Effects of Field Peas in Beef Finishing Diets

Feeding field peas was compared to using corn in beef finishing diets. Diets containing field peas at 0%, 20%, 40%, and 59% replacement of corn in ration DM were fed to 129 steers. Dry matter intake increased from the 0% to 40% diets, but decreased when 59% peas replaced corn compared to 40%. No significant differences in ADG and G:F were observed. Field peas can replace 59% of the corn DM in beef finishing diet with no significant differences in animal gain or feed efficiency.