The effect of feeding systems on performanceof beef heifers, on period of eight to 18/20 months of age. Charolais heifersand their crosses with Nellore were evaluated. The feeding systems were: 'Oat+ Annual ryegrass + Pearl millet'- Black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb)and Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) and Pearl millet(Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) pasture; 'Oat + Annual ryegrass +natural pasture'- Black oat and annual ryegrass and natural pasture with Annonigrass (Eragrostis planna Nees); 'Oat + Annual ryegrass + supplementation+ pearl millet'- Black oat and Annual ryegrass with supplementation and Pearlmillet pasture; 'Oat + Annual ryegrass + supplementation + natural pasture'-Black oat and Annual ryegrass with supplementation and natural pasture withAnnoni grass. The supplement utilized was ground sorghum on 0.7% of the liveweight/day. Live weight, condition score, ovarian activity and number of heifersshowing heat on period of 18 to 20 months of age were recorded. Heifers keptonly in natural pasture during summer/autumn did not achieve recommended liveweight for mating at 18/20 months of age. Heifers cicling were heavier and hadgreater average daily gain in winter. Heifers kept on Oat + Annual ryegrass+ Pearl millet had greater ovarian activity at 18/20 months of age.
