Abstract
A trial involving a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments was conducted to evaluate two corn silage hybrids (Agromen, AGN35-A42) and (Bayer, A3663) and concentrate levels (25 and 50%) on animal performance. Twenty-four Holstein x Zebu crossbred steers, averaging 335±30kg of BW, were distributed in six randomized blocks to evaluate intake, digestibility, and performance. Treatments consisted of 75% corn silage A + 25% concentrate, 50% corn silage A + 50% concentrate, 75% corn silage B + 25% concentrate, and 50% corn silage B + 50% concentrate (dry matter basis); formulated to be isonitrogenous (13% crude protein, dry matter basis). There were no differences in the daily intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein. Additionally, there was a concentrate effect on non-fiber carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients intakes, and on total apparent digestibility of DM and OM, with higher intakes for steers fed diets with 50% of concentrate. However, average daily gain (ADG) was not influenced by treatments. The utilization of both corn silage hybrids in association with 25% of concentrate is a good option to feed crossbred steers with ADG close to 1.0kg in order to reduce diet cost.
Highlights
The feeding is the most expensive component of feedlot systems, mainly the concentrate ration cost
Treatments consisted of 75% of corn silage A + 25% of concentrate (A25), 50% of corn silage A + 50% of concentrate (A50), 75% of corn silage B + 25% of concentrate (B25), and 50% of corn silage B + 50% (B50); on dry matter (DM) basis (Table 2)
Concentrate levels had a positive effect (P
Summary
The feeding is the most expensive component of feedlot systems, mainly the concentrate ration cost. Many studies have showed contradictory results about concentrate levels in beef cattle diets (Moraes et al, 2002; Costa et al, 2005; Pereira et al, 2006), so researches regarding concentrate ratio is yet necessary. The quality of silage is fundamental to get good economic results, because of using good quality silage, the utilization of concentrate can be decreased and, the diet cost will be lower. Whole-plant corn silage is a popular forage source for ruminants due to its high yielding properties, energy content, relatively high palatability, and incorporating into total mixed ration (Gomes, 2002). Corn has high water soluble carbohydrate content, adequate lactic acid production and, results in good quality silage
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
