Evaluation of resorcytic acid lactone as a growth stimulant for beef cattle
1984
Nwokolo, E. | Tait, R.M. | Kitts, W.D. (British Columbia Univ., Vancouver (Canada))
60 Hereford steers each weighing 220 kg + 10 kg were used in a 193-day study to evaluate the influence of resorcylic acid lactone (Ralgro) implantation on growth rate, feed conversion and carcass characteristics of animals placed on 3 dietary treatments. The experimental design was a 3x2 factorial. Dietary treatments were rolled barley, rolled barley+alfalfa or alfalfa. Ralgro implantation was at zero or 36 mg/steer. Results indicated significant differences in average daily gain and feed conversion ratio between implanted and unimplanted steers. In the high and moderate energy diets (rolled barley, barley+alfalfa respectively), growth rate was similar, irrespective of implantation with Ralgro. In both implanted and unimplanted steers, alfalfa was associated with significantly depressed growth rate. Dietary treatment but not Ralgro implantation, influenced carcass characteristics. Possible application of these results to the Nigerian beef industry was discussed
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