A comparison of rolled, coarsely ground, and finely ground milo grain for fattening yearling heifers.

Abstract

Thirty light yearling Hereford heifers were used in this experiment. The heifers were purchased in• the fall of 1953, used in wintering tests until May 1, 1954, and grazed on native grass pasture from May 1 to July 1, 1954. In allotting the heifers for this test, consideration was given to weight, feeder grade, and previous treatment. The rolled milo was dry rolled and appeared satisfactory upon emergence from the roller; however, after sacking and when finally fed, it was in small particles and somewhat powdered. The coarsely ground or cracked milo was the product of a burr mill. A hammer mill was used to prepare the finely ground milo, which was ground to a coarse, mealy mixture. The heifers were hand-fed twice daily, according to appetite, until they were on full feed (35 days). During the remainder of the experiment, 5 pounds of alfalfa hay was fed once daily and the grain was self-fed. Fresh water and salt were available at all times.