Transitioning Cattle from RAMP^® to a Finishing Diet on Feed Intake and Ruminal pH

Authors

Cody J. Schneider, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Adam L. Shreck, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein 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. 75-77.

Comments

Copyright © 2014 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A metabolism trial was conducted where steers were adapted to high grain diets using a traditional approach or one of two RAMP^® adaptation programs. RAMP programs adapted cattle to a finishing diet either gradually over 28 days in four steps or switched to a finishing ration without steps. Feed intake and ruminal pH were monitored continuously throughout the trial. Cattle on the 4-STEP treatment spent more time eating compared to other treatments but total feed consumption was similar among treatments. Ruminal pH was greater for cattle on RAMP adaptation programs when compared to traditional grain adaptation. Cattle fed RAMP for 10 days can be transitioned directly to a finishing diet containing 47.5% Sweet Bran^®.