Effect of rationing grass on the growth rate of dairy heifers and on output per acre, with a note on its significance in experimental design

1963 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. H. Broster ◽  
Valerie J. Tuck ◽  
C. C. Balch
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Maximum Output ◽  
Flowering Stage ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Point Level

1. A series of three experiments were performed to examine grass as a food for dairy heifers.2. Indoor feeding resulted in lower intakes of herbage and slower growth but gave greater outputs per acre of animal days and live-weight gain than grazing.3. The maximum consumption and growth rate, obtained on young grass, were 2·84 lb. herbage dry matter per 100 lb. live weight per day and 2·2 lb. live-weight gain per day for grazing stock. The corresponding figures for indoor feeding were 2·49 lb. herbage dry matter per 100 lb. per day and 1·34 lb. live weight gain per day.4. Live-weight gain per day was linearly related to herbage dry matter intake from 1·48 to 2·48 lb./ 100 lb. live weight/day.5. Intake of herbage and growth rate only fell after the herbage came into full flower.6. Increased stocking rate had small effects on growth rate because the animals grazed the paddocks more heavily.7. 2·6–3·0 lb. grass dry matter offered per 100 lb. live weight per day was judged an adequate ration for yearling heifers. This gave growth rates of 1·60 lb./day on herbage up to the flowering stage and a consumption of 88% of the available herbage.8. As an experimental technique zero grazing was found inadequate to replace grazing since it fails to reproduce similar intakes and rates of production. It permitted the reduction of intake to sufficiently low levels that live-weight gain per animal and per acre were reduced.9. The greatest output per acre was found to occur between limits of intake per day of 1·8–2·4 lb. herbage dry matter per 100 lb. live weight. Above the point of maximum output per acre level of feeding had little effect on production per animal and rate of stocking controlled output per acre. Below this point level of feeding controlled production per animal. The case is advanced that these latter levels of feeding are necessary in grassland experiments.

Comparison of the productivity of Texel and Rouge de l’Ouest ewes and their crosses

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. R. Dawson ◽  
A. F. Carson ◽  
L. O. W. McClinton
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Average Figure

AbstractAn experiment was undertaken to compare the productivity of crossbred ewes, produced by crossing Texel sires with Rouge de l’Ouest (Rouge) dams and Rouge sires with Texel dams, relative to purebred Texel and Rouge ewes. The purebred and crossbred ewes were crossed with Rouge and Texel sires. The proportion of productive ewes was similar in the purebred and crossbred ewes with an average figure of 0·92. Irrespective of crossing sire, Rouge ewes produced 0·48 more lambs per ewe lambed than Texel ewes (P < 0·001). The two crossbred ewe types (Texel ✕ Rouge and Rouge ✕ Texel) each produced similar numbers of lambs (on average 1·92 lambs per ewe lambed). Individual heterosis values for ewe fertility and prolificacy were small and not significant (–1·67 for the proportion of productive ewes and –3·14 for the number of lambs born per ewe lambed). Maternal heterosis values were also not significant but were of larger magnitude (6·26 for ewe fertility and 3·12 for prolificacy). Lamb mortality (number of lambs born dead per ewe lambed) at birth was similar for purebred Rouge (0·44) and Texel (0·30) ewes and was significantly reduced by crossbred matings and mating the crossbred ewes (individual heterosis –30·68, P < 0·10; maternal heterosis –80·23, P < 0·001). Individual and maternal heterosis values for lamb growth rate from birth to six weeks were 8 (P < 0·05) and 4 (P > 0·05) respectively. Lamb growth rate from birth to weaning was significantly lower in lambs from Texel ewes compared with those from the other genotypes (P < 0·05). Individual and maternal heterosis values for live-weight gain from birth to weaning were 5 (P < 0·10) and 5 (P < 0·01). The results of the current study demonstrate the superior performance of purebred Rouge ewes compared with purebred Texel ewes in terms of prolificacy and lamb growth rate from birth to weaning. However, both breeds had high lamb mortality at birth. Crossbreeding led to the production of hybrid ewes which had relatively high prolificacy with low levels of dystocia and lamb mortality.

scholarly journals Reduction of body-weight gain enhances in vitro embryo production in overfed superovulated dairy heifers

Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 783-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Freret ◽  
B Grimard ◽  
A A Ponter ◽  
C Joly ◽  
C Ponsart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Significant Difference

