@article{MAKHILLJAVA200653391,
    title = {Effects of Dietary Crude Protein Level on Growth Performance and Blood Parameters of Holstein Heifers and Steers Fed Ad Libitum},
    journal = {Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances},
    volume = {5},
    number = {3},
    pages = {215-219},
    year = {2006},
    issn = {1680-5593},
    doi = {javaa.2006.215.219},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1680-5593&doi=javaa.2006.215.219},
    author = {Mehmet Ali Bal and},
    keywords = {Growth,heifer,steer,protein,urea N},
    abstract = {Two levels of dietary CP on growth performance, feed efficiency and blood parameters of Holstein heifers and steers were examined.  Experimental diets consisted of 12 and 16% CP along with 2.5 Mcal kg <SUP>1</SUP> of ME  (DM  basis).   Ratios  of CP: ME were 49 and 64 g/Mcal for 12 and 16% CP containing diets, respectively.  Eight animals were assigned to each experimental diet in a 2X2 factorial arrangement of completely randomized design for 8 wk period.  Diets containing 48% corn silage and 52% concentrate (DM basis) were fed twice daily in a total mixed ration.  Intake of DM was higher for 12% CP (11.0 kg d <SUP>1</SUP>) compared to 16% CP containing diet (7.7 kg d <SUP>1</SUP>) across the groups.  There was a higher BW gain for steers (1.27 kg d <SUP>1</SUP>) compared to heifers (0.99 kg d <SUP>1</SUP>) but no significant dietary CP level difference was observed for BW.  Feed efficiency was higher for 16% CP (0.17) compared to 12% CP containing diet (0.11).  There was no significant difference detected for serum urea N (8.6 mg dL <SUP>1</SUP>) and creatinine (1.1 mg dL <SUP>1</SUP>) concentrations between treatment groups.  Data indicates that heifers during the growth period responded to 12% dietary CP better than 16% CP based on higher BW gain (1.16 kg d <SUP>1</SUP>) and lower serum urea N concentration (8.3 mg dL <SUP>1</SUP>).  In steers, no difference in BW gain but higher feed  efficiency  (0.17  vs.  0.11)  made  16%  CP  containing  diet  more  preferable  than  12%  CP  during  the growth period.}
    }