VARIOUS RATIOS OF CORN AND CORN SILAGE IN THE FATTENING RATION OF BEEF CALVES
T. W. Perry, Donald Webb, C. II. Nickel and W. M. Beeson
(Conducted at Lynnwood Farm, Carmel, Indiana)
Summary
Economical gains were made in all lots of calves fed 2 pounds Supplement A, various levels of corn and free choice corn silage and minerals (feed cost per pound gain 13.6 to 17.2 cents).
Most economical gains were made by the calves in Lot 1 fed 1.5 pounds corn in addition to Supplement A and corn silage (13.6 cents) and those in Lot 2 fed l/3 full feed of corn (13.6^). However, those in Lot I did not gain as rapidly as those fed higher levels of corn. Also, their gains appeared to be more growing gains and less finishing gains than the cattle fed from one-third to a full-feed of corn. Yearling cattle can be fattened out satisfactorily on a full feed of corn silage, 2 pounds Supplement A and 1.5 to 2 pounds shelled corn. However, calves apparently do not have the digestive capacity to eat enough silage to reach a market finish on such a program and thus require additional grain.
Calves in Lot 3 fed 2/3 full feed of corn and those in Lot h fed a full feed °f corn gained at identical rates (2.31 11 • per day). Feed cost per pound of gain rose in direct proportion to the amount of corn in the diet. (More corn = Higher cost).
Based on one year’s research, it would appear that most rapid, efficient and practical growing and fattening gains ■for beef calves fed corn silage and supplement would be obtained by feeding from ^ to 8 pounds of corn per head daily. Probably near the end of the finishing period for cattle started as calves, a heavy feed of corn would be desirable for the finish needed for reaching a U. S. Choice grade.
There was very little difference in quality of carcass among the three lots fed l/3 full feed, 2/3 full feed or a full feed of corn. Steers fed 2/3 full feed actually had most square inches of loin eye.
Feed requirements per pound of gain were quite similar for all lots regardless of amount of corn fed. However, since corn silage contains less T.D.N. per pound of dry matter, cattle on the predominantly corn silage ration required much less T.D.N. per pound of gain than those on a medium to high concentrate ration.
Economical Gains
One of the most logical approaches to lowering the cost of beef production is through maximum use of corn silage.
A corn silage program is especially applicable to cattle fattening rations.
In fact, U.S. Choice beef has been produced when yearling cattle have been fed a full feed of corn silage (50 to 55 pounds per head, daily) plus 3*5 pounds of Purdue Supplement A, daily, for a period of approximately 6 months. It should be pointed out that this fattening ration for yearling cattle contained no corn other than that contained naturally in the corn silage.
Calves fed such a ration gain rapidly and economically, but do not reach slaughter finish in a reasonable length of time. Therefore, it has been recommended that some additional corn, in addition to Supplement A, be fed with a predominantly corn silage ration for fattening calves.
Mimeo AS-29^ June, 1961 (Final)
Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station Lafayette, Indiana