The aim of our study was to test whether a reduction in dietary intake could improve in vitro embryo production in superovulated overfed dairy heifers. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of 16 Prim’ Holstein heifers (14 ± 1 months old) were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU), every 2 weeks following superovulation treatment with 250 μg FSH, before being matured and fertilized in vitro. Embryos were cultured in Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium for 7 days. Heifers were fed with hay, soybean meal, barley, minerals and vitamins. From OPU 1 to 4 (period 1), all heifers received individually for 8 weeks a diet formulated for a 1000 g/day live-weight gain. From OPU 5 to 8 (period 2), the heifers were allocated to one of two diets (1000 or 600 g/day) for 8 weeks. Heifers’ growth rates were monitored and plasma concentrations of metabolites, metabolic and reproductive hormones were measured each week. Mean live-weight gain observed during period 1 was 950 ± 80 g/day (n = 16). In period 2 it was 730 ± 70 (n = 8) and 1300 ± 70 g/day (n = 8) for restricted and overfed groups respectively. When comparing period 1 and period 2 within groups, significant differences were found. In the restricted group, a higher blastocyst rate, greater proportions of grade 1–3 and grade 1 embryos, associated with higher estradiol at OPU and lower glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, were observed in period 2 compared with period 1. Moreover, after 6 weeks of dietary restriction (OPU 7), numbers of day 7 total embryos, blastocysts and grade 1–3 embryos had significantly increased. On the contrary, in the overfed group, we observed more <8 mm follicles 2 days before superovulation treatment, higher insulin and IGF-I and lower nonesterified fatty acids in period 2 compared with period 1 (no significant difference between periods for embryo production). After 6 weeks of 1300 g/day live-weight gain (OPU 7), embryo production began to decrease. Whatever the group, oocyte collection did not differ between period 1 and 2. These data suggest that following a period of overfeeding, a short-term dietary intake restriction (6 weeks in our study) may improve blastocyst production and embryo quality when they are low. However, nutritional recommendations aiming to optimize both follicular growth and embryonic development may be different.

The utilization of maize silage for intensive beef production: I. The effect of level and source of supplementary nitrogen on the utilization of maize silage by cattle of different ages

1975 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Thomas ◽  
J. M. Wilkinson ◽  
J. C. Tayler
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Maize Silage ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
Urea Addition

SUMMARYFifty-four British Friesian castrated male calves, initially 3, 6 or 9 months of age (107, 180 and 249 kg initial live weight, respectively), were individually fed for 83 days on maize silage (27·9% dry matter (D.M.), 10·7% crude protein in D.M.), offeredad libitum. Silage was offered either alone or supplemented with cobs of dried lucerne (21% of total D.M. intake). Three levels of urea (0, 1 and 2% of silage D.M.) were added to the silage before feeding.Total D.M. intakes averaged 23·0, 23·4 and 21·6 g/kg live weight (LW) for the 3-, 6- and 9-month-old animals, respectively. Addition of urea increased silage intake by 11% in the 6-month-old group but there was little effect in the 3- and 9-month-old groups. Lucerne supplementation reduced silage D.M. intake from 22·0 to 18·4 g/kg LW (P< 0·001) and increased total D.M. intake by 1·4 g/kg LW (P< 0·001).Live-weight gain (LWG) of the cattle fed on silage alone increased (P< 0·001) with increasing age of animal. The main effect of urea was to elevate (P< 0·001) LWG from an average of 0·79 (no urea) to 0·94 kg/head/day (2% urea). However, it appeared that most of this effect was confined to the 6-month-old group. The effect of lucerne on LWG decreased with increasing age of animal (P< 0·001). Inclusion of lucerne in the diet significantly reduced the response to urea (P< 0·05).Feed conversion efficiency (LWG/100 Mcal DE intake) decreased (P< 0·01) with increasing age of animal but increased with urea addition from an average of 4·7 (no urea) to 5·3 kg LWG/100 Meal DE intake (2% urea). The response to lucerne supplementation in terms of efficiency was greatest in the 3-month-old group and thereafter declined markedly with increasing age of animal.The results of this experiment indicated that cattle older than 6 months of age (180 kg LW) could achieve a rate of growth of 1·0 kg/head/day on maize silage supplemented solely with urea, but that younger animals required supplementary lucerne to support a high rate of live-weight gain.

Dry-matter intake and live-weight gain of cattle and sheep offered different grass varieties with and without clover

1969 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Miles ◽  
R. J. K. Walters ◽  
E. M. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Feeding Trials ◽  
Animal Feeding

SUMMARYA series of animal feeding trials was designed to determine differences between grasses in dry-matter intake and animal live-weight gain, with a view to indicating better selection criteria for improving the feeding value of herbage.Wide differences were demonstrated in feed intake and live-weight gain between single-variety grass feeds at similar levels of digestibility.S.37 cocksfoot gave consistently good and S.51 timothy, consistently poor responses.Supplementation of grass feeds with red clover frequently resulted in marked improvement in feed intake and animal performance.

