Effect of feeding frequency on productive performance and carcass traits of Friesian calves
Abstract: Twenty seven Friesian male calves were used in a fattening trial to test the effect of feeding frequency (FF) on productive performance and carcass traits of Friesian calves. Calves were divided randomly into three groups. Ration were offered once daily for the first group ( G I), twice daily for the 2nd groups (G2) and three times daily for the 3rd group (G3).
Feed intake, nutrient digestibility coefficients (as DM, TDN and DCP), feed conversion, carcass characteristics as well as physical and chemical parameters of meat were determined. The results showed that total weight gain of Group G I of calves was less (P <0.05) than that of groups G2 and G3 by 18.53% and 26.31%, respectively. Digestibility coefficients of CF, EE and NFE were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in calves of G3 when compared with those of GI and G2. Groups G2 and G3 had greater efficiency of feed utilization and economic efficiency of production than that of group G1. Slaughter data revealed that percentages of EBW/FBW were nearly similar among treatments (The range between (85.9 - 87.5), Groups G2 and G3 gained more weights of warm carcass (27.33 and 52.0 kg, respectively) over that of group G 1.
Dressing percentages measured in proportion to FBW (The range between (54.8-56.8) or worm carcass weight (The range between 64.2 -65.2)were almost similar among groups. Weight of separable fat in carcass increased with increasing FF (P <0.05). Group G 1 showed slightly higher bone formation and or less lean meat in comparison with groups G2 and G3. Group G2 characterized by a significant (P <0.05) higher percent of muscle fat in comparison with group G3 indicating greater fat deposition by feeding the calf twice per day.
Keywords: Friesian calves, feeding frequency, growth performance:
carcass traits.
Publication year 2004
Pages 12-22
Availability location معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد- الدقى - الجيزة
Availability number
Organization Name
serial title Egyptian Journal of Applied Science
ISSN 1110-1571
Author(s) from ARC
Agris Categories Animal physiology - Nutrition
AGROVOC
TERMS		 Calves. Carcass composition. Feeding frequency.
Proposed Agrovoc productive performance;growth performance;
Publication Type Journal
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