ESTUDO DE CASO: DESEMPENHO PRODUTIVO DE VACAS GIROLANDO EM SISTEMA DE CONFINAMENTO

The Girolando breed is the main milk producer in Brazil, standing out for its adaptability and productivity in different production systems. The country adopts a variety of dairy farming models, ranging from intensive confinement to extensive pasture-based systems. However, there are few studies evaluating the productive performance of this breed considering the diversity of production systems. Thus, understanding the productive characteristics of Girolando in different management conditions is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the productive and reproductive performance of Girolando cows in an intensive confinement system, using data from the Brazilian Association of Girolando Breeders. A total of 10,644 lactations were analyzed for the following variables: milk production adjusted to 305 days (PL305), lactation length (DEL), and parity order. The PL305 was 7,418.45 kg, with a negative correlation between milk production and DEL (r = -0.28; p < 0.001). The results highlight not only the importance of DEL in maximizing productivity and efficiency in confined systems but also the opportunity to deepen knowledge about the performance of Girolando cattle in this type of system. A detailed evaluation of the productive and reproductive characteristics of these animals in confinement contributes to more precise management strategies, optimizing efficiency and sustainability.