Effects of a high-energy programmed feeding protocol on nutrient digestibility, health, and performance of newly received growing beef cattle

Pen and digestibility studies were conducted to analyze the effects of a high-energy programmed feeding protocol on nutrient digestibility, health, and performance of newly received growing cattle. In Exp. 1, 354 heifers (initial BW = 214 ± 4 kg) consumed diets formulated to supply 0.99, 1.1, 1.21, or 1.32 Mcal of NEg/kg of DM, and each contained 40% Sweet Bran (Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE) on a DM basis. Treatments were offered to achieve 1.0 kg/d of ADG. In Exp. 2, 8 ruminally cannulated steers were used in a digestibility study using the diets from Exp. 1 in a 4 × 4 Latin rectangle design with 4 periods. Morbidity and mortality rates were not different among treatments (P > 0.82) and nor was ADG (P ≥ 0.33). Dry matter intake decreased linearly (P < 0.01) by design from 7 kg/d for the 0.99 treatment to 6 kg/d for the 1.32. Therefore, G:F was improved by 22% between the 0.99 and 1.32 treatment (0.142 vs. 0.174; linear P < 0.01). Dry matter intake decreased by design (linear P < 0.01) and apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and OM increased linearly (P < 0.01). Apparent total-tract digestibility of NDF and ADF were not affected by treatment (P > 0.68) despite a linear decrease in average ruminal pH (P < 0.01). In summary, these results indicate a high-energy programmed feeding protocol is more efficient than traditional lower-energy receiving diets based on roughages and does not negatively affect health or performance.