Drought feeding of cattle. II. Comparison of daily and weekly feeding of all-grain rations: with observations on vitamin A status

Abstract

Hereford steers and heifers in poor store condition, and from 16 to 22 months old, were fed daily or weekly on whole wheat at the rate of 3.5 lb (estimated to supply 2.5 lb of starch equivalent) per day with the addition of 1 per cent. finely ground limestone. In one experiment of 16 weeks' duration, weights were maintained at about the same level (450 lb) in both groups. However, when the experiment terminated the cattle from the weekly fed group were livelier, had shed their winter coats to a greater extent, and showed more advanced eruption of the incisor teeth. In addition the values for haematocrit, haemoglobin, and red cell counts were significantly higher. In a second experiment over a period of 19 weeks, the average weights fell from 469 lb to 438 lb in the daily fed group and to 403 lb in the weekly fed group. The difference in liveweight was not significant. No improvement was observed in the activity or appearance of the cattle on weekly feeding on this occasion, although haematological examinations showed a trend in favour of this group. Additional experiments confirmed the practicability of weekly feeding for cattle and the relative ease with which the system could be introduced. However, weekly feeding incurred a greater risk of digestive disturbance and losses were heavier than with daily feeding. Cattle on carotene-deficient drought rations for 38 weeks showed no patent night blindness or other evidence of vitamin A deficiency, although individual serum vitamin A values fell as low as 2 µg per 100 ml.