Publications

Titles

English :

Studies on feeding allowances during different growth periods for crossbred Friesian heifers

Arabic :

دراسات عن المقررات الغذائية في مراحل النمو المختلفة لعجلات الفريزيان الخليط النامى

Abstract

Twenty four growing heifers (about 8 months of age and 177 Kg mean body weight) were allocated randomly to four treatments on the basis of age, body measurements and weight. Animals (6 per treatment) were received their experimental rations with rate of2; 2.5 and 3 % feed dry matter on basis of live body weight as R1; R2 and R3, respectively, and the fourth ration (R4) whish was represented as control ration, the heifers were fed from it according to NRC, (1996) allowances. Roughage and concentrate in the ration was based on corn silage and a concentrate mixture in the ratio of 70:30. Body weight of each heifer was recorded biweekly until the study was completed. The main results showed that the DM, OM, NFE digestibility and nutritive values (TDN and DCP) were significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing feeding level. In contrast, the digestibilities of CP, CF and EE decreased (P<0.05) with increasing feeding level. Daily gain, age at the onset of the first heat and first service of heifers fed high feeding level (R3) was significantly (P<0.05) better than those fed low feeding level (Rl). The feed conversion (kg DM, TDN or DCP/ kg gain) for heifers fed high feeding level (R3) was poorer at puberty and first service compared to those fed on the other three diets. Among the experimental groups, the results showed that the highest values (P<0.01) for total and daily gain as well as all tested body measurements were recorded on animals fed R3 while heifers fed R1 showed the lowest values. In addition, heifers fed high feeding level (R3) showed the highest body condition score (BCS) compared to those fed low feeding (R1). The heifers fed high feeding level (R3) obtained the highest value of relative daily gain efficiency, attained earlier onset of puberty and earlier first service compared to those fed low feeding (R1) and thus the highest relative economic efficiency. In addition, the heifers fed on (R4) (control) ration had the most expensive value compared to those fed (R1) having the lowest fed cost. It was concluded that the heifers fed rations (R2) and (R4) were almost similar on all studied traits. While, heifers fed rations R3 appeared to improve in daily gain, body measurements, age at puberty and at the 1st service compared with those fed the control ration (R4). But also had lowest feed efficiency till puberty and first service than other treatments. The ration containing corn silage with concentrate feed mixture resulted in better parameters for heifers. Keywords: feeding level, corn silage, cow heifers, digestibility, puberty and performance

Publication year

2006

Pages

19-35

Availability location

معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى-شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى- الجيزة

Availability number

Organization Name

Animal Production Research Institute (APRI)

serial title

Egyptian Journal Nutrition and Feeds

ISSN