Reducing Particle Size Enhances Chemical Treatment in Finishing Diets

Authors

Adam L. Shreck, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Brandon L. Nuttelman, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
William A. Griffin Griffin, University of Nebraska -LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Michael J. Cecava, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

2012

Comments

Published in 2012 Beef Cattle Report (2012) p. . Copyright © 2012 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Three hundred-sixty calf-fed steers were fed either treated or untreated corn stover that was previously ground through a 1-in or 3–in screen. Treated stover diets improved ADG and F:G compared to untreated. Reducing particle size improved ADG and F:G but did not influence DMI. Compared to a control diet with 5% roughage and 15 percentage units more corn, diets with 20% treated corn stover had similar F:G, ADG, DMI, and carcass quality. Up to 15% additional corn can be replaced with treated corn stover when diets contain wet distillers grains, and may be further enhanced by reducing particle size before chemical treatment.