Influence of fat and monensin levels on performance of finishing steers (1992)

Authors

Robert T. Brandt Jr.
Ronald V. Pope

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 1992; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 92-407-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 651; Beef; Fat; Monensin; Feedlot; Performance

Abstract

To evaluate effects and potential interaction of supplemental fat (0 to 4% tallow) and monensin (0, 20, 40 g/ton) in a corn-based finishing diet, 96 Continental crossbred steers (860 lb) were used in a 2x3 factorially arranged randomized complete block design. Consumption by steers fed the 0% fat diet decreased linearly (P<.0001) with increased monensin level, whereas consumption by steers fed 4% fat diets decreased curvilinearly (P<.08), indicating that monensin depressed intake much less when the diet contained fat. Daily gain decreased linearly (P<.02) with increased monensin level for steers fed no supplemental fat, but remained constant in steers fed 4% fat. Feed efficiency was improved (P<.025) by 4% fat across levels of monensin. This study provides further evidence of interactions between monensin and supplemental fat in effects on animal performance.

Recommended Citation

Brandt, Robert T. Jr. and Pope, Ronald V. (1992) "Influence of fat and monensin levels on performance of finishing steers (1992)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2146