NUTRITIONAL STUDIES ON BEEF CATTLE

Abstract

This study was carried out at the Experimental Animal Nutrition Unit, Sakha Animal Production Research Station, Animal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture. The experiment was run during summer­ autumn seasons of year 200 I and extended over 225 day duration period for growing- fattening Friesian calves. Twenty four growing Friesian calves with average b dy weight of 265 kg and about 12 months of age were divided into f•or similar group (six for each group) according to their live body weight and age. They were assigned randomly on four experimental groups as follows:

Tl: 70% TDN (High energy) fed at ad libitum.

T2: 70% TON (High energy) feel at 85% ad libitum. T3: 60% TON (Low energy) fed at ad libitum. T4: 60% TON (Low energy) fed at 85% ad libitum.

Growth and fattening performance of Friesian calves including feed utilization efficiency and economical efficiency were studied. Rumina! function parameters and some blood metabolites and its relationships with the dietary treatments were investigated. Meat and carcass quality throughout slaughter test were evaluated as well. Objectives of this research were to determine the effects of either energy level in the ration or restricting feed intake of growing fattening calves on performance, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics and CMcass composition.