Authors : R. Barajas , E.G. Alvarez , M.F. Montano and R.A. Zinn
Abstract: A growth-performance trial and a metabolism trial were conducted to evaluate the influence of an imposed 20% fluctuation in daily DMI on performance (Forty steers; BW 363 kg) and digestive function (6 steers; BW 363 kg) in Holstein steers. Feed intake was adjusted at weekly increments according to projected changes in live weight. The experimental diet contained (DM basis): 8.00% sudangrass hay, 77.45% steam-flaked corn, 3.00% yellow grease, 8.00% cane molasses, 1.78% limestone, 1.27% urea and 0.50% trace mineralized salt. Steers were fed twice daily. Two treatments were compared: constant daily feed intake versus variable daily feed intake. With the "variable" feeding group, steers were fed in a cycle of 10% more followed by 10% less than that of the "constant" feeding group. That is, the first day they received 10% more than the constant feeding group, the second day they received 10% less than the constant feeding group, the third day they received 10% more than the constant feeding group, etc., until the end of the trial. Feed intake by steers in the constant feeding group was programmed to allow for an ADG of 1.1 kg day-1. Daily fluctuation in feed intake did not influence (p>0.20) ADG, DM intake, gain efficiency, dietary NE, or carcass characteristics. Furthermore, fluctuating intake did not affect (p>0.20) ruminal or total tract digestion of OM, ADF, starch and N, ruminal pH, or ruminal VFA molar proportions. We conclude that fluctuating day-to-day DM intake by as much as 20% (1.5 kg day-1) will not adversely affect growth-performance or digestive function in calf-fed Holstein steers during the late finishing phase.
R. Barajas , E.G. Alvarez , M.F. Montano and R.A. Zinn , 2008. Influence of Day-to-Day Fluctuations in Feed Intake on Feedlot Cattle Growth-Performance and Digestive Function. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 7: 816-821.