REVIEW: PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS, NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS AND SOME CONSIDERATIONS WHEN FEEDING BEEF COWS

Abstract

      The beef production industry of Viet Nam currently cannot meet the domestic demands and Viet Nam had to import increasing large quantities of both live cattle and frozen beef from foreign countries. Therefore, it is necessary to advance the domestic beef production. In beef industry, the determination of cattle requirements might be the main critical issues because feed is a major cost item which represents over 65% of total cost, and feed is one of the main factors effecting animal performance. Adequate supply of feed for nutrient requirements of a beef herd can maximize their productivities and reproductive performance, ensure animal welfare, and maximize profit of producers. This paper discussed the main physiological characteristics, the formulations to calculate the nutrition requirements, and some critical points needed to be considered when feeding heifers, pregnant beef cows, and lactating beef cows. This information will be useful for further researches and applications in beef production of Viet Nam.