Whole or Cracked Corn in Growing Rations for Steer Calves

Authors

Ivan G. Rush, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Burt Weichenthal, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Brad Van Pelt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

1-1-2000

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2000, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Crossbred steer calves were fed growing rations that included whole or cracked corn fed in a mixed ration or fed separately and cleaned up before feeding the other ingredients in the ration. Intakes of corn fed separately were regulated to match ad libitum dry matter intakes averaging 5 pounds per day in a 120 day trial. Daily gains and feed conversions were similar for both mixed rations and cracked corn fed separately, and only slightly lower when whole corn was fed separately. Including costs for corn cracking and/or mixing resulted in similar ration costs per pound of gain.