Beef - Carcass Confirmation

A healthy rumen can have a positive effect on beef quality. There are two ways this can happen. First, the prevention of lactic acid accumulation in the rumen results in greater propionate production by rumen bacteria. Propionate has been shown in recent studies to stimulate the differentiation and growth of adipocytes (fat cells). Two separate trials have shown that feeding the direct-fed microbial Propionibacteria strain P63 results in significantly more carcasses achieving the USDA choice quality grade. Second, a general reduction in rumen acidotic insults prevents rumen lesions from forming. Research demonstrates that feeding Propionibacteria strain P63 reduces lactic acid accumulation in the rumen and would therefore reduce the incidence of harmful rumen lesions. Such a reduction results in healthier and more profitable beef cattle. In general, the Texas A & M University Ranch to Rail program estimates that “healthy” cattle gain faster, cost less to feed, and grade USDA choice more frequently.

Sources:
Thompson et al., 2006. The effect of rumen lesions in feedlot calves: which lesions really affect growth? Schering-Plough Rumen day leaflet.