Ground and pelleted straw and hay for fattening Israeli-Friesian male calves

Abstract

UMMARYThe performance of Israeli-Friesian male calves on six rations, including two levels (15 % and 30%) of ground wheat straw and oatvetch hay in pelleted mixtures, and the same two levels of ground straw in non-pelleted mixtures, was examined. Daily live-weight and carcass gain were higher on the lower level of both roughages. The differences in performance on hay and straw were insignificant. Feed intake was higher on the 15 % level of both roughages when pelleted but the energy conversion ratio was higher on pelleted rations of both levels of straw. The dressing percentage was higher for animals on pelleted rations. There was no significant difference in percentage fat trim, percentage bone or percentage saleable meat in the carcasses. There was 20 % more kidney, pelvic and cod fat on the lower level of roughage. The digestibility of organic matter was higher on rations with the lower level of roughage, and on the pelleted rations compared with the non-pelleted at equal level of roughage. This was not the case for the digestibility of crude fibre. Nitrogen retention was significantly higher on the lower levels of straw and on the pelleted rations of a similar level, and was higher on hay rations than on straw rations. Ration differences in the molar proportions of volatile fatty acids in the rumen liquor were detected. Pelleting appeared to improve the nutritive value of straw.157

Ground roughage in the diet of the early-weaned calf

“…These results are similar to those obtained by the inclusion of roughage in the diets of calves by Strozinski and Chandler (1971) and Levy, Amir, Holzer and Neumark (1972), but might have been different if the roughage and concentrate portions of the diets had been given separately (Bartley, 1973;McCullough, 1970). It would be expected that the differences would be even greater if they were expressed as empty body weight.…”

Poultry litter for intensive beef production

“…Levy and Holzer (1971) and Levy, Amir, Holzer and Neumark (1972) showed a similar rate of gain for intact Israeli-Friesian male cattle on rations varying from 85 to 100% of maximal energy intake. Animals on lower than maximal energy intake were more efficient in the conversion of metabolizable energy (ME) into live weight due to a lower energy content of gain.…”