Effect of Mixed or Phase Feeding Two Ratios of Corn and Corn Silage on Performance of Feedlot Steers

An important consideration for the midwestern farmer-feeder is to find a feeding program that optimizes production in the farming operation. One common option available in this region is to vary the levels of corn and corn silage used in growing and finishing diets. Variables that must be included in this decision are: 1) possible negative associative effects on digestibility caused by grain-forage mixtures; 2) possible affects on carcass weight and quality; and 3) the amount of time cattle must be on feed. Two ratios of corn and corn silage were fed either as a mixture provided throughout the feeding period or in phases as a high corn silage backgrounding period followed by a high corn finishing period. The effects of these treatments as the efficiency of feedlot production was determined