Five commercially available corn hybrids were evaluated for finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics when fed as high-moisture (HMC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC). No significant interactions were observed between hybrid and processing method. Corn hybrid had no significant impact on ADG or DMI, but did have a minor influence on F:G. However, these data suggested that processing as HMC-method had a greater effect on cattle performance than hybrid

Erickson, Galen E.

Fithian, Wayne A.

Harrelson, Flint W.

Klopfenstein, Terry J.

Luebbe, Matt K.

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports Animal Science Department January 2008 Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics Flint W. Harrelson University of Nebraska-Lincoln Matt K. Luebbe University of Nebraska - Lincoln, mluebbe2@unl.edu Galen E. Erickson University of Nebraska-Lincoln, gerickson4@unl.edu Terry J. Klopfenstein University of Nebraska-Lincoln, tklopfenstein1@unl.edu Wayne A. Fithian Golden Harvest Seeds, Waterloo, Nebraska Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/animalscinbcr  Part of the Animal Sciences Commons Harrelson, Flint W.; Luebbe, Matt K.; Erickson, Galen E.; Klopfenstein, Terry J.; and Fithian, Wayne A., "Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics" (2008). Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports. 22. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/animalscinbcr/22 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Animal Science Department at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Page 54 — 2008 Nebraska Beef Report  © The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.  All rights reserved.Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass CharacteristicsFlint W. HarrelsonMatt K. LuebbeGalen E. EricksonTerry J. KlopfensteinWayne A. Fithian1SummaryFive commercially available corn hybrids were evaluated for finishing cattle performance and carcass charac-teristics when fed as high-moisture (HMC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC). No significant interactions were observed between hybrid and processing method. Corn hybrid had no significant impact on ADG or DMI, but did have a minor influence on F:G. However, these data suggested that processing as HMC-method had a greater effect on cattle performance than hybrid.IntroductionLimited research has evaluated corn hybrid differences across differ-ent processing methods. In a study conducted by Macken et al., (2003 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 2-4) two corn endosperm types, floury and flinty, were fed as high-moisture or dry-rolled corn. Their results indicat-ed hybrids fed as high-moisture corn were more efficiently used than those fed as dry-rolled corn, and that the flintier hybrids were improved more by processing than the floury type. Our objectives were to evaluate the influence of corn hybrid, processing method, and any interaction between hybrid and processing method on fin-ishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. ProcedureGrain ProductionFive commercially available corn hybrids were selected based on prior research (2005 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 45-47) to be grown for a finishing trial. The trial was designed as a 2×5 factorial, with five corn hybrids fed as either high-moisture (HMC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC). Hybrids were selected to represent a wide variety of kernel characteristics, including kernel weight and hardness. The selected hybrids were H-8562, H-880Bt, H-920Bt, H-9485Bt (Golden Harvest Seeds Co., Waterloo, Neb.), and P67 (Pioneer Hybrids, Johnston, Iowa). Grain was grown at the University of Nebraska’s Agri-cultural Research and Development Center in two similar irrigated fields with identity preservation maintained throughout the growing season, stor-age, and feeding. Corn being used for DRC was harvested in early October and was targeted to be 85% DM. HMC was harvested in early Septem-ber and was targeted to be 7% to 74% DM. After the high-moisture corn was harvested, DM was analyzed. H-920Bt contained the most mois-ture at harvest (69.5% DM), P67 contained the least moisture (74.6% DM), with H-9485Bt, H-8562, and H-880Bt being intermediate (7.9%, 72.4%, and 72.4% DM respectively). Whole grain for the dry-rolled treat-ments was stored in individual bins throughout the trial, and corn was trucked to the feed mill to be rolled as necessary. High-moisture