Effects of Almond Hull Inclusion on Growth Performance of Limit-Fed Growing Cattle

Authors

Z. M. Duncan, Kansas State UniversityFollow
Z. L. DeBord, Kansas State UniversityFollow
M. G. Pflughoeft, Kansas State UniversityFollow
K. J. Suhr, Kansas State UniversityFollow
W. R. Hollenbeck, Kansas State UniversityFollow
F. K. Brazle, Kansas State UniversityFollow
E. C. Titgemeyer, Kansas State UniversityFollow
K. C. Olson, Kansas State UniversityFollow
D. A. Blasi, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

almond hulls, growing cattle, limit-feeding

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of almond hull inclusion and almond hull processing on growth performance of limit-fed growing beef cattle during a 56-day growing period.

Study Description:A total of 364 steers were assigned to one of four diets. The control diet contained (dry matter basis) 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, 40% wet-corn gluten feed, and 13% prairie hay. Almond hulls replaced prairie hay or prairie hay and dry-rolled corn and were fed at 13 and 26% of the diet, respectively. A subset of almond hulls was processed using a grinder mixer with no screen. Processed almond hulls replaced prairie hay and were fed at 13% of the diet. Diets were limit-fed for 56 days.

The Bottom Line:These data were interpreted to suggest almond hulls can be utilized as an alternative to prairie hay in limit-fed growing beef cattle diets while maintaining or slightly improving growth performance.

Recommended Citation

Duncan, Z. M.; DeBord, Z. L.; Pflughoeft, M. G.; Suhr, K. J.; Hollenbeck, W. R.; Brazle, F. K.; Titgemeyer, E. C.; Olson, K. C.; and Blasi, D. A. (2023) "Effects of Almond Hull Inclusion on Growth Performance of Limit-Fed Growing Cattle," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 9: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.8415