Influence of Protein-Energy Balance on Growth, Production, and Reproduction in Pesisir Heifers

Abstract

The protein-energy ratio in Pesisir cattle diets plays a role in determining their productivity. We aimed to establish the most effective combination of crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in a ration to enhance the productivity of Pesisir heifers. We evaluated consumption, nutrient digestibility, production performance, and the percentage of first estrous in sixteen heifers at 12-15 m and averaging 100.09 kg in a randomized block design with a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial pattern, where factor A represented crude protein, and factor B represented the TDN level of the ration. The treatment combinations were A1B1 (CP 10% and TDN 60%), A1B2 (CP 10% and TDN 65%), A2B1 (CP 12% and TDN 60%), and A2B2 (CP 12% and TDN 65%). The results revealed a significant interaction between factors concerning consumption and nutrient digestibility. However, there was no significant interaction for production performance. Notably, the highest percentage of first estrous was found in heifers that received A1B2. A diet with 10% CP and 65% TDN could increase consumption, feed digestibility, production performance, and the estrous number of Pesisir heifers.