that inoculum from different ruminant species with different digestive abilities feeding from a certain forage may show different feed utilizations comparing to other ruminant species. Five Brachiaria grasses were evaluated: B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, B. decumbens access D70, B. humidicola cv. Tupi, B. humidicola cv. Common, and B. ruziziensis access R124, at two regrowth ages (21 and 42 d). Production, bromatological content, in vitro dry matter digestibility (ivDMD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (ivNDFD) were analyzed using bovine or ovine inoculums. The experiment used a 5 × 2 × 2 factorial design and found significant effects for grass variety and regrowth age. In addition, significant interactions from grass × age on dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of total sample and leaf blade were found. There were significant effect of grass variety and grass age on forage mass, leaf blade/stem ratio, leaf blade, stem, senescent material and growth. In vitro digestibility assays of inoculum source showed significant effect in some varieties. Due to differences in in vitro assays, it was recommended the use of species-specific inoculums for feed evaluations according to the animal it is intended for. Also, B. decumbens cv. Basilisk presented the best in vitro digestibility (ivDMD and ivNDFD) in bovine inoculum, whereas B. humidicola cv. Tupi had better in vitro digestibility (ivDMD and ivNDFD) in ovine inoculum

Aspects related to the importance of using predictive models in sheep production. Review

Los sistemas de producción ovina se enfrentan a numerosos desafíos, que hacen de la toma de decisiones un proceso lleno de riesgos e incertidumbres. En este sentido, la modelación es una herramienta útil, ya que permite a los tomadores de decisiones evaluar el comportamiento de las variables y sus interrelaciones, además de utilizar información previa o relacionada para predecir resultados y simular diferentes escenarios. El advenimiento de los modelos de predicción ha permitido monitorear el peso de un animal y determinar el mejor momento para su venta. Además, permite a los productores estimar los pesos de la canal y los principales cortes comercializables antes del sacrificio. Toda esta información está directamente asociada a la rentabilidad y el éxito de la actividad productiva. Por lo tanto, en vista de las diferentes aplicaciones de los modelos matemáticos en los sistemas de producción, esta revisión de la literatura examina los conceptos en los estudios de modelación y la importancia de utilizar modelos de predicción en la producción de ovinos de carne. Además, aborda la aplicación práctica de los estudios de modelación en la predicción de la ingesta de materia seca y los rasgos de la canal de ovinos de carne a través de variables correlacionadas.Sheep production systems face numerous challenges, which make decision-making a process fraught with risks and uncertainties. Modelling is a helpful tool in this respect, as it allows decision-makers to evaluate the behaviour of variables and their interrelationships, in addition to using previous or related information to predict results and simulate different scenarios. The advent of prediction models has made it possible to monitor the weight of an animal and determine the best time for its sale. Additionally, it allows producers to estimate the weights of the carcass and major marketable cuts before slaughter. All this information is directly associated with the profitability and success of the production activity. Therefore, in view of the different applications of mathematical models in production systems, this literature review examines concepts in modelling studies and the importance of using prediction models in meat sheep production. Furthermore, it addresses the practical application of modelling studies in predicting dry matter intake and carcass traits of meat sheep through correlated variables