The Effect of Concentrate Supplementation on Growth of Steers Grazing Natural Pastures
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Date
1986Author
Wanyoike, Margaret, M.
Karachi, M.K.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
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Thirty-six Boran steers were alloted into three weight groups Low (L). Medium (M)
and High (H) and randomly assigned to three levels of supplementation: 0, 2 and 4 kg
per head per day. Supplement A and B were given during the green season (Phase I)
and dry season (Phase II), respectively. For each season, supplementation lasted for
6 months.
The amount of forage on offer and its crude protein content decreased (P<O.05)
from 6.000 to 2,000 kg dry matter per hectare and 6.5to 3.0%, respectively. Dry matter
content approached 98% and a shift towards the less palatable pasture species
emerged in Phase II.
Average daily live weight gains ranged from 0.29 to 0.54 and 0.12 to 0.38 kg in
Phase I and II. respectively. Supplemented steers gained at a higher (P<O.05) rate
than those unsupplemented. Rate of weight gain by the animals on 2 and 4 kg of
supplemental feed was similar in both Phase I and II. Overall, the supplemented
steers gained weight at a faster rate (P<O.05) than the unsupplemented group.
However no significant (P>O.05) difference was exhibited between weight groups.
The results suggest that supplementation at 2kg per head per day may be the most
economical at Lanet which is situated in Ecozone IV (dry woodland)
Citation
Bulletin of animal health production in Africa(1986) 34, 109-114Publisher
Animal production, University of Nairobi
Description
Journal article