GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND GROWTH IN CATTLE GIVEN MOLASSES UREA BASED DIETS

Two growth trials are described. In Experiment 1, 2 groups of 4 steers were given either a basal diet of molasses containing 4% (w/w) urea (Diet A) or the basal diet supplemented with 82 fish meal (Diet B). In Experiment 2, the steers were reallocated into three groups and given either Diet A (2 animals), Diet B (2 animals) or Diet C (4 animals; the basal diet supplemented with 12% fish meal). All diets included a mineral and vitamin supplement and each animal was given 1.5 kg cereal hay per day. Dry matter intake and liveweight change were recorded for each group for a period of 93 d and 51 d for Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 respectively . Glucose entry rates were estimated in both experiments from a single injection of [2H] glucose. The parameters of glucose metabolism did not vary significantly when 3