Abstract
An experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient contents of concentrated feed and Total Mixed Ration (TMR) samples taken from 6 feedlot farms in Kirikkale province and their compensation of bulls’ requirements. In the province, 6 farms active in the feedlot business were identified, and their manufactured feed and TMR samples were taken at 15-day intervals, starting from cattle received either from Europe or South America. For all periods, in each sample, crude fat (EE), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), crude cellulose (CS), dry matter (DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels were determined based on Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Metabolizable Energy levels of Total Mixed Rations (TMR) and concentrate part of feeds were calculated based on Turkish Standard Institute (TSE) method. The determined values were evaluated according to animal numbers (herd size) in feedlot and fattening periods. It was determined whether the size of the feedlot farm has an effect on TMR preparation and the nutrients in TMR are matching with the beef cattle requirements during the fattening period. Data was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA and means were separated by using LSD. Results showed that CP levels of the TMRs were significantly higher than the requirements listed in Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle published by National Research Council (NRC) in both cattle receiving fattening periods (0–45 days and 45–90 days) (P < 0,05). Additionally, cattle feeders fed their cattle with similar protein levels independent from the size of feedlot (P > 0,05), unexpectedly. Although it was compared with requirements, energy levels were similar in all feedlots (P > 0,05). All determined nutrients levels of concentrate parts of TMRs in large and small herds were similar (P > 0,05). In conclusion, considering that this situation absolutely increases cost of fattening and may cause metabolic diseases.
Keywords: Nutrients, Fattening periods, Forage, Concentrate feed, Ration, Nutrients