corn was rolled at harvest and ensiled in separate ensiling bags and removed as necessary for feeding. Kernel CharacteristicsUpon dry corn harvest, grain sam-ples were collected for kernel charac-teristic analysis. Grain was cleaned to remove cracked kernels and other debris, so a whole kernel sample could be analyzed. One thousand kernels were counted using an automated seed counter and weighed to obtain an air dry kernel weight measurement. This measurement was then adjusted based on DM to determine a dry 1,000 ker-nel weight. Also a Stenvert Hardness Test was conducted on each sample (procedure detailed in 2006 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 4-44). All hybrids were replicated twice for each kernel measurement. Feedlot Procedure Crossbred yearling steers (n = 475, 87 lb BW) were used in a 2×5 facto-rial design, with factors of processing method and corn hybrid. Cattle were limit fed 2% of BW for 5 days, prior to being weighed two consecutive days, at trial initiation, in order to obtain initial BW. Cattle were stratified by BW into two blocks, and then ran-domly assigned to 1 of 60 pens (eight steers/pen). Treatments (n = 10) were assigned randomly to pens, with a total of 6 pens/treatment. Diets con-sisted of 67.5% corn, 20% wet corn gluten feed (Sweet Bran®, Cargill Inc. Blair, Neb.), 7.5% alfalfa hay, and 5% supplement (all DM basis). Corn glu-ten feed was added to the diet in order to limit digestive upsets, considering the HMC treatments contained high levels of rapidly fermentable starch. Diets were formulated using the low-est protein value of any corn, 8.88% CP, in order to eliminate any differ-ences in performance being attributed to protein differences. The supple-ment, which was identical across treatments, included 0.44% urea and was formulated to provide 90 mg/head/day Tylan® and 20 mg/head/day Rumensin®. Cattle were fed once daily and were allowed ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the trial. On day 22, cattle were im-planted with Revalor S® and fed either 127 days (heavy block) or 14 days (light block). Cattle were weighed off trial on the morning of shipping, and loaded out in the early evening. All cattle were harvested at a commercial abattoir (Greater Omaha, Omaha, Neb.) with the sequence, liver scores and HCW collected on the day of har-vest. Following a 48 h chill, 12th rib fat thickness, ribeye area, kidney pel-vic and heart fat, and USDA marbling © The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.  All rights reserved. 2008 Nebraska Beef Report  — Page 55 then only the simple effects were reported. However, if the interaction was not significant, the main effects of hybrid and processing method were presented separately. ResultsKernel CharacteristicsKernel characteristics among hybrids are summarized in Table 1. Kernel weight was the only trait significantly affected by hybrid, with hybrids H-9485Bt and H-8562 being the heaviest (69 and 64 g, respectively). H-880Bt was the lightest (299 g) and H-920Bt and P67 were intermediate (20 and 27 g, respectively). Hybrids showed numeric differences in grain yield; however, these differences could not be analyzed because this trial was not designed to evaluate yield differ-ences. Hybrid P67 had the highest yield (218.6 bu/ac), hybrid H-920Bt had the lowest yield (190. bu/ac), and hybrids H-9485Bt, H-880Bt, and  H-8562 being intermediate (210.9 bu/ac, 207.1 bu/ac, and 197.4 bu/ac, respectively).Finishing Performance   No significant hybrid*processing interactions were observed for any finishing performance or carcass characteristics; therefore, the main effects of hybrid and processing method will be presented. Processing method affected finishing perfor-mance and carcass characteristics (Table 2). Cattle fed DRC had greater (P < 0.01)  DMI compared to HMC fed cattle. Also, F:G was improved  (P < 0.01) by 5.2%  for cattle fed HMC compared to those fed DRC. The HMC fed cattle had greater 12th rib fat thickness (P = 0.02) compared to cattle fed DRC. Cattle fed HMC also had a larger ribeye area (P = 0.05); however, this increase in ribeye area did not affect calculated yield grade.Table  summarizes the hybrid effects on finishing performance and carcass characteristics. No significant hybrid effects were observed for  DMI or ADG. There was a trend  Table 1. Kernel characteristics for all corn hybrids.Variable H-9485Bt H-8562 P67 H-920Bt H-880Bt P-valuedKernel wt., g 69.2a 64.46a 27.1b 20.68bc 299.07c <0.01Yield, bu/ac 210.9 197.4 218.6 190.2 207.1 Stenvert Hardness Grind Time, s 6.5 6.0 7.5 7.2 6.7 0.68 RPM 2698 270 2640 2621 2662 0.99 Soft height, cm 7.7 8.6 6.9 7.8 7.7 0.21 Total height, cm 10.8 11.6 10.4 11.2 10.5 0.25 Soft height, % 70.77 74.4 66.17 69.81 7.08 0.21 Hard, % 75.8 74.09 77.88 77.42 75.8 0.65a,b,cMeans within a row with unlike superscripts differ (P < 0.05).dP - value for the effect of hybrid.Table 2.  