347 Using Whole Cottonseed to Replace Dried Distillers Grains Plus Solubles and Prairie hay in Finishing Rations Balanced for Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects replacing hay and dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) with whole cottonseed (WCS) in diets balanced for physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) on performance, carcass characteristics, plasma metabolites finishing cattle. Heifers (n = 103) steers 104) were blocked by sex bodyweight (BW) randomly allocated pens within block (6 per treatment). Pens 1 2 experimental treatments: a control diet (CON; prairie hay, DDGS, dry-rolled corn, liquid supplement), WCS (CTN; WCS, molasses). A vitamin mineral supplement urea included both at same rate. Data collected 14 d intervals through 56, then every 28 until harvest. Animals harvested 3 different groups based BW block. Average daily gain (ADG) feed ratio (G:F) greater CTN treatment overall (P ≤ 0.05), tended have final 0.10). Fecal consistency score CON 42, beginning beta-agonist feeding period, collection ˂ 0.03). had more fecal pH 140 0.01). No × day interaction ≥ 0.70) detected glucose, lactate, or nitrogen (PUN) concentrations. lactate PUN concentrations effect observed all analyzed This suggests that improves growth performance efficiency when roughage byproduct protein fat source diet.