Abstract
Dry matter intakes of Jersey cows over a period of 45 days were higher when ground whole dates or concentrates were given in addition to fresh lucerne (alfalfa) offered ad libitum. Liveweights of cows fell when fed on lucerne alone, did not change with lucerne + dates and rose with lucerne + concentrates. Milk production was least with lucerne+ dates. Jersey males or castrates, initially of eight to ten months age and from 140 to 200kg liveweight, were given over a period of 82 days diets of lucerne hay + either dates and dried fish, or concentrates. Bulls performed better than castrates, but not significantly so. Animals given concentrates grew faster and used feed more efficiently than those given dates and fish. Meat from the latter was preferred but all carcasses were insufficiently fat.
