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Raw Sugar as an Energy Source in Steer Finishing Rations¹

University of Florida Agricultural Research and Education Center at Belle Glade 33430

Abstract

One hundred steers were used in two fattening trials to determine the value of raw sugar as a partial replacement for corn meal in finishing rations. Rations containing 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40% sucrose-urea mixture were fed ad libitum plus 1.8 kg of hay per head daily. Urea was added to replace the nitrogen contained in the displaced corn meal. All of the sugar-formulated diets appeared to improve weight gains in relation to the basal ration. However, the differences in gain were not significant and there was no detectable trend toward improved gain with increasing sugar level. Inclusion of increasing quantities of sugar-urea mixture resulted in a significant linear improvement in feed utilization and a linear reduction in concentrate intake. Carcass and meat quality measurements were studied with no indication that supplemental raw sugar affects carcass or meat quality. Steers in one trial conducted during the winter gained more efficiently and consumed less concentrate mix than steers fed during the summer. This apparent seasonal effect was uniform over all dietary treatments.

¹ Florida Agricultural Experiment Stations, Journal Series No. 3856.

² Agricultural Research and Education Center.

³ Animal Science Department, University of Florida, Gainesville.