Effect of processing method on finishing performance and carcass characteristics.Variable HMC DRC P-value hybrid * processingPerformance Initial BW, lb 87 87 0.88 0.79Final BW, lb 162 151 0.17 0.90DMI, lb/d 24.9 25.7 <0.01 0.51ADG, lb 4.02 .95 0.18 0.74 F:G 6.17 6.49 <0.01 0.49Carcass CharacteristicsHCW, lb 858 851 0.17 0.68Marbling scorea 517 507 0.21 0.7112th rib fat, in 0.54 0.51 <0.01 0.71KPH %b 2.02 2.01 0.54 0.26Ribeye area, in2 1.41 1.19 0.05 0.74Yield gradec .2 .17 0.27 0.85aMarbling score: 450 = Slight50, 500 = Small00 etc.bKPH % = kidney, pelvic, and heart fat %cCalculated yield grade = Calculated as: yield grade = 2.5 + (2.5*12th rib fat) + (0.2*KPH%) + (0.008*HCW) - (0.2*ribeye area).Table 3. Effect of corn hybrid on finishing performance and carcass characteristics.    Variable H-9485Bt H-8562 P67 H-920Bt H-880Bt P-valuePerformanceInitial BW, lb 86 88 86 89 84 0.45Final BW, lb 164 162 15 154 149 0.66DMI, lb/d 25.2 25.2 25. 25.2 25.5 0.92ADG, lb 4.05 4.01 .97 .95 .95 0.70F:G 6.20 6.27 6.9 6.9 6.44 0.12Carcass CharacteristicsHCW, lb 860 858 852 85 850 0.66Marbling scorea 506 514 512 512 514 0.9512th rib fat, in 0.52 0.54 0.5 0.5 0.52 0.82KPH %b 2.01 2.00 2.0 2.01 2.02 0.89Ribeye area, in2 1.45 1.21 1.42 1.29 1.15 0.6Yield gradec .17 .24 .18 .20 .22 0.88 aMarbling score: 450 = Slight50, 500 = Small00 etc.bKPH % = kidney, pelvic, and heart fat %.cCalculated yield grade = Calculated as: yield grade = 2.5 + (2.5*12th rib fat) + (0.2*KPH%) + (0.008*HCW) - (0.2*ribeye area). scores were collected. Using HCW, ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, and kidney, pelvic and heart fat, the yield grade was calculated. Statistical AnalysisAll data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS 9.1, SAS Inst., Cary, N.C.). Kernel traits were evaluated as dependent variables upon hybrid. Correlations between kernel traits and feed efficiency were also analyzed. Pen was used as the experimental unit, with block, hybrid, processing, and hybrid*processing interactions run as fixed effects. If a significant interaction between hybrid and processing method was observed, (Continued on next page)Page 56 — 2008 Nebraska Beef Report  © The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.  All rights reserved.(P = 0.12) for a hybrid effect on F:G, with H-9485Bt being the most efficiently used, and H-880Bt being the least efficiently used hybrid, with H-8562, H-920Bt, P67 being inter-mediate. Based on previous research (2006 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 8-9) we expected an interaction between hybrid and processing method, how-ever this did not occur, and we are not sure why no interaction was observed. We did however observe better feed-ing values for all hybrids when pro-cessed as HMC compared to DRC. The greatest improvement in conver-sion was found for H-880Bt (8.5%), with the least improvement for P67 (2.26%), with H-920Bt, H-8562, and H-9485Bt intermediate (5.65%, 4.82%, 4.25%, respectively) when pro-cessed as HMC compared to DRC.  Kernel weight was the only signi-ficant (P < 0.02) kernel characteristic, with a strong relationship to efficiency (r = 0.94). This relationship indicates that as kernel weight increases, effi-ciency improves as well. This finding was similar to the results found by Jaeger (2004 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 54-57).The results of this study suggest hybrid and processing method do not interact in finishing diets. This obser-vation suggests that if one hybrid is better than another when fed as DRC, it should also be better when fed as HMC. There were also few significant effects of corn hybrid on finishing performance. These results agree with numerous studies that HMC is an effective way to improve feed conver-sion compared to DRC. The results also suggest that kernel characteris-tics, especially kernel weight, may pre-dict feeding value for feedlot cattle. 1Flint W. Harrelson, graduate student; Matt K. Luebbe, research technician; Galen E. Erickson, associate professor; and Terry J. Klopfenstein, professor, Animal Science, Lincoln. Wayne A. Fithian, Golden Harvest Seeds, Waterloo.

Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports Animal Science Department 
January 2008 
Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing 
Performance and Carcass Characteristics 
Flint W. Harrelson 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 
Matt K. Luebbe 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, mluebbe2@unl.edu 
Galen E. Erickson 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, gerickson4@unl.edu 
Terry J. Klopfenstein 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, tklopfenstein1@unl.edu 
Wayne A. Fithian 
Golden Harvest Seeds, Waterloo, Nebraska 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/animalscinbcr 
 Part of the Animal Sciences Commons 
Harrelson, Flint W.; Luebbe, Matt K.; Erickson, Galen E.; Klopfenstein, Terry J.; and Fithian, Wayne A., 
"Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics" 
(2008). Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports. 22. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/animalscinbcr/22 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Animal Science Department at 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Nebraska Beef Cattle 
Reports by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
Page 54 — 2008 Nebraska Beef Report  © The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.  All rights reserved.
Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method 
on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics
Flint W. Harrelson
Matt K. Luebbe
Galen E. Erickson
Terry J. Klopfenstein
Wayne A. Fithian1
Summary
Five commercially available corn 
hybrids were evaluated for finishing 
cattle performance and carcass charac-
teristics when fed as high-moisture 
(HMC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC). No 
significant interactions were observed 
between hybrid and processing method. 
Corn hybrid had no significant impact 
on ADG or DMI, but did have a minor 
influence on F:G. However, these data 
suggested that processing as HMC-
method had a greater effect on cattle 
performance than hybrid.
Introduction
Limited research has evaluated 
corn hybrid differences across differ-
ent processing methods. In a study 
conducted by Macken et al., (2003 
Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 2-4) two 
corn endosperm types, floury and 
flinty, were fed as high-moisture or 
dry-rolled corn. Their results indicat-
ed hybrids fed as high-moisture corn 
were more efficiently used than those 
fed as dry-rolled corn, and that the 
flintier hybrids were improved more 
by processing than the floury type. 
Our objectives were to evaluate the 
influence of corn hybrid, processing 
method, and any interaction between 
hybrid and processing method on fin-
ishing cattle performance and carcass 
characteristics. 
Procedure
Grain Production
Five commercially available corn 
hybrids were selected based on prior 
research (2005 Nebraska Beef Report, 
pp. 45-47) to be grown for a finishing 
trial. The trial was designed as a 
2×5 factorial, with five corn hybrids 
fed as either high-moisture (HMC) 
or dry-rolled corn (DRC). Hybrids 
were selected to represent a wide 
variety of kernel characteristics, 
including kernel weight and hardness. 
The selected hybrids were H-8562, 
H-880Bt, H-920Bt, H-9485Bt 
(Golden Harvest Seeds Co., Waterloo, 
