Abstract

A study was conducted in Thailand with the aim of evaluating compensatory growth of emaciated cattle fed on ad libitum total mixed rations (TMR) under smallholder feedlot management. Two farms were identified where 121 cattle of various degrees of emaciation were bought for fattening trial. Cattle were grouped according to the degree of emaciation within respective pens and were fed on same type of feed throughout the feeding period. Feed intake was estimated on daily basis and was noted to be low during the start of the feeding trial but gradually increased in an increased rate up to the end of feeding period. The cattle with low weights and body condition scores at the beginning of feeding trial gained more weights than their counterparts which started with high body weights and high body condition scores. There was a significant (P < 0.01) difference between treatments in both weight gains and body condition scores. Final weight gains for bulls in a mixed pen under same feedlot environment were also significantly (P < 0.01) different. A positive linear correlation (r = 0.54) was also observed between weight gains of cattle and feed intake. It was concluded that degree of emaciation, feed intake, breed difference and sex significantly influenced compensatory growth.

Key words: Compensatory growth, ad libitum, feedlot, live weight, body condition score.