Zootechnical Fattening Protocol for Mixed Breed Young Bulls with Zoo-sanitary Management System

Abstract

The objective of this study is to reduce the cost of raising beef cattle in Algeria by proposing a Zootechnical fattening protocol for breeders. The study was carried out on mixed-breed young bulls (Charolais x local breeds). Food rations were distributed daily; the first ration (F1) was made up of soybeans while the second ration (F2) was made of tomato pulp supplemented with sodium bicarbonate. Parameters calculated were the Average Daily Gain (ADG), quantity of faeces eliminated, and weight of each bull. The ADG results shown in F1 and F2 are close. The addition of Sodium Bicarbonate in the F2 ration helps to alleviate certain digestive disorders, particularly acidosis and diarrhoea; therefore, reducing the production costs per kg of meat obtained from bulls fed with tomato which was available annually. The proposed protocol improved fillet yield and lowered the cost per kg of meat. It can be applied internationally in any rudimentary livestock farm.