The energy metabolism of young Friesian calves fed on a diet of
milk and concentrate
T.P. Hughes, C.W. Holmers and A.W.F. Davey
Massey University, Palmerston North
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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1977, 37: 163-166
Twelve Friesian calves, 6 weeks old at the start of the
experiment, were allocated at random to one of two dietary treatments.
These were two levels of food intake calculated to permit liveweight
gains of either 0.75 or 0.25 kg/day. The total metabolizable energy fed
in both treatments was derived in approximately equal proportions from
milk and concentrates. Complete energy balances were carried out with
all calves.
The estimated metabolizable energy (ME) required for maintenance was
0.41 MJ/kg0.75 daily and the net efficiency with which ME was
utilized above maintenance was 0.63. The requirement of ME for
liveweight gain was 14.89 MJ/kg.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 24-08-2000
