Terminação de bovinos em confinamento e influência do fornecedor no desempenho: estudo de caso de um boitel

Feedlot finishing presents productive advantages; however, performance results may vary according to the origin of the cattle purchased for finishing. This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of beef cattle finished in a feedlot acquired through auctions and supply agents. The study was conducted in a commercial feedlot located in the municipality of Tiros, Minas Gerais, Brazil, using data from one production cycle carried out between October 2024 and February 2025. A total of 211 intact male beef cattle, predominantly Nellore, were evaluated and classified according to the supplier type: auction (n = 132) and agent (n = 89). The variables analyzed included initial weight, final weight, average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, biological efficiency, and carcass yield. A descriptive analysis of the results was performed. Cattle acquired through agents, compared to those purchased at auctions, showed higher initial (4153,6 vs. 336.0 kg) and final weights (584,6 vs. 497,5 kg), as well as greater average daily gain (1,599 vs. 1,479 kg/day). Dry matter intake was similar between groups (10,5 kg/day), as was the feedlot period (average of 107 days). Animals sourced from auctions showed lower variability in intake-related indicators compared to those from agents, possibly due to greater lot homogeneity and reduced need for adaptation to the feedlot system. It is concluded that the careful selection of suppliers is crucial for the efficiency of feedlot finishing systems. The prioritization of cattle sourced from agents is recommended, as they demonstrated greater uniformity and better zootechnical performance.