Replacement Value of Triticale for Corn and Wheat in Beef Finishing Rations

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Abstract
Thirty-six Hereford steers were used to compare triticale, corn and wheat grains in high concentrate finishing rations for beef cattle. At the end of the 107-day finishing period, the steers were slaughtered and the carcasses were evaluated. Samples from longissimus muscles were evaluated for shear force, drip loss, cook loss, organoleptics, proximate composition and fatty acid profile. Average daily gains of steers fed triticale, corn and wheat were 1.13, 1.33 and 1.22 kg, respectively, and were significantly different (P< .05). Daily feed intake was significantly (P< .05) higher for corn-fed steers than the values for steers fed triticale or wheat. Although not significant (P< .05), feed/gain ratios tended to be the best on wheat and poorest on triticale. Carcass weight was also higher in corn-fed steers. A significantly higher marbling score, lower shear force, less moisture and more fat were observed in corn-fed steers compared to triticale or wheat-fed steers. A very high frequency of liver abscess was seen in animals fed triticale or wheat. The percentages of liver condemnation were 50, 0 and 42 for triticale, corn and wheat rations respectively. Other carcass parameters and organoleptic properties were not significantly different. A significantly (P< .05) higher fat percent and lower moisture content were found in the longissimus muscle from corn-fed steers than that from wheat or triticale-fed steers. Copyright © 1975. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1975 by American Society of Animal Science.

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