The Effect of Harvest Method and Ammoniation of Corn Residue on Growing Calf Performance

Authors

Ashley C. Conway, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Robert G. Bondurant, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
James C. MacDonald, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2018

Citation

2018 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. University of Nebraska Extension MP105. Lincoln, NE.

Comments

© 2017 The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A growing trial was conducted to determine the effect of feeding baled corn residue harvested using three different methods, with and without ammoniation of the residue. Residue harvested with the New Holland Cornrower™ with two rows of chopped stem added to the windrow resulted in a 9% increase in ADG compared to conventional rake and bale harvest or turning off the combine spreader and baling tailing. Ammoniation of residue increased ADG 67% (increase of 1.1 lb/d) over non-ammoniated residue. Feed efficiency was not affected by harvest method, but ammoniation decreased F:G by 13% compared to cattle fed non-ammoniated residue. Although alternative harvest technologies can improve ADG, ammoniation of corn residue has a considerably greater impact on cattle performance.