Effect of Feeding Interval on Finishing Performance of Beef Steers

Authors

Chance Fiehler, Kansas State UniversityFollow
John Jaeger, Kansas State UniversityFollow
Justin Waggoner, Kansas State UniversityFollow
Keith Harmoney, Kansas State UniversityFollow
K.C. Olson, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

body weight gain, feedlot, marbling score, variable diet delivery

Abstract

It has long been accepted that optimal performance in beef cattle occurs when cattle are fed at a similar time each day. In fact, in Frederick Mumford’s Syllabus of Illustrated Lecture on Profitable Cattle Feeding published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1905, Mr. Mumford stated, “Cattle should be fed at certain hours and in the same way. This cannot be varied 15 minutes without some detriment to the cattle.” Little research has been conducted examining interval of feed delivery. Most feedlot research examining feed delivery has focused on the comparison of once or twice daily feed delivery on animal performance. The current research examined beef steer finishing performance with stable or variable once daily feed delivery.

Recommended Citation

Fiehler, Chance; Jaeger, John; Waggoner, Justin; Harmoney, Keith; and Olson, K.C. (2022) "Effect of Feeding Interval on Finishing Performance of Beef Steers," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 8: Iss. 2. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.8274