Effects of a formulated botanical blend on growth performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot cattle: a pooled analysis

Objective: Our objective was to pool data from four independent trials to determine the effects of a formulated blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera® Advance – Selko® USA) on the growth performance of feedlot cattle. Methods: Trials were conducted in South Dakota and Oklahoma (two receiving and two finishing studies). Within each study, pens were assigned to one of two treatments: (1) non-supplemented (CON); or (2) supplementation with 500 mg/steer/day of CCG. Results: During the receiving period, no effects were observed (P ≥ 0.13). During the finishing period, CCG supplementation improved feed efficiency by 1.75% (G:F = 0.174 vs. 0.171; P = 0.04) and tended to increase average daily gain by 1.70% (1.78 vs. 1.75 kg/day; P = 0.07), without affecting dry matter intake or carcass traits (P > 0.11). Additionally, when all four studies (receiving and finishing trials) were combined, CCG supplementation improved feed efficiency by 2.24% (G:F = 0.182 vs. 0.178; P = 0.02) and tended to increase average daily gain by 1.33% (1.50 vs. 1.52 kg/day; P = 0.07). Conclusion: These findings suggest that CCG supplementation, in combination with monensin, may enhance feed efficiency in finishing cattle.