Effects of Alternative Feed Timing on Growth Performance and Water Usage in Limit Fed Growing Beef × Dairy Heifers

Authors

Clayton H. Stoskopf, Kansas State University
Colton D. Weir, Kansas State University
W. Cole Ellis, Kansas State University
Taylor A. Rowe, Kansas State University
William R. Hollenbeck, Kansas State UniversityFollow
A. J. Tarpoff, Kansas State UniversityFollow
Dale A. Blasi, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

feed-timing, growth, water

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feed delivery time on growth performance and water usage of growing limit-fed heifers during periods of heat stress.

Study Description: A total of 257 black-hided dairy-derived beef heifers were blocked by weight, stratified within block, and randomly assigned to 20 pens containing 12 to 13 head/pen. Pens were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. feed delivery of a diet formulated to provide 60 Mcal of net energy for gain per 100 lb of dry matter (DM) for limited intake. Heifers were fed once daily at 2.0% of body weight (BW) on a DM basis for an 84-day period. Water usage was recorded using meters attached to each water unit.

The Bottom Line: Feed timing did not negatively affect growth performance but did reduce water usage when heifers were fed in the evening.

Recommended Citation

Stoskopf, Clayton H.; Weir, Colton D.; Ellis, W. Cole; Rowe, Taylor A.; Hollenbeck, William R.; Tarpoff, A. J.; and Blasi, Dale A. (2026) "Effects of Alternative Feed Timing on Growth Performance and Water Usage in Limit Fed Growing Beef × Dairy Heifers," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 12: Iss. 1.