Utilization of Bt Corn Hybrids in Growing Beef Steers

Authors

Jeffrey Folmer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
D. J. Jordan, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2001

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2001, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Two trials were completed to evaluate the efficacy of Bt corn hybrids for growing steers. After grain harvest, trial 1 used two fields of N7333 Bt and nonBt corn to evaluate grazing performance and preference of growing steers. Trial 2 compared early and late maturing varieties (N4242 and N7333, respectively) of Bt and nonBt corn hybrids in corn silage-based growing diets. No differences in performance or grazing preference were observed between N7333 Bt or nonBt residue. Steers fed corn silage from hybrids N4242 gained 11% faster (P>.01) and were 7% more efficient (P>.01) than those fed N7333 hybrids. Effects of the Bt trait in the corn silage growing study were inconsistent between hybrids.