Effect of Using Different Rations of (Phragmites cummins) Wild Reed Hay and Concentrate Feed in Some Carcass Characteristics of Friesian Calves

Abstract

The current study was conducted in the field of the Department of animal resources College of Agriculture - University of Tikrit, for the period from 11/28/2012 till 02/25/2013. Using nine Friesian calves , at average age of 16 months weighted at average 242.77 ± 10.60 kg. were distributed Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment by three Total Mixed Rations (TMR) of different levels of Concentrate : Roughage feed (C:R) 60:40 , 40:60 and 50:50 on dry matter base for the three groups respectively . the Roughage feed part of rations the wild reed hay cane by 3% date syrup of roughage feed , calves were fed and given animals for free consumption . studied effects of those percentages in some calves carcasses characters (hot and cold carcasses weight, dressing percentage , carcasses main cuts and rib eye area) . The results showed no significant differences between all treatments in both dressing percentage , hot and cold carcasses and rib eye area and carcasses main cuts rations except shoulder cut of third treatment except statistically excel first treatment in all traits .