Abstract
Estimates of age and weight at mature size are required for the development of decision-support and mathematical models to describe beef growth. Interim results from an experiment designed to quantify the liveweight gain of steers from weaning to mature size are reported in this paper. Three groups of 28 steers have been fed for 2 years from weaning (8 months) to 32 months of age on the following treatments: resident, ryegrass-white clover based pasture (R); a high quality pasture option based on annual ryegrass in winter and spring, and red clover and lotus in summer and autumn (HQ); and a 70% maize grain : 30% silage diet offered under feedlot conditions (F). Average daily gains from weaning to 30 months of age and liveweight at 30 months were 0.69 kg/hd/day, and 709 kg, 0.78 kgfhdlday and 772 kg, and 0.91 kglbdlday and 858 kg for R, HQ and F treatments, respectively. Feedlot steers had a greater fat depth over the 12113th rib than either of the pasture fed treatments, when measured at the same age. In addition, both pasture groups have shown seasonality in liveweight gain, with periods of low liveweight gain in late autumn and winter of the second and third years. Results are discussed in relation to the nutritional contrasts between treatments. Keywords: feedlot, cattl.e, liveweight gain, potential growth
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
