HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bohman, V. R. Articles by Wade, M. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Bohman, V. R. Articles by Wade, M. A.

Influence of Dietary Supplements on Growth of Beef Calves on Semi-Desert Range¹

University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

The growth of 160 weanling calves on semi-desert range during a period of 4 years was studied. Dietary supplements of phosphorus, energy (barley), protein (cottonseed meal, soybean meal and alfalfa) were fed to part of the animals in a 2 x 4 factorial-designed experiment. All cattle grazed the same range but were individually fed supplements in portable pens as they came in for water. During the winter all supplements except phosphorus increased the rate of gain above the control animals. Cattle fed protein supplements grew significantly faster than those fed the barley supplement. The rate of gain was equal for the protein-supplemented groups. During the summer, only phosphorus increased the rate of gain but for the entire year both phosphorus and winter protein supplements resulted in greater gains. Large yearly variatons in growth response were observed. Blood analyses were made periodically. The level of circulatory erythrocytes was greater when protein supplements were fed. Phosphorus supplements consistently increased the level of plasma phosphorus. Alfalfa, as a carotene source, had no effect on the level of plasma carotene or vitamin A. Cattle supplemented with barley had the highest level of plasma carotene; those supplemented with protein were least.

¹ Supported in part by a grant from the Atomic Energy Commission and in cooperation with the Western Regional Project, W-34, Range Livestock Nutrition.

² Department of Animal Husbandry.

³ Present address: Extension Service, University of California, Fresno, Calif.

⁴ Present address: Phillips Petroleum Co., Arco, Idaho.