Holstein-Friesian Bulls Research Articles

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ МАЗИ ПРИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫХ РАНАХ У КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА

The purpose of research is to study an experimental ointment and its effectiveness in the treatment of mechanical disorders of the integrity of the skin in cattle. Objectives: to study the effectiveness of using an experimental ointment in the treatment of purulent wounds in cattle; to evaluate the local irritant effect of the experimental ointment. The study was carried out from 2018 to 2022 on the basis of the educational and experimental farm Kuban of Kuban State Agrarian University and the Stud Farm of the Krasnodar Educational Farm of Krasnodar State Agrarian University on Holstein-Friesian bull calves aged 12–13 months, weighing 320–340 kg. A total of 2,890 animals were examined. Some of the experiments were carried out at the Department of Anatomy, Veterinary Obstetrics and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin. When studying the species microflora during purulent inflammation of the udder, limbs and posterior part of the hip area, the following was revealed: if the level of tissue contamination is higher than CFU per 1 g of contents or equal to 105, then it is, accordingly, critical. Exceeding these units indicates that pathogens can spread through the lympho-hematogenous route throughout the body. The object of the study is an ointment based on polyethylene oxide 1500, pork pepsin (powder), sodium salicylate, metronidazole and dioxidine. To study the optimal ratio of the components of the experimental ointment, antimicrobial activity was determined by diffusion into agar. For this purpose, epidermal and Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fecal enterococcus were used. To study the effect on the microstructure of rat organs, the material was taken after slaughter and left in a 10% solution of neutral formaldehyde.

Muscle Weakness - new genetic defect transmitted to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle.

The aim of the study was to find out whether carriers of new genetic defect Muscle Weakness (MW) occur in the population of Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls. Fifty bulls were included in the analysis. Bulls were selected as having in the pedigree known carrier of MW. All bulls were diagnosed by DNA sequencing of CACNA1S gene containing single nucleotide substitution (rs3423414874) responsible for 97% of MW cases. Among 50 bulls, 19 MW carriers were found. Our results show that causal mutation for MW is already transmitted to Polish Holstein-Friesian cattle which is sufficient ground to take practical action in order to avoid further spreading of mutation causing MW.

Influence of THI index, age of bulls, year, and season on production and quality of native sperm of Holstein-Friesian bulls

Influence of THI index, age of bulls, year, and season on production and quality of native sperm of Holstein-Friesian bulls

247 Interaction between colostrum and milk replacer supply on growth, development and fecal consistency of dairy surplus calves

Abstract This study examined the interactions between early life nutrition strategies and their impact on growth, development, and fecal consistency in surplus bull calves. Holstein-Friesian bull calves [n = 120; body weight (BW) = 43.1±3.56 kg] were enrolled. In the first 12 h after birth, calves were fed either 2 L (100 g of IgG) or 6L (300 g of IgG) of colostrum replacer (CR) to obtain either failure (F) or successful (S) transfer of passive immunity, respectively. Upon arrival at the facility, serum IgG concentrations were measured; therefore, F and S calves were identified accordingly and randomly assigned to one of two milk replacer (MR) feeding schemes: Moderate (Mod; ~8 L) or Low (Low; ~4 L). In total, there were 4 treatments resulting from the 2 × 2 factorial design: F-Mod, F-Low, S-Mod, S-Low (n = 30/treatment). Calves were individually housed and fed twice daily until d 42, gradually weaned until d 56, and had free access to straw and water during the study. On d 22, a calf pelleted starter was offered. To evaluate organ and gastroinstetinal tract development, 10 calves/treatment were euthanized at 84 d of age. Other measurements include weekly BW, daily intakes, and daily fecal score until d 21. Data were analyzed by PROC MIXED in SAS accounting for the fixed effects of block, CR, MR, and time, and their interaction. Time entered the model as a repeated statement, and initial BW was used as a covariable when appropriate. Initial BW was not different across treatments, whereas serum IgG was greater in S calves (S = 1,962.9 vs. F = 941.0 mg IgG/dL). During the study, BW was influenced by both CR (P = 0.001) and MR (P < 0.001), where S and Mod calves consistently exhibited greater BW when compared with F and Low calves, respectively. At d 84, Mod calves (F-Mod and S-Mod) were on average 18 kg heavier than Low calves. Similarly, Mod calves exhibited greater fresh tissue weights in the liver, pancreas, spleen, and both the small and large intestines (P < 0.05). Starter intake was influenced by MR (P < 0.001), with Low calves having the greatest intake before and during weaning. However, post-weaning starter intake was greater (P = 0.010) in Mod calves. Fecal consistency was influenced by CR (P = 0.001) and MR (P < 0.001), with S and Low calves having improved fecal consistency. Although no interactions were observed between CR and MR, these findings underscore the importance of considering both colostrum and MR levels in calf nutrition management to optimize growth and improve animal welfare during the early stages of life.

