Effects of processing a new low acid-detergent lignin hull, high oil groat oat cultivar (CDC SO-I) on performance of growing cattle

Abstract

A new oat cultivar, CDC SO-I, with a low lignin hull and high oil groat was evaluated in backgrounding diets for steer calves, with an emphasis on the requirement for processing. Average daily gain was not different (P > 0.05) between calves fed rolled barley, rolled oat, or whole oat diets. Dry matter intake of cattle fed the rolled oat diet was greater (P = 0.04) than that of cattle fed the rolled barley or whole oat diets. Feed:gain was not affected (P = 0.13) by treatment. Results indicate the CDC SO-I oat does not require processing (i.e., rolling), and can replace barley in backgrounding diets with no negative effect on animal performance. Key words: Oat, growing cattle, feedlot, high oil, low lignin