Single cereal diets for bacon pigs: 2. The effect of methods of storage and preparation of barley on performance and carcass quality

1970 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. A. Cole ◽  
G. W. Dean ◽  
J. R. Luscombe
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Propionic Acid ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Chromic Oxide ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Feeding Value

SUMMARYBarley which had been stored after treatment with 0·8 % propionic acid was incorporated into pig diets in either the milled or the rolled form and its feeding value compared with that of barley stored dry and then ground, and of moist barley stored anaerobically and then rolled. The pigs were fed from 50 to 200 lb live weight on the four diets. Their performance was not affected by the method of storage of the barley, but those given rolled barley required 11% more dry matter per unit of live-weight gain than those given milled barley. There were no significant differences between the treatments in carcass measurements, or in apparent digestibility coefficients as measured by the chromic-oxide method.

Studies on the nutrition of ruminants: 5. The effect of diets containing up to 70% ground barley straw on the live-weight gain and carcass composition of yearling Friesian cattle

1970 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Swan ◽  
G. E. Lamming
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Bean Meal ◽  
Soya Bean Meal ◽  
Friesian Cattle

SUMMARY1. Three groups, each of eight steers, were fed on pelleted diets containing 30, 50 or 70% ground barley straw, maize and soya bean meal. On an air-dry basis the diets contained 12% crude protein.2. Daily live-weight gain was 1·29, 1·19 and 1·02 kg/day for the 30, 50 and 70% straw diets respectively, and was negatively related to the percentage of crude fibre in the dry matter (r = −0·61, P < 0·05).3. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, determined in sheep at the maintenance level of feeding was negatively related to percentage crude fibre in the dry matter (r = −0·91, P < 0·001).4. All animals were killed at approximately the same live weight, which was reached on average in 140,153 and 163 days by the 30, 50 and 70% groups, respectively.5. The differences in mean carcass weight between treatments were significant (P < 0·05). Killing-out percentage was significantly reduced (P < 0·05) as the proportion of ground barley straw in the diet was increased from 30 to 70%.6. The proportion of straw in the diet had no direct effect on the composition of carcass gain.7. The results are discussed in relation to the intake of digestible energy.

scholarly journals Study on effect of different levels of concentrate on growth performance of both male and female lamb

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 274-278
Author(s):  
Masum Billah ◽  
Md Humayun Kabir ◽  
Md Hafizur Rahman ◽  
Md Abdul Hamid
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Treatment Group ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Concentrate Supplementation ◽  
Concentrate Mixture

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of concentrate on growth performances of both male and female lamb. For this purpose twenty four (12 male and 12 female) lamb aged about 5-6 months were selected and divided into three groups (Treatment group T1, T2 and control group T0). In each group having 4 males and 4 females lamb, all lambs were supplied green roughages ad-libitum, control group T0 was allowed no concentrate and treatment group T1 & T2 were supplied 100 gm & 200 gm concentrate mixture respectively for 90 days experimental period. Animals were weighed at 15 days interval. Significant differences of live weight gain among these three groups were found. Allowing 100 gm (T1) concentrate mixture along with green grass improved growth rate in both male and female lamb. Increasing of concentrate supplementation improved live weight gain (found in T2 group). Total live weight gain (kg) and average daily live weight gain (g/d) were 4.25±0.52 kg and 47.20±5.75 g, 5.38±0.83 kg and 59.73+9.17 g and 7.00±0.54 kg and 77.78±6.00 g in male lambs and 2.25±0.21 kg and 25.00±2.34 g, 3.18±0.32 kg and 35.39±3.63 g and 3.81±0.24 kg and 42.33±2.77 g in female lambs for the To, T1 and T2 groups respectively. Live weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in male than female lambs. The results showed that 100 g concentrate supplementation with green roughages improved growth rate in lambs (male and female) under stall feeding condition. Increase of supplementation might improve nutrients supply to promote higher live weight gain.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 274-278

The effect of cow genetic index and grass-based feeding system on the performance of spring-calving Holstein-Friesian cows in second lactation

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
P. Dillon ◽  
F. Buckley ◽  
S. Snijders ◽  
S. Crosse
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Feeding System ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Genetic Index ◽  
Feeding Systems

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the effect of both cow genetic index (CGI) and feeding system on the performance of second lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows on grass-based feeding systems. There was no interaction between CGI and feeding system for any of the parameters measured. Cows of high genetic index (HGI) produced significantly higher yields of milk (P < 0.001), fat (P < 0.001) protein (P < 0.0001) and lactose (P < 0.001) than medium genetic index cows (MGI). CGI had no effect on the concentration of milk constituents. Averaged across four intake measurements the HGI cows had significantly (P < 0.001) higher grass dry-matter intake (GDMI) and total dry-matter intake (TDMI). Live weight was similar for both genotypes during lactation. The HGI cows had significantly (P < 0.05) higher live-weight loss in the first 10 weeks of lactation, significantly lower live-weight gain from week 10 to the end of lactation and higher (P < 0.05) live-weight gain during the dry period. Condition score was significantly lower with the HGI (P < 0.001) at all stages of lactation. There was a higher proportion (P < 0.05) of the HGI cows non-pregnant at the end of the 13-week breeding season. Feeding system had a significant effect on the yield of milk (P < 0.001), fat (P < 0.001), protein (P < 0.001) and lactose (P < 0.001). Feeding system B produced significantly higher (P < 0.05) milk yield and yield of constituents (when compared with feeding systems A and C). Over the period when feeding systems were being applied, feeding system C had significantly higher (P < 0.05) milk protein concentration. Feeding system had a significant effect (P < 0.001) on both GDMI and TDMI. Feeding system had no effect on live weight, condition score or fertility performance.

