2.4.3. Statistical analysis
The average daily weight gain (ADG) over the experimental period was calculated by regressing body weight (kg) of individual heifers measured at two-week intervals with time (in days). The general linear model (GLM) was used to compute analyses of variance (SAS, 1988) for DM intake, nutrient intake, organic matter (OM) digestibility and ADG. The least significant difference (LSD) test was used to compare statistical differences between the various treatment means.