The effects of the plane of nutrition in early post-natal life on the subsequent growth and development of cattle

Abstract

The effect of the plane of nutrition in the first 13 weeks of post-natal life of cattle on their subsequent growth rate, body shape, and carcass composition up to 12 months of age was studied. No compensatory growth to 12 months of age was observed in calves reared to 13 weeks on low planes of nutrition. There were no significant differences between Friesian and Hereford x Friesian calves, or between males and females in empty body weight or weight gains. Treatment up to 13 weeks of age had no effect on heart girth, round, head length and width, and cannon bone length, but the remaining body measurements were reduced by low planes of nutrition during this period. Differences in carcass composition were largely a reflection of the differences in empty body weight. The carcasses of the males were heavier than those of the females and the females contained a higher proportion of fat. Carcass composition, as estimated by shin dissection, indicated that Friesian calves contained more muscle than the Hereford x Friesians, and the males more muscle than the females.