R. Bras. Zootec.26/fev/2026;55:e20250179.
Effects of corn silage particle size on feeding behavior, growth performance, and carcass traits of finishing beef heifers
Gabrielli Fernanda da Costa
, Waldir de Castro Dias Júnior
, Edmilson Heleno dos Reis Domingues
, Matheus Wilson Silva Cordeiro
, Thiago Fernandes Bernardes
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of corn silage particle size on feeding behavior, blood parameters, fecal characteristics, and growth performance of beef heifers. Corn silage was harvested at 37.9 ± 1.6% dry matter (DM) using a self-propelled harvester containing shredding rolls and set to either a 13-mm theoretical length of cut (TLC), designated as conventional particle size (CPS), or a 24-mm TLC, designated as long particle size (LPS). Ninety-six Nellore heifers (initial shrunk body weight = 248 ± 36 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments [3 heifers per pen; 16 pens (replicates) per treatment]. Treatments consisted of a finishing diet containing either CPS or LPS. Heifers were fed for 101 days, with the first 15 days serving as the adaptation period. Feeding behavior was evaluated on days 47 and 69, fecal samples were collected on days 58 and 78, and ultrasound backfat thickness, ribeye area, and blood samples were assessed on the day of slaughter. Statistical analysis was performed using the MIXED procedure in SAS (α = 0.05). No differences were observed in initial body weight, final body weight, ADG, hot carcass yield, carcass traits, or feed efficiency (P≥0.05). However, the DM intake of heifers fed LPS (7.98 kg/d) was higher than that of heifers fed CPS (7.55 kg/d) (P = 0.031). Although treatments did not significantly affect ingestive behavior (P≥0.05), heifers receiving the LPS diet exhibited a 15% increase in NDF intake (P = 0.006). Fecal pH tended (P = 0.052) to be 1.3% higher in LPS-fed heifers. Overall, an increase in corn silage particle size led to higher intake without compromising feed efficiency. Nevertheless, the treatments had no significant effect on chewing activity or the performance of finishing beef heifers.
Palavras-chave: feedlot; particle size; shredlage