Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

2026

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Animal Science

First Advisor

Zachary Smith

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate different feed processing techniques and their impacts on growth performance, carcass traits, and gastrointestinal health in ruminant animals fed in confinement during the finishing phase. Two studies were conducted. The first study evaluated the effect of kernel processing high moisture ear corn (HMEC) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers. The second study used feeder lambs to evaluate the effect of steam-flaking corn in a finishing diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health. The results from the first study using steers demonstrated that feeding kernel processed HMEC which served as the sole roughage source did not provide any growth performance advantages over cattle fed a diet that was not kernel processed. The findings from the second study using wether lambs fed steam-flaked corn showed decreased average daily gain (ADG) and had more severe GIT disease indicators. Results of both studies indicate that in some finishing diets, further processing of corn grain beyond a certain level might not be necessary.

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright