Alfalfa hay levels in limit-fed, high-energy, growing diets for beef steers

Abstract

One hundred sixty-four crossbred beef steers were used in a 102-day growing study to determine optimum levels of alfalfa hay in limit-fed, high-energy, growing diets. Diets contained steam-flaked corn and 40% Sweet Bran® brand wet corn gluten feed (dry matter basis) with 0, 10, or 20% ground alfalfa hay. A fourth diet containing steam-flaked corn (no Sweet Bran) and 20% ground alfalfa hay was used as a control. Average daily gains and feed efficiencies in the growing phase were greater (P<.05) for cattle fed no alfalfa than for cattle fed the control, 10% alfalfa, or 20% alfalfa diets. Steers fed the control and 20% alfalfa diets had increased rates of dry matter intake (P<.05) compared to those fed no alfalfa. At the end of the growing phase, all cattle were placed on a common finishing diet and fed for 101 days. Dry matter intakes during the finishing phase for cattle previously fed no alfalfa were numerically less than intakes for cattle fed other diets and significantly less than intakes for cattle previously fed the control diet. Feed efficiencies were greater for cattle previously fed 20% alfalfa diets than those fed the control diet (P<.05). Average daily gains did not differ (P>.40) among diets during the finishing phase.