Journal of Animal Science, Vol 71, Issue 9 2303-2309, Copyright © 1993 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Influence of processing on the feeding value of oats for feedlot cattle

R. A. Zinn
Imperial Valley Agricultural Center, University of California, El Centro 92243.

Ninety-six crossbred steers (312 kg) were used in a 118-d feedlot growth performance trial to determine the relative effects of degree of steam processing on the feeding value of oats in a 90% concentrate finishing diet. Treatments were 1) steam-flaked corn (SFC, density = .28 kg/L); 2) dry-rolled oats (DRO, density = .36 kg/L); 3) steam-rolled oats, coarse flake (SRO-C, density = .33 kg/L); and 4) steam-rolled oats, thin flake (SRO-T density = .17 kg/L). Feed intake was similar (P > .10) across oats treatments. However, ADG was lower (13.2%, P < .01) and feed/gain was higher (11.1%, P < .05) for SRO-T than for SRO-C diets. Diet NEm was 7.2% lower (P < .10) for SRO-T than for SRO-C diets. Daily weight gain was greater (9.3%, P < .01) and feed intake and feed/gain were lower (13.1 and 20.8%, respectively; P < .01) for SFC than for oats treatments. Diet NEm and NEg were higher (20.0 and 26.5%, respectively; P < .01) for SFC than for oats treatments. Dressing percentage was 2.5% lower (P < .01) in steers fed the oats diets than in those fed the SFC diet. Four Holstein steers (232 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion. Ruminal digestibility of OM, starch, and ADF were similar (P > .10) for oats treatments, averaging 58.2, 93.5, and 9.6%, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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