The Impact of Silage Inclusion in Diets with Different Corn Processing and the Effect of Natural and Conventional Feeding Programs on Finishing Cattle Performance

Authors

Jessica L. Miller, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Galen E. Erickson

Date of this Version

12-2023

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Major: Animal Science

Under the supervision of Professor Galen E. Erickson

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2023

Comments

Copyright 2023, Jessica L. Miller

Abstract

A finishing experiment was conducted to determine the effects of natural and conventional feeding programs on finishing performance of steers and heifers. Factors were conventional and natural feeding programs in steers and heifers. Cattle assigned to the conventional program were fed diets that contained Rumensin (Elanco Animal Health), Tylan (Elanco Animal Health), MGA (Zoetis), and received growth promoting implants whereas cattle in the natural program received neither. Compared to natural fed cattle, G:F was improved by 15.5% when heifers were fed in a conventional program (P < 0.01) and 23.8% when steers were fed in a conventional program (P < 0.01). The incorporation of implants and feed additives within the finishing period increased final BW, HCW, and ADG leading to improved G:F in steers and heifers, with the improvement being greater in steers.

One finishing experiment evaluated the effect of corn silage inclusion within dry-rolled corn and steam-flaked corn finishing diets on steer performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments consisted of four inclusions of corn silage (0%, 15%, 30%, or 45%) within a dry-rolled corn (DRC) or steam-flaked corn (SFC) diet. Steers fed 15% or 30% corn silage gained faster than those fed 0% or 45% corn silage (P < 0.01). As corn silage inclusion increased in the diet, feed efficiency decreased (P < 0.01). Cattle fed SFC gained 7.9% more (P < 0.01) and were 11.9% more efficient (P < 0.01) on a corn inclusion basis than steers fed DRC. Inclusion of corn silage had similar effects on performance in both DRC diets and SFC diets. In diets containing either DRC or SFC, corn silage can be included at up to 30% of the diet without negative impacts on ADG or HCW.

Advisor: Galen E. Erickson