Effect of preweaning diet on performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation around weaning in calves of two beef breeds

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1018
Author(s):  
S. Yuste ◽  
Z. Amanzougarene ◽  
A. de Vega ◽  
M. Fondevila ◽  
M. Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Suckling Period ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Improved Performance

Context Good transition from suckling to high-concentrate diets is essential to avoid nutritional disorders during the fattening period of beef calves. Aims Assessing the optimal feeding strategies during the preweaning period of beef calves for an adequate adaptation to high-concentrate diets. Methods A total of 30 female beef calves (15 Parda de Montaña and 15 Pirenaica), managed under restricted suckling, were assigned to three preweaning diets (milk only [MO], milk plus hay [MH], milk plus concentrate [MC]), fed from the third month until weaning at 5 months. During the subsequent transition period (1 month), all animals received a fattening concentrate plus wheat straw ad libitum. Key results Milk intake did not differ among diets; solids intake was similar for MH and MC calves. Preweaning supplementation improved performance at the end of the suckling period (MC > MH > MO). During transition, concentrate intake was lower for MO calves; MH calves showed the lowest feed efficiency. At the end of transition, MC calves showed the highest liveweight and average daily gain (MC > MH = MO). Rumen pH at weaning did not differ from that at the end of transition in MC calves, whereas MH and MO animals showed lower values at the latter. Supplemented calves showed higher volatile fatty acids concentration than MO calves at weaning; MC calves showed the lowest values at the end of the transition period. Ammonia and lactic acid concentration at weaning was the highest for MO and MC calves respectively, with no differences between diets at the end of transition. Glucose and non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were only affected by age; urea and β-hydroxybutyrate were affected by the interaction between diet and age. Economic profitability at weaning was higher for supplemented calves (MH = MC > MO), and ranked MC > MO > MH at the end of the transition. Gains during the suckling period, and hence the economic margin, were higher for Parda de Montaña than for Pirenaica calves; during transition the economic margin was similar. Conclusions Preweaning supplementation with concentrates is the most interesting option in terms of performance and profitability. Implications Preweaning solid supplementation increases calf performance and provides better rumen development, essential for a smooth transition to fattening diets.

INFLUENCE OF COW SIZE AND OTHER FACTORS ON WEIGHT GAIN OF BEEF CALVES TO 365 DAYS OF AGE

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. B. JEFFERY ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Calves ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Breed Difference ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
The University ◽  
Daily Gain

A study involving three sets of data from the University of Alberta beef breeding herd (1966–67, 176 cows; 1967–68, 167 cows; 1968–70, 285 cows) was conducted to determine the influence of birth weight of calf (BW), postcalving weight of dam (PCW), and breed effect on calf performance to 365 days of age. The influence of preweaning on postweaning performance was also considered. Calves heavier at birth tended to excel in both preweaning and postweaning growth rate. A 1-kg increase in BW resulted in an increase of 2.86–4.42 kg in calf weight at 365 days of age. For male calves, PCW was negatively associated with calf weight at both 180 and 365 days of age for 1966–67 data; however, for 1967–68 and 1968–70 data, a 10-kg increase in PCW resulted in 0.70- and 0.92-kg increases, respectively, in calf weight at 180 days, and 1.96- and 2.12-kg increases in calf weight at 365 days, respectively. For female calves, a 10-kg increase in PCW resulted in 1.40-, 0.88-, and 0.29-kg increases in calf weight at 180 days of age, and 0.68-, 1.31-, and 0.31-kg increases in calf weight at 365 days of age, respectively, for the three sets of data. Breed difference explained from 22 to 43% of the variance in average daily gain of calf to weaning (ADG) but only 0.2–13.8% of the variance in postweaning average daily gain (PWADG). Male calves with higher ADG to weaning or heavier weaning weights tended to have slightly higher PWADG. A 10-kg advantage in weaning weight for male calves resulted in a 12–14-kg advantage in weight at 365 days of age.

