Evaluation of a phytogenic blend fed with monensin on post-weaning growth performance, health, and sera metabolite responses during the initial 56 d feedlot receiving period in steer calves

The objective was to determine if a blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG; Fytera® Advance – Selko® USA, Indianapolis IN) influences cattle performance, sera metabolites or health outcomes during the 56-d feedlot receiving phase. Charolais × Angus steers (n = 256; BW = 273 ± 26 kg) were allotted to 1 of 32 pens (n = 8 steers; 8 pens/treatment) and assigned to treatments: no test product (MON); CCG at 125 mg/steer/d (CCG125); CCG at 250 mg/steer/d (CCG250); or CCG at 500 mg/steer/d (CCG500). Monensin was fed to all steers (25 g/907 kg,DM basis). MON and CCG500 had greater DMI (quadratic effect; P = 0.01).. However, CCG did not improve ADG nor G:F (P ≥ 0.15). On d 14, CCG500 had elevated NEFA compared to the other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Ceruloplasmin,was decreased (P = 0.04) in steers from CCG250 and CCG500. There was no effect of supplementation on health outcomes (P ≥ 0.12).