Abstract 404

Ikhatua,-UJ; Olubajo,-FO; Adeleye,-IOA

National Animal Production Research Inst., Ahmadu Bello Univ., P.M.B. 1096, Zaria, Nigeria.

Bulletin-of-Animal-Health-and-Production-in-Africa. 1985, 33: 2, 153-156; 19 ref.

During 2 trials lasting 63 days and ending with a collection period of 7 days 36 White Fulani (Bunaji), German Brown and German Brown X N'Dama steers 2 years old weighing initially 200 kg were given hay or fresh grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). Although there was no significant difference among breeds in intake of DM, total digestible nutrients and metabolizable energy, White Fulani steers showed better ability in digesting most nutrients than did the other breeds. Voluntary feed intake on a DM basis was 2.6% of bodyweight for White Fulani and 2.1% for the other breeds. Mean daily gain for White Fulani, German Brown and German Brown X N'Dama was 0.42, 0.36 and 0.37 kg and feed intake was 10.6, 11.9 and 11.2 kg/kg gained.