The efficiency of utilization of cereal grains in high concentrate finishing rations has been greatly improved through the use of grain processing techniques. Although many feedlots still process corn grain in some manner, recent studies have indicted that whole shelled corn can be utilized satisfactorily whenroughage levels are low but is used less efficiently than processed corn at roughage levels above approximately 17%
Low levels of roughage serve to reduce the incidence of liver abscesses, reduce acidosis and to increase feed intakes and daily gains. With the increased costs of grain processing due to the increased costs of energy sources, it could be advantageous to use whole shelled corn rather than processed corn in many feedlot rations.