Characteristics of beef finished on selected feeding regimes

Abstract

Thirty-eight crossbred steers of known background were randomly assigned to four feeding regimes. All initially were fed on a brome and bluestem pasture supplemented during winter with alfalfa and protein. Ten grass-fed animals were slaughtered directly off pasture at the end of summer. Ten steers were fed an additional 49 days (short-fed), and eight 98 days (long-fed) on 80 percent concentrate and 20 percent corn silage. In addition, ten silage-fed animals were fed 60 percent corn silage and 40 percent concentrate for 98 days. Carcass characteristics were evaluated along with shear force (tenderness) and taste panel responses.