SELECTION DUAL-PURPOSE AND BEEF BULLS FOR GREATER FEED-INTAKE AND HIGHER FEED-EFFICIENCY .1. FEED-INTAKE

Studies were made into the feed intake capacity of dual-purpose bulls and crossbred beef bulls aged 3 to 15 months. Test periods and rations varied. The energy percentage of the rations supplied by concentrates ranged between 40 and 90%. Feed intake rates (kg DM/day) differed between 3.7 and 7.8 kg; variation coefficients were between 4.0 and 10.9%. Correlations with live weight, daily weight gain on test and rump height were loose to moderate. Moderate to high correlations were estimated between single test periods and the overall test period, indicating that it may be possible to shorten the feed intake test period. A testing scheme for bulls is recommended, involving both performance testing and progeny testing.