Livestock Studies 2004, Vol 44, Num, 1     (Pages: 007-016)

Fattenning performance and optimum slaughter weights of Simmental bulls in different starting ages

Mustafa ALTUNTAŞ 1 ,Rafet ARPACIK 2

1 Tarım İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü
2 Ankara Üniversitesi, Veteriner Fakültesi, Zootekni Anabilim Dalı
- The aim of this experiment was to determine of optimum final weights and fattenning performance of Simmental young bulls. Twenty four animals were allocated into three groups according to age and Liwe-weights. Each group consisted of 8 animals. Initial average Live weights and age of animals in groups were 230.5 kg - 290.5 days (group I) 134.1kg - 175.0 days (groups II) and 118.0 kg - 134.9 days (group III), respectively.

Optimum final weights of groups were 505.7, 505.9 and 504.8 kg , respectively. Average fattening periods in the groups were 224, 308 and 364 days and average daily live-weighs gains were 1228, 1207 and 1062 grams. The differences between third and the other groups were statistically significant (P<0.01). The difference between first and second group was not significant.

The average feed intakes (concentrates + roughages) and dry matter per kg live weight gain in the groups were 18.7, 14.9 and 15.4 kg ; 9.3 , 7.4 and 7.7 kg , respectively.

The dressing percentage (calculated from cold carcases), bone ratio and kidney fat in the groups 60.57, 61.34, 59.33 % ; 15.46, 14.90, 15.16 % and 9.36, 7.76, 6.16 kg, respectively. The differences between groups were not statisticaly significant.

It was concluded that, optimum final weights of simmental bulls were about 500 kg. Suitable initial weight and age found to be 135 kg and six mounths for fattennig of simmental bulls. Keywords : Simmental, optimum final weight, slaughter, carcass charecteristics