Rehydrated ground corn silage as alternative to feedlot lambs: feeding behavior and performance

This study aimed to investigate the effect of replacing ground corn with rehydrated ground corn silage (RGCS) in high-concentrate diets on the feeding behavior and performance of feedlot lambs. Forty, non-castrated, Santa Inês male lambs (approximately four months old with an average body weight of 21 ± 2.8 kg) were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design, with five dietary treatments, each including eight replications. The treatments consisted of replacing ground corn with RGCS at levels of 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 g/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis. The data collection period lasted 64 days. Replacement of ground corn with RGCS linearly decreased the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and its feeding and rumination efficiencies (P < 0.05). For each 1 g of RGCS included per kg of dietary DM, NDF intake, feeding efficiency of DM and rumination efficiency of NDF decreased by 0.093 g/day, 0.021 g/hour and 0.010 g/hour, respectively. Initial, final, total and average weight gains were not influenced by the diets (P > 0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that RGCS can replace up to 1000 g/kg of ground corn in high-concentrate diets without negatively affecting the feeding behavior or performance of feedlot lambs. This approach offers strategic flexibility in using corn grain - either in its dry form or as rehydrated and ensiled - based on production goals or market conditions in ruminant feeding systems. However, further research is needed, particularly concerning the economic aspects of its use.