J. E. Rossi,
S. C. Loerch 1,
F. L. Fluharty
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences
The trial evaluated feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed to achieve step-wise increases in gain and provided supplemental crude protein either equal in pounds or percent to that of steers offered feed ad libitum. Performance between steers fed equal pounds or percent per day crude protein as ad libitum steers was not different when gain was 2.5 or 3.0 pounds per day. Overall average daily gain was lower for prescription intake than ad libitum intake steers (P < 0.05). Total feed intake was lower (P < 0.05) for prescription intake than ad libitum intake steers despite days on feed being greater (P < 0.05) than ad libitum steers. Dressing percent, backfat, and quality grade were less (P < 0.01) for prescription intake than ad libitum intake steers. Carcass composition was not affected by treatment (P > 0.23). Increasing the percentage of crude protein in diets of prescription intake steers to provide the same grams per day crude protein intake as ad libitum steers was not beneficial. Total dry matter intake was lower for prescription intake steers compared to ad libitum steers despite requiring 14 more days on feed. Quality grade was lower in prescription intake steers, but prescription intake steers tended to be leaner as evidenced by lower yield grades and backfat.
1 For more information, contact at The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 114 Gerlaugh Hall, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691; 330-263-3903, e-mail: loerch.1@osu.edu