Performance and economic evaluation of young finished feedlot bulls fed different concentrate levels in the diet

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance and economic viability of young bulls slaughtered at 14-16 months old, fed on different concentrate levels in the diet. Sixteen young bulls were randomly distributed and fed with 22, 40, 59 or 79% concentrate in the diet, resulting in four replications per treatment. The initial age and weight were 9.32 months and 192.44 kg, respectively. Final age, final weight, neutral fiber detergent intake, feed conversion and monthly profit decreased with increasing concentrate levels. The dry matter intake as percentage of live weight and metabolic size showed quadratic variation, increasing to 67 and 75% concentrate in the diet, respectively. The digestible energy intake and average daily weight gain increased with increases in concentrate levels. The increase in the level of dietary concentrate from 22 to 79% increased the animal performance, but decreased the profitability of young finished feedlot bulls at 14-16 months old.