The experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics, and the economical viability of a steer feedlot fed Tanzania and Marandu grass silage, with 0% and 10% of pelleted citrus pulp (PCP), compared with corn silage. Experimental surface silos (12 × 5 × 1 m) were used. The data were analyzed according to a completely randomized experimental design with eight treatments (diets) and six replications (animals). The experimental diets were formulated using Tanzania or Marandu grass silages, with or without addition 10% of PCP, in comparison with corn silage diets, in order to allow body weight gain of 1.0 and 1.2 kg/day, respectively. Animals that received the diets with Marandu grass silage with 10% of PCP and formulated for gain of 1.0 and 1.2 kg/day, presented the highest DM intake. There was no significant difference in the variables live weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, carcass gain, fat thickness, and ribeye area. Capital remuneration rate and the internal rate of return were highest on the animals fed corn silage diets.
additive; economic analyses; grass silage
