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Nutrient Utilization, Efficiency and Tissue Gain in Steers Fed Ensiled Feedstuffs from the Corn Plant¹

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802

Abstract

Metabolism and comparative slaughter trials were designed to compare beef production using feeding systems based on three forms of ensiled corn: whole-plant corn silage (WPCS), high-moisture shelled corn (HMSC) and field-ground high-moisture snapped ear corn (HMSEC). Feeding systems evaluated were: All-WPCS; All-HMSEC; 60% WPCS-40% HMSC (60–40 HMSC); 60% WPCS-40% HMSEC (60–40 HMSEC); and two-phase rations consisting of All-WPCS for 112 d followed by 40% WPCS and 60% of either HMSC (2P-HMSC) or HMSEC (2P-HMSEC) until slaughter. Dry matter intake was greater for steers fed 60–40 vs two-phase diets. Live weight daily gains were higher (P < .05) and feed/gain values lower (P < .05) for steers fed All-HMSEC vs. All-WPCS. Excluding the 60–40 diets, daily empty body protein gain was greater (P < .05) for systems using HMSEC, an observation supported by the N balance data of the metabolism trial. Based on forage concentrate ratios, smaller than expected differences between feeding systems for ME and NE values were observed, due at least in part to a decline in NDF digestibility as the proportion of concentrate increased. Systems varied little in overall energetic efficiency (26 to 28%) at similar carcass fatness, although efficiency of ME use above maintenance varied more widely (48 to 57%). At similar carcass weights, cattle fed the 2P-HMSC diet had more (P < .05) carcass fat than those fed 2P-HMSEC. Carcass beef production per hectare was 6 and 12% greater for HMSEC than for HMSC in 60–40 and 2P systems, respectively. It was concluded that HMSEC as harvested in this study (75% grain, 25% cob and husk, 23.9% NDF) is a desirable method for utilizing the corn crop for feedlot cattle.

¹ Authorized for publication as paper No. 7453 in the Journal Ser. of the Pennsylvania Agric. Exp. Sta.

² Present address: Dept. of Anim. Sci., Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg 24061.

³ Dept. of Dairy and Anim. Sci.