Performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed a low acid-detergent lignin hull, high-oil groat oat in growing and finishing diets

Zalinko, G. R., Racz, V. J., Rossnagel, B. G., Christensen, D. A. and McKinnon, J. J. 2009. Performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed a low acid-detergent lignin hull, high-oil groat oat in growing and finishing diets. Call, J. Anim. Sci. 89: 521-530. Two trials were conducted to evaluate the performance and carcass traits of steers fed a low acid-detergent lignin hull, high-oil groat (LLH-HOG) oat in cattle diets. In trial 1, 400 steers (275.4+/-20.8 kg) were fed one of two diets with barley or LLH-HOG oat at 37.8% of the diet (DM basis). Dry matter intake (DMI) was lower (P=0.02) (7.49 vs. 7.72 kg d(-1)) and gain to feed improved (P<0.01) (0.171 vs. 0.159 kg) for steers fed the oat-based diet. Calculated NEm (1.80 and 1.71 Mcal kg(-1)) and NEg (1.17 and 1.09 Mcal kg(-1)) values were greater for the oat-based diet. In trial 2, 240 steers (341.7 +/- 18.1 kg) were fed one of three diets consisting of 88.2% barley, corn or oat grain, 5.1% barley silage and 6.7% supplement (DM basis). During finishing, steers oil the oat diet had lower (P<0.01) Average daily gain than barley-or corn-fed cattle (1.40, 1.69 and 1.84 kg d(-1), respectively) reflecting lower (P<0.01) DMI (9.56, 10.84 and 11.56 kg d(-1) respectively). Ultrasound fat and longissimus dorsi (I. dorsi) area, carcass weight and dressing percentage were lower (P<0.01) for steers fed the oat diet. Stearic acid content of the l. dorsi of oat-fed cattle was greater (P<0.01) than barley- or corn-fed cattle. The ratio Of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids in the Muscle of oat- and corn-fed cattle was greater (P=0.01) than that of barley-fed cattle. Results indicate that the energy value of the LLH-HOG oat is equivalent or superior to that of barley for growing cattle; however, research is required to identify why feed intake of finishing cattle fed this grain source is reduced.