The Use of Peanut By-products in Stocker Cattle Diets

Abstract

Three production trials were carried out to evaluate the usefulness of peanut skins and hulls in stocker diets. In trials 1 and 2, peanut skins were fed with soybean hulls. Twenty-seven Brangus x Continental steers (BW 261-264kg) were fed three diets containing 0, 20, and 40% peanut skins for 84 days (3 pens/diet; 3 steers/pen). ADG decreased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing peanut skins. DMI decreased (P<0.01) linearly as well. In trial 3, ADG, DMI, and roughage effectiveness were observed when peanut hulls were fed in loose and pelleted form. Twenty-seven Angus x Continental steers (BW 277 kg) were fed three diets for 106 days (3 pens/diet; 3 steers/pen). All diets contained 1:1 ratios of peanut hulls and corn gluten feed. Hay was restricted in one pelleted diet. ADG of pelleted diets was (P<0.05) greater. DMI was greater (P<0.01) for pelleted diets. This study indicates pelleted peanut hulls are an effective roughage source.