Colostrum and milk fatty acids of dairy cows as influenced by extruded linseed supplementation during the transition period

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
D E Santschi ◽  
H -R Wettstein ◽  
F Leiber ◽  
A.-K. M Witschi ◽  
M Kreuzer
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Fast Response ◽  
Metabolic Parameters ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Milk Fatty Acids ◽  
Carry Over

The effects of precalving fat sources on fatty acid (FA) profile of colostrum and milk and on metabolic parameters in early lactation were determined. Two fat supplements (target: 21% fat, DM basis) fed at 1.8 kg DM d-1 were compared: Control (C; containing fractionated palm oil rich in 16:0) and Linseed (L; containing extruded linseed, rich in 18:3n-3). Sixteen dry Holstein (n = 7) and Brown Swiss (n = 9) cows were assigned to four groups receiving the supplements from 5 wk pre- to 4 wk post-calving in different sequences: CC, CL, LC and LL. Treatments did not affect metabolic parameters, milk yield or composition. Linseed supplementation increased proportions of 18:0, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 in colostrum and milk (except 18:1 for colostrum). The highest n-3 FA proportion was observed in milk of LL cows. For most 16 and 18 FA, a fast response occurred within the first week of lactation for cows that switched treatments over calving. Carry-over to milk of 18:3 and its biohydrogenation products from linseed fed precalving was low. Pre-calving feeding strategies to favour incorporation of these FA into early lactation milk were not successful, but the reasons for this failure remain unclear.Key words: Linseed, omega-3 fatty acids, transition period, milk, colostrum, dairy cows

Evaluation of ketogenic vs. glucogenic substrates as energy sources in starter diets for Holstein dairy calves

2014 ◽  
Vol 94 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Beiranvand ◽  
M. Khorvash ◽  
G. R. Ghorbani ◽  
A. Homayouni ◽  
L. Bachmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Sodium Propionate ◽  
Waste Milk ◽  
Weaning Age ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Holstein Calves

Beiranvand, H., Khorvash, M., Ghorbani, G. R., Homayouni, A., Bachmann, L. and Kargar, S. 2014. Evaluation of ketogenic vs. glucogenic substrates as energy sources in starter diets for Holstein dairy calves. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 717–723. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the inclusion of granular sugar and sodium propionate as ketogenic and glucogenic substrates, respectively, in calf starter diets on the performance, weaning age, rumen fermentation characteristics and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA). Twenty-one newborn male Holstein calves were housed in individual pens until 10 wk of age, receiving starter ad libitum, fresh water free choice, and fed four liters of pasteurized waste milk daily until weaning. Calves were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: (1) no supplemental additive (Control); (2) granular sugar (5% of dietary DM; Sugar); and (3) sodium propionate (5% of dietary DM; Propionate). Overall, no differences were observed among treatments for starter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, day of weaning, body weight at weaning and at the end of the study. Body measurements including body length, hip height, hip width, and heart girth were remained unchanged among treatments. Ruminal fluid pH (5.36 to 5.58) and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (93.1 to 101.6 mM), acetate (43.6 to 53.1 mM), propionate (30.5 to 35.1 mM), and ratio of acetate to propionate (1.42 to 1.89) were not affected by treatments over the experimental period. However, the concentration of butyrate was greater at 35 and 70 d of age in calves receiving Sugar compared with calves receiving Propionate, but not compared with the Control. Greater blood βHBA at 45, 60 and 70 d of age was noticed in calves fed Sugar compared with those fed Control and Propionate. In conclusion, according to the concentrations of supplemental ketogenic and glucogenic substrates used in the current experiment, sugar and sodium propionate in starter diets did not improve calf performance.

Effects of oats grain supplements on performance, rumen parameters and composition of beef from cattle grazing oats pasture

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 665 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Arelovich ◽  
J. Marinissen ◽  
B. A. Gardner ◽  
M. F. Martínez ◽  
R. D. Bravo
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Linoleic Acid ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Saturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Linoleic Acid Content