Neb.), and P67 (Pioneer Hybrids, 
Johnston, Iowa). Grain was grown 
at the University of Nebraska’s Agri-
cultural Research and Development 
Center in two similar irrigated fields 
with identity preservation maintained 
throughout the growing season, stor-
age, and feeding. Corn being used for 
DRC was harvested in early October 
and was targeted to be 85% DM. 
HMC was harvested in early Septem-
ber and was targeted to be 7% to 74% 
DM. After the high-moisture corn 
was harvested, DM was analyzed. 
H-920Bt contained the most mois-
ture at harvest (69.5% DM), P67 
contained the least moisture (74.6% 
DM), with H-9485Bt, H-8562, and 
H-880Bt being intermediate (7.9%, 
72.4%, and 72.4% DM respectively). 
Whole grain for the dry-rolled treat-
ments was stored in individual bins 
throughout the trial, and corn was 
trucked to the feed mill to be rolled 
as necessary. High-moisture corn 
was rolled at harvest and ensiled in 
separate ensiling bags and removed as 
necessary for feeding. 
Kernel Characteristics
Upon dry corn harvest, grain sam-
ples were collected for kernel charac-
teristic analysis. Grain was cleaned 
to remove cracked kernels and other 
debris, so a whole kernel sample could 
be analyzed. One thousand kernels 
were counted using an automated seed 
counter and weighed to obtain an air 
dry kernel weight measurement. This 
measurement was then adjusted based 
on DM to determine a dry 1,000 ker-
nel weight. Also a Stenvert Hardness 
Test was conducted on each sample 
(procedure detailed in 2006 Nebraska 
Beef Report, pp. 4-44). All hybrids 
were replicated twice for each kernel 
measurement. 
Feedlot Procedure 
Crossbred yearling steers (n = 475, 
87 lb BW) were used in a 2×5 facto-
rial design, with factors of processing 
method and corn hybrid. Cattle were 
limit fed 2% of BW for 5 days, prior to 
being weighed two consecutive days, 
at trial initiation, in order to obtain 
initial BW. Cattle were stratified by 
BW into two blocks, and then ran-
domly assigned to 1 of 60 pens (eight 
steers/pen). Treatments (n = 10) were 
assigned randomly to pens, with a 
total of 6 pens/treatment. Diets con-
sisted of 67.5% corn, 20% wet corn 
gluten feed (Sweet Bran®, Cargill Inc. 
Blair, Neb.), 7.5% alfalfa hay, and 5% 
supplement (all DM basis). Corn glu-
ten feed was added to the diet in order 
to limit digestive upsets, considering 
the HMC treatments contained high 
levels of rapidly fermentable starch. 
Diets were formulated using the low-
est protein value of any corn, 8.88% 
CP, in order to eliminate any differ-
ences in performance being attributed 
to protein differences. The supple-
ment, which was identical across 
treatments, included 0.44% urea and 
was formulated to provide 90 mg/
head/day Tylan® and 20 mg/head/
day Rumensin®. Cattle were fed once 
daily and were allowed ad libitum 
access to feed and water throughout 
the trial. On day 22, cattle were im-
planted with Revalor S® and fed either 
127 days (heavy block) or 14 days 
(light block). Cattle were weighed off 
trial on the morning of shipping, and 
loaded out in the early evening. All 
cattle were harvested at a commercial 
abattoir (Greater Omaha, Omaha, 
Neb.) with the sequence, liver scores 
and HCW collected on the day of har-
vest. Following a 48 h chill, 12th rib 
fat thickness, ribeye area, kidney pel-
vic and heart fat, and USDA marbling 
