An equation, suitable for computer use, based on the ARC feeding system to determine the energy requirements of growing and fattening cattle

Abstract

SUMMARYBased on the Agricultural Research Council's feeding system, equations were developed that allow the calculation of the metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance and weight gain by cattle, separately or combined. A general equation was developed for the straight-forward calculation of the total metabolizable energy requirements of growing and fattening cattle for any combination of body weight, rate of weight gain, age, level of muscular work, and metabolizable energy concentration of the diet. The estimates of energy requirement made by the use of this equation are in excellent agreement with those made by the Agricultural Research Council using an iterative method.In addition to avoiding the awkward iterative process, the equations proposed are readily adaptable to computer use.