Protein Sources for Steers Fed Steam Flaked, High Moisture or Whole Shelled Corn Grain

One hundred ninety-two steers were fed cottonseed meal, soybean meal or urea supplemented rations in which the corn grain was fed whole (with 5 percent corn silage) or in the high moisture or steam flaked form (with 14 percent corn silage dry matter added). Rates of gain and feed efficiencies were approximately equal for steers fed soybean meal and cottonseed meal and slightly superior to those fed area (3.9 and 5.6 percent, respectively). Performance depression with urea was approximately three times as great during the last 63 days than during the initial 70 days of the trial. Composition of feces and carcass characteristics was largely unchanged by source of supplemental protein, although marbling tended to be greater for steers fed soybean than those fed cottonseed meal. Rate of gain and feed efficiency were excellent with whole shelled corn rations, being 6 and II percent superior to the other corn types. Results of 10 past comparisons of soybean meal with urea supplementation revealed that soybean meal always produced more rapid and efficient steer gains with high moisture corn. With dry corn rations, urea supplements generally gave greater feed intake, rate of gain and efficiency of feed use.