Effect of Substitution of Corn Grains by Bakery Meal in Beef Calves Ration on Their Zootechnical Performance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of partial and/or complete substitution of corn grains by bakery meal in beef calves ration on their zootechnical performance and productivity. A total of 56 calves with an average body weight of 260±12 kg were randomly assigned into four equal groups (14 calves each). Calves in the first group were fed on basal corn-soybean ration and calves in the second, third and fourth group were fed separately on three iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric rations in which 25,50 and 100% of corn were replaced by bakery meal (BM) respectively. Results of the substitution of corn grains by BM in the third and fourth group significantly (p<0.05) improved the average body weight at 50 and 100% levels of substitution. The recorded data in the second group showed only numerical insignificant improvement of the final weight compared with the control group. Better feed conversion ratios were recorded in groups fed on BM as well. Blood parameters measured indicated that only 100% level of substitution significantly (p<0.05) affects ALT, AST, total serum proteins, serum albumin and globulin. Blood glucose levels were significantly (p<0.05) increased at all levels of substitution and the serum urea levels were decreased. In addition, BM improved some rumen Parameters (Motility of rumen flora was increased while the ammonia Concentration was decreased in the rumen). BM had positive and acceptable effects on rumen pH and total volatile fatty acids produced. In conclusion BM can be successfully incorporated into feedlot rations.

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