© The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.  All rights reserved. 2008 Nebraska Beef Report  — Page 55 
then only the simple effects were 
reported. However, if the interaction 
was not significant, the main effects 
of hybrid and processing method were 
presented separately.
 Results
Kernel Characteristics
Kernel characteristics among 
hybrids are summarized in Table 
1. Kernel weight was the only trait 
significantly affected by hybrid, 
with hybrids H-9485Bt and H-8562 
being the heaviest (69 and 64 g, 
respectively). H-880Bt was the 
lightest (299 g) and H-920Bt and 
P67 were intermediate (20 and 
27 g, respectively). Hybrids showed 
numeric differences in grain yield; 
however, these differences could not 
be analyzed because this trial was 
not designed to evaluate yield differ-
ences. Hybrid P67 had the highest 
yield (218.6 bu/ac), hybrid H-920Bt 
had the lowest yield (190. bu/ac), and 
hybrids H-9485Bt, H-880Bt, and  
H-8562 being intermediate (210.9 
bu/ac, 207.1 bu/ac, and 197.4 bu/ac, 
respectively).
Finishing Performance   
No significant hybrid*processing 
interactions were observed for any 
finishing performance or carcass 
characteristics; therefore, the main 
effects of hybrid and processing 
method will be presented. Processing 
method affected finishing perfor-
mance and carcass characteristics 
(Table 2). Cattle fed DRC had greater 
(P < 0.01)  DMI compared to HMC 
fed cattle. Also, F:G was improved  
(P < 0.01) by 5.2%  for cattle fed HMC 
compared to those fed DRC. The 
HMC fed cattle had greater 12th rib 
fat thickness (P = 0.02) compared to 
cattle fed DRC. Cattle fed HMC also 
had a larger ribeye area (P = 0.05); 
however, this increase in ribeye area 
did not affect calculated yield grade.
Table  summarizes the hybrid 
effects on finishing performance and 
carcass characteristics. No significant 
hybrid effects were observed for  
DMI or ADG. There was a trend  
Table 1. Kernel characteristics for all corn hybrids.
Variable H-9485Bt H-8562 P67 H-920Bt H-880Bt P-valued
Kernel wt., g 69.2a 64.46a 27.1b 20.68bc 299.07c <0.01
Yield, bu/ac 210.9 197.4 218.6 190.2 207.1 
Stenvert Hardness
 Grind Time, s 6.5 6.0 7.5 7.2 6.7 0.68
 RPM 2698 270 2640 2621 2662 0.99
 Soft height, cm 7.7 8.6 6.9 7.8 7.7 0.21
 Total height, cm 10.8 11.6 10.4 11.2 10.5 0.25
 Soft height, % 70.77 74.4 66.17 69.81 7.08 0.21
 Hard, % 75.8 74.09 77.88 77.42 75.8 0.65
a,b,cMeans within a row with unlike superscripts differ (P < 0.05).
dP - value for the effect of hybrid.
Table 2.  Effect of processing method on finishing performance and carcass characteristics.
Variable HMC DRC P-value hybrid * processing
Performance 
Initial BW, lb 87 87 0.88 0.79
Final BW, lb 162 151 0.17 0.90
DMI, lb/d 24.9 25.7 <0.01 0.51
ADG, lb 4.02 .95 0.18 0.74 
F:G 6.17 6.49 <0.01 0.49
Carcass Characteristics
HCW, lb 858 851 0.17 0.68
Marbling scorea 517 507 0.21 0.71
12th rib fat, in 0.54 0.51 <0.01 0.71
KPH %b 2.02 2.01 0.54 0.26
Ribeye area, in2 1.41 1.19 0.05 0.74
Yield gradec .2 .17 0.27 0.85
aMarbling score: 450 = Slight50, 500 = Small00 etc.
bKPH % = kidney, pelvic, and heart fat %
cCalculated yield grade = Calculated as: yield grade = 2.5 + (2.5*12th rib fat) + (0.2*KPH%) + 
(0.008*HCW) - (0.2*ribeye area).
Table 3. Effect of corn hybrid on finishing performance and carcass characteristics.
    
