Effect of Concentrate to Roughage Ratio on Cost Effective Growth Performance of Brahman Crossbred Calves

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and cost per gain of Brahman  local crossbred bull calves receiving three diets with varying concentrate to roughage ratio (C:R) of 75:25, 65:35 and 55:45 on dry matter (DM) basis. Twelve bull calves (aging 11.5 ± 1.2 months and 170.8 ± 13.0 kg live weight) divided into three equal groups were fed on three diets. The diets were balanced to 14.5% crude protein (CP) level and 10.5 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg DM, formulating different concentrate mixtures. German grass (Echinoclora grousgali) and paddy straw were offered at 2:1 ratio on DM basis as roughages. The results revealed that C:R ratio did not affect (P > 0.05) the intake of feed and nutrients, feed efficiency (7.04, 6.94 and 6.76) and average daily gain (981, 958 and 976 g). Digestibility of nutrients was not affected (P > 0.05) by C:R. Animals fed diet with C:R = 55:45 had the lowest feed cost (Bangladeshi Taka 136.8 BDT/kg live weight gain), which was increased (147.5 BDT and 153.8 BDT) non-significantly (P > 0.05) with the increasing level of concentrate. The diet consisting of 55% concentrate mixture showed similar results with the diet consisting of 75% concentrate mixture, but was comparatively economic. Therefore, considering the growth performance and cost per kg gain of Brahman crossbred growing calves, it may be concluded that the diet consisting of 55:45 C:R may be used for economic beef production.

Effects of Betaine-Biotin-Chromium Supplementation and Concentrate to Roughage Ratio on Nutrient Utilization Efficiency in Thai Native Cattle

“…Modern beef cattle feeding requires the optimal concentrate-to-roughage ratio (C:R ratio), which affects weight gain and the efficiency of weight gain. Ideally, a proper C:R ratio can maximize weight gain and the fattening rate with low digestive disorders [1]. Though it can range from 50:50 to 90:10, a C:R ratio of 75:25 offers reasonable weight gain with minimal risk in most feedlots.…”

Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Hararghe Highland Bull after Draught Work Service

“…Depending on the quality and quantity of feed, as well as the nature and duration of their work, working oxen might need between 1.2 to 1.7 times more energy than what is necessary for maintenance [30] [31]. With these considerations, the daily energy requirements for the Ration formulation and feeding regime: A ration having a 54:46 concentrate to roughage ratio was used based on Mohammad [32] recommendation. The concentrate containing 38.88% maize grain, 31.49% wheat short, 25.93% Noug (Gucia Abysinca) cake, 1.85% pre-mix, and 1.85% salt were formulated and offered as per the daily requirement of the treatment groups.…”