The substitution of whole maize grain for maize meal in high concentrate rations (±20% silage on dry basis) for young beef cattle did not significantly lower intake, digestible energy content of ration, mass gain and feed efficiency (2-5%). The milling of whole grain was not economically justified when milling and handling costs amounted to more than approximately 7% the price of grain under circumstances of the present study. Results obtained with a daily protein supplement (1,8 kg/steer) consisting of 96 parts lucerne meal and 4 parts urea compared particularly favourably with a supplement (l kg/steer) consisting of 100 parts maize meal, 75 parts peanut oilcake meal, 25 parts fishmeal and l0 parts urea.