Interpretive Summary: A pooled analysis of seven large pen feedlot studies: influence of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 on late-term mortality and growth performance of feedlot steers and heifers following terminal processing
By: Forest L Francis, Tyler J Spore, Braden Troyer, Mark E Corrigan, David E Amrine, David G Renter, Matthew May, Calvin Booker, Tony Bryant, Josh Szasz, Alyssa Word, Kendall Karr, Ben Holland, O Abe Turgeon, Miles Theurer, Trent Fox, Zachary K Smith
Large pen feedlot studies (n = 7) with heifers and steers (n = 17,571) were conducted in North America with the objective to determine the effects of orally administered Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (Lactipro; LP) at terminal processing on subsequent mortality and growth performance. The death rate during the feeding period following terminal processing was 1.57 times greater in cattle not administered LP. Cattle from LP cattle had a 3.1% numerical increase in feed efficiency compared to cattle not administered LP. Orally administering LP to steers and heifers at terminal implant processing can be a management strategy to decrease subsequent mortality and improve feed efficiency during the late finishing phase.
Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.
