The Effect of Feeding Roasted Soybeans as a Protein Source to Feedlot Cattle

One hundred and seven Limousin or Charolais crossbred steers averaging 234.58 kilograms each were randomly assigned to one of three diets. The first diet contained a commercial supplement to increase the ration's protein level. The second group received a diet fortified with flaked roasted soybeans. The third group was fed a diet containing whole roasted soybeans as a supplemental protein source. Whole shelled corn was the major feed ingredient for all diets. The three diets also contained 10 percent corn silage on an as fed basis. Each steer remained on the trial until a 570 kilogram weight or a 7 mm backfat measurement was obtained. The average market weight for all animals was 558.55 kilograms. The animals were on the feeding trial for an average of 200.22 days. Average final steer weights per diet were similar. Dressing percentages, carcasses yield estimates, marbling scores and Agriculture Canada grades were also comparable. However, steers fed the diet containing whole roasted soybeans consumed 5.4 percent less dry matter than the commercial supplement fed group. A similar percent reduction in dry matter intake per kilogram of gain was also achieved. Intermediate feed intake values were observed on animals fed the diet with flaked roasted soybeans as a protein source. Feed intake values were comparable to the other two diets. Analogous measurements for growth rate, feed intake and carcass quality were determined for both breed groups.