Impact of a molasses-based liquid feed supplement on the diet selection behaviour and growth of cattle fed a feedlot diet

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A new feeding strategy for fattening cattle, which incorporates high-energy, high-protein liquid feed supplement in a low-forage, beef feedlot diet, has been developed with the intent of ensuring consistent intakes and growth in beef feedlot cattle. One of the key features of this feeding strategy is to maintain a consistent intake of both forage and grain in the formulated amounts, for all animals within a pen. Dietary selection (sorting) for certain components of feedlots rations has the potential to cause imbalances in nutrient intakes. Thus, the objective of this research is to determine the impact of adding a molasses-based liquid feed supplement on the diet selection behaviour and growth of young cattle fed a feedlot finishing diet. We hypothesize that adding a molasses-based liquid feed to a feedlot diet will decrease the amount of sorting against the long-fibrous particles, thus decreasing variability in nutrient consumption, and improving consistency of growth across all cattle within a pen. To test this hypothesis, 24 male Holstein cattle will be studied. At the beginning of the study, cattle will be 84 d of age (with a body weight of ~125 kg). Cattle will be placed into 6 groups of 4 calves, balanced for age and weight. Groups will then be exposed, in a crossover design (with 35 d periods) to each of two treatments: 1) control diet (76% corn, 19% protein supplement, 5% forage) and 2) control diet with 10% molasses-based liquid feed added. Feed intake, diet selection, feeding behaviour, growth, and health will be monitored throughout the study. This research will not only provide Liquid Feeds International (1986) Ltd. with empirical support for this new feeding strategy for ensuring consistent intakes and growth in beef feedlot cattle, but also complement research at the University of Guelph in creating fundamental knowledge on the factors influencing the expression and physiological consequences of feeding behaviour in cattle. The primary beneficiaries of this research are Canadian cattle producers who implement this feeding program in effort to reduce feed costs, and improve the health, efficiency and welfare of their cattle.