Life Sciences Commons^™

Comparing The Performance Of Cattle Castrated Using Different Techniques Upon Arrival At The Feedlot, Tyler Blackwood, Tyler J. Spore, Michael D. Kleinhenz, William R. Hollenbeck, Dale A. Blasi, A. J. Tarpoff

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:To determine the least detrimental castration technique in terms of growth performance when castrating cattle upon entry to the feedlot.

Study Description:Intact bulls were sourced from the Southeastern U.S. and received at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit. After backgrounding, 700-lb bulls were castrated using various techniques, including banding, banding with splitting of the distal scrotum, use of the Henderson Tool, and use of a burdizzo clamp. A group of intact bulls served as a negative control group. Weights were obtained at regular intervals throughout the 56-day study to quantify and compare growth performance.

Results:The day …

Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp And Teaching Program: Growing Student Interest And Engagement In The Feedlot Industry, Danielle M. Stock, Pete Anderson, Karol E. Fike

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Our objectives were to summarize the development and structure of the Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program and examine student interest in careers in the feedlot industry after participation.

Study Description:Since 2019, 95 Kansas State University College of Agriculture undergraduate students participated in the Feedlot Boot Camp Program. The aim was to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management to help meet the critical need for trained professionals in the industry. Components are a four-day Feedlot Boot Camp, student presentations, animal health day, and an optional feedlot internship. Students who completed all …

Impact Of Shade In Beef Feedyards On Performance, Ear Temperature, And Heat Stress Measures, Thomas M. Winders, Brett A. Melton, Boyd M. Boyd, Casey N. Macken, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A 2-yr study (year 1: March to September 2017; year 2: February to August 2018) was conducted using crossbred steers (year 1: n = 1677; initial body weight [BW] = 372 kg, SD = 47; year 2: n = 1713; initial BW = 379 kg, SD = 10) in a commercial feedyard study in Eastern NE to determine the effects of shade on cattle performance, ear temperature, and cattle activity. Two treatments were evaluated using a randomized complete block design (n = 5 blocks based on arrival). Treatments were assigned randomly to pens and consisted of five pens without …

Effect Of Lighter (273 Kg) And Heavier (356 Kg) Initial Weight On Growth Performance Of Single-Source, Pre-Conditioned Beef Steers Fed A Single Growing-Finishing Diet, Thomas C. Norman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the study was to determine the influence that initial BW has on growth performance responses, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and carcass traits in feedlot steers. Light- and heavy-weight Charolais×Red Angus steers (n = 70) selected from a larger single-source group were used in a 209-d growing-finishing feedlot experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center, in Brookings, SD. On d-0 and d-1 weight and hip height (HH) measurements were collected for allotment purposes; the initial experimental weight was the average between d 0 and d 1 BW. Steers were assigned to two groups based on initial …

The Effect Of Corn Silage Hybrid And Inclusion On Performance Of Finishing Steers And Silage Hybrid Effects On Digestibility And Performance Of Growing Steers, F. Henry Hilscher, Curt J. Bittner, Jana L. Gramkow, Melissa L. Jollyy-Breithaupt, Mitch M. Norman, Hannah C. Wilson, Andrea K. Watson, James C. Macdonald, John N. Anderson, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Three experiments evaluated the effects of three corn silage hybrids, inclusion, and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing diets. The three hybrids tested included a control (CON), a hybrid containing a brown midrib (bm3) trait (BM3), and an experimental bm3 hybrid with the soft endosperm trait (BM3-SOFT). Experiment 1 utilized 360 crossbred steers (body weight [BW] = 334; SD = 25 kg) to evaluate inclusion of silage in a finishing diet at (15% or 45% of diet dry matter [DM]) and silage hybrid (CON, BM3, or BM3-SOFT). Experiment 2 and 3 utilized 216 crossbred steers (BW = 324; SD = …

Skeletal Muscle Growth Of Beef Cattle: Cattle Breed Types And Anabolic Implants, Caleb C. Reichhardt

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Two potential methods that can be used by the U.S. to help further improve environmental and economic sustainability of the beef industry are through the use anabolic implants, typically composed of the hormones estradiol and trenbolone acetate, and by crossbreeding Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle. How anabolic implants operate to improve growth, and their resulting relationship with different cattle breed types have yet to be determined. However, crossbreeding these cattle breed types has been found to have a positive influence on economically important traits such as average daily gain and carcass characteristics. Therefore, we hypothesized that the different hormones …

