Evaluation of the 1996 Beef Cattle NRC Model Predictions of Intake and Gain for Calves Fed Low or Medium Energy Density Diets

Authors

Trey Patterson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dennis R. Brink, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2000

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2000, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Data from feeding 54 diets in seven previous beef cattle growing studies were used to evaluate the 1996 NRC model for the accuracy of intake and gain predictions. Calf weights and diets were inputs into the model, and actual intakes were used to calculate predicted gain and actual gains were used to calculate predicted intakes. The model over-predicted calf intakes on low quality diets and under-predicted intakes on high quality diets. The model over-predicted gains on high quality diets and under-predicted gains on low quality diets. The NRC model did not accurately predict performance of cattle on low quality roughage diets.