Food intake and live-weight gain comparisons of Bos indicus and Bos taurus steers on a high plane of nutrition

Abstract

1. The voluntary dry-matter and water intakes of indigenous and exotic cattle on high plane rations have been compared under similar conditions of management.2. At similar live weights, exotic cattle have a much higher feed intake relative to maintenance than indigenous cattle.3. Water intake was closely related to dry-matter intake, irrespective of live weight, and varied only very slightly between the two types of cattle.4. Exotic cattle were more than twice as efficient as indigenous cattle in converting feed into live-weight gain. It is suggested that this is largely a reflection of the increased feed intake, relative to maintenance requirements.5. Stage of maturity, degree of fatness and their relation to conversion efficiency are discussed.