Optimization Of Forage Use In Diets Fed To Backgrounding And Finishing Cattle In The Northern Great Plains, Thomas G. Hamilton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The two studies in this thesis were conducted to: 1) investigate the impact of corn silage moisture content and kernel processing at harvest on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, and carcass traits in finishing steers when fed at 20% DM inclusion in diets containing modified distillers grains plus solubles; and 2) determine the influence of equal cumulative roughage inclusion in a single diet or twodiet system during a 210-d backgrounding-finishing period in pre-conditioned beef steers on growth performance responses, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and carcass traits. Experiment 1 was a 112-d finishing experiment conducted …

Effect Of Feeding Interval On Finishing Performance Of Beef Steers, Chance Fiehler, John Jaeger, Justin Waggoner, Keith Harmoney, K.C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

It has long been accepted that optimal performance in beef cattle occurs when cattle are fed at a similar time each day. In fact, in Frederick Mumford’sSyllabus of Illustrated Lecture on Profitable Cattle Feedingpublished by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1905, Mr. Mumford stated, “Cattle should be fed at certain hours and in the same way. This cannot be varied 15 minutes without some detriment to the cattle.” Little research has been conducted examining interval of feed delivery. Most feedlot research examining feed delivery has focused on the comparison of once or twice daily feed delivery on …

Roundup 2022: Agricultural Research Center-Hays

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Roundup is the major beef cattle education and outreach event sponsored by the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center - Hays. This report communicates timely, applicable research information on beef production and rangeland topics.

Inflammatory Mediation Of Heat Stress-Induced Growth Deficits In Livestock And Its Potential Role As A Target For Nutritional Interventions: A Review, Micah S. Most, Dustin T. Yates

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Heat stress is detrimental to well-being and growth performance in livestock, and systemic inflammation arising during chronic heat stress contributes to these poor outcomes. Sustained exposure of muscle and other tissues to inflammation can impair the cellular processes that facilitate muscle growth and intramuscular fat deposition, thus reducing carcass quality and yield. Climate change is expected to produce more frequent extreme heat events, increasing the potential impact of heat stress on sustainable livestock production. Feedlot animals are at particularly high risk for heat stress, as confinement limits their ability to seek cooling from the shade, water, or breeze. Economically practical …

Impact Of Wood-Sourced Biochar On Carbon And Nitrogen Capture In Beef Feedlot Systems, Jessica L. Sperber

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

A feedlot growing and finishing experiment evaluated the effect of including pine-sourced biochar at 0.8 (growing) and 1.0% (finishing) of dietary DM on steer performance, carcass characteristics, and greenhouse gas (GHG) production (Exp 1). Two nutrient mass balance experiments were conducted during winter and summer seasons to evaluate the effect of spreading unprocessed red cedar biochar on the feedlot pen surface on manure nutrient capture and cattle performance (Exp 2). In Exp. 1, the inclusion of biochar in the growing diet did not impact steer performance. The inclusion of biochar in the finishing diet significantly reduced intake and gain, resulting …

Using Beet Pulp To Adapt Cattle To Finishing Diets Compared To Traditional Grain Adaptation With Alfalfa Hay, C. J. Schneider, Matt K. Luebbe, K. H. Jenkins, Stephanie A. Furman Furman, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A study was conducted to compare grain adaptation programs using beet pulp (BP) to traditional grain adaptation with alfalfa hay (AH). Yearling crossbred steers (n = 232; BW = 326 ± 14.5 kg) were separated into 3 weight blocks, stratified by BW, and assigned randomly, within strata, to 18 feedlot pens, with 12 or 13 steers per pen. Treatments were imposed during grain adaptation (21 d) using 3 grain adaptation programs. Within each grain adaptation program, 4 step rations were fed for 3, 4, 7, and 7 d. Each program increased dry-rolled corn inclusion while roughage inclusion decreased. In the …

Management And Dietary Strategies To Mitigate Environmental Stressors In Northern Plains Cattle Feeding Systems, Warren Carl Rusche

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies were undertaken to examine strategies to mitigate environmental stress faced by Northern Plains cattle feeders. In the first study, 46 feedlot managers from SD (n = 21), MN (n = 6), and NE (n = 19) were surveyed on use and perceptions of heat stress (HS) mitigation strategies. All respondents avoided cattle handling during heat stress events and incorporated some method of HS mitigation. Buildings or shades were perceived as the most successful strategy (60.9%) and were most commonly named as strategies managers would like to employ (63% for shades and 17.4% for buildings). Increasing dietary corn silage …

