Abstract

To evaluate effects and potential interaction of supplemental fat (0 to 4% tallow) and monensin (0, 20, 40 g/ton) in a corn-based finishing diet, 96 Continental crossbred steers (860 lb) were used in a 2x3 factorially arranged randomized complete block design. Consumption by steers fed the 0% fat diet decreased linearly (P<.0001) with increased monensin level, whereas consumption by steers fed 4% fat diets decreased curvilinearly (P<.08), indicating that monensin depressed intake much less when the diet contained fat. Daily gain decreased linearly (P<.02) with increased monensin level for steers fed no supplemental fat, but remained constant in steers fed 4% fat. Feed efficiency was improved (P<.025) by 4% fat across levels of monensin. This study provides further evidence of interactions between monensin and supplemental fat in effects on animal performance.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 1992, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 92-407-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 651, Beef, Fat, Monensin, Feedlot, Performance

How to Cite:

Brandt, R. T., Jr. & Pope, R. V., (1992) “Influence of fat and monensin levels on performance of finishing steers”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 4-6. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2146