Interaction of Sweet Bran Inclusion and Corn Processing Method in Beef Finishing Diets

Authors

• Rebecca L. Sjostrand, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Levi J. McPhillips, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Braden C. Troyer, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Maggie Youngers, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• Rick Stock, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
• J. C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
• Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2022

Comments

2022 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

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

Abstract

The effects of corn processing method and Sweet Bran concentration on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated in steam-flaked corn or a blend of high-moisture and dry-rolled corn-based diets. Sweet Bran was included at 0, 20, or 40% of diet dry matter. When cattle were fed 0% Sweet Bran, feeding steam-flaked corn resulted in a 11.7% improvement in feed conversion and heavier hot-carcass weight compared to feeding high-moisture/ dry-rolled corn. As Sweet Bran increased in the diet, there was a linear improvement in feed conversion for high-moisture/dry-rolled corn-fed steers and no change in feed conversion for steam-flaked corn-fed cattle. Accordingly, in diets with 40% Sweet Bran, the improvement in feed conversion due to feeding steam-flaked corn narrowed to 3.7%. These data suggest concentrations up to 40% Sweet Bran (dry-matter basis) can be fed with steam-flaked corn diets without affecting performance and the optimal level of Sweet Bran for high-moisture/dry-rolled corn-based finishing diets is 40%.