193 Impact of Corn Silage Moisture And/Or Kernel Processing at Harvest on Finishing Steer Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary Net Energy Utilization and Carcass Traits

Abstract Steers (n = 192; initial shrunk BW 446 ± 28.3 kgs) were used in a 112-d finishing experiment Treatments arranged 2 x factorial (24 pens total; 8 steers/pen) to evaluate corn silage moisture [1/2 2/3 milk line (ML) and black (BL)] kernel processing at harvest on steer growth performance carcass traits. blocked by batch fraction 6) pen as the experimental unit. The model included effects of time, processing, their interaction. Block was random factor. No time KP interaction detected (P ≥ 0.28) for any related parameters. Harvest × 0.26) parameters efficiency dietary NE utilization. Comparative NEm indicates that delayed enhanced 6% decreased apparent value 9% compared with current feeding standards. 0.08) traits except distribution USDA Prime carcasses 0.04). from ML/KP- had fewer 0.05) ML/KP+, BL/KP-, BL/KP+. 0.07) no appreciable influence trait These data indicate can be without detriment does not enhance when is fed sole roughage component feedlot diet (i.e., 20% inclusion DM basis).