The Value of Several Ammoniated Products as Feed for Beef Cattle

Furameal (35 percent protein equivalent and composed of hydrolyzed and ammoniated corn cobs and oat hulls) was as effective as protein in producing gain when fed to fattening steers as a replacement of ⅕ to ⅖ of the supplemental protein. Steers fed the low level of Furameal had about the same feed conversion as those fed the control supplement, but those fed the higher level of Furameal had slightly lower feed efficiency than that of the control group. There was little difference between groups in average carcass grade or in dressing percentage. Ammoniated molasses (24 percent protein equivalent) was as effective as protein in one test, but slightly less effective in a second test, when fed to fattening steers as a replacement of ⅕ or less of the supplemental protein. There was little difference in feed efficencies of these groups, but steers getting the ammoniated supplement had higher average carcass grade in both tests and a higher dressing percentage in one test. A combination of Furameal and ammoniated molasses was slightly more effective than protein in producing gain when fed to fattening steers as a replacement of ⅖ of the supplemental protein. Steers fed the ammoniated supplement had as good feed conversion as the controls, but higher average carcass grade and dressing percentage. Urea was slightly less effective than protein when fed to fattening steers in 2 tests as a replacement of ⅕ and ¼ of the supplemental protein. Steers fed the supplement containing urea had slightly lower feed conversion than the controls. There was little difference between the two groups in average carcass grade and dressing percentage. These studies indicate that the non-protein nitrogen materials tested were satisfactory protein substitutes for fattening steers when fed to the level of 40 percent of the protein supplement.