Animal Science, Department of
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 finishing study evaluated the effect of feeding steam-flaked rye on performance and carcass characteristics of yearling steers. Treatments consisted of different ratios of steam-flaked rye to steam-flaked corn. The ratios were 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, and 100:0 rye:corn. Increasing inclusions of rye linearly decreased final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, and hot carcass weight. As a result, feed conversion was poorer as rye replaced corn. Carcass characteristics reflected lower gain with linear decreases in marbling score, ribeye area, and backfat thickness. There was no difference in yield grade among treatments. Based on dietary energy calculated from performance, steam-flaked rye has approximately 92% the energy value of steam-flaked corn.
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Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons, Meat Science Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons