Forty-seven bovines (average live weight of 266 kg), 16 zebu and 31 dairy crossbreeds (16 crossbreed Holstein x Gir and 15 Holstein x Guzera), were used to evaluate energy and protein requirements. Twelve animals (four of each racial group) were used as reference bovines, eleven were fed for maintenance and the 24 remaining were allotted to two treatments (zebu and dairy crossbreeds) in two phases (growing and fattening). Growing phase started when bovines reached 257 kg and lasted up to 340 kg of live weight, and fattening phase with initial live weight of 276 kg and lasted up to 480 kg. Tifton (Cynodon dactylon) grass hay was used as feedstuff. Protein, fat and energy contents retained in body were estimated by regression equation of the logarithm of protein, fat or energy body content, as a function of the logarithm of empty weight (EBW). Net energy requirements for maintenance (NEm) were estimated as the intercept anti-log of the equation obtained by linear regression among the logarithm of heat production (HP) and the metabolizable energy intake (MEI). Net energy requirements of zebu animals, in growing phase, was greater than dairy crossbreeds group, however in fattening phase that relationship was inverse. Net energy requirements for maintenance estimated for dairy crossbreeds and zebu were 76.99 and 79.40 kcal/EBW.75, respectively. Metabolizable protein and net protein requirements were similar between dairy crossbreed and zebu.
crossbreeds; energy; protein; zebu
