Effect of Feeding Technologies on Hay Utilization by Beef Cattle
Abstract
Experiment 1 was conducted with Angus and Angus X Hereford cows (n = 72; 532 � 59 kg) that were allotted by BW to one of two treatments. Treatment 1 (CONT; control) included ad libitum access to a steel ring feeder and 0.45 kg/d of a 38% CP cottonseed meal based supplement. Treatment 2 (LIMIT; limited) included 7 h access to a modified cone feeder and 0.45 kg/d of a 38% CP cottonseed meal based supplement with 200 mg/hd inclusion of monensin (MON). Cows were allotted to one of four previously grazed 1.0 ha paddocks with a 12.2 x 7.6 m2 concrete pad. Experiment 2 was conducted with the same pads and similar treatments as experiment 1. Lactating cows (n =36; 528 � 63) were allotted to one of two treatments. Treatment 1) (CONT; control included ad libitum access to a ring feeder with prairie hay and 1.13 kg/d of a protein supplement. Treatment 2 included 6 h access to a modified cone feeder with ammoniated prairie hay and 0.79 kg/d of a wheat middlings and cottonseed meal based pellet. In experiment 1 There was no difference (P = 0.41) between d 0 and off test BW change for cows receiving between treatments. Hay waste was reduced (P = 0.01) by the LIMIT treatment. There was a reduction (P = 0.01) in percent of bale weight wasted with the LIMIT treatment wasting 11.9%, compared to 24.9% in the CONT treatment. Improved hay efficiency resulted in a decrease in cost of hay and supplement/cow of $.32/d. In experiment 2 there was no difference (P = 0.14) in cow BW change between d 0 and off test. However, calves from cows receiving the LIMIT treatment gained less weight (P = 0.01) than those receiving the CONT treatment. Total hay waste was significantly (P = 0.01) reduced by the LIMIT treatment. Total waste was 134 and 48 kg for CONT and LIMIT treatments, respectively. CONT treatment wasted 21.9% of bale weight, compared to 7.3% for the LIMIT treatment. There was no economic benefit for the LIMIT treatment for the feeding period observed.
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- OSU Theses [15752]