Abstract
Twelve heifers, including ten Holstein and two Brown Swiss were divided into four groups of three heifers each. Two of the groups, in which the heifers averaged 207 days of age at the start, were assigned to a ration containing a simple concentrate mixture while the other two groups, in which the heifers averaged 202 days of age at the start, were assigned to a ration containing a complex concentrate mixture for a continuous feeding trial, which involved 4 weeks of adjustment and 40 weeks of comparison period. Each group was fed daily 6 pounds per head of its respective concentrate mixture plus 2 pounds per head of green forage and an allowance of sorghum silage which increased gradually up to 28 pounds per head. Sixteen-hour shrunk-weights of heifers were obtained every fourth week. The average daily live-weight gains over the entire comparison period for heifers consuming the simple and complex concentrate mixtures were 1.11 and 1.02 pounds, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant. The average pounds of dry-matter intake required per pound of live-weight gain was significantly (P < 0.05) less for heifers consuming the simple than for those consuming the complex-concentrate mixture (10.68 vs. 11.95 pounds). The feed costs per pound of live-weight gain in heifers consuming the simple and complex concentrate mixtures were estimated as $0.38 and $0.44 respectively. It is concluded that simple concentrate mixtures which are entirely equal nutritionally to more complex mixtures for growing heifers can be prepared at the farm from purchased ingredients at a saving in cost.Downloads
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