Influence of limit-feeding duration on growth performance and carcass traits of finishing steers

Beef cattle are commonly limit-fed during the backgrounding period to improve feed efficiency and control fat deposition, but the effects of limit feeding duration in the finishing period remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of limit feeding yearling beef steers for 56 or 86 d before offering ad libitum feed for the remainder of the 141-d finishing period on growth performance and carcass traits. Black Angus steers (n = 194; initial shrunk body weight [SBW] = 410 ± 17.9 kg) were allocated into 24 pens (8 steers/pen) and assigned to one of three treatments in a randomized complete block design: ad libitum intake for the entire finishing period (ADLIB), 92% of ad libitum intake for 56 d followed by ad libitum intake for the remainder (RES56), and 92% of ad libitum intake for 86 d then ad libitum intake for the remainder (RES86). Feed restrictions began on d 22 following diet adaptation with RES56 and RES86 pens being offered 92% of the ADLIB pen within their block's daily feed offering. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 with treatment and block as the fixed and random effects, respectively and d 22 SBW as a covariate. From d 1 to 21 dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed (G:F) did not differ (P ≥ 0.17). From d 22 to 107, G:F tended to differ (P = 0.10), but ADLIB had a greater DMI than RES56 and RES86 (P < 0.01). From d 78 to 107 RES56 were allowed ad libitum feed intake while RES86 were still restricted. The d 108 SBW tended to differ (P = 0.09), and DMI was least in the RES86 group (P < 0.01). The RES56 and RES86 had the greatest ADG and G:F during this period (P < 0.01). From d 108 to 140, all cattle had ad libitum access to feed, and DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.15). The RES86 ADG was greater than ADLIB but not differ from RES56 during this period (P = 0.04). Cumulatively, final SBW and ADG did not differ (P ≥ 0.71), but the ADLIB group had increased DMI and the least G:F (P ≤ 0.04). Ribeye area and HCW did not differ (P ≥ 0.27), but rib fat thickness and marbling were greater for ADLIB (P ≤ 0.02). Limit feeding yearling beef steers for a portion of the finishing period before resuming ad libitum feed intake reduced cumulative DMI and improved G:F without affecting ADG, final shrunk BW, or HCW; but decreased subcutaneous and marbling fat. Extending days on feed may overcome fatness deficits achieving heavier HCW at similar empty body fat for limit fed cattle.