Effects Of Dry And Liquid Pellet Binder Inclusion And Conditioning Temperature On Pellet Mill Efficiency And Pellet Quality Of A High-Fiber Ruminant Ration, Caitlin E. Evans, Marut Saensukjaroenphon, Charles R. Stark, Chad B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objectives of this experiment were: 1) to determine the effects of sucrose and lactose-based liquid ingredient inclusion on the pelleting efficiency and quality of a high-fiber diet; and 2) to evaluate the role of mash conditioning temperature on the binding effectiveness of the tested liquid ingredients. Binders included DLS (dry calcium lignosulfonate), LCM (liquid cane molasses), LMB (commercial liquid molasses blend), and LLB (commercial liquid lactose blend). Treatments were arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial of pellet binder (control, DLS, LCM, LMB, and LLB) and conditioning temperature (165, 175, and 185°F). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure …

Carcass Trait Trends For Steers And Heifers Finished Through The Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative From 2002 Through 2018, E. D. Mccabe, M. E. King, K. E. Fike, M. Groves, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective was to evaluate trends in carcass characteristics for steers and heifers finished through the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative.

Study Description:Data analyzed included 74,207 steers and 33,529 heifers finished at the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative (Lewis, IA) and harvested from 2002 through 2018. Steers and heifers were harvested at liveweights of 1,235.0 +/- 119.8 lb and 1,124.2 +/- 106.7 lb, respectively. Carcass trait trends evaluated for steers and heifers included calculated yield grade score, backfat thickness, hot carcass weight, kidney, pelvic, heart, fat percentage, marbling score, and ribeye area.

Results:Calculated yield grade scores increased …

Effect Of Inclusion Rate Of Silage With Or Without The Presence Of Alpha-Amylase On Feedlot Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Efficiency Measures, W. C. Rusche, J. A. Walker, Z. K. Smith

SDSU Beef Day 2020 Summary Publication

The experimental objective was to determine the interactions of silage variety and inclusion level in cattle finishing diets on cattle performance and agronomic returns to cropland when fed to beef cattle.

Evaluation Of Growth Promoting Implant Strategies And Days On Feed On Finishing Heifer Performance And Evaluation Of Optimal Reimplant Times For Finishing Heifers And Steers, Caitlin Ohnoutka

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Two experiments evaluated the effects of delayed, long-acting coated implants or uncoated implants to non-implanted heifers fed for constant or varying days on feed. In Exp. 1, heifers were implanted with either Revalor-XH on d 1, Revalor-200 on d 1, Revalor-XR on d 1, or Revalor-200 on d 70 compared to non-implanted control heifers when fed for an average of 198 d. In Exp. 2, heifers were implanted with Revalor-200 on d 1 and reimplanted with Revalor-200 on d 100, Revalor-XH on d 1, or not implanted and fed for different days on feed: 151, 165, 179, or 193. Implanting …

Evaluation Of Alpha Amylase Containing Corn On Finishing Cattle Performance And Digestibilty, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

One digestion and four finishing trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of a new corn hybrid containing an α-amylase trait, Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn (SYT-EFC) on site and extent of digestion, ruminal fermentation parameters, and feedlot performance. Experiments utilized corn containing the enzymatic gene compared to controls, the near isoline parental corn (NEG) or commercially available corn grain (CON), processed as dry-rolled corn (DRC) or high moisture corn (HMC) in diets with dry [distillers grains plus solubles (DGS)] or wet (Sweet Bran) milling byproducts. The corn grain of the experimental diets were fed as the sole grain source, comprising …

Effects Of Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn Containing An Α-Amylase Trait On Finishing Cattle Performance And Carcass Characteristics, M. L. Jolly-Breithaupt, M. E. Harris, B. L. Nuttelman, D. B. Burken, J. C. Macdonald, M. K. Leubbe, T. K. Iragavarapu, G. E. Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two experiments evaluated the effects of feeding a new corn hybrid, containing an α-amylase enzyme trait, Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn (SYT-EFC), on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics at two locations. Experiment 1 utilized 300 calffed steers (298.5 ± 16.3 kg of BW) at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center Mead, NE. Treatments were designed as a 2 × 2 + 1– factorial arrangement with factors consisting of 1) corn type (SYT-EFC or conventional [CON]) and 2) byproduct type (with or without Sweet Bran [SB]), or a BLEND of STY-EFC and CON without SB. In Exp. 2, …

