Publication Date
1997
Description
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of ruminally undegradable protein (ECP) on the performance of bull calves grazing Coastcross-1 Bermudagrass during the dry season. One hundred and twelve Zebu-Brown Swiss bull calves weighing an average of 265 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely random design. Calves received a self-feeding supplement (1 kg) with 40% crude protein (CP) and 31, 38, 44, or 52% ECP. During a 96-day preliminary phase without supplementation, weight gains of the four treatment groups ranged from 0.357 to 0.394 kg/day. A linear (P<0.0 I) response of calf weight gain was observed with an increase in ECP of the supplement (0.668, 0.672, 0.823 and 0.893 kg/day, respectively). Plasma urea concentration was reduced (P<0.05) from 17.8 to 9.85 mg/di with the highest level ofECP, which may reflect a reduced supply of NH -N for ruminal bacteria.
Citation
Kawas, J R.; Osmin, O; Hernandez, J; Leal, R; Garza, F; and Danelon, J L., "Performance of Grazing Bull Calves Supplemented with Increasing Levels of Ruminally Undegradable Portein" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 21.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session17/21
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Performance of Grazing Bull Calves Supplemented with Increasing Levels of Ruminally Undegradable Portein
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of ruminally undegradable protein (ECP) on the performance of bull calves grazing Coastcross-1 Bermudagrass during the dry season. One hundred and twelve Zebu-Brown Swiss bull calves weighing an average of 265 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups in a completely random design. Calves received a self-feeding supplement (1 kg) with 40% crude protein (CP) and 31, 38, 44, or 52% ECP. During a 96-day preliminary phase without supplementation, weight gains of the four treatment groups ranged from 0.357 to 0.394 kg/day. A linear (P<0.0 I) response of calf weight gain was observed with an increase in ECP of the supplement (0.668, 0.672, 0.823 and 0.893 kg/day, respectively). Plasma urea concentration was reduced (P<0.05) from 17.8 to 9.85 mg/di with the highest level ofECP, which may reflect a reduced supply of NH -N for ruminal bacteria.
