Table 2 Least square means and SEM for animal performance outcomes over the study periods (pre-challenge dosing and grain challenge) of both crossover periods, unless specified.

From: Performance improvements and increased ruminal microbial interactions in Angus heifers via supplementation with native rumen bacteria during high-grain challenge

Treatment1

Item

CON

NRM

P-value

DMI2, kg/d

9.18 ± 0.27

9.17 ± 0.27

0.975

ADG3, kg/d

1.41 ± 0.13

1.82 ± 0.14

0.037

G: F4

0.16 ± 0.01

0.19 ± 0.01

0.055

BW5, kg

 Initial BW6

414 ± 10.2

413 ± 10.2

0.979

 Endpoint BW7

  Crossover period 18

467 ± 9.74

481 ± 9.41

0.316

  Washout8,9

472 ± 9.85

494 ± 9.69

0.121

  Crossover period 28

544 ± 10.8

529 ± 11.2

0.358

  Overall

496 ± 6.41

499 ± 6.44

0.698

  1. Significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05; and tendencies were declared at P > 0.05 and P ≤ 0.10.
  2. 1CON = periods when animals received media carrier without NRM; NRM = periods when animals received NRM. Sample size (n) = 16 for each treatment group, unless specified.
  3. 2Dry matter intake.
  4. 3Average daily gain.
  5. 4Gain to feed ratio.
  6. 5Body weight.
  7. 6BW of animals at the end of the acclimation period.
  8. 7BW of animals at the end of each grain challenge and washout period.
  9. 8n=8 per treatment group.
  10. 9No microbes were administered during the washout period and treatment groups were swapped after this period.
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