Database Research Summaries2018 Use of Exogenous Enzymes to Improve Nutritive Value of Soybean Hulls
Research Focus
The focus of this project is to improve feed efficiency of pre-weaning calves, which will lead to reduced feed costs and manure handling.
Objectives
- Evaluate the effectiveness of exogenous enzymes to increase fiber digestibility of soybean hulls leading to improve feed efficiency of pre-weaned calves.
Results
- A feeding study was initiated in the spring of 2017 to determine growth and feed efficiency of pre-weaned calves consuming diets with or without enzyme. Eighty-seven Red Angus cross calves (steers and heifers) weighing 251 pounds were fed similar creep diets containing 58% soybean hulls. One group was fed the diet without added enzyme (Con) and one group had enzyme added (ENZ).
- Calves were on trial from May 2017 through weaning in October 2017. Fecal grab samples were collected from 10 calves in each pen every 28 days throughout the creep feeding study. Fecal sample analysis results will be used to determine dry matter digestibility and to aid in statistical analysis of data.
- Calves on the CON and ENZ diets weighed the same at the start of trial and had similar overall average daily gains of 2.9 pound per head per day.
Importance
Farmers will be able to increase profitability due to reduced feed costs and manure handling by using exogenous enzymes.
For more information about this research project, please visit the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database.
Funded in part by the soybean checkoff.
