Broiler litter and ground or whole maize grain in winter finishing steers

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the animal response to feeding winter fattening rations based on silages of pure wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or wheat forage supplemented with broiler litter or a mixture of litter and corn grain. (Zea mays L). Treatments were 1) wheat silage with broiler litter and ground corn offered at feeding time; 2) wheat forage mixed with broiler litter at ensiling and ground maize supplemented at feeding time; 3) wheat forage mixed with broiler litter and ground maize at ensiling and 4) wheat forage mixed with broiler litter and whole maize at ensiling time. Daily LW gains (LWG) were 1.296, 1.160, 1.272 and 1.222 kg animal^-1 (P>0.05); feed consumption was 12.0, 11.6, 12.0 and 12.1kg DM animal^-1 and feed conversion was 9.3, 10.0, 9.4 and 9.9 kg DM feed kg^-1 LW gain; dressing percent were 54.1, 56.3, 55.3 and 54.5 (P>0.05) for treatments 1, 2, 3 y 4, respectively. Incorporating broiler litter alone or with whole or milled maize grain in the silage at the ensiling moment did not affect daily LWG and dressing percentage of the steers compared with the silage and supplement mixture delivered at the moment of feeding the steers, and that milled the grain is not necessary.