MAP3K1, SPEF2 and PLCZ1 genes association with fertility and semen quality traits of AI bulls in Andhra Pradesh

Bull fertility plays an important role in improving the economic value of the herd and is measured in terms of semen quality traits, which is influenced by both genetic and non-genetic factors. Polymorphism of MAP3K1/ CviQI (rs463712269), SPEF2/HpyCH4V (rs722354121) and PLCZ1/AvaII (rs208019489) and their association with scrotal circumference, sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity, respectively were studied on 239 bulls of different breeds reared in different frozen semen bull stations. The MAP3K1/CviQ1 assay revealed that T allele was more frequent in Ongole and Murrah population. RFLP at SPEF2/ HpyCH4V locus indicated fixation of T allele in both the exotic purebred cattle (Holstein Friesian and Jersey) whereas selective advantage of C allele was observed in Murrah buffaloes. Except in Holstein Friesian crossbred, other cattle genetic groups were with CC genotype for PLCZ1/AvaII assay and the Murrah population had low genetic diversity and heterozygosity excess. The PLCZ1/ AvaII genotypes had significant influence on the plasma membrane integrity of sperm in Holstein Friesian, Jersey and Ongole bulls. The plasma membrane integrity of sperm was reported to be high in heterozygotes (CG) of Jersey and Ongole cattle. The present study, concluded the importance of PLCZ1 gene as a marker for semen quality assessment and selection in bulls.

Gene Expression Level and Immunohistochemical Localization of Cannabinoid and Cannabinoid-Related Receptors in The Small Intestine of Holstein Bulls (Bos Taurus Taurus)

Abstract The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, secretion, and motility, ensuring proper digestion and overall homeostasis. Regulation of this complex system involves the coordination of various communication pathways, including neural and humoral mechanisms. One such mechanism is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a signaling network comprising endogenous cannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes involved in the regulation of physiological processes in mammals and non-mammalian species. While extensive research has been conducted on the ECS in monogastric animals, limited information is available on its presence and distribution in cattle. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and localization patterns of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1R) and type 2 (CB2R) and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) in the bovine small intestine. The study included immunohistochemical analysis of intestinal tissue samples from Polish Holstein-Friesian breed bulls. Gene expression levels of CNR1, CNR2, and TRPV1 genes, encoding CB1R, CB2R, and TRPV1, respectively, were quantified using qPCR analysis. The results showed that all three receptors were expressed in the bovine small intestine, with TRPV1 exhibiting a significant upregulation in the jejunum compared to the duodenum and ileum. Immunoreactivity for CB1R and CB2R was predominantly observed in neurons of the enteric plexuses, while TRPV1 immunolabeling was detected in both enteric neurons and duodenal Brunner’s glands. These findings may establish an anatomical foundation for further investigations, lending support to the potential therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoid receptor agonists in alleviating gastrointestinal motility disorders associated with bovine enteropathies and optimizing milk production in dairy cattle.

Is Prolonged Ageing a Necessity for Improving the Quality of Sous-Vide Cooked Beef?

