Purdue University, 1991 (96 heifers in 6 treatments)    South Dakota State University, 1995 (200 steers in 5 treatements.)

Liquid feeds benefit the ration and nutrition in three ways:

1. Palatability of the molasses carrier helps improve feed intake – we have seen this even with gluten or distillers grains in the diet.
2. NPN levels increase the DIP in the total ration.  Dr. A. DiCostanza deduced from the Beef NRC ‘96 that in most if not all cases we are short of degradable protein in the finishing diets.
3. Better mixing leads to more consistent nutrient intake. Dr. Robbi Pritchart reported with the SDSU work that liver abscesses on the dry feed ran 17.8% and on the liquid it was 8%. He credited this to better mixing leading to a better daily dose of Tylan. It stands to reason then that consistent intake of all nutrients (protein, major and trace minerals, vitamins, ionophore) will be improved.