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 Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Traub, D. A. Articles by Kesler, E. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Traub, D. A. Articles by Kesler, E. M.

Effect of Dietary Protein-Energy Ratios on Digestion and Growth of Holstein Calves at Ages 8 to 18 Weeks, and on Free Amino Acids in Blood

Department of Dairy Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

ABSTRACT

Responses to varying ratios of dietary protein to energy were observed in Holstein calves 8 to 18 weeks of age. Four equal groups of seven males each were fed practical rations of readily available feedstuffs. Ratios of protein:energy were 1:15.1, 1:17.3, 1:19.1 and 1:25.5 (grams digestible protein per kilocalorie of digestible energy) by varying the proportions of soybean oil meal and. corn. Growth and feed utilization were similar for the four groups. Average daily gain was 1.12 kg and feed consumption averaged 4.26 kg per calf daily. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and of energy was higher by calves on diets having 1:15.1 and 1:25.5 ratios than by those receiving intermediate ratios. Digestibility of nitrogen was greatest in the group fed the 1:15.1 ratio. Total free amino acids of the blood were significantly higher in those groups on the 1:15.1 and 1:17.3 ratios than in the other two groups. Significant differences for serine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine were similar to those of total amino acids.

¹ Present address: Beacon Milling Company, Cayuga, New York.