Peroxide treatment of feather meal for finishing cattle

Authors

C.A. Löest
C.M. Coetzer
Evan C. Titgemeyer
James S. Drouillard

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 2002; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 02-318-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 890; Beef; Peroxide; Feather meal; Finishing cattle

Abstract

Heifers (756 lb, 312 head) were used in a finishing study to evaluate the effects of peroxide-treated feather meal on animal performance and carcass characteristics. Diets contained 3.0% of peroxide-treated or untreated feather meal, and were fed ad libitum. Treatment of feather meal with hydrogen peroxide increased in situ protein degradabilities by 56%, but did not significantly alter feed intake or feed efficiencies. Although not statistically different, gains were 2.1% greater for heifers fed peroxide-treated feather meal. Hot carcass weights also averaged 6 pounds heavier for heifers fed diets containing peroxide-treated feather meal. Marbling tended to be lower, but carcasses grading USDA Choice tended to be higher for heifers fed diets containing peroxide-treated feather meal.

Recommended Citation

Löest, C.A.; Coetzer, C.M.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; and Drouillard, James S. (2002) "Peroxide treatment of feather meal for finishing cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1700