Growth rate in young animals is closely related to feed intake. Restriction followed by adequate feeding results in compensatory growth. During the latter period high growth rates are observed. The aim of this study was to look at metabolic and hormonal parameters associated with two different growth patterns, e.g. normal growing-fattening and restricted growth followed by compensatory growth in young bulls of the highly productive Belgian Blue breed.

Twelve young Belgian Blue (BB) bulls (initial weight 233 kg) were given, during a 202 days growing period either a normal (control group, +) or a restricted diet (compensatory growth group, -). The imposed growth rates were 1 kg/d and .3 kg/d respectively. In the subsequent fattening period the same fattening diet was given to both groups. The fattening period lasted for 82 and 194 days for the + and - group respectively.