Effects of Matching Protein to Requirements on Performance and Waste Management in the Feedlot

Authors

Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dan Herold, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 1999

Comments

Published in 1999 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Published by Agricultural Research Division & University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension , Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Abstract

Four experiments were conducted, two with calves in the winter/spring and two with yearlings during the summer, to evaluate the effects of decreasing protein levels on nutrient balance in the feedlot. The control diet was formulated for 13.5 percent protein; the experimental diets were formulated using the 1996 NRC model to predict protein requirements. Nutrient balances for organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N) were measured. Nitrogen intake and subsequent excretion were decreased with steers fed the experimental treatment. During the summer more N was removed from pens on the experimental treatment since OM excretion was greater which led to decreased N volatilization. N losses were lower in the winter/spring feeding periods when expressed as percentage volatilized.