RELATION OF THE FEED RATION TYPE TO THE WATER INTAKES OF YOUNG FATTENING BEEF BULLS

Two groups of 26 young bulls of 313 and 306 kg, respectively, were fed a concentrate-hay ration and a concentrate-hay-silage ration over 181 days. The overall ratios of total water intake to kg feed DM intake w as comparable (4.2-4.5 litres per day) between the two groups. Drinkin g water consumption was significantly (p<0.001) lower in the sub-inten sive group, due to a higher proportion of forage water, and it covered 64% of total water intake versus a share of 97% in the intensive grou p. Intensively fattened bulls gained more by 93 g per day, but consume d concentrate higher by 58% and drinking water higher by 23% per kg we ight gain.