Body composition and carcass characteristics of calves fed on different levels of whole milk relative to body weight

Abstract

Abstract The influence of level of feeding on body composition and carcass characteristics of veal calves was examined. Friesian bull calves. in four groups of nine, were offered reconstituted whole milk at levels of 12%, 15%, and 18% of body weight and to appetite. Only the first group consumed their total allowance. All calves were slaughtered at 15 weeks of age. Body weight tended to increase with feeding level, but the proportions of body parts, relative to body weight, were generally unaffected. A higher feeding level increased the proportions of fat and decreased the proportions of edible meat, water, and protein in the veal carcasses, but group differences were small after adjustment for variation in carcass weight. Feeding level had little or no influence on the proportion of carcass bone or on the chemical composition of the fat-free carcass. Total feed intake was highly correlated with body weight, carcass weight, weight of edible meat, carcass fatness, and carcass energy value.