Effect of post-weaning protein supplementation of beef steers fed grass silage on performance during the finishing phase, and carcass quality

Abstract

Seventy-two steers fed different proteins during a post-weaning phase were fed a common diet with or without protein supplementation during the finishing phase. Protein supplementation during finishing had no effect (P > 0.10) on animal performance. During finishing, BW gain tended (P = 0.07) to be affected by treatments fed during the growth phase. BW gain for the overall experiment was similar for all proteins and higher (P < 0.05) than that of steers fed only silage. During finishing, the feed:gain ratio was affected by diets fed during growth. Supplementation during growth decreased the time required to reach market weight with the lowest number of days being for steers fed fish meal. Carcass characteristics were similar for all treatments. Key words: Cattle, grass silage, growth, finishing, protein supplement