Regression between predicted and experimentally observed dry matter intake of cows grazing in tropical conditions

Authors

  • Breno Mourão de Sousa Centro Universitário de Belo Horizonte https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2138-9107
  • Antônio Gabriel Neves de Moura Richard Centro Universitário de Belo Horizonte
  • Maria Clara de Morais Pessoa Centro Universitário de Belo Horizonte https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8267-6551
  • Ana Luiza Costa Cruz Borges

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v20n5e1948

Keywords:

Dry matter intake, modeling, grazing, nutrition, supplementation

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the NRC and CNCPS nutritional prediction systems in estimating the voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) of cows grazing under tropical conditions, by comparing the values predicted by each model with experimentally observed data. a total of 48 intake records obtained from tropical grazing systems based on Urochloa spp. pastures were used. simple linear regression equations were fitted between observed and predicted DMI for each system. the NRC model generated the equation y = 0.4707x + 6.9324 (r² = 0.1437), whereas the CNCPS model resulted in y = 0.523x + 7.6314 (r² = 0.1234). both systems exhibited low coefficients of determination, indicating limitations in their ability to accurately predict intake under tropical conditions. the regression slopes indicated underestimation at lower intake levels and overestimation at higher intake levels, demonstrating poor model fit to grazing conditions. these findings corroborate national and international studies showing that differences in the structural and physiological characteristics of tropical forages, combined with environmental factors, are the main causes of the low predictive accuracy of models developed under temperate conditions. it is concluded that both NRC and CNCPS fail to adequately represent the intake behavior of cows grazing tropical pastures, reinforcing the need for regional calibration and the use of models adapted to Brazilian production conditions.

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Published

2026-05-29

Issue

Section

Nutrição e alimentação animal

How to Cite

1.
Mourão de Sousa B, Richard AGN de M, Pessoa MC de M, Costa Cruz Borges AL. Regression between predicted and experimentally observed dry matter intake of cows grazing in tropical conditions. Pubvet [Internet]. 2026 May 29 [cited 2026 Oct. 20];20(05):e1948. Available from: https://ojs.pubvet.com.br/index.php/revista/article/view/4688