<b>Body composition and deposition efficiency of protein and energy in grazing young bulls

Abstract

The effects of supplementation with different protein: carbohydrate ratios on body composition, carcass characteristics and protein and energy deposition efficiency of young were assessed. Twenty-four Nellorecalves (132.5 ± 5.5 kgand 90-150 days of age) were kept on pasture for a 430 day experimental period. The treatments were: Control = mineral mixture only; HPHC = high-protein and high-carbohydrate supplement; HPLC = high-protein and low-carbohydrate supplement; LPHC = low-protein and high-carbohydrate supplement; LPLC = low-protein and low-carbohydrate supplement. Four animals at begning and 20 animal at end of experiment were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass composition. Control bulls had the lowest (p 0.05) between supplemented bulls (13 Mcal day-1). Although non-supplemented bulls had less (p 0.05) between supplemented bulls. High-carbohydrate supplements were associated with more (p 0.05) in the energy efficiency between the groups. Therefore, supplementation increases the intake and retention of protein and energy without changing the retention efficiency.

Keywords

• associative effects
• beef cattle
• calf
• grazing
• multiple supplement
• production