The influence of formaldehyde application at ensiling and of supplementation with urea or maize starch on the utilization by calves of ryegrass and red clover silages

1983 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 371-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Kaiser ◽  
D. F. Osbourn ◽  
P. England
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Formic Acid ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Retention ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Formaldehyde Treatment

ABSTRACTPrimary growths of perennial ryegrass and red clover were ensiled with formic acid (2 1/t fresh crop), o an equal quantity of formic acid together with formaldehyde (46 or 49 g/kg crude protein in the ryegrass or red clover respectively). The four silages were offered ad libitum to 12 groups, each of five British Friesian steer calves, either alone or with urea or maize starch supplements at 18·4 or 185·2 g/kg total dry-matter intake respectively.Digestible organic matter and digestible energy intake, live-weight gain, carcass weight, nitrogen retention and all digestibility measurements were higher on the ryegrass silages than on the red clover silages. However, dry-matter intake was higher on the red clover silages.Formaldehyde treatment reduced lactic and total acid content, and protein degradation in the silages. It also increased intake, live-weight gain and nitrogen retention on ryegrass but not on red clover, the effect being greater when the urea supplement was given. Digestibility measurements were depressed by formaldehyde treatment, although cellulose digestibility was only depressed in the ryegrass silage.Supplementation with starch depressed silage intake and nitrogen and cellulose digestibility, but increased dry matter, organic matter and energy digestibilities, digestible organic matter and digestible energy intakes, live-weight gain and carcass weight. The positive intake, live-weight gain and carcass weight responses were greater on the silages treated with formic acid, while the digestibility and the live-weight gain responses were greater on the red clover silages. Starch supplementation did not improve nitrogen retention.The different animal production responses to formaldehyde treatment on the ryegrass and red clover silages are discussed.

The utilization of maize silage for intensive beef production: II. The effect of urea on silage fermentation and on the voluntary intake and performance of young cattle fed maize silage-based diets

1975 ◽  
Vol 84 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Thomas ◽  
R. F. Wilson ◽  
R. J. Wilkins ◽  
J. M. Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Butyl Rubber ◽  
Dry Matter Content ◽  
Maize Silage ◽  
Total Acid ◽  
Live Weight Gain

SUMMARYMaize was cut at 22·6, 27·0 and 41·6% dry matter and ensiled in 4 kg quantities in polythene bags without additive or after the addition of urea at 0·5, 1·0, 1·5 and 2·0% of the crop dry-matter content. Silos were opened at intervals up to 96 days. Maize of 23·4% dry-matter content was ensiled in 10 t butyl rubber silos without additive or after the addition of urea at 1·0% or fishmeal at 4·0% of the crop dry-matter content.Silages from the polythene bag silos were all well preserved. pH values increased and total acid content fell with increasing maturity of the crop. Addition of urea had little effect on these values. Only with the most mature crop did ammonia content increase markedly with increasing level of urea addition. All silages from the butyl rubber silos were well preserved with low pH values and similar total acid contents.Silages from the butyl rubber silos were used to measure voluntary, intake live-weight gain and efficiency of utilization of young beef cattle. The diets fed were silage without nitrogen supplement or supplemented with urea or fishmeal, added at ensiling, at feeding or included in a concentrate feed. One third of the total dry-matter intake of all cattle was provided by a pelleted concentrate feed consisting of equal quantities of dried grass and rolled barley.The increase in nitrogen content brought about by the addition of urea or fishmeal did not affect total dry-matter or organic-matter intake but was associated with 25% increase in nitrogen consumed. Live-weight gain on all treatments with added nitrogen was 20% higher than for the unsupplemented silage. This improvement in growth rate was accompanied by significant increases in efficiency of utilization of dietary dry matter and organic matter but efficiency of nitrogen utilization was reduced. The results indicate that neither the source nor site of addition of supplementary nitrogen significantly affect live-weight gain, dry-matter intake, organic-matter intake or utilization of dry matter or organic matter. They also demonstrate that urea can be used effectively to provide supplementary nitrogen to young cattle fed a maize silage-based ration.

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