This study aimed to determine the effect of wet ageing time (4, 14 and 21 days) on the quality of sous-vide cooked beef products. The research material consisted of longissimus lumborum muscles obtained from the carcasses of Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls (n = 9, average age at slaughter 22 months). The meat was wet-aged at 4 ± 1 °C for 4, 14 and 21 days post-mortem. The analyses were conducted on uncooked samples (colour and pH) and after the sous-vide cooking (60 °C, 4 h) (colour, cooking loss, Warner–Bratzler shear force, texture profile analysis and sensory assessment). It was found that ageing decreased redness, yellowness and chroma (p < 0.05) in the cross-section area of sous-vide cooked beef. The values of shear force, hardness, springiness and chewiness decreased during ageing (p < 0.05). The samples were scored similarly in sensory assessment, except for tenderness which was scored higher (p < 0.01) in the products obtained from 14 and 21 d aged beef compared to 4 d aged samples. Overall, the findings highlighted that, also in the production of sous-vide cooked beef, longissimus lumborum muscles should be aged for at least 14 days.

Abomasal lesions found in postmortem examination of fattening Holstein-Friesian bulls from central Poland

The health of the gastrointestinal tract in cattle is one of the factors influencing adequate nutrient absorption and body weight gain. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lesions found in the abomasum of Polish fattening Holstein-Friesian bulls. A total of 149 abomasa from adult bulls from two voivodeships of central Poland were inspected for pathologicalanatomic position (displacement, volvulus), impaction, mucosal membrane lesions (inflammation, hyperplasia), and signs of parasite infestation(Moroccan leather, worm nodules) in one of the Polish abattoirs just after slaughter. Among all the examined males no lesions were observed in only 8 individuals. The most common findings were erosions (75.8%) and type 1 ulcerations (48.3%) of the body, pylorus, or both locations. Signs of parasite infestations were observed in 78.5% of the inspected animals. Significant differences correlated with age were found in the prevalence of healed ulcers, and between voivodeships in the prevalence of type 2 ulcers. The findings of this study indicate that most fattening bulls in Poland suffer from subclinical forms of abomasa inflammation (both diffuse and focal) and middle-large abomasum parasites invasions, which can influence the economics and profitability, as well as welfare, of livestock production.

An investigation of slaughter weight and muscle type effects on carcass fatty acid profiles and meat textural characteristics of young Holstein Friesian bulls

Study objectives included the assessment of carcass fatty acid composition and meat texture characteristics of younger Holstein Friesian bulls. Three experimental groups were formed based on the weights of the 23 young bulls at slaughter: lighter, medium, and heavier. Samples were taken from the Gluteus medius (GM) and Longissimus thoracis muscles 24 h after slaughter. Fatty acid composition, Warner-Bratzler Meat Shear (WBS) measurements, as well as textural profile analysis (TPA) and sensory analysis of the muscle samples were conducted. The fatty acid composition was determined using Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fatty acids give a neutral hypocholesterolemic effect in direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) contents, DFA/OFA (C14:0+C16:0) ratio, hardness, Warner-Bratzler Shear force and also the chews number – which is desirable - before swallowing (NCBS) the meat were significantly decreased with the increasing slaughter weight. Higher slaughter weight resulted in a larger amount of beef with a better panel tenderness score; however, the meat obtained from the LSW group was less healthy considering the fatty acid profile. Additionally, internal fat contained the highest saturated fatty acids concentrations, while subcutaneous fat contained the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, intramuscular fat levels were highest in PUFA and PUFA/SFA ratio. As a result, this study strongly suggests that slaughter weight and anatomical location of fat samples contribute significantly to meat texture characteristics and fatty acid profiles in Holstein Friesian bulls.

Effect of asiatic acid supplementation in tris-extender on post-thaw functional competence, antioxidant enzyme activity and in vivo fertility of bull sperm.

