Feeding trial demonstrates improved feed efficiency with dry extruded corn in receiving steers, suggesting a practical alternative to steam flaking.
Key Points
To determine the effects of high shear dry extruded corn compared with steam flaked and dry rolled corn on starch digestibility and growth performance in feedlot receiving cattle.
Conducted a 38-day receiving trial in 226 newly arrived steers fed diets containing dry extruded, steam flaked, or dry rolled corn.
Measured feed efficiency, circulating blood glucose, serum insulin, and estimated starch digestibility via fecal starch and nitrogen concentration equations.
High shear dry extruded corn improved feed efficiency and estimated starch digestibility to levels matching steam flaked corn, with both outperforming dry rolled corn.
Circulating blood glucose and insulin concentrations were not significantly altered by the corn processing method.