Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study showed the effect of feed restriction on performance, nitrogen balance (NB), microbial protein synthesis, carcass traits and meat cut of the thirty-two Sindhi non-castrated males (296 ± 21.3 kg initial BW and 21 ± 1.5 months old). All bulls were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (feed restriction levels) (0, 15, 30, and 45% in total dry matter -DM) and the data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression. Nutrient intake, NB, final BW, total gain, feeding efficiency, carcass gain, hot and cold carcass weight, subcutaneous fat thickness, commercial cuts and fat tissue decreased linearly (P<0.05) by feed restriction level. A linear increased on digestibility of DM, NDFap, total carbohydrates and on the proportion of muscle tissue, as well as quadratic increase on non-fibrous carbohydrates and bone tissue percentage with the restriction level imposed on bulls (P<0.05). The feed restriction did not affect (P>0.05) the digestibility of crude protein, synthesis and microbial efficiency, deposition efficiency, longissimus dorsi area and muscle + fat/bone ratio. The feed restriction reduced intake and consequently performance, carcass traits and meat cuts of Sindhi bulls; however, it promoted a reduction in the N excretion, which can be important if conducted a subsequent compensatory weight gain.
Highlights
Restricted feeding is a technique used to feedlot and finishing cattle
Dry matter intake (DMI) is an important factor in ruminant nutrition. It may be influenced by several inherent dietary factors, weather conditions, and factors related to the animal, which have a direct impact on feed efficiency and animal weight gain (LOERCH & FLUHARTY 1998; GONZAGA NETO et al, 2011)
The DMI was regulated every three days for animals with 0% feed restriction, and the restriction levels were applied in the other treatments
Summary
Restricted feeding is a technique used to feedlot and finishing cattle. It includes any method of feed management in which intake is restricted relative to actual scheduled ingestion or ad libitum ingestion. As there is an occurrence of compensatory gain after a period of feed restriction, this technique can be adopted to improve feed efficiency (GONZAGA NETO et al, 2011; BEZERRA et al, 2013). Owing to this certainty, some producers exploit this technique because when the feed is scarce or expensive, as in drought, a temporary feed restriction can be practiced without producing harmful biological effects in the Approved 10.30.20 Returned CR-2020-0488.R3 by the author 12.28.2C0 iência. Dry matter intake (DMI) is an important factor in ruminant nutrition It may be influenced by several inherent dietary factors, weather conditions, and factors related to the animal (the physiological stage, gestation, age, and weight), which have a direct impact on feed efficiency and animal weight gain (LOERCH & FLUHARTY 1998; GONZAGA NETO et al, 2011). Restrictions in feed intake may prevent the nutritional requirements from being met (AZEVÊDO et al, 2010); preventing animal weight gain and reducing the farmer’s income
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
