Meat Productivity of Hereford Breed Calves with the Carbohydrate Complex Diet

Abstract

In current conditions, we are increasing beef production, including through the organization of full-fledged feeding of growing young animals. The literature analysis indicates that the science of feeding contains a large set of experimental and practical data on the effect of feeding on the productivity of livestock. However, the questions about the influence of various types of feed additives on the composition of finished products have not been sufficiently worked out, which determined that the task we set is relevant. In this regard, we have set ourselves to increase the productivity of young animals by enriching the diet with a new carbohydrate complex. The paper considers changes in live weight, slaughter indicators, the carcass's morphological composition and chemical indicators of the average minced meat sample of young Hereford cattle, consuming different dosages of the Felutsen complex. The analysed additive stimulated animal growth due to a better nutrient intake. The intergroup difference between animals at the age of one and a half years reached 14.60-29.4 kg (2.82-5.65%). Compared to the control animals, the experimental ones receiving an average dosage had higher hot carcass and slaughter weights by 5% and the slaughter yield by more than 1%. The carcass's morphological composition also improved with higher meat proportion and less bone and connective tissue. A comparative analysis of minced meat samples' chemical composition showed the differences in the dry matter, fat, protein and ash content. "Felutsen" K 2-4 supplement at a dose of 50, 100 and 150 g/animal/day (from 6 to 12 months), "Felutsen" K 2-6 at a dose of 100, 150 and 200 g/animal/day (from 12 to 18 months) had the greatest effect. The conducted study found that a carbohydrate complex in the diet of calves raised for meat production positively affects growth and development indicators. It contributes to better slaughter qualities, more intensive muscle tissue development resulting in a better morphological composition of carcasses.