Effects of Abruptly Transitioning Cattle from RAMP® to a Finishing Diet on Ruminal pH and Feed Intake

Authors

• Cody J. Schneider, Universitiy of Nebraska--Lincoln
• Adam L. Shreck, Universitiy of Nebraska--LincolnFollow
• Galen E. Erickson Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
• Terry Klopfenstein, Universitiy of Nebraska--LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2013

Citation

Published in 2013 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report.

Comments

Copyright © 2013 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Abstract

A metabolism trial was conducted to evaluate transitioning cattle from RAMP^® directly to a finishing diet without an adaptation period. Adaptation programs included either a 4-step system that decreased RAMP (100 to 0%) while increasing inclusion of the finishing ration (0 to 100%) gradually over 4 steps or a 1-step system where cattle were fed RAMP for 10 days and switched directly to a 47.5% Sweet Bran^® finishing ration on day 11. Abruptly transitioning cattle in 1 step to a finishing ration containing 47.5% Sweet Bran decreased average pH while increasing time below pH 5.3 and pH variation compared to the 4-STEP system. Eating time increased as a result of 1-step when cattle were on the final finishing ration.