Evaluating A New Shade For Feedlot Cattle Performance And Heat Stress, Morgan D. Hayes, Tami M. Brown-Brandl, Roger A. Eigenberg, Larry A. Kuehn, R. Mark Thallman

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Heat stress in cattle results in decreased feed intake, lower daily gain, and potentially death in susceptible animals under intense conditions. A study was carried out during the summer of 2013 at the USDA-ARS U.S. Meat Animal Research Center feedlot evaluating the impact of shade on environmental conditions and cattle performance. A novel two-tiered shade was used in half of the 14 pens, each holding 30 animals. The shades were designed to reduce solar heat load by 40% to 60% and to provide traveling shade across the pen, providing varied amounts of shade area as well as varied solar reduction …

A Survey Of Dry Processed Corn Particle Size And Fecal Starch In Midwestern U.S. Feedlots, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson, S. J. Bartle, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Optimizing grain processing practices in cattle feeding operations is critical to reaching maximum feed utilization efficiency. An increased degree of grain processing has consistently shown improved dry matter and starch digestibility; however, it exists with conflicting results on improving performance in finishing cattle. These inconsistencies are likely due to diet composition, such as roughage and co-product level, that could offset the effects of reduced particle size on rate of fermentation thus reducing the risk of digestive dysfunction.

Finishing diets are commonly formulated with processed grain to increase utilization of starch and improve animal performance. Processing methods including steam-flaking, grinding, or …

Survey Of Cattle Feedlot Facilities In The High Plains Region Of The United States, J. C. Simroth, D. U. Thomson, E. F. Schwandt, S. J. Bartle, C. K. Larson, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Defining the appropriate dimensions and type of feeding facilities for feedlot cattle fed in outdoor pens is important because the characteristics of these facilities have a significant impact on the performance, welfare, and health of cattle housed in those facilities, as well as a considerable impact on the final cost of the project. Although multiple sources can be found in the literature that provide recommendations with regard to design of facilities to be used in outdoor feeding facilities for feedlot cattle, there are no published data that describe the dimensions and type of feeding facilities currently used by the feedlot …

Particle Size Of Dry-Rolled Corn Affects Starch Digestibility But Not Feedlot Performance, E. F. Schwandt, J. Wagner, T. Engle, S. J. Bartle, D. U. Thomson, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Dry-rolling corn is a common practice in feedlots located in the Midwestern and Northern Plains regions of the United States. Optimizing total digestive tract starch utilization in diets containing dry-rolled corn is essential for maximizing efficiency. However, recommendations often suggest that grain be coarsely cracked to avoid producing an excessive amount of fine material that could potentially increase the rate of fermentation, reduce rumen pH, and cause digestive disturbances.

Wet distillers byproducts may be effectively used as a protein and energy source for feedlot finishing cattle and can replace a portion of the dry-rolled corn in the diet. The average …

Identification Of Snps Located On Bta 6 And Bta 20 Significantly Associated With Bovine Respiratory Disease In Crossbred Cattle, S. L. Miller, S. Mizell, R. Walker, T. Page, Matthew D. Garcia

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Faculty Publications

The objective of the present study was to evaluate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in two quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions (BTA 6 and BTA 20) that are associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). A population of 323 crossbred steers sired by five purebred sire breeds during 2010-2013 (Angus, Braford, Braunvieh, Charolais, and Simmental) were evaluated for BRD susceptibility during the finishing process at a commercial feedlot. A total of 21 animals representing all sire breeds were affected with BRD at some time during the finishing process over the 4-year period. Although multiple sire breeds were evaluated in the present …

Effects Of Combining Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone And Anabolic Implants On Growth Performance And Dietary Energetics Of Holstein Bull Calves Fed Finishing Diets, Victor Gonzalez-Vizcarra, Maria Lopez-Soto, Carolina Pujol-Manriquez, Jesus Urias-Estrada, Alberto Barreras Serrano, Jose Calderon-Cortes, Gilberto Lopez-Valencia, Francisco Monge-Navarro, Alejandro Plascencia