The impacts of supplementing with whole oats grain (OG) upon performance and beef quality traits of growing steers grazing oats pasture (OP) were measured. The trial used Angus steer calves (203 kg mean bodyweight) assigned to three treatments: Control, unsupplemented OP (CON); OP plus OG fed at 0.25% BW daily (OG1); and OP plus OG fed at 0.50% bodyweight daily (OG2). All steers grazed the same paddock but were removed momentarily once daily so OG could be fed to each steer individually. Daily intake of OG averaged 597 and 1294 g DM for OG1 and OG2, respectively. Steers were slaughtered after grazing for 130 days to determine carcass characteristics and lipid profiles. In parallel with the grazing trial, four ruminally cannulated steers (613 kg mean bodyweight) were allocated to treatments CON and OG2 (n = 2) to monitor ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids, and NH3-N. Steers fed OG2 had greater (P < 0.01) average daily gain than CON; final liveweight for OG2 steers was significantly higher than both CON and OG1 steers. Although variations in plasma haematocrit and alkaline phosphatase were they did not affect animal performance. Dressing percentage was not affected by the experimental diets but OG2 steers had greater (P < 0.05) marbling scores. Although rib-eye area was numerically greater for OG1 and OG2 than CON steers (8% and 14%), these differences were not significant statistically (P = 0.3493). Intramuscular lipid content of Longissimus dorsi muscle was not significantly increased by OG supplementation but of the intramuscular fatty acids, contributions of vaccenic and α-linolenic acids decreased (P < 0.05). Linoleic acid content was lowest (P < 0.05) for OG1 steers. A no significant decrease in conjugated linoleic acid was detected when more OG was supplemented. No treatment differences in the contributions of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, n-6 or n-3 to intramuscular fatty acids were detected although the n-6 : n-3 resulted numerically higher (11% and 23%) for OG1 and OG2 steers than CON steers. Rumen pH, NH3-N and volatile fatty acids were not significantly altered by OG supplementation. Supplementing diets of cattle grazing OP improved performance without rumen digestion impairs or inducing substantial changes in the lipid profile of intramuscular fat. Thus, OG supplementation would be expected to improve the efficiency of cattle grazing of OP without substantial changes to ruminal measurements or the lipid profile of beef.

Whole wheat grain feeding of lambs. III. Rumen metabolic responses and animal physiological adjustment to mineral buffer supplements

1973 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 425 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Bigham ◽  
WR McManus ◽  
GB Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Wheat Grain ◽  
Total Volatile ◽  
Hydrogen Phosphate ◽  
Flow Rates ◽  
Whole Wheat ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Group B

An intensive 17-week study was made of nine rumen-cannulated crossbred lambs off pasture when given mineral buffer supplements as they were changed from lucerne chaff diets to diets of whole wheat grain plus 2 % of ground limestone. Diets were given ad libitum. Buffers were supplied during transition (period 11) and after transition (period III). The buffers were a 1/1/1/1 mixture of powdered disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and calciuns hydrogen phosphate given as 2% of the grain offered (group B) and powdered alumirn~~m hydroxide (Al(OH)3) given as 1 % by weight of the grain ofiered (group C). The wheat gram diet was low in sodium (0 008%) and contained 1.50% nitrogen. Production responses to both mineral buffer treatments resulted. Soth buffer treatments increased the voluntary intake (P < 0.01) of wheat above that of the control animals. The rate of eating (g/hr) and pattern of eating did not differ significantly between groups, or between periods I (lucerne chaff) and 111 (post-transition). Groups B and C increased in liveweight to a greater extent than did control animals (P < 0 01) and had heavier carcasses (P <0.01). Results with the mineral mixture given to group B (above) confirm our earlier report. Ingestion of aluminium hydroxide was associated with abomasal ulceration. No significant differences were found between groups in any period for total volatile fatty acids in rumen liquor. Towards the end of period 111, animals given buffer had lower proportions of acetic and higher proportions of propionic acid than did control animals (P < 0.01). Hexanoic acid was detected in all rumen liquor samples obtained in period 111, sometimes in amounts equal to 17 % of total volatile fatty acids. Lactic acid was not detected in rumen liquor in period I, but was present in large amounts in all lambs during period 11, and in lesser but substantial amounts in all lambs during period III. Levels of lactic acid in the rumen liquor in animals receiving mineral buffer supplements fell at a faster rate during period I11 ?hall did levels in control animals. There was a significant decline in rumen pH values for all groups from period I to period III (P < 0.01). Significant rumen pH differences attributable to mineral buffer treatment were apparent (P < 0 05). Buffers were associated with a less acid rumen condition than found in control animals. Relative to control animals, animals given mineral buffers showed increases in rumen buffering capacity and salivary flow rates, and an increased buffering index of the total mixed saliva. Period effects were apparent. The saliva flow rates of control lambs fed on wheat were significantly increased compared with their flow rates on the roughage diet of lucerne chaff. In general, supplementation with aluminium hydroxide and with the mixed buffer respectively yielded similar patterns of response. It is concluded that responses were not primarily due to the sodium level of the diet per se, and that alterations in the animals' electrolyte and acid-base physiology induced by buffer treatment might be contributory factors. Various possible physiological mechanisms are discussed.

