Gastrointestinal nematode egg counts and performance of beef cattle raised on open pastures and silvopastoral systems in Brazil

Compared to conventional cattle ranching that can be characterized by low biodiversity level and grass monoculture adoption, integrated systems have great potential to improve not only animal welfare but also livestock performance. Among several strategies combining crops, livestock and forestry, silvopastoral systems must be highlighted due to the microclimatic conditions, mainly in tropical countries such as Brazil, where cattle are frequently submitted to unfavorable thermal conditions. However, according to previous studies, shading can potentially worsen parasitism in herds raised in these systems due to more favorable microenvironmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate daily weight gain in Nellore steers in open pasture and in silvopastoral system and its relationship with microclimatic conditions and faecal egg count. A negative correlation (− 0.42677) between nematode egg counts and daily weight gain was found in both systems. Besides, the mean egg counts were equal in the silvopastoral system and in the open pasture. Regarding the effect of seasons over the year, there was an environmental influence on the egg counts, with higher averages during the dry seasons. Haemonchus, Cooperia, and Oesophagostomum were the genera identified in both systems. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the silvopastoral system was not able to influence the nematode egg counts and daily weight gain in Nellore steers raised in Mato Grosso.