Effect of acid detergent fiber content in feed on carcass characteristics of crossbred steers
2000
Koga, T. (Fukuoka-ken. Agricultural Research Center, Chikushino (Japan)) | Hirashima, Y. | Tokumitsu, S.
Eighteen crossbred steers (Japanese Black x Holstein) were fed from 10 months old to 25 months old (the first fattening period from 10 to 14 months old, middle fattening period from 15 to 19 months old, last fattening period from 20 to 25 months old.) with a differentiated acid detergent fiber (ADF) content in the feed. They were divided into two groups based on the feed. GroupA was given feed with a high ADF ratio in the first and middle fattening periods (first period: 16% ADF, middle period: 14% ADF), groupB was fed the control feed (first period: 14% ADF, middle period: 12% ADF). With regard to the dry matter intake of the feed. there was no difference between groupA and B in body weight gain and final body weight. Their carcass weights and rib-eye areas were equivalent. But, on the carcass characteristics, groupA was significantly superior to those of groupB. According to a digital computer analysis of marbling, the excellence of groupA was definite. The insulin concentration in the blood changed with time. The change in groupA was lower for the first and middle fattening periods, and increased during the last fattening period. These results suggest that carcass characteristics of crossbred steer would be improved by application of feed with an ADF concentration adjusted to 16% for the first fattening period, and one adjusted to 14% ADF for the middle fattening period
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