Performance, Feeding Behavior and Immune Response in Nellore and Angus × Nellore Steers Fed Whole Shelled Corn Diets with or without Fiber

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate performance, to evaluate performance, carcass traits, feeding behavior, and humoral immune response in Nellore and Angus × Nellore steers fed whole shelled corn diets. Sixteen Nellore and 16 Angus × Nellore steers with 353 ± 25.3 kg were randomly assigned into 2 feeding groups, whole shelled corn without forage (WSC) or whole shelled corn and sugarcane bagasse (WSCB). The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Angus × Nellore steers had greater final BW, DMI, ADG, and subcutaneous fat thickness than Nellore. Moreover, Nellore steers had lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake but spent more time ruminating and had a greater rumination rate of NDF. Regarding the diets, steers fed the WSCB had greater DMI and spent more time chewing and ruminating. Nellore × Angus steers had a greater haptoglobin concentration. The concentration of D-Lactate tended to be greater in the Nellore steers regardless of diet. In conclusion, the use of sugarcane bagasse in WSC diets increases DMI and ADG without affecting feed efficiency or the carcass traits of the steers. Although Angus × Nellore steers have increased haptoglobin concentration, this effect was not enough to reduce the performance of these animals.