Triticale and barley silage in backgrounding diets for beef steers: Effects on forage characteristics, steer performance, and system economics

ABSTRACT Objective This 3-yr study evaluated the suitability of 2 varieties (Taza and Bunker) of triticale silage versus barley silage in beef backgrounding systems. Materials and Methods The experiment assessed forage yield and quality, steer performance, feed sort-ing, and economic outcomes. Fall-weaned crossbred steer calves were used in the study, 402 in 2016 (308 ± 22 kg), 238 in 2017 (335 ± 23 kg), and 299 in 2018 (316 ± 18 kg). Animals were stratified by BW and randomly allo-cated to 1 of 3 isonitrogenous, isocaloric TMR diets (n = 4 replications per diet each year). Feedlot performance data were analyzed using a linear mixed model assuming a completely randomized design. Results and Discussion Across years, Bunker and Taza triticale had a greater forage yield (6,749 and 6,592 kg of DM/ha, respectively) than barley (6,008 kg of DM/ ha). Barley silage contained less ADF, NDF, and lignin and more starch and Ca, with a tendency for greater TDN, whereas CP did not differ. No differences in steer performance (DMI, ADG, feed efficiency) or feed sorting were observed. Although the differences were not signifi-cant, numerical feeding cost was lowest for Taza triticale ($1.11/head per day), whereas Bunker triticale and barley ($1.15/head per day) were similar, and numerical cost of gains were $0.78/kg, $0.79/kg, and $0.77/kg, respectively. Implications and Applications Overall, triticale silages supported comparable steer growth and feeding costs to barley silage, suggesting that Taza and Bunker are viable alternatives for beef backgrounding systems in western Canada.