Effects of a fenugreek extract (Nutrifen) in combination with organic trace minerals on feedlot performance in Angus heifers

Abstract Text: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a fenugreek extract (Nutrifen) in combination with organic trace minerals (OTM; amino acid complexes – Availa-4) on feedlot performance of ninety-four Angus heifers.  Heifers were allotted based upon BW to Control (CON; n=47) and Treatment (TRT; n=47) and housed in two pens based upon treatment. The CON group was fed a basal feedlot mineral, while the TRT group had added Nutrifen (1.25 grams/hd/d) and OTM (7 grams/hd/d).  Heifers were given a 21-d acclimation period.  Heifers were fed a common feedlot diet for 83 days with individual feed intake monitored utilizing the I.D.ology (Eau Claire, WI) feeding system.  Heifers were weighed individually on d 0, 21, 28, 56, 72, and 83.  Weights and feed disappearance were used to calculate ADG, DMI, and F:G.  Heifers were ultrasounded (Aloka 500V, 3.5-MHz linear transducer; Corometrics Medical Systems, Wallingford, CT) on d 1 and 72 for 12th rib fat thickness (back fat), LM area, and % intramuscular fat (%IMF) by a certified technician.  Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using GLM in Minitab with Tukey’s test to determine differences between dietary treatments.  There were no BW differences (P>0.20) observed for d 0, 21, 28, 56, or 72; however, on d 83 the CON group weighed less (431.2 vs 456.5 kg; P<0.05) compared to the TRT group.  The TRT group had a higher ADG for d 0-28 (1.32 vs 1.16 kg; P<0.05), d 56-72 (1.13 vs 0.75 kg; P<0.01), d 72-83 (1.18 vs 0.09 kg; P<0.001), and d 0-83 (1.16 vs 0.94 kg; P<0.001).  The TRT group was more efficient (7.84 vs 9.26; P<0.05) for d 0-28, and d 0-83 (8.79 vs 11.21; P<0.001) when compared to the CON group.  The TRT group had a $0.039 lower cost per kg of gain (P<0.001) than the CON group.  There were no differences (P>0.1) in DMI. No differences (P>0.3) were observed between test groups for d 1 or d 72 BCS, back fat, LM area, or %IMF.  In conclusion, the addition of a fenugreek extract (Nutrifen) in combination with organic trace minerals improved feedlot performance and reduced cost of gain with no effect on carcass composition.  

Keywords: Beef, Botanical, Minerals