Effects of carnitine on performance of finishing steers

Date

2010-08-23T16:01:53Z

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

Abstract

Ninety-five crossbred steers (787 lb initial body weight) were fed finishing diets (14.5% crude protein) for 129 days. Diets were based on steam-flaked corn and contained 6% alfalfa and 4% tallow. Steers were supplemented with 2 g per day of L-carnitine, or not supplemented (control). Feed intakes, gains, and feed efficiencies were not impacted by carnitine supplementation. However, steers receiving L-carnitine had fatter carcasses as indicated by tendencies (P<.2) for more subcutaneous fat, higher marbling scores, and higher yield grades. Carnitine supplementation may increase fat deposition and alter carcass quality of finishing cattle.

Description

Keywords

Beef, Steers, Carnitine, Performance, Carcass quality

Citation