550 The application of Trichoderma fermentation extract to growing and finishing rations improved beef cattle performance

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-treating beef cattle rations with aTrichodermafermentation extract (VistaPre-T; AB Vista, UK) on the performance of beef cattle during growing and finishing phases. Predominantly Angus cross heifers (n = 360, BW=248 ± 18 kg) were blocked by their initial BW and assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments: 0, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 ml of VistaPre-T/kg of DM. VistaPre-T was applied to the ration during the mixing process. The ration was offered ad libitum and comprised of steam-flaked corn, chopped alfalfa hay, and dried distillers grains. Body weight was measured every 30 d. The offered DMI was measured daily and averaged every 30 d. Animals were shipped to slaughter in two blocks on d 216 and d 238. Statistical analysis was conducted using Proc Mixed of SAS (v. 9.4) with treatment as the fixed effect. Results were presented in Table 550. During the growing phase (d1 to d 60), the application of VistaPre-T linearly increased BW, ADG, and F:G. Additionally, the application of VistaPre-T linearly increased both the final BW and the overall ADG and quadratically increased the overall F:G. In conclusion, the application ofTrichodermafermentation extract, VistaPre-T, directly to growing and finishing rations improved the performance and feed efficiency of beef cattle.