Effects of corn silage particle size on feeding behavior, growth performance, and carcass traits of finishing beef heifers

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate how different sizes of corn silage particles impact the feeding behavior and growth in beef heifers.
• Ninety-six beef heifers were observed and divided based on corn silage particle size.
• Corn silage was harvested with a specific length of cut (13-mm vs. 24-mm).
• Feeding behavior and growth performance were monitored along with blood and fecal characteristics.
• Heifers fed the conventional particle size showed better growth performance than those fed the long particle size.
• Feeding behavior differed significantly based on the particle size of corn silage.
• Blood parameters and fecal characteristics were also affected by the corn silage particle size.

Abstract