Effect of Forage Feeding Level on Performance, Meat Quality and Economic Cost of Holstein Beef Calves Fed Organic Diet

The aim of this study was to compare conventional and organic diets in beef production. Thirty-two dairy beef calves were used in 4 treatments: organic diet with three levels of forage [70% of organic diet with high amount of forage (ORH), 55% of organic diet with medium amount of forage (ORM), 38% of organic diet with low amount of forage (ORL)] and conventional diet (CON). The dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) of calves were measured. The calves were then slaughtered at the end of the study. DMI was significantly differed among groups after the 5th period. However, FCR and ADG were significantly differed among the treatments in several periods. Carcass physical size, lipid and cholesterol were lower in organic diets compared to the CON. Significant increases were observed in organic meat for C18:2, C18: 3 fatty acids, heminic iron, a-tocopherol and beta-carotene. The results of the study showed that calves fedorganic diet with high amount of forage had significantly lower FCR compared to the other diets.