Improving Malagasy zebu production in the face of booming Malagasy population and regression of the animal number, this study was initiated to put forth some Malagasy zebu carcass weight performance and dressing percentages following slaughter. Measurements concerned live weight before slaughtering, carcass weights, quarters and carcass halves, left and right and the fifth quarter (blood, leather, intestine, lung, heart, liver, kidneys, spleen and rumen with its content) weights on 544 individuals without distinction (age nor sex). Descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken to qualify and compare the various weights. It results high proportion females (66%), smaller size (live weight less than 250 kg, 60%) and 5 live weight classes. Live weight was different in the 2 sexes starting class 3 (live weight > 250 kg) (p = 0.0027). Males fore quarters were heavier than females (p < 1‰). Carcass dressing percentage increased according to live weight class, whereas, 5th quarter yield presented a regressive reduction with increasing weight class. Survey shows an average dressing percentage of 46.20% with an average 5th quarter yield of 37.43%. Malagasy zebus are light weighted animals compared to the African zebus. Precocious slaughtering (before 250 kg live weight) doesn't allow a good meat yield.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES INTRODUCTION LITERATURE REVIEW Control of Voluntary Feed Intake in Cattle Restricted Feeding in Feedlot Operations Effects of restricted feeding cattle on feedlot performance Effects of restiicted feeding on carcass traits and composition of cattle Physiological and nutritional changes with restiicted feeding Environmental Effects on Feedlot Operation and Restiicted Feeding Seasonal influences on feedlot cattie Effects of housing on feedlot cattle Economic Assessment of Restricted Feeding in Feedlot Cattle MATERIALS AND METHODS Animals Housing Starting Time on Feed Diet and Dietary Treatments Measurements and Calculations Statistical Analyses RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Confa-olling Feed Intake and Feedlot Performance Carcass Traits of Conti"olled-Fed Yearling Steers Starting Time on Feed and Conti^olling Feed Intake Effects of starting time on feed on feedlot performance Effects of starting time on feed on carcass traits Housing Types and Conti-olled Feed Intake Effects of housing type on feedlot performance Effects of housing type on carcass b3its Starting Time on Feed. Housing Type, and Conti'olled Feed Intake Effects of starting time on feed and type of housing Starting time on feed and controlled feeding under three different types of housing Economical Aspects of Conti'olled Feeding Days-on-feed and estimated costs of conti-olled-fed yearting steers Estimated incomes and returns for conti'olled-fed yeariing steers Effects of starting time on feed on the estimated costs and returns of controlled-fed steers Effects of housing type on the estimated costs and returns of conti-olled-fed steers Ten year estimates of the economic outcomes of controlled-fed feedlot steers