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.