Animal performance, carcass characteristics and beef quality of steers fed with a whole oat or maize grain-based diet

Abstract

Aim of study: We evaluated the use of oat grain as an alternative source of energy to maize grain in high energy finishing diets. Maize crop production in arid and semi-arid areas is poor or non-existent. Thus, small grains such as oats have become an alternative in high energy rations due to their versatility and ease of cultivation. Area of study: Semiarid region of Buenos Aires province, Argentina Material and methods: Sixteen Angus steers were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments based on whole oats grain (OD) or whole maize grain (MD) for 61 days. Diets were formulated iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animal performance, carcass attributes and beef quality traits were evaluated. Longissimus thoracis steaks were wet-aged at 4°C for either 4 or 14 days. Main results: Similar re