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Effects Of Level Of Concentration On Utilization Of Mature Prairie Hay By Steers, M. C. Namminga, R. J. Pruitt, R. H. Pritchard

South Dakota Beef Report, 1993

A trial involving total tract digestibility and ruminal in situ disappearance was conducted to determine effects of level of concentrate supplement on utilization of mature prairie hay by beef steers. Supplemental treatments included CONTROL (no supplement) and combinations of corn and soybean meal to provide .66 1b of ruminally degradable protein from increasing amounts of concentrate supplement (LOW = 2.16 Ib/day, MEDIUM = 6.28 Ib/day, and HIGH = 10.38 Ib/day). Steers receiving higher levels of concentrate supplements (MEDIUM and HIGH) exhibited decreased intake (P<.01) and digestibility (P<.01) of mature prairie hay. Supplementation with the low level of high crude protein supplement (LOW) resulted in improved dry matter intake (P<.01) and digestibility (P<.02) of mature prairie hay. Apparent dry matter digestibility of the total diet increased (P<.05) as level of concentrate supplement increased. Supplementation with the high level of concentrate supplement (HIGH) decreased disappearance of dry matter (P<.05) and neutral detergent fiber (P<.05) from the rumen and depressed ruminal pH (P<.01) at 4, 8, and 12 hours post-supplementation. Results of this trial confirm the benefits of low levels of high crude protein, all natural supplements on utilization of mature forages and indicate that high levels of high starch supplements will depress utilization of mature prairie hay.