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Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

1994

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Articles 91 - 115 of 115

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Dietary Lysine Requirements Of Segregated Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), K Q. Owen, B T. Richert, K G. Friesen, J W. Smith Ii, J R. Bergstrom, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz Jan 1994

Dietary Lysine Requirements Of Segregated Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), K Q. Owen, B T. Richert, K G. Friesen, J W. Smith Ii, J R. Bergstrom, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 320 (160 barrows and 160 gilts) 14- to 18-d-old pigs (initially 10.2 ± 2.2 lb) was used to determine the optimal level of dietary lysine needed for the segregated early-weaned pig. Two diet formulation methods were used with six dietary lysine levels within each formulation method, resulting in a 2 X 6 factorial arrangement of treatments. The first formulation method consisted of a basal diet that contained 1.95% lysine. Increasing levels of cornstarch replaced L-lysine to achieve the other five dietary treatments (1.2, 1.35, 1.50, 1.65, and 1.80% dietary lysine). All other amino acids in each diet …

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Influence Of Β-Glucan On Nonspecific Immunity And Growth Performance In Weanling Pigs (1994), Jishu N. Shi, T L. Kielian, M M. Chengappa, J E. Smith, Frank Blecha, Steven S. Dritz, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach Jan 1994

Influence Of Β-Glucan On Nonspecific Immunity And Growth Performance In Weanling Pigs (1994), Jishu N. Shi, T L. Kielian, M M. Chengappa, J E. Smith, Frank Blecha, Steven S. Dritz, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Three experiments, using 344 pigs, were conducted to evaluate the influence of β-glucan (MacroGardâ„¢-S) on neutrophil and macrophage function, resistance to Streptococcus suis challenge, and growth performance in weanling pigs. β-glucan, when fed at inclusion rates of .05 and .1 %, did not influence neutrophil or macrophage function or increase overall growth performance. Similarly, .025% β-glucan did not alter neutrophil or macrophage bactericidal activity or production of superoxide anion. However, diets containing.025% β-glucan increased average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and pigs weights and decreased plasma haptoglobin levels on d 21. Unfortunately, pigs fed a diet containing .025% that …

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Hog Marketing Groups (1994), J Mintert, R Tynon, Michael D. Tokach, Michael R. Langemeier, Ted C. Schroeder Jan 1994

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Hog Marketing Groups (1994), J Mintert, R Tynon, Michael D. Tokach, Michael R. Langemeier, Ted C. Schroeder

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Ten hog marketing groups located in Kansas and Iowa were surveyed during 1993 to determine the success, operation, and management of hog marketing groups. Marketing group leaders were asked to identify principal advantages and disadvantages of marketing hogs in groups. Survey responses indicated that marketing hogs in groups led to producers receiving higher sale prices for their hogs and helped reduce their marketing costs. Commonly cited disadvantages of group marketing, included a loss in marketing flexibility, difficulties in coordinating loads among group members, and concerns about increased susceptibility to diseases from other herds.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 17, 1994

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Cash Operating Income And Liquidity Management For Swine Farms (1994), B D. Elliott, Michael R. Langemeier, Allen M. Featherstone Jan 1994

Cash Operating Income And Liquidity Management For Swine Farms (1994), B D. Elliott, Michael R. Langemeier, Allen M. Featherstone

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Net cash flow measures the amount of cash remaining after all cash expense obligations are satisfied. This cash is available for additional farm investment, off-farm investment, family living, and additional debt repayment. A 5-year average monthly cash flow statement was used to determine net cash flow for 13 swine farms. Results indicate that excess cash was used primarily to invest in machinery, vehicles, and nonfarm assets and to increase the allocation for family living. Investments in buildings increased moderately over the study period, but investment in land was minimal. Investment in additional swine facilities was small. Expansion of the breeding …

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Effects Of Interaction Between Zinc Oxide And Copper Sulfate On Starter Pig Performance (1994), J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Steven S. Dritz Jan 1994

Effects Of Interaction Between Zinc Oxide And Copper Sulfate On Starter Pig Performance (1994), J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of supplementing starter pig diets with zinc oxide and (or) copper sulfate on starter pig performance. In experiment 1, two hundred forty pigs were used in a 28-day growth assay. Four dietary treatments were used: 1) control (165 ppm zinc and 16.5 ppm copper), 2) 3,000 ppm zinc, 3) 250 ppm copper, and 4) 3,000 ppm zinc + 250 ppm copper. The pigs were blocked by weight and allotted to each of the four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design with 9, 10, or 11 pigs per pen and …

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Effect Of Feeder Design On Finishing Pig Growth Performance (1994), M M. Rantanen, B T. Richert, Robert D. Goodband, Robert H. Hines, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach Jan 1994

