Effect of Energy Source and Escape Protein on Receiving and Finishing Performance and Health of Calves

Authors

R. A. McCoy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rick Stock, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
D. H. Shain, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M. J. Klemesrud, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

1998

Comments

Published in Journal of Animal Science 1998. 76:1488–1498. Copyright © 1998 American Society of Animal Science. Used by permission.

Abstract

Two receiving and two finishing trials evaluated energy source and escape protein supplementation for calves. In receiving Trial 1, 398 calves (257 ± 24 kg BW) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Energy sources were dryrolled corn (DRC) and wet corn gluten feed (WCGF); each was fed without or with supplemental escape protein (EP). Calves fed WCGF gained slower ( P < .05) and consumed less DM ( P < .01) than calves fed DRC. Feed efficiency improved ( P < .10) with EP supplementation. In finishing Trial 1, 240 calves (305 ± 21 kg BW) were used. The arrangement of treatments was the same as in receiving Trial 1. Calves fed DRC/WCGF tended ( P = .15) to be more efficient and consumed less DM ( P < .05) than calves fed DRC. In receiving Trial 2, 315 calves (252 ± 23 kg BW) were fed diets similar to those fed in receiving Trial 1. Calves fed WCGF consumed less DM ( P < .01), gained similarly ( P > .15), and were more efficient ( P < .10) than calves fed DRC. In finishing Trial 2, 320 calves (298 ± 23 kg BW) were fed diets containing DRC, DRC/WCGF, high-moisture corn (HMC), HMC/WCGF, and DRC/HMC; each was fed without or with supplemental EP. An energy source ´ protein supplement interaction was detected for gain ( P < .05) and efficiency ( P < .01). Results suggest that WCGF has a NE_g greater than DRC in receiving diets and a NE_g similar to that of DRC but lower than that of HMC in finishing diets.