Energy and protein requirements of Belgian Blue double-muscled bulls

Energy and protein requirements were determined for Belgian Blue double-muscled (BB dm) bulls based on the results of two feeding trials and a trial with serial slaughtering. The results of the serial slaughter experiment allowed calculation of chemical composition and energy content of the empty body, as well as protein and energy deposition at various live weights between 350 and 650 kg. Protein requirements were calculated based on the protein requirements for maintenance, the protein mass accreted and the efficiency of protein accretion. Efficiency of protein deposition (g protein accretion/g protein intake for accretion) was derived from the feeding experiments based on marginal protein levels; it decreased from 0.53 to 0.44 with increasing live weight. Energy requirements were also derived from the same database. Net energy for maintenance was estimated, with these animals that received an optimum energy/protein ratio, by subtracting the net energy retained from the net energy intake. Requirements were then determined by summation of the energy requirements for maintenance and the energy requirements for accretion. Conclusively, energy and protein requirements were determined for BE dm bulls for live weights from 350 to 650 kg and for different growth rates. As such, surpluses of energy and protein that BE dm animals require compared to other beef breeds, were quantified. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.