Variable H-9485Bt H-8562 P67 H-920Bt H-880Bt P-value
Performance
Initial BW, lb 86 88 86 89 84 0.45
Final BW, lb 164 162 15 154 149 0.66
DMI, lb/d 25.2 25.2 25. 25.2 25.5 0.92
ADG, lb 4.05 4.01 .97 .95 .95 0.70
F:G 6.20 6.27 6.9 6.9 6.44 0.12
Carcass Characteristics
HCW, lb 860 858 852 85 850 0.66
Marbling scorea 506 514 512 512 514 0.95
12th rib fat, in 0.52 0.54 0.5 0.5 0.52 0.82
KPH %b 2.01 2.00 2.0 2.01 2.02 0.89
Ribeye area, in2 1.45 1.21 1.42 1.29 1.15 0.6
Yield gradec .17 .24 .18 .20 .22 0.88
 
aMarbling score: 450 = Slight50, 500 = Small00 etc.
bKPH % = kidney, pelvic, and heart fat %.
cCalculated yield grade = Calculated as: yield grade = 2.5 + (2.5*12th rib fat) + (0.2*KPH%) + 
(0.008*HCW) - (0.2*ribeye area).
 
scores were collected. Using HCW, 
ribeye area, 12th rib fat thickness, and 
kidney, pelvic and heart fat, the yield 
grade was calculated. 
Statistical Analysis
All data were analyzed using the 
MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS 9.1, 
SAS Inst., Cary, N.C.). Kernel traits 
were evaluated as dependent variables 
upon hybrid. Correlations between 
kernel traits and feed efficiency were 
also analyzed. Pen was used as the 
experimental unit, with block, hybrid, 
processing, and hybrid*processing 
interactions run as fixed effects. If a 
significant interaction between hybrid 
and processing method was observed, (Continued on next page)
Page 56 — 2008 Nebraska Beef Report  © The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.  All rights reserved.
(P = 0.12) for a hybrid effect on F:G, 
with H-9485Bt being the most 
efficiently used, and H-880Bt being 
the least efficiently used hybrid, with 
H-8562, H-920Bt, P67 being inter-
mediate. 
Based on previous research (2006 
Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 8-9) we 
expected an interaction between 
hybrid and processing method, how-
ever this did not occur, and we are not 
sure why no interaction was observed. 
We did however observe better feed-
ing values for all hybrids when pro-
cessed as HMC compared to DRC. 
The greatest improvement in conver-
sion was found for H-880Bt (8.5%), 
with the least improvement for P67 
(2.26%), with H-920Bt, H-8562, 
and H-9485Bt intermediate (5.65%, 
4.82%, 4.25%, respectively) when pro-
cessed as HMC compared to DRC.  
Kernel weight was the only signi-
ficant (P < 0.02) kernel characteristic, 
with a strong relationship to efficiency 
(r = 0.94). This relationship indicates 
that as kernel weight increases, effi-
ciency improves as well. This finding 
was similar to the results found by 
Jaeger (2004 Nebraska Beef Report, pp. 
54-57).
The results of this study suggest 
hybrid and processing method do not 
interact in finishing diets. This obser-
vation suggests that if one hybrid is 
better than another when fed as DRC, 
it should also be better when fed as 
HMC. There were also few significant 
effects of corn hybrid on finishing 
performance. These results agree with 
numerous studies that HMC is an 
effective way to improve feed conver-
sion compared to DRC. The results 
also suggest that kernel characteris-
tics, especially kernel weight, may pre-
dict feeding value for feedlot cattle.
 
1Flint W. Harrelson, graduate student; 
Matt K. Luebbe, research technician; Galen 
E. Erickson, associate professor; and Terry J. 
Klopfenstein, professor, Animal Science, Lincoln. 
Wayne A. Fithian, Golden Harvest Seeds, 
Waterloo.


https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1021&context=animalscinbcr

Influence of Corn Hybrid and Processing Method on Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics

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