Use of a complete starter feed in grain adaptation programs for feedlot cattle

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ruminant Nutrition
• Feedlot Management

Background:

• Traditional grain adaptation programs for cattle can be lengthy and complex.
• Optimizing feed efficiency and animal performance during the initial feeding phases is crucial for profitability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a complete starter feed, RAMP (Cargill Corn Milling), for grain adaptation in yearling steers and steer calves.
• To compare different adaptation strategies using RAMP, including traditional and accelerated methods, against control diets.

Main Methods:

• Four experiments involving yearling steers and steer calves were conducted to compare RAMP-based adaptation programs with traditional control (CON) programs.
• Adaptation protocols included single-ration (RAMP-1RS), two-ration (RAMP-2RS) systems, and accelerated 1- to 4-day transitions (3-1d, 2-2d, 1-4d, 1-STEP).
• Ruminal pH, dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain-to-feed (G:F) ratios were monitored.

Main Results:

• RAMP-1RS and RAMP-2RS significantly improved G:F compared to CON in Exp. 1, with RAMP-1RS also increasing ADG.
• No significant differences in daily gain, DMI, G:F, or carcass traits were observed among treatments in Exp. 2 and Exp. 3.
• In Exp. 4, accelerated RAMP adaptation (1-STEP) resulted in lower ruminal pH and increased time below pH 5.3 compared to CON47, but DMI was similar.

Conclusions:

• Complete starter feed (RAMP) offers improved performance for grain adaptation compared to traditional methods.
• Accelerated adaptation programs using RAMP do not negatively affect performance and reduce the need for extensive adaptation periods.
• Cattle initiated on RAMP can transition to finishing diets containing Sweet Bran without prolonged adaptation protocols.