Effects of Replacing Whole-Plant Corn Silage with Whole-Plant Rice Silage and Rice Straw on Growth Performance, Apparent Digestibility and Plasma Parameters in Growing Angus Cross Bred Beef Cattle

The purpose of the current experiment was to check the outcome of replacing whole-plant corn silage (WCS) with whole-plant rice silage (WRS) and rice straw (RS) on growth performance, apparent digestibility and plasma parameters in growing Angus cross bred beef cattle.A total of 30 Angus hybrid bulls (body weight = 272.43± 21.80 kg) were divided into three groups and three dietary treatments were offered: WCS, whole-plant corn silage diet; WRS, whole plant rice silage and RS, rice straw diet.An equal amount of concentrate (1.76) was supplied to all experimental treatments.Results showed similar dry matter intake (DM) of WCS, WRS and RS (P > 0.05).Ether extract and crude protein (CP) intake was higher in animals which were on WRS feed, while the CP intake was lowest in animals which were on RS diet (P < 0.05).Highest acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake was observed in bulls fed RS diet (P < 0.05).Lowest final body weights were observed in animals which were on RS diet (P < 0.05).Highest DM and CP digestibility were observed in bulls on WCS treatment (P < 0.05).In case of both ADF and NDF digestibility, highest ADF and NDF digestibility was seen in bulls which were on RS diet (P < 0.05).Lowest forage price and weight gain price per day was observed in animals which were on RS diet (P < 0.05).In conclusion, WRS can successfully replace WCS in growing beef cattle without impairing DM intake, weight gain and final body weight gain.