Evaluation of Enteric Methane from Cattle Adapted Using RAMP vs. A Traditional Forage Program Stepped Up to Different Finishing Diets

Authors

• Jack T. Fort, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Isaque F. Vicci, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Josh R. Benton, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Rebecca L. McDermott, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Jim C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Maggie E. Youngers, Cargill Corn Milling
• Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2026

Citation

2026 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pages 81-84, MP-121, University of Nebraska Extension, 2026

Comments

Copyright 2026, Board of Regents, University of Nebraska. Used by permission

Abstract

Summary with Implications

A 93-day finishing experiment evaluated feeding RAMP (Cargill Corn Milling, Blair NE) during diet adaptation and finishing diet containing 20% Sweet Bran compared to a traditional adaptation program using forage with a finishing diet without Sweet Bran on methane and carbon dioxide production, animal performance and carcass characteristics in beef steers. Cattle were measured using a calorimetry emission barn to quantify the production of methane and carbon dioxide during step 1 of adaptation and 1 time during finishing diet. Feeding RAMP did not significantly reduce methane but did reduce the ratio of methane to carbon dioxide during step 1 compared to adapting with 45% forage. No differences in methane production during the finishing phase was observed when either 0 or 20% Sweet Bran were fed. Adapting cattle with RAMP instead of forage likely reduces methane and carryover effects suggest that feeding Sweet Bran is similar to steam-flaked corn in finishing diets if cattle were adapted with RAMP.