Transitioning Cattle from RAMP^® to a Finishing Diet on Feedlot Performance and Feed Intake Variance

Authors

Cody J. Schneider, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Brandon L. Nuttelman, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Dirk B. Burken Burken, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2014

Citation

2014 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, UNL Extension MP99, pp. 78-80.

Comments

Copyright © 2014 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Individually fed cattle were adapted to high grain diets with a traditional grain adaptation program or one of two RAMP^® adaptation programs. RAMP programs adapted cattle to a finishing diet gradually over 28 days in four steps or directly without an adaptation. Feed intake variance among d was greater for traditionally adapted cattle compared to either RAMP program, but DMI was not different during the adaptation period. Over the 138-day period, feedlot performance and carcass traits were not affected by adaptation treatment. Cattle fed RAMP for 10 days can be transitioned to a finishing ration containing 47.5% Sweet Bran^® abruptly without affecting performance.