Effects of multiple stabilized enzymes on performance of steers during backgrounding and subsequent high concentrate feeding

The use of enzyme products for application in the animal feed industry has magnified over the past ten years, and the fermentation industry is quickly expanding to meet consumer and industry needs (Walsh and Moore, 1995). One reason for the rapid expansion in this area is consumer demand for a more naturally produced product that minimizes the amount of antibiotics incorporated into livestock feeds. Recent production trials have increased consumer awareness and concern about the use of antibiotics and growth stimulants in the livestock feed industry and therefore increased interest in evaluating the effects of direct-fed microbials (DFM) on animal performance (Yoon and Stern, 1996).

Previous research concerning DFM, has illustrated an improvement in digestibility of feedstuffs and an increase in performance of growing livestock. Wiedmeier et al. (1987) reported an increase in DMD and crude protein digestibility when Aspergillus oryzae and a combination of A. oryzae and yeast cultures were fed to Holstein cattle (Bos Taurus). Similar results were illustrated by Beharka et al. (1991) when growing calves were supplemented with A. oryzae. Gomez-Alarcon et al. (1990) reported a 29% increase in digestibility with the use of A. oryzae. Reports have also shown that the rate, but not extent of fiber digestion may be Increased by fungal supplements (Caton et al., 1993). Rumen fluid analysis of calves supplemented with A. oryzae showed higher total volatile fatty acids (VFA) when compared to calves that were not supplemented with A. oryzae. In addition studies have indicated that DFM have the ability to modulate rumen fennentation (Williams and Newbold, 1990).

Multiple Stabilized Enzymes is a commercial feed additive that is designed to increase the digestibility of feedstuffs and improve feed efficiency in all classes of livestock. The MSE feed additive is a molasses-based product that contains multiple stabilized enzymes, four strains of bacteria (three Lactobacillus acidophilus and one strain of Bacillus subtilis), three strains of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae); three strains of fungi (two oi Aspergillus oryzae and one of Aspergillus niger) and vitamins and minerals that are crucial to livestock.

The potential benefits from feeding MSE to receiving and finishing beef cattle are to improve average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (FE), carcass weight, carcass quality; to enhance immunity; and to increase milk yields by dairy cattle.

The objectives of this study were to compare the use of ionophoresantibiotics to MSE and determine their effects on ADG, FE, carcass yield, quality grades, liver abscesses, immunity and dry matter digestibility (DMD).