Predicting the growth and feed intake of Bonsmara cattle on forage based rearing systems
Abstract This study aimed at estimating models to predict the growth and feed intake of Bonsmara bulls and heifers in backgrounding or pasture-based production systems (Ethical clearance number A16-SCI-AGR-001). Growth and intake data were collected from the Kromme Rhee Bonsmara stud in the Stellenbosch region. The growth curves of steers and heifers were modelled using the Gompertz function. Parameter estimates of the function showed that the mature weight (A) parameter was greater (P <0.05) for bulls than heifers (ca. 878.4 vs 562.1 kg, respectively). The maturation rates (parameter B) did not differ between the sexes, while the days at maximum growth (parameter C) was higher for bulls (291.5 days) than for heifers (182.4 days). Linear functions were used to describe the average feed intakes, as well as cumulative intakes, with body weights from growing bulls and heifers from the ages 6-20 months reared on lucerne hay and protein supplement. On average, it was observed that on the lucerne hay-based diet, Bonsmara bulls and heifers consumed about 2.43% of body weight daily throughout the study period. These models can be used in precision beef rearing systems to predict the production and market weights of Bonsmara calves that are either reared on hay or pasture.