Effect of Hay and Molasses on the Utilization of Broiler Litter-Based Diets by Beef Cattle

Abstract

Rude, B.J. and Rankins, Jr., D.L. 1999. Effect of hay and molasses on the utilization of broiler litter-based diets by beef cattle. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 15: 41–52. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental hay and (or) molasses addition on the utilization of diets containing broiler litter (BL) and corn. Trial 1: 48 steers (initial body weight = 200±13 kg) were allotted to one of the following four diets (four steers/pen; three pens/diet) (1) 530 g/kg cracked corn and 470 g/kg BL (dry matter basis) fed free-choice, 2) diet 1 + hay daily at 5 g/kg of body weight, 3) diet 1 + hay fed on Mondays and Thursdays to equal 5 g/kg of body weight per day, and 4) diet 1 + free-choice hay. Total daily intake by steers fed hay ad libitum or on a daily basis was greater (P<0.05) than that by those offered no hay. Daily gains were greater (P<0.05) for steers consuming hay ad limitum or on a daily basis than steers that were offered no hay or hay twice per week. Trial 2: 16 steers (initial body weight = 299±29 kg) were allotted to receive one of four diets for 72 days following a 20-day adaptation period: 1) 530 g/kg corn and 470 g/kg BL (dry matter basis); (2) diet 1 supplemented with 1.7 kg hay/d; (3) 473 g/kg corn, 343 g/kg BL and 183 g/kg molasses; (4) diet 3 supplemented with 1.7 kg hay/d. Hay supplementation resulted in greater total dry matter intake and average daily gain (P<0.05) compared with steers not supplemented. However, when expressed as a proportion of body weight, hay suplementation did not affect intake (P>0.05). Apparent nutrient digestibilities, blood urea, nitrogen and ruminal ammonia were not different (P>0.05) among diets. However, steers receiving hay had greater (P<0.05) acetate and lower propionate concentrations in the rumen compared with those not receiving hay.