Evaluation of an Algal Biomass as an Ingredient in Cattle Feed

Authors

Mitchell M. Norman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Zachary E. Carlson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher
Andrea K. Watson, University of Nebraska at LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Bruce W. Brodersen, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
J. Dustin Loy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jonathan W. Wilson

Date of this Version

2019

Citation

2019 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Comments

Copyright © The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A study was conducted evaluating the effects of feeding condensed algal residue solubles (CARS; available in 2019 in Blair, NE area) to finishing cattle for 100 days. Four levels of CARS were evaluated with 5 steers and 5 heifers individually fed per level of inclusion. The diets consisted of 70% dry rolled corn with CARS displacing corn at 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5% of dry matter. Increasing CARS inclusion resulted in a linear decrease in intake, a quadratic increase in daily gain, and a linear decrease in feed:gain. Calculations showed a linear increase in dietary net energy as CARS increased in the diet. Minimal differences in organ weights, blood chemistry, hematology, and urine were observed. Daily observations and histology results suggest no differences in cattle health due to dietary treatment. Including CARS at 5% of diet dry matter increased gain 4.2% and feed:gain 10.1% relative to a corn based finishing diet.