Evaluación de un sistema de autopesaje en vacas de cría sobre campo natural

In this study, the relationship between liveweight (LW) measured using traditional static weigh (SW) system and a automatic/self-weighing system, Optiweigh, in 24 breeding cows (Angus, Hereford, and F1 crossbred) grazing natural grassland at the Bernardo Rosengurtt Experimental Station, located west of the city of Melo. Over 10 weeks, cattle were weighed approximately every four weeks using the SW system, while automatic/self-weighing (OW) system continuously monitored LW in the paddock. The relationship between weights obtained from SW and OW was analyzed using correlation analysis, showing significant (p < 0.05) and moderate to high correlation coefficients (0.74–0.96). Average liveweight varied according to the method used, with OW values being higher than SW in two of the three evaluation dates (470 kg vs. 446 kg, respectively). In conclusion, although similarities were observed between both methods, the OW system does not currently replace the SW system. However, this study should be complemented with further research controlling additional environmental factors (paddock size, scale location, animal competition) and including a greater number of records for analysis.