Comparative Feeding Value of Steam-Rolled or Ground Barley and Milo for Feedlot Cattle

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Abstract
Two trials were conducted with beef steers to compare the feeding value of red milo purchased in Texas with barley grown in the irrigated deserts of California. Differences between the grains as measured by the usual animal response parameters and the amount of fat-corrected carcass produced were not significant. NEp of barley was lower than milo in one trial, but nearly identical in another. Average values were 1.31 and 1.43 megcal./kg. for barley and milo, respectively. No significant differences in acceptability of the grains or average NEp values were apparent due to method of processing. Steam rolling significantly increased fat corrected carcass weight in one trial. Weight gains made by stilbestrol-implanted cattle were significantly increased over controls, but no effect of stilbestrol was indicated on the NEp of the feed. Limited evidence indicates that stilbestrol-treated cattle utilize feed no more efficiently than control animals if the efficiency figures are calculated on a caloric basis.