Mineral additives for rearing young cattle

Abstract

A rational system of rearing of replacement heifers taking into account their biological characteristics, should contribute to normal growth, development, the formation of high productivity and a strong constitution, and the extension of their longevity. The use of intensive rearing has a positive eff ect on the natural resistance of replacement young cattle. The purpose of the researches was to analyze the use of bentonite clay as a mineral additive in the rearing of young cattle. Scientifi c and economic experiment has been carried out on heifers of Black-and-White breed in the pasture period. Two groups of heifers have been formed based on the principle of analogous pairs, taking into account their origin, age, body weight and health status. Animals of both groups have been received the main economic ration during the rearing period, while heifers of the experimental group have been received a bentonite additive of 50 g (2,0 %) per head per day, control animals did not receive this additive. Experiment has shown that the experimental animals had a high growth rate. Up to 3 months of age the live weight of animals in both groups increased almost evenly. The average daily gain was in the range of 600–900 g. At the age of 4 months the average daily gain in body weight was 550 g in the control group, and 800 g in the experimental group. The diff erence between the groups was 250 g or 45,45 %. The highest average daily gain at the age of 6 months was in the animals of the experimental group and amounted to 1060 g, which was by 127 g or 13,61 % more than in the control group. Feed costs in the control group amounted to 6411,92 rubles, in the experimental group 6392,22 rubles, which was 19,70 rubles or 0,31 % less than in the control group. Thus, there were no signifi cant diff erences in the cost of feed between the groups. The prime-cost of 1 kg of live weight gain of heifers in the experimental group was less by 7,02 rubles or 9,26 %. In general, the level of profi tability of rearing of heifers in the experimental group was higher by 12,11 %, compared to the control group.