Soybean oil meal compared with urea and varying levels of grain in a wintering ration for steer calves

Abstract

It is generally recognized that a readily available source of energy (preferably grain) must be in the ration for efficient synthesis of protein from nonprotein nitrogen. Therefore, nonprotein nitrogen is used primarily in finishing rations. There is practically no information on the minimum amount of grain needed for efficient utilization. This test was designed to compare soybean oil meal (natural protein) and urea (nonprotein nitrogen) on an equivalent nitrogen basis in wintering rations and at levels of 0,3, and 6 pounds per head daily of added grain. Sorghum grain was fed in the amount that the animals would clean up. The sorghum produced 85 bushels grain per acre. Two pounds of average quality alfalfa hay was fed per head daily to all animals.