2016-086: Optimizing ruminal fermentation using silage and cereal grain inclusion strategies for backgrounding and finishing steers

Backgrounding and finishing operations in Saskatchewan have several feeding options for their calves. Increasingly, corn grain and corn silage has become another option. However, there are different levels of starch and protein in these grains, which in turn have varying affects on rumen fermentation. This project is studying corn and barley so that producers understand the effects of cereal silage and cereal grain feeding strategies in terms of growth performance, feed conversion, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility. Economic outcomes will also be analyzed to help producers increase their profitability.