Predição de equações econômicas como ferramenta de gestão na produção de bezerras leiteiras a pasto

Abstract

Objective evaluate the use of economic equations as a management tool in the rearing of pasture-raised dairy heifers, seeking to relate productive indicators to the financial return of the activity. The research used data from two experiments with 40 repetitions, conducted under grazing conditions in areas planted with Massai and mandante grasses, where dry matter intake, average daily gain, feeding costs, profitability, and zootechnical variables were measured. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson correlation and regression, enabling the development of economic equations based on highly significant indicators. The results showed a strong association between animal performance and monetary return, with average daily gain and dry matter intake standing out as decisive factors for increasing net present value. The analysis indicated that nutritional improvement, efficient management, and balance between cost and productive response maximize system profitability. Increases in body weight, accelerated growth, greater forage utilization, and controlled investment in feeding reflected directly in the economic gain of the system, demonstrating that mathematical models can support decision-making, scenario forecasting, and the design of more profitable production strategies. It is concluded that the prediction of economic equations is a robust and applicable tool for planning heifer development in dairy systems, contributing to financial security and productive efficiency.