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Digestibility of Various Rations by Steers as Influenced by the Length of Preliminary Feeding Period¹

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Abstract

Two series of digestion trials were conducted with steers in an effort to establish an optimum length for the preliminary feeding period.

Preliminary periods of 16, 30 and 44 days were used in one trial with rations that varied widely in hay to grain ratios. Periods of 7 and 21 days were used in the second trial in which the rations were held constant in hay to grain ratios at 4:1, but differed as to the protein supplement.

It was concluded that longer preliminary feeding periods are needed when the hay to grain ratio fluctuates widely. The optimum period for such trials lies between 16 and 30 days. For rations in which the basic components and the hay to grain ratio are constant, but protein supplement varies, a preliminary feeding period of 7 days appears adequate.

¹ These studies were supported in part by a grant from Publicker Industries, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., through the cooperation of Biren Bass.

² Present address: Dominion Experimental Farm, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.