Feedbunk Management and Finishing Steer Performance

Abstract

One hundred ninety-two mixed-breed steers were used in a randomized block design with four treatments which included the following feeding practices: a) control- feeding at 0800 and 1500 with 24.3cm linear bunk space per head; b) feeding at 0800 and 1500 with 24.3cm per head and every fourth day linear bunk space was reduced to 13.3cm per head by inserting a 20B.2-L drum in the feedbunks; c) feeding time of 0800 and 1500 linear bunk space 24.3cm and every fourth day the 0800 feeding was skipped, the afternoon feeding on day 3 was fed at 1.5 times the day 3 morning feeding, and the day 4 afternoon feeding was normal; and d) feeding time of 1500 and linear bunk space per head of 24.3cm. Feed efficiency was poorer (P<.02) during period 2 for the control steers than the change linear bunk space or skip one feeding treatments. Otherwise, there were no statistical differences in cattle performance, feed cost of gain, or carcass measurements. This study suggests: a) that feeding once a day in the afternoon may be as good a management practice as twice a day feeding, and b) a "planned" irregularity in the feeding schedule may not hurt performance compared to twice a day feeding.