Performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed a low acid-detergent lignin hull, high-oil groat oat in growing and finishing diets

Abstract

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the performance and carcass traits of steers fed a low acid detergent lignin hull, high oil groat (LLH-HOG) oat in cattle diets. In trial 1, 400 steers (275.4 ± 20.8 kg) were fed one of two diets with barley or LLH-HOG oat at 37.8% of the diet (DM basis). Dry matter intake (DMI) was lower (P = 0.02) (7.49 vs. 7.72 kg d-1) and gain to feed improved (P < 0.01) (0.171 vs. 0.159 kg) for steers fed the oat-based diet. Calculated NEm (1.80 and 1.71 Mcal kg-1) and NEg (1.17 and 1.09 Mcal kg-1) values were greater for the oat-based diet. In trial 2, 240 steers (341.7 ± 18.1 kg) were fed one of three diets consisting of 88.2% barley, corn or oat grain, 5.1% barley silage and 6.7% supplement (DM basis). During finishing, steers on the oat diet had lower (P < 0.01) Average daily gain than barley- or corn-fed cattle (1.40, 1.69 and 1.84 kg d-1, respectively) reflecting lower (P < 0.01) DMI (9.56, 10.84 and 11.56 kg d-1, respectively). Ultrasound fat and longissimus dorsi (l. dorsi) area, carcass weight and dressing percentage were lower (P < 0.01) for steers fed the oat diet. Stearic acid content of the l. dorsi of oat-fed cattle was greater (P < 0.01) than barley- or corn-fed cattle. The ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the muscle of oat- and corn-fed cattle was greater (P = 0.01) than that of barley-fed cattle. Results indicate that the energy value of the LLH-HOG oat is equivalent or superior to that of barley for growing cattle; however, research is required to identify why feed intake of finishing cattle fed this grain source is reduced. Key words: Low lignin hull, high-oil groat oat, barley, corn, cattle performance, carcass traits