Effects of Hemiacetal of Chloral and Starch on the Performance of Beef Steers2

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Abstract
Two metabolism trials and one feedlot trial were conducted to determine the effect of Hemiacetal of chloral and starch (HCS) on methane production, energy utilization and feedlot performance of steers fed an 80% concentrate ration. Twelve steers were used in the two metabolism trials to determine the effect of HCS (.30% of ration) on methane production, and energy utilization by beef steers after 30 and 120 days on feed. In the feedlot trial, the influence of HCS at a constant level (.2%) (CHCS) and at an increasing level (.1, .2 and .3%) (IHCS) in the ration on feedlot performance was investigated using 27 beef steers. At 30 days on feed, steers fed HCS had lower (P<.05) energy digestibilities (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values and tended to have lower net energy (NEm+g) and energy retentions (ER) despite a significant reduction in methane production. After 120 days on feed, the HCS steers had apparently adapted to the high level of HCS. DE, NEm+g and ER values were similar for both groups at 120 days on feed although the HCS ration tended to have higher ME values. In the feedlot, average daily gains (ADG) were 1.40, 1.35 and 1.10 kg for the control, CHCS and IHCS groups, respectively. When compared to controls, the CHCS ration had a 6% improvement in feed efficiency but a 9% decrease in feed intake. Copyright © 1975. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1975 by American Society of Animal Science.