Some Effects on Beef Cattle of Protein and Energy Restriction

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Abstract
Weight gains of identical twin beef calves were restricted between the ages of 6 and 12 months by the use of rations including some that were low both in protein and caloric value. Calves fed a ration containing only about enough energy to maintain body weight and only 2.5% protein lost weight while those fed 2 other rations of similar caloric value but more liberally supplied with protein made small gains. Eight different rations were fed to 11 pairs of animals. When one co-twin had been retarded more than the other, slaughter of the more retarded animal was delayed until its degree of fatness approximated the final condition of its co-twin. Slaughter weights of co-twins were similar. In spite of the drastic treatments given some animals, efficiency of feed utilization and carcass and meat quality of co-twins with one possible exception were similar. The exception consisted of a lower degree of desirability of fat of two of the animals fed ration 1 as compared with the fat of their well fed co-twins. Within one of the pairs this was likewise true of the lean meat while within the other pair the situation was reversed. When energy intake was held near maintenance, changes in bodyweight were positively correlated with level of protein intake.

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