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The feeding value for beef cattle of lucerne cobs differing in maturity and date of harvest

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

G. M. J. Horton  and
W. Holmes
G. M. J. Horton
Affiliation:
Wye College, University of London, Ashford, Kent TN25 5AH
W. Holmes
Affiliation:
Wye College, University of London, Ashford, Kent TN25 5AH
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Summary

The feeding value of four batches of dried lucerne cobs was compared in two experiments with beef cattle. The cobs were prepared from primary growths, cut early (LI) and late (L2), and from second-cut (L3) and third-cut (L4) material.

In Experiment 1, intakes and digestibilities of the four cuts, offered as the sole feed, were measured using six British Friesian steers in two (3 × 3) Latin squares. The intake of lucerne cobs decreased as the digestibility of organic matter and cellulose increased, to result in similar intakes of digestible organic matter for all treatments.

In Experiment 2, 32 beef cattle were given rolled barley and the lucerne cobs in the ratio of 1: 2 at two levels, plus barley straw ad libitum. The treatments were compared in eight (4 × 4) Latin squares. Similar daily gains were supported by diets containing LI, L3 and L4. Performance on diets containing L2 was significantly poorer at both levels of feeding.

Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Production , Volume 24 , Issue 2 , April 1977 , pp. 221 - 226
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1977

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References

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