Processing of corn and sorghum for feedlot cattle

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2007 Jul;23(2):207-21, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2007.05.006.

Abstract

Approximately 75% to 80% of expenses involved in cattle feeding in commercial feedlots are feed costs. Grains are used in feedlot diets to improve the performance and efficiency of feedlot cattle by increasing the energy density of diets. Grains for these diets are commonly processed for various reasons, including improving palatability, altering particle size, increasing digestibility, altering the rate, site, and extent of digestion, and facilitating preservation or storage. Altering the rate, site, and extent of digestion in turn can alter cattle performance. This article focuses on processing methods common to feedlots and the primary grains fed, corn and grain sorghum.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / economics
  • Animal Feed / standards*
  • Animal Husbandry / economics
  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Digestion
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Male
  • Nutritive Value
  • Sorghum*
  • Zea mays*