Summary
This study investigates whether oats can substitute for barley as the cereal component in concentrate supplements offered to beef cattle receiving grass silage-based diets, assessing a broad range of production and product quality outcomes. The authors, based at Teagasc (Ireland's national agricultural research agency), evaluate effects on animal performance and on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of the resulting beef. Findings are likely to inform least-cost feed formulation decisions for beef producers operating forage-based systems, particularly where oat availability or price offers an economic advantage over barley.
UK applicability
The findings are highly applicable to UK beef production, where grass silage-based finishing systems are common and both barley and oats are widely grown and used as concentrate ingredients; results could inform ration formulation decisions for finishers seeking to optimise cereal choice without compromising beef quality.
Key measures
Dry matter intake (kg/day); feed conversion efficiency; carcass weight and conformation score; beef colour (L*, a*, b*); fatty acid profile (g/100g fat); sensory panel scores (tenderness, flavour, juiciness)
Outcomes reported
The study examined the effects of substituting barley with oats in concentrate supplements on feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, carcass characteristics, and beef quality traits including colour, fatty acid composition, and sensory attributes in grass silage-fed beef cattle.
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