Influence of Rumen Buffering Agents and Hay on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Steers Fed All-Concentrate Rations

A total of 120 animals were used in four experiments to study the influence of rumen buffering agents or hay fed at different levels on performance and carcass characteristics of beef cattle fed an all-concentrate ration based on ground shelled corn. Compared to soybean meal as a supplemental protein source, urea resulted in a slight decrease in feed intake but very little change in performance. Addition of sodium bicarbonate or sodium and potassium bicarbonate to the SBM basal slightly increased feed intake and rate of gain; however, the increases were not significant. Additional calcium carbonate (limestone) resulted in slightly increased feed intake and performance when mixed thoroughly with the ration in the individual feeding studies, but caused a decreased intake and gain when spread over the top of the basal ration at feeding time and stirred into the feed in the group feeding studies. Long hay in limited amounts (3 lb./head daily) or fed ad libitumdid not significantly influence performance or carcass characteristics when added to the all-concentrate basal ration. Studies are presently being conducted on the relationship of high energy rations to rumen and liver lesions.