No abstract

The effect of barley level and monensin on feedlot performance by lambs and steers was investigated in two experiments. Monensin was given at 0 and 33mg/kg of food in lamb and steer diets, which contained bailey at levels from 300 to 900g/kg. Food consumption by lambs was not affected by monensin but intakes decreased with increasing levels of barley (P<005). Food intake by steers decreased in a linear manner with increasing levels of barley (P<001) and averaged 80g/kg lower when monensin was fed (P<005). Monensin improved lamb gains by 350g/kg (P<0-001), but had no effect on steer performance. Feeding monensin improved average food efficiency in lambs and steers by 27 and 4%, respectively. Carcass characteristics were not influenced by monensin, but heavier carcasses (P<0-01) in steers given the high barley rations were also fatter (P< 0-001).