Evaluating Two Rates of Monensin Fed During the Grain Adaptation Period on Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated when feeding two rates of monensin in feedlot adaptation diets. Monensin was supplemented at either 360 or 480 mg/head/day during the adaptation period. During the adaptation period, interim body weight was greater and dry matter intake was less for steers fed the 360 mg/head/day treatment of monensin. Subsequently, an improvement in average daily gain and feed efficiency was observed with the 360 mg/head/day treatment. However, there were no statistical differences in final performance and carcass characteristics. These results suggest it is not beneficial to feed the 480 mg/head/day rate of monensinin the adaptation period