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Oyster Shell as a Roughage Replacer in Fattening Beef Cattle Rations^{1, 2,}

Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana

Abstract

Fattening beef calves fed ground corn cobs in its natural ratio to ground shelled corn gained significantly (P<.01) faster than those fed a ration in which 2.5% of hen sized oyster shell was substituted for ground corn cobs. The feeding of the antibiotic, oleandomycin, at a level of 20 mg. per day was without effect on rate of gain. Cattle fed oleandomycin tended to grade higher but this difference was not significant.

Total feed consumption was 13% less for the cattle fed oyster shell as a roughage. However, when the respective roughage portions of the rations were deducted, cattle fed ground corn cob as a roughage required 8.7% less corn and supplement per pound of gain than the oyster shell-fed cattle.

Carcasses from cattle on the cob roughage graded higher than those on oyster shell roughage (12 Choice, 19 Good vs. 5 Choice, 26 Good). Consistent rumen damage was observed in those animals fed the oyster shell roughage, characterized by gross hyperkeratosis and gross rumenitis. Also, there was a characteristic frothy condition in the contents of the rumens from cattle fed oyster shell roughage. Liver condemnations were higher for oyster shell-fed cattle. However, antibiotic feeding resulted in fewer liver condemnations.

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, Journal Paper No. 3037, Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Supported in part by a grant from Chas. A. Pfizer and Co., Terre Haute, Ind. Oyster shells were presented by Oyster Shell Products Co., Mobile, Alabama.

³ Department of Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Science and Medicine.

⁴ Research Leader, Lynwood Farm.