Evaluating the Impacts of Field Peas in Growing and Finishing Diets on Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Authors

Hannah L. Greenwell, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Karla Jenkins, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Jim C. MacDonald Donald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matt K. Luebbe, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2017

Citation

2017 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. University of Nebraska Extension MP104. Lincoln, NE.

Comments

© 2016 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

The impact of field peas as a grazing supplement and a component of finishing diets on performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated over two years. During grazing, cattle supplemented with field peas had a greater ending body weight and average daily gain than cattle that received no supplement. However, cattle supplemented with corn had greater average daily gain than both peas and control cattle. Overall, those cattle not supplemented during grazing compensated 53% and 88% when compared to those cattle supplemented corn and peas, respectively. Inclusion of field peas in grower supplement or finishing diets may be advantageous if appropriately priced as cattle supplemented field peas had more desirable performance on pasture than unsupplemented cattle, and inclusion of peas in the finisher did not affect performance.