The effects of whole wheat in combination with whole shelled corn as a finishing ration for beef cattle

Three trials involving 96 and 160 Angus steers and 64 Hereford steers, respectively, fed all-grain finishing rations were conducted to determine the effects of varying levels of corn and wheat on performance and carcass variables. Basal rations consisted of (1) 100% whole shelled corn (WSC), (2) 80% WSC and 20% whole wheat (WW), (3) 60% WSC and 40% WW and (4) 40% WSC and 60% WW. All rations were supplemented with .5 kg Tend-R-Leen® (36% CP) per head per day. There were no significant differences among the variables in Trials 1 and 3 when they were analyzed separately. Trial 2 and a composite analysis gave the following results: Average daily gain was lower (p < .05) for rations containing 60% WW than for those containing 100% WSC or 60% WSC and 40% WW or 80% WSC and 20% WW. Feed efficiency tended to decline as the percentage of wheat in the ration increased. Rations with 100% WSC or 80% WSC and 20% WW had a more favorable feed efficiency (p < .05) than those containing 40% or 60% WW. Carcass variable variations were in general agreement with differences shown in rate of gain. Rations which gave faster gains also produced carcasses with greater fatness and therefore higher yield grades when finished on a time constant basis. No differences were shown for marbling, quality grade or rib-eye area. The results of this study indicate that WW in combination with WSC can be fed effectively to beef cattle as a finishing ration. However, performance decreased when the WW exceeded 40% of the ration.