Effects of Almond Hull Inclusion on Growth Performance of Limit-Fed Growing Cattle

Almond hulls contain soluble sugars and could potentially be used as a feed ingredient in beef cattle diets. Three-hundred sixty-four steers [initial body weight (BW) 567 ± 45.7 lb] were blocked by source (4) and assigned to one of four treatments to determine the effects of almond hull inclusion on growth performance of limit-fed beef cattle. The control diet (CON) contained [dry matter (DM) basis] 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, 40% wet-corn gluten feed, and 13% prairie day. Non-pro-cessed almond hulls replaced prairie hay and were fed at 13% of dietary DM (13AH) or replaced prairie hay and a proportion of dry-rolled corn and were fed at 26% of dietary DM (26AH). In addition, a subset of almond hulls was processed using a grinder mixer with no screen. Processed almond hulls replaced prairie hay and were fed at 13% of dietary DM (13PAH). Steers were limit-fed at 2.2% of BW daily (DM basis) for a 56-day growing period. Individual BW were measured on days 0, 14, and 56. Body weights following the 56-day feeding period were greater ( P < 0.01) in 13AH and 13PAH compared with 26AH. In addition, BW on day 56 tended ( P = 0.10) to be greater in 13PAH compared with CON. Average daily gains and DM intakes from days 0 to 56 were greater ( P ≤ 0.05)