Effects of Supplement Type and Feeding Frequency on Performance and Physiological Responses of Yearling Brahman-Crossbred Steers1

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of supplement type and feeding frequency on performance of yearling steers. Twenty-four steers were stratified by initial BW and randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) molasses-based supplement fed 3 times/wk (ML), 2) citrus pulp-based supplement fed 3 times/wk (C3), or 3) citrus pulp-based supplement fed daily (C7). Supplement intakes were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Limpograss hay was offered in amounts to ensure ad libitum intake. Steer shrunk BW was measured at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were collected for determination of plasma metabolites and hormones. Forage DMI was recorded daily during an 18-d period. Mean BW gain was greater (P < 0.05) for C7 vs. ML, tended to be greater for C7 vs. C3 (P = 0.13), but did not differ between C3 vs. ML (0.30, 0.18, and 0.10 kg/d for C7, C3, and ML, respectively; SEM = 0.05). A treatment × day interaction was detected for forage DMI (P < 0.01). Steers fed C3 or ML consumed less forage during the days that their respective supplementswere offered (P < 0.01), and forage DMI for C3-fed steers was less (P < 0.01) than for steers fed ML during these days. Mean plasma concentration of glucose was less for C7 vs. ML and C3 (P < 0.05). Mean insulin was greater for C3 vs. C7 and ML (P < 0.05). It was concluded that forage-fed steers offered a citrus pulp-based supplement daily had greater BW gain compared to steers offered a molassesbased supplement 3 times/wk, and tended to have greater BW gain compared to steers fed citrus pulp-based supplements 3 times/wk.