Studies on the feed-lot performance of male Holstein-Friesian cattle under private farm conditions

This study was done to investigate the feed-lot performance of male Holstein-Friesian cattle in private farms. The material of the study was feed-lot cattle at 9-15 months of age on 11 various farms in the Havsa province of Edirne State.

Body weight, daily and monthly weight gain, feed consumption and conversion were investigated in feed-lot cattle during the study. Number of animals reared together, age, season and live weight at the beginning of feed-lot were also investigated as effective environment factors. Statistical analysis was done by using least squares means, Duncan-test and contrast-test.

The investigated male Holstein-Friesian feed-lot cattle scored the following during the period (5 months): body weight averages: 327.1 kg. 357.7 kg, 388.2 kg, 420.2 kg. 450.3 kg and 480.7 kg: total average body weight gain in feed-lot 153.5 kg: daily average body weight gain according to the months 1020.0 g. 1015.4 g, 1066.2 g, 1004.2 g and 1012.1 g; average daily body weight gain during entire feed-lot 1023.6 g; daily feed consumption averages 8. İ kg: feed amount to gain 1 kg live weight (feed conversion) 8.01 kg.

Environmental factors created significant (P<0.001) effects on body weight, during the entire feed-lot period. These factors effects on monthly and daily live weight gain was significant at the beginning (P<0.01) and during the first month of feed-lot (P<0.05) but not significant at other periods.

According to the results of this study, it is observed that male Holstein cattle have the satisfying feed-lot performance levels. In order to increase feed-lot performance levels. In order to increase feed-lot performance and utilisation of the animals, it is necessary to improve the present management conditions.