Effect of Different Feed Options on Growth Response of Two Years Aged Begaria Bulls for Export Market Weight Gain at Pawe Agricultural Research Center

Abstract

The experiment conducted at Pawe Agricultural Research Center, with the objective to evaluate Begaria bulls for attaining the required export market weight of 300kg and their carcass characteristics of under different feeding options. The experiment conducted for ninety days. The experimental treatments were: (T1), Natural pasture hay + 2500 gram maize grain + 390 gram soybean grain, (T2), Natural pasture hay + 2500 gram maize grain + 530 gram noug seed cake (NSC), (T3), Natural pasture hay + 2500 gram maize grain + 182 gram soybean grain + 268 gram NSC, and (T4), Natural pasture hay + 2500 gram maize grain + 268 gram soybean grain + 134 gram NSC. Natural pasture hay was provided to the bulls adlibitum throughout the experimental periods and concentrate supplements were provided twice a day with pre-determined amount. Experimental animals (bulls) fed on T3 were showed higher in total dry matter intake (7.86kg/day), crud protein intake (743.92gr/day), final body weight (262.80kg), average daily gain (0.99kg) and slaughter body weight (268.75kg). Feeding Begaria bulls with combinations in treatment three can result in better performance. Achieving the export market weight (300kg) of Begaria bulls may need further investigation and better management at growing stages of the bulls.