Evaluation of Whole, In-Shell Peanuts as a Supplemental Feed for Beef Cows1

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the suitability of whole, in-shell peanuts (WP) as an energy and protein supplement feed for beef cattle. A digestion trial used 18 steers (265 kg average BW). The steers were fed bermudagrass hay plus 1 of 3 supplement treatments: 1) corn and cottonseed meal (50:50; CCSM), 2) corn and WP (50:50; CWP), or 3) WP. The supplements were fed at 1.4 kg/d per head. Hay and diet DM consumption, and apparent digestibility of DM, ADF, and NDF were reduced (P < 0.03) for the WP treatment compared with CCSM and CWP; CCSM and CWP were similar. Digestibility of CP for the WP treatment was similar to CCSM. A cow trial used 80 mature cows (573 kg BW) to determine the effects of feeding WP on performance of the cows and their progeny. The cows were fed free-choice bermudagrass hay and either CCSM (50:50) or WP 3 times weekly to provide an average of 1.1 kg/d per head. The trial was conducted for 2 yr (40 cows/yr) and lasted for 84 d each year. Supplement treatment did not affect BCS, but BW gain tended to be lower for WP compared with CCSM (P = 0.09). Subsequent calf birth weight, survival rate, and weaning weight, and subsequent cow AI conception rate were not affected by treatment. The WP used in the cow trial averaged (n = 4) 93% DM, 22% CP, 41% ether extract, 25% ADF, and 34% NDF. Results indicate that WP may have potential as an energy and protein supplement for mature beef cows.