Abstract
Two feedlot trials were conducted to study the performance of steers fed rations containing 20 and 40% rice straw, 20 and 40% alfalfa hay, 20% rice hulls, 20% polyethylene pellets, 40% dehydrated sudangrass pellets and all-concentrate. The consumption of alfalfa hay was lower than that of rice straw at corresponding levels. Steers receiving the 20% rice straw ration consumed more concentrate and gained faster than steers fed other rations. A comparison of the concentrate intake, average daily gain and carcass weight of steers fed 20% rice straw, 20% alfalfa hay and 20% rice hulls suggests that the source of roughage influences these factors. There was no significant difference between the carcass weights of steers fed all-concentrate, 40% rice straw and 20% rice hull rations. This suggests that these roughages were of little or no value when fed at this level. Rumen fluid from steers fed rations containing 20% rice straw, 20% rice hulls, 40% alfalfa hay, and 40% sudangrass pellets were similar in proportions of acetic, propionic and butyric acid. Also, the rumen fluid from steers fed 20% alfalfa hay or all-concentrate rations was similar in proportions of VFA. Copyright © 1969. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1969 by American Society of Animal Science