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Effects of concentrate distribution pattern on the performance of finishing steer fed silage.
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1998-12-01
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Keane, M.G., Effects of concentrate distribution pattern on the performance of finishing steer fed silage, End of Project Report, Teagasc, 1998.
Abstract
The present economic level of concentrate supplementation for finishing steers offered silage ad libitum is in the range 4 to 7 kg per head daily depending on factors such as concentrate costs, type of
animal being finished and anticipated carcass price (Keane, 1998).
Concentrates are normally fed at a flat rate throughout the finishing
period either as one or two discrete meals per day or as part of a
mixed ration. In recent years, mainly because of the need to hold
cattle until specific dates to collect premia, the practice of varying
the level of concentrates throughout the finishing period has developed.
Feeding a lower level early on prevents animals being finished
before their eligible premia dates, and then if they are not finished
as the eligible premia date approaches, the level of concentrates is
increased to permit rapid disposal after the retention date has
passed.
As animals mature and fatten, their rate of gain declines even
when energy intake remains constant. This could have an adverse
effect on meat quality as there is evidence that a declining rate of
gain before slaughter predisposes to poorer quality meat.
Furthermore, Mediterranean markets in which Irish beef processors
are showing increasing interest require carcasses with muscle which
is light red in colour and fat which is white in colour. These colour
traits are more likely when animals are fed a high level of concentrates
towards the end of the finishing period.
The objectives of the present study were 1) to compare different
distribution patterns of supplementary concentrates for finishing
steers, and 2) to ascertain if there were interactions between concentrate
feeding pattern and breed type.