Phase-feeding Metabolizable Protein for Finishing Steers

A finishing trial was conducted to evaluate phase-feeding of metabolizable protein in order to match requirements. Treatments were: 1) one finishing diet which matched requirements at initial weight; 2) one finishing diet which matched requirements at mid-weight; and 3) six finishing diets fed in sequential order which matched requirements throughout the feeding period. The 1996 Beef NRC was used to determine metabolizable protein requirements. No performance differences were observed. Gains and efficiencies were lower than projected, likely due to mud, causing protein requirements to be over-predicted. Phase-feeding metabolizable protein maintained equal performance and reduced nitrogen excretion compared to treatment 1