Serum biochemistry of Zebu bulls and their Friesian crosses fed two planes of protein.

Abstract Twenty-one Bunaji (White Fulani, Zebu) and 21 Friesian × Bunaji cross-bred bull calves, approximately 6 months of age, were each divided after weaning into two groups and fed isocaloric rations containing 14·45% (high protein) and 8·51% (low protein) crude protein for 10 months. Serum samples were collected biweekly for 10 months and analysed for serum proteins. Age had no significant effect. The Bunaji had significantly ( P α 1 -globulin than Friesian × Bunaji. While there was no significant difference in body condition score between the two breeds, the Friesian × Bunaji had a significantly ( P P α 2 -globulin, γ-globulin and total globulin than those on low protein. However, α 1 -globulin and β-globulin were not significantly ( P > 0·05) different for the two treatment groups.