Abstract
A comparison of the ARC metabolizable energy system and the NRC net energy system was made with special reference to growing steers. Two simulation models, one based on the ARC and other on the NRC system, were constructed to examine differences between the energy systems. The average daily live-weight gains predicted from both models for growing steers were compared under various conditions in which equal feeding levels and metabolizabilities were assumed. The two simulation models yielded similar results with very high energy intake with high quality feed. Difference between the two systems became larger as feeding conditions deviated from the above. The ARC system generally predicted higher daily live-weight gains than the NRC system. This appeared to be due to the higher efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy ($k_m$ and $k_f$) and basal metabolism (F), and lower energy value of growth (EVG) in the ARC system.