The effect of feeding Levucell SC™ rumen specific live yeast on feed intake and weight gain performance of calves during weaning

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Turney ◽  
A. Clay ◽  
L. Waldron
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Transition Period ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Creep Feed ◽  
Specific Strain ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Live Yeast

SummaryA trial was run to examine the influence of feeding a rumen specific live yeast, Levucell SC™ (Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Hamilton, New Zealand), on feed intakes and body weights of calves at weaning. Sixty male, Friesian cross calves, aged four days old, were randomly allocated to either a control (unsupplemented) creep feed diet or one containing Levucell SC™, a rumen specific strain of live yeast. All calves were fed a commercial milk replacer (CMR) and offered straw and creep feed ad libitum from entry, and intakes and weight gains were recorded. At six weeks of age, the calves were transferred to grazing with ad libitum access to creep feed and monitored for a further two weeks, covering the transition period from milk to grazing. The calves fed Levucell SC™ had higher feed intakes at weaning (1.105 kg/day versus 1.523 kg/day at seven weeks of age; P = 0.0434 and 1.179 kg/day versus 1.965 kg/day at eight weeks of age; P = 0.0272 for control and Levucell SC™ respectively). Correspondingly, average daily gain (ADG) was improved. At seven weeks of age, ADG was 0.659 kg versus 0.912 kg (P = 0.039), and at eight weeks of age ADG was 0.457 kg versus 0.707 kg (P = 0.0650) for control and Levucell SC™ respectively. It was concluded that supplying Levucell SC™ via creep feed prevented the drop off in calf performance at weaning, in terms of both feed intake and weight gain. This is important, as early rumen development and pre-weaning growth rates are related to a reduction in gastric upsets at weaning, future growth performance in calves and future lactation performance.

scholarly journals Effects of Organic acid Blend on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Concentration of Volatile Fatty Acids in the Faeces of Young Pigs

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-47
Author(s):  
L. Bujňák ◽  
P. Naď ◽  
T. Mihok
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Organic Acid ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Young Pigs

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a feeding diet containing a dry organic acid blend (lactic acid—ammonium formate—ammonium propionate—citrate—sorbate) in young pigs on their: performance, the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and the concentration of volatile fatty acids in their faeces. A total of 12 crossbred pigs (Slovakian White × Landrace) with an initial live weight of 12.78 ± 1.86 kg were divided into two dietary treatments. The experimental period lasted 28 days. Pigs were fed a control diet (control group) or a diet supplemented with a dry organic acid (OA) blend, 0.6 g per 100 g feed (experimental group). Compared with the control group, the average daily gain (ADG) was improved (P < 0.05) by OA blend over the period of the investigation (0—28 days). For the apparent total tract digestibility determination, ash which is insoluble in hydrochloric acid was used as a marker. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein and total ash was improved (P < 0.05) by the OA blend in the experiment. Compared with the control group, the concentration of the total volatile fatty acid in the faeces increased (P < 0.05) in pigs supplemented with the OA blend. The concentration of butyric acid in the faeces tended to be higher (P < 0.01) in pigs supplemented with the OA blend compared with the control group. In conclusion, the addition of 0.6 g per 100 g feed had a positive effect on: growth performance, total tract digestibility of crude protein and the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the faeces of young pigs.

scholarly journals The Signature Microbiota Driving Rumen Function Shifts in Goat Kids Introduced Solid Diet Regimes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaokang Lv ◽  
Jianmin Chai ◽  
Qiyu Diao ◽  
Wenqin Huang ◽  
Yimin Zhuang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Classification Model ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Community Structures ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Core Microbiome ◽  
Solid Diet ◽  
Rumen Development

AbstractThe feeding regime of early supplementary solid diet improved rumen development and ruminant production. However, the signature microbiota linking dietary regimes to rumen function shifts and hosts are still unclear. We analyzed the rumen microbiome and functions affected by supplementation of solid diet using a combination of machine learning algorithms. The volatile fatty acids (i.e., acetate, propionate and butyrate) fermented by microbes increased significantly in the supplementary solid diet groups. The predominant genera altered significantly from unclassified Sphingobacteriaceae (non-supplementary group) to Prevotella (supplementary solid diet groups) RandomForest classification model revealed signature microbiota for solid diet that positively correlated with macronutrient intake, and linearly increased with volatile fatty acids production. The nutrient specific bacteria for carbohydrate and protein were also identified. According to FishTaco analysis, a set of intersecting core species contributed with rumen function shifts by solid diet. The core community structures consisted of specific signature microbiota and their symbiotic partners are manipulated by extra nutrients from concentrate and/or forage, and then produce more volatile fatty acids to promote rumen development and functions eventually host development. Our study provides mechanism of microbiome governing by solid diet and highlights the signatures microbiota for animal health and production.ImportanceSmall ruminants are essential protein sources for human, so keeping them health and increasing their production are important. The microbial communities resided in rumen play key roles to convert fiber resources to human food. Moreover, rumen physiology experience huge changes after birth, and understanding its microbiome roles could provide insights for other species. Recently, our studies and others have shown that diet changed rumen microbial composition and goat performance. In this study, we identified core community structures that were affected by diet and associated to the rumen development and goat production. This outcome could potentially allow us to select specific microbiome to improve rumen physiology and functions, maintain host health and benefit animal production. Therefore, it gives a significant clue that core microbiome manipulation by feeding strategies can increase animal products. To our knowledge, we firstly used FishTaco for determination of link between signatures abundances and rumen function shifts.

