2017/12/20 by D. Bastien, D. Le Pichon, Bastien, Didier +11
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · #0 #Agriculture and Rural Development Research #Alfalfa #Bœufs #Engraissement #Fattening #Grass #Herbe #Jeunes bovins #Luzerne #Red clover #Steers #Trèfle violet #Young bulls
paper · doi:10.15454/1.5137757610632153e12
openalex publication_date 2017/12/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
Regarding suckler farming, male marketing value is considered as a key stake for the sustainability of herds. The objective of the project was to study some alternatives for the fattening of these males through less expensive and more self-sufficient production models. Livestock feeding models tested were based on surveys performed within the different levels of the value chain. Thus, the feeds studied in order to achieve a better self-sufficiency in diets were forage legume species (alfalfa or red clover for protein self-sufficiency), and also grasses (as a protein and energetic intake). Very positive technical and economical results related to fattening diets including alfalfa and red clover were collected. Diets including grasses to produce young bulls carcasses of 430 kg or 400 kg or steers carcasses of 350 kg, seem to give encouraging results, but still need to be optimized through extra studies. Carcasses and meats obtained with these feeding methods meet market needs. Adding these feeds into diets led to an advantageous impact on the nutritional quality of the meats and did not reduce their tenderness. Finally, significant gains in self-sufficiency were noticed for these feed managements.