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Effect of Pellet Size and Composition on Feedlot Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Rumen Parakeratosis of Fattening Steers

University of California, Davis

Abstract

Rumen parakeratosis may have influenced the results in two experiments in which the influence of fineness of grind and pelleting of ration constituents on the feedlot performance of yearling steers was studied. There were no consistent patterns of response to an all-alfalfa hay ration or to one containing 50 or 60% concentrate when fed as 1/4'' and 5/8'' pellets or as 4'' wafers and regular milled feed.

The incidence and severity of rumen parakeratosis was greatest in steers receiving the finely ground feed in 1/4'' or 5/8'' pellets. The level of concentrate or the addition of an antibiotic did not affect the disease significantly. Long oat hay fed in limited amounts was effective in reducing the severity of the parakeratosis but did not eliminate it. Steers fed long oat hay with the finely ground pelleted rations (1/4'' and 5/8'') made significantly greater gains and had larger fat corrected carcass weights than animals receiving the pellets alone.

¹ Department of Animal Husbandry, Imperial Valley Field Station, El Centro, California.

² Department of Animal Husbandry, Davis, California.

³ Department of Agricultural Engineering, Davis, California.