Limestone vs. Winnemucca Mudd as a buffering agent in feedlot rations.
A California feedlot divided a group of 275 crossbred heifers weighing approximately 630 lbs. into 5 pens with 55 animals in each pen. Limestone was fed to four pens at levels of 10, 20, 40, and 60 lbs. per ton of total ration. Winnemucca Mudd was fed to a fifth pen at the rate of 40 lbs. per ton of total ration. The ration was the conventional fattening ration normally used by the feedlot involved. Rolled barley was the rolled grain and alfalfa hay was the roughage material.
At the end of the first 30-day period on test, the cattle receiving Winnemucca Mudd performed remarkably better than the cattle receiving limestone. Of the limestone treatments, the 1% (20 lbs. / ton) limestone level was superior. A comparison of Winnemucca Mudd to 1% limestone showed the following results.
Winnemucca Mudd fed cattle gained one-third pound more per head per day and required 0.6 pounds less feed per pound of gain. The cost per lb. of gain was $ 0.034 less with Winnemucca Mudd.
Based on the 30-day results, it is anticipated that the Winnemucca Mudd fed cattle will return an additional $10.00 profit per head. At the present time, striking differences are being observed in the appearance of the manure of the cattle fed Winnemucca Mudd vs. limestone. The manure from the Winnemucca Mudd fed cattle is more consistent with less undigested grain and fiber and contains little if any slime. The cattle fed limestone have less consistency in the manure, with approximately 1/3 with diarrhea, 1/3 too firm, and 1/3 normal. Undigested grain and fiber, plus slime, are abundant in the manure of the cattle on limestone. Cattle receiving Winnemucca Mudd appear less nervous and show less movement when disturbed. This quieting effect on the nervous system is a result of the 10% magnesium content of Winnemucca Mudd.
LOPER SYSTEMS Daniel C. Loper Ph.D.
Kansas State University Ft. Hays Branch Station Hays, Kansas Winter - spring John R. Brethour, Associate Professor
Bicarbonate Number of Steers Initial Pay Wt. Lb Daily Gain at 41 Days (un-shrunk) Daily Gain at 115 Days (4% shrink)
Control 200 679.60 3.64 3.12
1 1/2% Winnemucca Mudd 200 674.20 4.16 3.31
1 1/2% Sodium 200 682.20 3.65 3.13
Calcium levels not controlled on Winnemucca Mudd fed group (1.17% Ca). Calcium levels of other groups approximately 0.50% Ca.
Compliments of: Daniel C. Loper Ph.D. LOPER SYSTEMS
FEEDLOT TRIAL CENTRAL VALLEY FEEDLOT IMPERIAL, CALIFORNIA
TYPE OF CATTLE: Santa Gertrudes IN WEIGHT: 700 lbs. TYPE OF RATION: 93% Concentrate, 7% alfalfa hay NUMBER OF HEAD: 200 per treatment NUMBER OF DAYS FED: 120 days FEED INTAKE AT 2 1/2 WEEKS: Controls 20lb./head Winnemucca Mudd 23 2/3 lb./ head
COST PER LB. OF GAIN: Controls $ 0.4867 Winnemucca Mudd $ 0.4504 Compliments of: Daniel C. Loper LOPER SYSTEMS