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Document Type

Thesis

Date of this Version

7-1959

Citation

Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1959. Department of Animal Husbandry.

Comments

Copyright 1959, the author. Used by permission.

Abstract

The feeds that are available for cattle production in Turkey consist primarily of low quality roughages. Furthermore, high protein and energy feeds are not available in sufficient quantities to supplement the cattle rations. The lack of knowledge and dissemination of information to the public on the proper supplementation of the low quality feeds has hindered the progress of cattle production in Turkey.

The weight of calves at birth and weaning and the mature weight of cattle in Turkey, are generally much lighter than of those raised in America. Also, the level of feeding and management practices differ a great deal. In view of these and several other differences which exist in Turkey and America, it would be difficult to approach the problems in Turkey by using animals, feeds and other tools that are available in America. Nevertheless, the knowledge gained on the basic principles involved in planning, conducting experiments and in the interpretation of their results should aid greatly in the progress of animal agriculture in Turkey.

One of the primary objectives of this study was to determine the value of certain supplements that can be sued for more efficient use of poor quality roughages. To be more specific, the following objectives were considered:

  1. To determine the value of a pelleted low grade roughage for wintering calves.

  2. To compare 1 pound of ground shelled corn and 1 pound of soybean oil meal as supplement to the low quality roughage.

  3. To compare alfalfa hay with soybean oil meal as a supplementary source of protein for wintering calves on a low quality roughage ration.

Twenty- four “good to choice” quality weanling Hereford steer calves were used in this experiment to study the value of supplementing pelleted low grade roughage for wintering calves. All of the calves were individually fed from January 6, 1959 until May 22, 1959, a total of 135 days. Calcium and/or phosphorus supplements were added to the rations to meet the minimum requirements recommended by the National Research Council. Proximate chemical analyses were made on the ration ingredients. Gross energy determinations were also made on the feed samples.

Advisor: J. Matsushima

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