Keywords
Cattlemen's Day, 1990; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 90-361-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 592; Beef; Tallow; Finishing; Performance; Carcass traits
Abstract
A trial with 100 head of crossbred steers (avg wt 879 lb) was conducted to determine the effects of tallow (none, 2, 4, 6, 8% of ration dry matter) on the performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle fed a corn-based diet. Protein levels were maintained at a constant ratio to the calculated metabolizable energy concentration of the diets. Initially, feed intake decreased as tallow increased; however, similar intakes were obtained after 11 days. Dry matter intakes throughout the finishing period were reduced 5.2, 6.9 and 7.7%, respectively, for the 4, 6 and 8% tallow diets. Average daily gain was similar for the control, 2, and 4% levels and declined 4.9 and 13.3% for the 6 and 8% tallow diets, respectively. Feed efficiency had a quadratic relationship with added fat and was best at 4% fat. There were no significant differences in carcass traits among treatments. Therefore, for steers finished on corn-based diets, 4% tallow appeared to be optimum, considering performance, efficiency, and carcass quality.
Recommended Citation
Gramlich, S.M.; Brandt, Robert T. Jr.; and Pope, Ronald V.
(1990)
"Dose response to supplemental fat by finishing steers,"
Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports:
Vol. 0:
Iss.
1.
https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2222
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