We have updated our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy with important information about our collection and use of your data and your data privacy options.

Using whole cottonseed to replace dried distillers grains plus solubles and prairie hay in finishing beef cattle rations balanced for physically effective neutral detergent fiber

Posted in

Authors: K. N. Schneid, A. P. Foote, P. A. Beck, PAS, G. L. Farran, and B. K. Wilson,† PAS
Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078

†Corresponding author: [email protected]

Year Published: 2022

Abstract: 

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of replacing prairie hay and dried distillers grains plus solubles with whole cottonseed (WCS) in diets balanced for physically effective NDF on the growth, intake, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and plasma metabolites of finishing beef cattle.

Materials and Methods: Crossbred heifers (n = 103) and steers (n = 104) were blocked by BW within sex and randomly allocated to pens within block (6 pens per treatment) with 17 (n = 10 pens) or 18 (n = 2 pens) animals per pen. Pens were randomly allocated to experimental treatment: either a control diet (CON; prairie hay, dried distillers grains plus solubles, dry-rolled corn, and liquid supplement) or a WCS diet (CTN; WCS, dry-rolled corn, and molasses). A common vitamin and mineral supplement and urea were included in both diets at the same rate. Animals were slaughtered in 3 groups based on BW block.

Results and Discussion: Cattle fed the CTN treatment tended to have a greater final BW (P = 0.10) and had greater overall ADG and G:F (P ≤ 0.05). There was no difference in overall DMI (P = 0.23). Fecal consistency scores were greater for cattle fed the CON treatment on d 42, at the beginning of the β-agonist feeding period, and at the final collection before slaughter (P ≤ 0.03). Cattle fed the CTN treatment had a more neutral fecal pH on d 140 and at the final collection (P < 0.01). No treatment × day interactions (P ≥ 0.70) were detected for plasma glucose, lactate, urea nitrogen, or nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Cattle fed the CON treatment had greater plasma urea nitrogen concentrations (P < 0.001) and a tendency for a greater plasma lactate concentration (P = 0.06). A day effect was also observed for all plasma metabolites (P < 0.001).

Implications and Applications: This experiment suggests that feeding WCS improves the growth and feed efficiency of cattle when replacing the roughage and byproduct protein and fat sources within a finishing diet.

View the Full Article

Join our newsletter

Sign me up for periodic updates on whole cottonseed.

Direct & Simple Sourcing

Sourcing whole cottonseed is direct and simple with our Cottonseed Marketplace, an easy-to-use connection point for buyers and sellers. Use it to connect with qualified sellers that serve your area! Check it out!

Cottonseed Marketplace

Click your state or a state near you to see a list of cottonseed suppliers that serve your area.

Join Us! Get industry news and insights delivered directly to your inbox. Join our e-newsletter list today.