Crossbred beef heifers [Year 1, n = 12 initial body weight (BW) = 400.5 kg] and beef steers (Year 2, n = 24, initial body weight (BW) = 401.9 kg] were used to compare the effect of non-traditional, low-input finishing diets (CORN and SBH) to a traditional finishing diet (DIET) in a small-scale finishing system on animal performance, carcass characteristics, and economic impact. In Year 1, cattle were finished for 132d (n = 6) or 174d (n = 6) and in Year 2, cattle were finished for 154d (n = 8), 162d (n = 8), and 196d (n = 7) then harvested. No differences were noted on animal BW or G:F; however, dry matter intake (DMI) (P = < 0.0001) and average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.0053) was greater for DIET compared to CORN and SBH. No differences were noted in total cost of gain, however there were differences on cost per animal (Year 1, P = < 0.0001; Year 2, P = 0.0003). Results indicate CORN and SBH diets could be a viable option to finish beef just as efficiently as a total mixed ration (DIET).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-7290 |
| Date | 13 August 2024 |
| Creators | Guelker, Lakan D. |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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