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Comparative Feeding Value of Alfalfa Presscake and Alfalfa Molasses in Finishing Diets for Feedlot Cattle

University of California, El Centro 92243

Abstract

Feeding values for alfalfa presscake and alfalfa molasses in finishing diets for feedlot steers were evaluated in a 122-d comparative slaughter trial utilizing 108 crossbred beef steers (324 kg). Alfalfa presscake (dehydrated and cubed) and alfalfa molasses were compared with alfalfa hay (midbloom) and cane molasses, respectively, using the replacement technique. Substituting alfalfa presscake for alfalfa hay did not influence steer performance or net energy value of the diet. Substituting alfalfa molasses for cane molasses tended to depress feed conversion and estimated net energy value of the diet. In a metabolism trial involving 12 ruminally and intestinally cannulated crossbred beef steers, substituting presscake for alfalfa hay increased ruminal organic matter digestion (4.7%, P<.05). Total tract digestion of organic matter was similar across treatments. However, digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fiber was higher (16.8 and 19.0%, respectively, P<.10) for the diet containing presscake. The feeding value of fresh (34% dry matter) alfalfa presscake in finishing diets for feedlot steers was evaluated in a 109-d comparative slaughter trial utilizing 82 crossbred beef steers (341 kg). Substituting alfalfa presscake for alfalfa hay (early bloom) did not influence steer performance, net energy content of the diet or carcass merit. It was concluded that alfalfa presscake (fresh or dehydrated) has a feeding value equivalent to that of good quality alfalfa hay, whereas alfalfa molasses has a feeding value approximately 78% that of cane molasses (dry matter basis) in finishing diets for feedlot steers.

¹ Anim. Sci. Dept., Imperial Valley Agric. Center.

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