Effect of Energy Source and Level of Alfalfa Pellets on Growth and Tissue Lipids of Beef Calves

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Abstract
Isocaloric quantities of barley and animal fat were fed with three levels of alfalfa pellets to 72 Hereford steers during a 2-year period. Grass hay and a mineral mix were fed free choice. An interaction between source of energy and alfalfa level indicated that a high level of alfalfa pellets plus a source of starch were necessary for the utilization of animal fat by cattle. Differences in digestibility did not account for the responses obtained. Plasma fat, cholesterol, lipid phosphorus, carotene and vitamin A, and liver cholesterol and carotene were elevated by dietary fat. Plasma fat, cholesterol, lipid phosphorus, carotene and liver vitamin A were lowered by the addition of alfalfa pellets to the diet of the cattle. Barley had no apparent effect on tissue composition. Copyright © 1963. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1963 by American Society of Animal Science