The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with dehydrated citrus pulp pellets on body weight gains, deposition rates of nutrients and body chemical composition of Santa Gertrudis young bulls. Twenty-eight animals averaging nine months of age and initial body weight of 277 kg were kept in individual pens during 92 days after 21 days of adaptation. Animals were fed a diet containing 20% (DM basis) of 40%-grain corn silage. The following dietary levels of dehydrated citrus pulp pellets (% dry matter) were fed: 0, 25, 40 or 55%. Body chemical composition was estimated from equations developed for Santa Gertrudis using the chemical composition of 9-10-11th ribs cut. Increasing levels of citrus pulp had no significant effects on final body weight (449 kg) and on daily gains of body weight (1.50 kg), empty body (1.26 kg) and carcass (0.78 kg). There were no significant differences among treatments on daily rates of deposition of water (0.374 kg), EE (0.589 kg), protein (0.253 kg), ash (0.040 kg) and energy (6.934 Mcal). Therefore, final body chemical composition was similar across diets. Dehydrated citrus pulp pellets can replace corn grain, up to 55% of diet DM, with no detrimental effects on daily gains, deposition rates and body chemical composition of finishing Santa Gertrudis young bulls fed high concentrate diets.
beef cattle; body components; empty body; gain composition
