Title: Effects of replacing corn in beef feedlot diets with chemically or thermochemically treated corn stover and distillers grains on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal metabolism
Abstract: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of replacing corn in feedlot cattle diets with chemically treated or thermochemically treated (extruded) corn stover (CS) and modified wet distillers grain with solubles (MWDGS) on DMI, gain, carcass characteristics, and feedlot economics. Angus × Simmental steers (n = 128, initial BW = 455 ± 47 kg) were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: (1) 55% corn, 35% MWDGS, 5% vitamin/mineral supplement, and 5% untreated, ground CS on a DM basis (CON), (2) CS treated with 5% CaO (DM basis) and stored in an Ag Bag (BGCS), or (3) CS treated with 5% CaO (DM basis) and extruded (EXCS). Both treated CS diets contained 20% CS, 40% MWDGS, 35% corn, and 5% vitamin/mineral supplement (DM basis). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.11) in feedlot performance and carcass characteristics between BGCS and EXCS diets; therefore, data are presented as the contrast of CON versus BGCS and EXCS, combined. During the finishing phase, feeding CaO-treated CS reduced (P ≤ 0.03) ADG, DMI, G:F, and final BW when compared to steers fed CON. Carcasses from steers fed BGCS or EXCS diets had decreased (P ≤ 0.05) BF, YG, and HCW and tended (P = 0.07) to have decreased KPH when compared to carcasses from steers fed CON. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.16) among dietary treatments for LM area or MS, regardless of dietary treatment. However, steers fed BGCS had lesser (P < 0.01) cost of gain when compared to steers fed EXCS. Feeding treated corn stover as a substitute for corn stover may not be a viable strategy for heavier weight cattle that are approaching finish weight. Replacement of corn with CaO38 treated CS and MWDGS in beef finishing rations reduced feedlot growth and carcass weight, regardless of whether CS was bagged or extruded.
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-09-16
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 3
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