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Twenty-one Holstein bull calves (368 ± 5.2 kg) were used in order to evaluate the effects of combining recombinant bovine growth hormone (bST) and anabolic implants on growth performance and dietary energetics. Steers were assigned (7 repetitions/treatment) to individual pens (16 m2) equipped with automatic waterers and 1.2 m fence-line feed bunks. The experiment lasted 56 days. Treatments were: 1) no bST, no implant; 2) implant; and 3) bST + implant. Compared to implanted cattle, the combination of exogenous bovine somatotropin and anabolic implants did not enhance growth performance or observed dietary energy. Compared to nonimplanted cattle, anabolic implants increased …

Supplemental Zinc Sulfate Affects Growth Performance Of Finishing Heifers, C. L. Van Bibber-Krueger, J. S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Zinc is an essential mineral required for normal function of more than 300 enzymes in microorganisms, plants, and animals. Zinc-requiring enzymes participate in metabolism of nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, all of which are essential for growth of cattle. In addition, zinc is necessary for normal development and function of the immune system. The requirement for zinc in finishing cattle diets has been established at 30 ppm (NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, 2000), though concentrations recommended by consulting nutritionists and feed manufacturers span a far broader range. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding …

Dietary Strategies For Mitigation Of Methane Production By Growing And Finishing Cattle, Anna C. Pesta

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Interest in reducing methane (CH₄) emissions by cattle has increased recently. Loss of feed energy as CH₄ represents both an environmental concern and an energetic loss to the animal. Manipulation of dietary composition has proven to be an effective mitigation strategy. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of several dietary characteristics on CH₄ production in growing and finishing cattle, and to develop a novel, non-invasive method for quantifying emissions from animals in a production setting. Short-term gaseous emissions of CH₄ and carbon dioxide (CO₂) were measured and the CH₄:CO_{2 …}

Sheep Updates 2015 - Merredin, Bruce Mullan, Kate Pritchett, Kimbal Curtis, Chris Wilcox, Lynne Bradshaw, Geoff Lindon, Katherine Davies, Joe Young, Stephen Lee, Dawson Bradford, Khama Kelman, Lucy Anderton, Jaq Pearson, Jackie Jarvis, Ben Patrick

Sheep Updates

This session covers fourteen papers from different authors:

1. The Sheep Industry Business Innovation project, Bruce Mullan, Sheep Industry Development Director, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

2. Western Australian sheep stocktake, Kate Pritchett and Kimbal Curtis, Research Officers, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

3. Wool demand and supply - short term volatility, long term opportunities, Chris Wilcox, Principal of Poimena Analysis

4. Myths, Facts and the role of animal welfare in farming, Lynne Bradshaw, president, RSPCA WA

5. Latest research and development on breech strike prevention, Geoff Lindon, Manager Productivity and Animal Welfare, AWI

6. …

Sheep Updates 2015 - Katanning, Bruce Mullan, Kate Pritchett, Kimbal Curtis, Chris Wilcox, Mike Hyder, Leigh Sonnerman, Lynne Bradshaw, Geoff Lindon, Katherine Davies, Joe Young, Stephen Lee, Ian Robertson, Lucy Anderton, Hayley Norman, Ed Barrett-Lennard, Jackie Jarvis, Ben Patrick

Sheep Updates

This session covers fourteen papers from different authors:

1. The Sheep Industry Business Innovation project, Bruce Mullan, Sheep Industry Development Director, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

2. Western Australian sheep stocktake, Kate Pritchett and Kimbal Curtis, Research Officers, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

3. Wool demand and supply - short term volatility, long term opportunities, Chris Wilcox, Principal of Poimena Analysis

4. Lifetime management for maternal ewes, Mike Hyder, Research Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

5. National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for sheep and goats - what is the NLIS database? Leigh Sonnermann, …

Sheep Updates 2015 - Moora, Bruce Mullen, Kate Pritchett, Kimbal Curtis, Daniel Real, Jaq Pearson, Lynne Bradshaw, Geoff Lindon, Katherine Davies, Kevin Hepworth, Stephen Lee, Dawson Bradford, Lucy Anderton, Jackie Jarvis, Ben Patrick

Sheep Updates

This session covers thirteen papers from different authors:

1. The Sheep Industry Business Innovation project, Bruce Mullan, Sheep Industry Development Director, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

2. Western Australian sheep stocktake, Kate Pritchett and Kimbal Curtis, Research Officers, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

3. Tedera - a perenial forage legume to reduce your supplementary feeding in summer and autumn, Dr. Daniel Real, Senior Plant Breeder, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

4. National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) for sheep and goats - what is the NLIS database? Jac Pearson, Biosecurity Officer, Department of Agriculture and …