Research note: effect of Bacillus cereus on performances of growing bulls.

The effect of including Bacillus cereus (BC) in a diet of growing bulls was examined. 64 German Holstein bulls (initial body weight: 187 kg) were allotted to one of two treatments (control and BC). The bulls were fed corn silage ad libitum and a restricted amount of concentrate (without BC or with 100 mg BC/kg). They were slaughtered with a final body weight averaging 555 kg. No significant treatment differences were detected for any feedlot performance or carcass characteristics measured. Bulls fed BC had a daily weight gain of 1472 g, control animals of 1425 g. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that under these conditions the inclusion of BC will not significantly improve performance of growing bulls.