Impact of a Natural Feed Additive using Direct Fed Microbes on Finishing Beef Cattle Performance and Liver Abscess Rate

Authors

Kelton C. Adair, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Alison C. Bartenslager, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Zachary E. Carlson, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Samodha C. Fernando, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
J. C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2022

Citation

2022 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

A feedlot study with individually fed steers (n=60) was conducted comparing a natural feed additive (Direct Fed Microbial) to no feed additive (control) on performance and liver abscess rate of finishing beef cattle. There were no significant differences between treatments on intake, gain, feed conversion, or hot carcass weight and carcass traits. Liver abscess occurrence and severity were similar for both treatments with 4/29 steers having abscessed livers in the control group and 3/29 steers in the group that received direct fed microbials. The direct fed microbial feed additive fed in this exploratory study did not significantly affect performance, liver abscess rate, or the severity of liver abscesses of finishing beef cattle.