Abstract
Abstract The GrōPod is an automated Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technology that produces sprouted grain (wheatgrass) at commercial scale to deliver fresh Grōv High Density Nutrient (HDN) feed to cattle year-round. In this study, 80 Holstein beef animals were randomized into two groups and fed ad libitum either a high-energy (84% concentrate) grain-fed finishing ration (CTL) or a ration comprising up to 42% HDN wheatgrass. All animals were monitored for growth performance through the finishing phase, and 10 animals from each group were harvested for meat quality analysis. HDN-fed animals showed numerically higher (P = 0.13) average daily gain of 2.9 lbs v 2.8 lbs, and body weight after 126 d on feed compared to the CTL. Carcasses from the HDN-fed group tended (P = 0.06) to grade at a higher USDA quality grade (Choice) versus CTL (Choice minus). Meat samples from the HDN-fed group had a lower (P < 0.05) percent of trans-saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids present in the sample. The HDN-fed group had a lower (P = 0.06) ratio of omega 6:omega 3 fatty acids. Preliminary data indicates Grōv HDN wheatgrass finishing ration may exhibit positive effects on feedlot performance and meat quality in Holstein beef cattle in comparison to a high-energy finishing ration.
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