Growth Performance of Brown Swiss Calves Fed Early and Late Cut Hay from Meadow Fertilized by Two Levels of N and P₂ O₅

Abstract

Comakli, B., Yanar, M., Tuzemen, N., Tan, M., Turgut, L. and Mentese, Ö. 2005. Growth performance of Brown Swiss, calves fed early and late cut hay from meadow fertilized by two levels of N and P₂ O₅. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 27: 35–38.

To determine effects of rations mainly formed by early or late-bloom cut hay from meadows fertilized by N and P₂ O₅ or not fertilized, on the growth performance, 20 female Brown Swiss calves (6–12 m) were fed for 129 days. Average daily weight gain, feed per unit weight gain and total intake of meadow hay were better for hay from meadows fertilized with N and P₂ O₅ as compared to hay from not fertilized meadow. Similarly these parameters were better for calves fed early bloom hay than for calves fed late bloom hay. Application of N and P₂ O₅ fertilizers and early cutting stage for meadow hay is suggested for providing better growth performance and feed efficiency traits of the Brown Swiss calves.

Keywords:

• Brown Swiss
• calves
• average daily gains
• fertilization
• cutting stage