Does frequency of protein supplementation affect performance of cattle under grazing in tropical pastures?

Our objective was to evaluate the effects of protein supplementation frequency on performance and voluntary intake cattle under grazing in tropical pastures by using a meta-analytical approach. The dataset used compiled from 18 experiments carried out Brazil between 2009 2021, totaling 75 treatment means. In order animal performance, means were collected 19 2003 2018, 69 data analyzed meta-analysis techniques, considering random effect model parameters. There no (P ≥ 0.11) or 0.18) forage dietary digested organic matter content (DOM). On other hand, increased < 0.01) total intake, crude (CP) CP-to-DOM ratio. Supplementation enhanced average daily gain (ADG), but without any influence 0.84). ADG linearly 0.05) as CP increased, difference detected > among frequencies. additional weight (AWG) caused decreased became null at 150 g CP/kg dry matter. quadratic pattern AWG response variations both supplement supplemental different frequencies this variable 0.05). Maximal responses occur when 5.0 1.14 per kg BW provided. Reducing down thrice week does not affect pastures. is positive even with medium high-quality forages. However, that decreases increases becomes