scholarly journals The effect of different physical forms of starter feed on rumen fermentation indicators and weight gain in calves after weaning

2017 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leoš Pavlata ◽  
Ondřej Šťastník ◽  
Štěpánka Křivová ◽  
Hana Dočkalová ◽  
Lenka Sedláková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Total Volatile ◽  
Ruminal Acidosis ◽  
Molar Proportion ◽  
Rumen Ph

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different physical forms of starter feed on rumen fermentation indicators of calves after weaning and their weight gain. The experiment was performed with Czech Fleckvieh calves after weaning. The calves were fed ad libitum completely pelleted starter feed or texturized starter feed with chopped straw. The rumen fluid samples were collected after a month of feeding the starter feeds. The calves were weighed monthly. The pH, total acidity, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, butyrate, lactic acid, ammonia and the number of rumen ciliate protozoa were determined in the rumen fluid samples. The calves receiving the starter feed with straw showed significantly higher rumen pH (6.24 ± 0.51 vs. 5.58 ± 0.30), total volatile fatty acids (98.02 ± 20.46 vs. 61.40 ± 26.51 mmol/l), molar proportion of acetate (61.20 ± 4.87 vs. 50.53 ± 4.66%), and the acetate:propionate ratio (2.38 ± 0.53 vs. 1.34 ± 0.18) and lower molar proportion of propionate (26.55 ± 4.48 vs. 37.92 ± 3.58%) compared with the calves receiving pelleted starter feed. Average daily gain of the calves did not differ significantly. The feeding of starter feed with chopped straw compared with the pelleted starter feed led to better development of the rumen fermentation evaluated by rumen pH, by total volatile fatty acids production, and by the proportion and ratio of acetic and propionic acids. The feeding of starter feed with chopped straw reduced the occurrence of subacute ruminal acidosis in the weaned calves.

Effects of feeding wheat middlings on production, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and carcass characteristics in beef cattle

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. ZoBell ◽  
L. A. Goonewardene ◽  
K. C. Olson ◽  
C. A. Stonecipher ◽  
R. D. Wiedmeier
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Volatile Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Total Volatile ◽  
Wheat Middlings ◽  
Daily Gain

Studies were conducted to compare the feed value of wheat middlings (WM) to cereal grains in rations with varying concentrate to roughage levels. In two separate studies, weaned heifers and steers were fed corn silage/alfalf a hay-based growing diets where the concentrate source was either a control diet consisting of rolled barley (heifers) or rolled corn (steers) versus WM, over an 84-d period. In a 107-d study, finishing steers were fed treatments that consisted of rolled corn (C) plus either 35% wheat middlings (WM35) or 50% wheat middlings (WM50). A single cross-over designed digestibility study was also conducted utilizing four cannulated yearling heifers fed either a corn or WM50 diet from the finishing steer study. Results from the heifer and growing and finishing steer studies showed that average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficience (FE) were not affected (P > 0.05) by feeding treatment. Carcass characteristics, including hot carcass weight, ribeye area, backfat, yield, quality grade and cutability were also unaffected (P > 0.05) by feed treatment. Results from the digestibility studies indicated total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were increased (P = 0.023) in the WM diet, with acetate lower (P = 0.0003) than the C group, and pH levels of 5.81 and 5.55 for the C and WM treatments respectively (P = 0.011). Dry matter and ADF digestibilities were not affected (P > 0.05) by feed treatment. It is concluded from these studies that WM can be fed to growing beef heifers and steers as an alternative to more traditional concentrate sources such as corn or barley. Wheat middlings could replace up to 50% of the concentrate in a finishing ration. However, certain ruminal fermentation characteristics such as pH, acetate: propionate ratio and total volatile fatty acids may be altered, which could affect performance over an extended feeding period. Key words: Wheat middlings, average daily gain, feed efficiency, digestibility, ruminal degradation, beef cattle

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