Abstract
The objective of this experiment was to compare performance impacts of a high-energy diet limit-fed at 2.2% of body weight (BW) daily on a dry matter (DM) basis to a traditional roughage-based diet fed for ad libitum intake during the growing phase.
Highlights
Recent research suggests limit feeding a high-energy diet to growing cattle improves feed efficiency and reduces time spent ruminating during the growing phase prior to feedlot entry compared to roughage-based diets fed for ad libitum intakes on a dry matter (DM) basis
Two dietary treatments included: (1) 45 Mcal of net energy for gain (NEg) per 100 lb of dry matter (DM) fed for ad libitum intake (45AL), or (2) 60 Mcal NEg per 100 lb of DM limit-fed at 2.2% of body weight (BW) daily on a DM basis (60LF2.2)
Rumination time was greater (P < 0.01) for 45AL heifers compared to 60LF2.2 heifers, whereas activity was greater (P < 0.01) for 60LF2.2 heifers than 45AL heifers. These results suggest growing cattle fed a high-energy diet at a restricted intake level of 2.2% of BW daily on a DM basis have better feed efficiency and greater activity levels compared to growing cattle full-fed traditional roughage-based diets
Summary
Recent research suggests limit feeding a high-energy diet to growing cattle improves feed efficiency and reduces time spent ruminating during the growing phase prior to feedlot entry compared to roughage-based diets fed for ad libitum intakes on a dry matter (DM) basis. Two dietary treatments included: (1) 45 Mcal of net energy for gain (NEg) per 100 lb of dry matter (DM) fed for ad libitum intake (45AL), or (2) 60 Mcal NEg per 100 lb of DM limit-fed at 2.2% of BW daily on a DM basis (60LF2.2).
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