EFFECTS OF THREE PROTEIN LEVELS WITH AND WITHOUT ADDED FAT ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAVY VEAL CALVES

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Abstract
Twenty-four Holstein bull calves were fed high concentrate rations containing 12, 15 or 18% crude protein (as fed basis), with or without 4% added tallow, from 12 wk of age (avg wt 85 kg) to 200 kg liveweight. Seven calves were removed from trial during the course of the experiment due to salmonellosis (1), bloat (3) and calcium or magnesum deficiency (3). Dietary protein level had no effect (P < 0.05) on average daily gains, feed intake, or feed efficiency. Average daily gains were 1.02, 0.95 and 0.93 kg for 12, 15 and 18% protein diets, respectively. Calves fed 4% added tallow were more efficient in feed conversion than those fed no added tallow (adjusted mean difference of 0.43 ±.29 kg feed per kg gain, P < 0.05). Increasing levels of dietary protein produced a significant linear increase in protein content (P < 0.05) of meat samples. The addition of 4% dietary tallow increased the water, protein and fat content of bone samples and depressed ash. Taste panel ratings for flavor, tenderness and overall satisfaction were higher for calves that received no added tallow in their rations. Feed cost per kg gain was lowest for the ration containing 12% protein and 0% added fat. It was concluded that a 12% crude protein high-grain ration fed to calves from 12 wk to 200 kg resulted in performance comparable to 15 and 18% protein rations and that the only benefit from added fat was an improvement in feed efficiency.

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