Page "Belgian Blue" Paragraph 5

Belgian Blue cattle have improved feed conversion ratio ( FCR ) due to lower feed intake compared to weight gain.

The ability for these animals to have improved FCR is due to an altered composition of body weight gain which includes increased protein and decreased fat deposition.

Since the Belgian Blue ’ s bone structure is the same as a normal cow, however holding a greater amount of muscle, causes them to have a greater meat to bone ratio.

These cattle have a muscle yield of about 20 % more on average than cattle without the genetic myostatin mutation.

Because of this breed ’ s increased muscle yield a diet containing higher protein is required to compensate for the altered mode of weight gain.

During finishing this breed requires high-energy ( concentrated ) feeds, and will not yield the same results if put on a high-fiber diet.