Reactive oxygen species at supra-physiological levels trigger oxidative stress during cryopreservation, which can be neutralised by incorporating suitable antioxidants into the semen extender medium. This study was intended to explore the effect of asiatic acid (AA) as an antioxidant in semen extender on frozen-thawed sperm quality and in vivo fertility of bull sperm. Semen was collected from Holstein Friesian bulls for 10 consecutive weeks (total ejaculates = 60). Semen was cryopreserved with a Tris citric acid egg yolk-based extender supplemented with 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, and 100 μM AA. The supplementation of the extender with 40 and 60 μM AA improved (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility kinematics, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, and DNA integrity of bull sperm. Mitochondrial membrane potential was high (p < 0.05) with 60 μM of AA concentration in extender media. The catalase activity in seminal plasma was maintained (p < 0.05) when semen was added with 20, 40, and 60 μM of AA. The in vivo fertility was found to be significantly high with the semen extended with 60 μM AA. Conclusively, this study showed that AA supplementation in semen extender significantly improved sperm motility kinematics and cell integrity, conserved antioxidant enzyme activity, and improved in vivo fertility.

Effects of Slaughter Weight and Muscle Types on Carcass and Meat Quality Characteristics of Holstein Friesian Bulls

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter weight and muscle types on carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality characteristics of young Holstein Friesian bulls. For this purpose, the 21 young bulls were assigned to three experimental groups based on their weights at slaughter called lighter (LSW) (470.4±32.5kg), medium (MSW) (540.8±10.9 kg) and heavier (HSW) (605.8±28.3 kg). Animals in the HSW group resulted in higher carcass weight, LD area, crude protein content, pH24 value. On the other hand, L* and a* values color parameters and LD area per 100 kg carcass weight were significantly decreased with the increasing slaughter weight. The meat obtained from the LSW group were brighter and redder compared to other two slaughter groups. Additionally, there was a decreasing trend in the proportion of the non-carcass components with increasing of the slaughter weight. However, increasing of the slaughter weights led to a significant increase in the carcass measurements such as thoracic depth, carcass length, length of the round as well as width of the round. Although the crude protein content was significantly affected by both slaughter weights and muscle types, only muscle types were also significant sources of variation in percentages of moisture and crude ash.

Pathomorphology of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in a Holstein Friesian bull in an organised farm

Pathomorphology of traumatic reticuloperitonitis in a Holstein Friesian bull in an organised farm

Effects of Silage Type and Feeding Intensity on Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Finishing Holstein-Friesian Bulls.

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of silage type (grass silage-GS, and maize silage-MS) and energy level in the feed portion on animals' performance, carcass value and the quality of Holstein-Friesian bull meat. The animals were reared using intensive (I) feeding, 1.02 feed units for meat production (UFV)/kg dry matter (DM), and semi-intensive (SI) feeding, 0.94 UFV/kg DM. Thirty-two HF bulls with an average live weight of 530 kg were assigned to four feeding groups. The proportions (g/kg DM) of feed in the diets were as follows: group GS-I, GS 500, concentrate 500; group GS-SI, GS 700, concentrate 300; group MS-I, MS 500, concentrate 500; and group MS-SI, MS 700, concentrate 300. After 4 months of the finishing phase, bulls were slaughtered and samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle were collected. The silage type did not affect performance, carcass value or meat quality. However, in the intensive feeding, a 33% increase (p < 0.01) in daily weight gain and a reduction in the feed conversion ratio compared to semi-intensive feeding were noted. The carcasses of bulls fed intensively received higher scores for conformation and fatness than the carcasses of bulls fed semi-intensively. The meat of I group bulls had a higher intramuscular fat content and received higher juiciness, tenderness, taste and overall acceptability scores.

Pre-freezing selection of Holstein bull semen with the BoviPure colloid as double- or single-layer centrifugation improves the post-thawing quality

