Review on Optimum Feeding Levels to maximize Beef Production - Case Study with Egyptian Water Buffaloes

• Published in: The Journal of the Korean Society of International Agriculture Vol. 23; no. 3
• Main Authors: Cho, W.M., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Ki, K.S., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Lee, H.J., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Kim, S.B., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Im, D.H., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Choi, J.K., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Choi, Y.H., National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2011
• Subjects: BEEF CATTLE; BOVIN DE BOUCHERIE; EGIPTO; EGYPT; EGYPTE; feed intakes; FORRAJE GROSERO; FOURRAGE GROSSIER; GANADO DE CARNE; PRODUCCION; PRODUCTION; ROUGHAGE
• ISSN: 1225-8504

This study reviewed optimum feed intake levels to maximize beef production in Egypt. To achieve maximum beef production efficiency, feeding system during growing period is very important because reticulo-rumen rapidly develops at this time. It is necessary to supply good quality roughage and concentrate diets until the calves reach 12 months of age. Also restricted feeding of concentrate diets from weaning to yearling is required to make calves to intake enough good quality of roughage. Size and microbial eco-environment of the rumen development depends on the physical structure of the roughage. After the rumen became mature, it's microbes require certain amount of roughage in the diet to maintain their survival such as pH. However, when only concentrate diets are given, ruminal pH drops to acidic condition and there may occur an abnormal physiological condition, so called, acidosis, which, in acute case, may cause death of the animal. Acidosis can lead to many secondary problems including bloat, low milk components (especially milk fat), reduced DM intake, displaced abomasum, reduced immunity, poor milk production, and so on. Water is the medium in which all chemical reactions in the body take place. Blood, which contains 80% water, is vital in transporting oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues. Therefore, for the optimum strategy to maximize beef production in Egypt, more specified researches on feeding strategies, such as use of concentrates, way to increase feed intake levels, control of dry matter intake, the other factors affecting feed intake or drinking water quality should be made.