The use of barley and a protein supplement as a system for intensively finishing calves for beef has been widely used commercially since Preston, Whitelaw, Aitken, MacDermaid and Charleson (1963) originally developed the concept. Once the basic requirements for protein and energy were established the concern of researchers turned to how these requirements could be met at minimal cost. Obviously the most profitable combination of ingredients depends on the prices prevailing at the time, but a variety of raw materials, which may be used to cheapen intensive cereal rations, have been tried experimentally. In the present study the effects of using rapeseed meal (RSM) or maize gluten (MG) as protein supplements to either barley (B) or wheat (W) on the growth and carcass characteristics of Charolais cross Friesian bulls were assessed. The wider availability of double low rapeseed meal (low in both erucic acid and glucosinolates) and maize gluten, combined with their relative cheapness, has made them attractive raw materials for inclusion in ruminant feeds.