Artificial insemination (AI) is critical for breeding in the dairy industry. High-merit bulls can present low freezability, hampering genetic dissemination. Thawed semen can be improved using density gradient centrifugation (DGC) with colloids, but little information deals with the pre-freezing application. Thus, the BoviPure colloid (optimized for bull spermatozoa) was tested for pre-freezing application as the usual double-layer (DLC) versus single-layer (SLC, quick and economical). Semen from twelve Holstein-Friesian bulls was extended with OPTIXcell extender, frozen (Control), or processed by SLC or DLC and frozen. Sperm were assessed pre-freezing for motility and viability and post-thawing (directly and after 4 h 38 °C) for apoptosis, capacitation status, acrosomal damage, mitochondrial activity, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and chromatin status (SCSA for DNA fragmentation and chromatin compaction and monobromobimane, mBBr, for disulfide bridges evaluation). The DGC improved parameters post-thawing (e.g., 57.5%±10.1 motility vs. control 53.3% ± 11.2) at the cost of sperm loss (sperm recovery of DGC 14.4% ± 2.5 and SLC 17.4% ± 2.5). DNA fragmentation (%DFI) decreased (0.21% ± 0.53 vs. control 1.30% ± 0.10), and SLC reduced chromatin compaction. A clustering procedure separated lesser (LF) and greater freezability (GF) bulls. LF samples were especially benefited by DGC, with SLC providing better post-thawing results for this group. In conclusion, pre-freezing DGC improved sperm parameters post-thawing, potentially improving the cryopreservation of low-freezability semen from high-merit bulls. SLC, quicker and economical, would be preferable since it showed similar or higher performance than DLC.

Influence of Equilibration Time and Bull-Specific Extender for Cryopreservation on Semen Quality and Fertility in German Holstein Friesian Bulls: A Controlled Field Trial.

Equilibration with an extender is necessary to allow cryopreservation of bovine sperm. The aim of trial 1 was to assess the effect of 24 h versus 4 h equilibration time with three different extenders on sperm quality and to select the preferred extender for each bull. The aim of trial 2 was to investigate the effect of using a 24 h equilibration time with a bull-specific extender on field fertility. For trial 1, three ejaculates each from eight Holstein Friesian breeding bulls were used as the split-sample, including two equilibration times (4 h and 24 h) and three extenders (BioXcell, Triladyl, and OptiXcell). For trial 2, from 5 to 10 ejaculates from the same bulls were collected and treated (split-sample) as BioXcell with 4 h equilibration and either Triladyl or OptiXcell, both with 24 h equilibration. A total of 11,059 straws were used for insemination of cows and heifers. For Triladyl, progressive sperm motility, acrosome defects, and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity improved with a 24 h compared to a 4 h equilibration time. Four bulls each were used with Triladyl and OptiXcell for trial 2. In trial 2, non-return rates did not differ among groups. Therefore, using a 24 h equilibration time might improve in vitro sperm parameters, depending on the extender used. Moreover, it would be possible to change from 4 h to 24 h equilibration time without impairing field fertility.

Relationship among seminal antigenicity, antioxidant status and metabolically active sperm from Holstein-Friesian (Bos taurus) bulls

Sperm antigenicity has been implicated as a regulatory factor for acquiring fertilizing competence in the female reproductive tract. Overt immune response against the sperm proteins leads to idiopathic infertility. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the auto-antigenic potential of sperm on the antioxidant status, metabolic activities and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bovine. Semen from Holstein-Friesian bulls (n = 15) was collected and classified into higher (HA, n = 8) and lower (LA, n = 7) antigenic groups based on micro-titer agglutination assay. The neat semen was subjected to the evaluation of bacterial load, leukocyte count, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. Antioxidant activities in seminal plasma and intracellular ROS levels in the post-thawed sperm were estimated. The number of leukocytes was lower (p < .05) in the HA than the LA semen. The percentage of metabolically active sperm was higher (p < .05) in HA than the LA group. The activities of total non-enzymatic antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were higher (p < .05) while glutathione peroxidase activity was lower (p < .05) in the seminal plasma of LA group. The LPO levels of neat sperm and the percentage sperm positive for intracellular ROS in the cryopreserved sample were lower (p < .05) in the HA group. Auto-antigenic levels were positively correlated with the percentage of metabolically active sperm (r = 0.73, p < .01). However, the seminal auto-antigenicity was negatively (p < .05) correlated with the levels of SOD (r=–0.66), CAT (r=–0.72), LPO (r=–0.602) and intracellular ROS (r=–0.835). The findings were represented in graphical abstract. It is inferred that the higher auto-antigenic levels protect the quality of bovine semen by promoting sperm metabolism and lowering ROS and LPO levels.

