The Effect of Level of Herbage Dry Matter Per Animal on Efficiency of Utilization of Pasture by Young Friesian Cattle

R. Marsh

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1977, 37: 62-66

Groups of ten Friesian steer calves born between June and August, 1975 were offered daily either 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 or 7.5 kg pasture DM per 100 kg liveweight for 24 consecutive weeks beginning December 4, 1975. Liveweight within treatments increased linearly with time despite fluctuations in the seasonal pattern of herbage DM yield per hectare. The response of daily liveweight gain herbage DM allowance per 100 kg liveweight was also linear, indicating that the highest allowance, which supported a daily gain of 0.63 kg, was limiting animal performance.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000