Effects of carnitine on performance of finishing steers

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.