012 Experimental challenge with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) alters testicular transcriptome and DNA methylation profile in 21-week old Holstein-Friesian bull calves

012 Experimental challenge with bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) alters testicular transcriptome and DNA methylation profile in 21-week old Holstein-Friesian bull calves

Genome-wide association study reveals candidate markers related to field fertility and semen quality traits in Holstein-Friesian bulls

In vitro assessment of bull semen quality is routinely used in bull semen processing centres in order to ensure that semen destined to be used in the field has passed minimum standards. Despite these stringent quality control checks, individual bulls that pass the quality control checks can still vary in field fertility by up to 25%. A genome-wide association study was undertaken to determine genetic markers associated with prefreeze and post-thaw bull sperm quality traits as well as field fertility. Genome-wide association analysis was performed using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) regression mixed linear model in WOMBAT. Genes within a 250 Kb span of a suggestive (P ≤ 1 × 10−5) SNP were considered as candidate genes. One SNP was associated with adjusted pregnancy rate, and 21 SNPs were associated across the seven semen quality traits (P ≤ 1 × 10−5). Functional candidate genes include SIPA1L2 which was associated with adjusted pregnancy rate. This encodes a Rap GTPase-activating protein involved in Rap1 signalling pathway and was previously found to play a role in the process of sperm differentiation. Gene ontology (GO) analysis also identified significantly enriched biological processes involved protein tyrosine kinase activity including genes such as DYRK1A, TEC and TXK that were associated with sperm motility prior to freezing. Another candidate gene associated with post-thaw sperm motility was FHDC1 which coordinates actin filament and microtubule dynamics. The induced 11 GO terms in the ejaculates rejected after freezing trait were related to ATPase, phosphatase and hydrolase activity. These results reveal novel specific genomic regions and candidate genes associated with economically important phenotypes such as field fertility and semen quality traits.

Early life nutrition affects the molecular ontogeny of testicular development in the young bull calf

Enhanced early life nutrition accelerates sexual development in the bull calf through neuroendocrine-signalling mediated via the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis. Our aim was to assess the impact of contrasting feeding regimes in bull calves during the first 12 weeks of life on the testes transcriptome and proteome. Holstein–Friesian bull calves were offered either a high (HI) or moderate (MOD) plane of nutrition, designed to support target growth rates of 1.0 and 0.5 kg/day, respectively. At 12 weeks of age all calves were euthanized, testicular parenchyma sampled, and global transcriptome (miRNAseq and mRNAseq) and proteome analyses undertaken. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 7 differentially expressed (DE) miRNA and 20 DE mRNA. There were no differentially abundant proteins between the two dietary groups. Integration of omics results highlighted a potential role for the cadherin gene, CDH13, in earlier reproductive development. Furthermore, co-regulatory network analysis of the proteomic data revealed CDH13 as a hub protein within a network enriched for processes related to insulin, IGF-1, androgen and Sertoli cell junction signalling pathways as well as cholesterol biosynthesis. Overall, results highlight a potential role for CDH13 in mediating earlier reproductive development as a consequence of enhanced early life nutrition in the bull calf.

Feeding concentrate versus forage-based starter diets during early life to Holstein Friesian bull calves: growth, rumen fermentation, metabolic response, feed efficiency and beef production

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare the effect of artificially rearing Holstein Friesian bull calves with either forage- (FS) or concentrate-based starter diets on rumen fermentation and blood metabolite profiles to 4.5 mo, residual feed intake (RFI) at 10 mo, lifetime growth, and carcass traits and meat quality at slaughter in a pastoral grazing system. Holstein-Friesian bull calves were allocated to FS or PS diets (n = 20/group). The FS calves grew slower than PS calves following MR weaning up to 100 kg BW but tended to grow faster up to 18 wks while grazing pasture with no difference in BW observed thereafter. Rumen fermentation profiles differed at wk 7 and 12 but not thereafter. Residual feed intake (RFI), age and weight at slaughter and meat yield/quality were similar between groups. These results highlight that artificially reared Friesian bulls fed a FS compared to PS starter diet take slightly longer to reach 100 kg BW but are better prepared for weaning onto pasture, with no long-term differences in RFI, growth and beef production/quality. This study highlights the opportunity for beef producers to utilise a whole of life grain-free alternative feeding system to meet specific market requirements.