Effect Of Feeder Design On Finishing Pig Growth Performance (1994), M M. Rantanen, B T. Richert, Robert D. Goodband, Robert H. Hines, Jim L. Nelssen, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of three hundred pigs (initial BW = 111.6 lb) was used in two identical 70-d growth trials to determine the effect of feeder design on finishing pig growth performance. Pigs were allotted by initial body weight and were assigned to pens with one of three different feeder designs. Five replications of each treatment were evaluated during the summer (July through September) and another five replications during winter months (November through January). All pigs were fed the same milo-soybean meal diet formulated to contain .65% lysine, .65% Ca, and .55% P and fed in meal form. Feeder design had …

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Economies Of Size For Kansas Beef Cow Production, Michael R. Langemeier, Ted C. Schroeder Jan 1994

Economies Of Size For Kansas Beef Cow Production, Michael R. Langemeier, Ted C. Schroeder

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Economies of size measure the impact of increasing the size of operation on average cost of production. Economies o f size exist if average total cost decreases as size increases. Enterprise data from producers enrolled in the Kansas Farm Management Associations in 1992 were used t o empirically estimate economies of size for beef cow enterprises. Results indicate that economies of size exist for beef cow enterprises. Average total cost per head declined as the number of beef cows increased. Substantial variability in costs of production between producers also were documented. Costs of production between producers of a given size …

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Decontamination Of Beef Carcasses And Subprimal Cuts, P.B. Kenney, R.E. Campbell, R.K. Prasai, L.E. Mease, L.R. Vogt, Donald H. Kropf, C.M. Garcia Zepeda, Curtis L. Kastner, Daniel Y.C. Fung Jan 1994

Decontamination Of Beef Carcasses And Subprimal Cuts, P.B. Kenney, R.E. Campbell, R.K. Prasai, L.E. Mease, L.R. Vogt, Donald H. Kropf, C.M. Garcia Zepeda, Curtis L. Kastner, Daniel Y.C. Fung

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Lactic acid sprays effectively reduce the microbial load on both carcasses and subprimal cuts. Lactic acid decontamination of subprimals appears to carry through to retail cuts during display. Because of recontamination during fabrication, treating subprimals may be more effective than treating carcasses. This information will allow us to identify the most critical control points at which to employ decontamination practices designed to reduce the incidence of pathogenic bacteria and extend shelf life.

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Breed Effects And Retained Heterosis For Growth, Carcass, And Meat Traits In Advanced Generations Of Composite Populations Of Beef Cattle, K.E. Gregory, L.V. Cundiff, R.M. Koch, M. Koohmaraie, Michael E. Dikeman Jan 1994

Breed Effects And Retained Heterosis For Growth, Carcass, And Meat Traits In Advanced Generations Of Composite Populations Of Beef Cattle, K.E. Gregory, L.V. Cundiff, R.M. Koch, M. Koohmaraie, Michael E. Dikeman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Retained heterosis for growth, carcass, and meat traits was estimated in F3 generation steer progeny in three composite populations finished on two levels of dietary energy density (2.82 MCal ME and 3.07 MCal ME, and 11.5 % CP) and serially slaughtered at four endpoints at intervals of 20 to 22 days. Breed effects were evaluated in the nine parental breeds of Red Poll (RP), Hereford (H), Angus (A), Limousin (L), Braunvieh (B), Pinzgauer (P), Gelbvieh (G) , Simmental (S), and Charolais (C) that contributed to the three "˜composite' populations. MARC-I was l/4 B, l/4 C, l/4 L, l/8 H, and …

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Comparison Of Norse Lt-94 (Herring Meal) To Other Protein Sources In Early-Weaned Starter Pig Diets (1994), B T. Richert, J W. Smith Ii, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen Jan 1994

Comparison Of Norse Lt-94 (Herring Meal) To Other Protein Sources In Early-Weaned Starter Pig Diets (1994), B T. Richert, J W. Smith Ii, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two growth trials were conducted to compare Norse LT-94 to other protein sources in starter pig diets. In trial 1, 270 weanling pigs (initially 13.7 lb and 20 d of age) were used to compare Norse LT-94 (herring meal), select menhaden fish meal, and spraydried blood meal as protein sources in the Phase II diet. Pigs were blocked by weight with six replications of three treatments and 15 pigs per pen. During Phase I (d 0 to 7 postweaning), all pigs were fed the same high nutrient density diet. During Phase II (7 to 28 d postweaning), pigs were fed …

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Use Of Gnrh And Pgf For Synchronized Ovulation And Fixed-Time Inseminations (1994), Y. Kobayashi, Jeffrey S. Stevenson Jan 1994

Use Of Gnrh And Pgf For Synchronized Ovulation And Fixed-Time Inseminations (1994), Y. Kobayashi, Jeffrey S. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Holstein cows and virgin heifers were treated with GnRH and PGF in a novel 2a ovulation synchronization protocol, which involves one fixed-time insemination. One injection of GnRH is given on a Monday morning, followed in 7 days with an injection of PGF . Approximately 32 hr later, ovula- 2a tion is induced with a second injection of GnRH, and one insemination is made 18 hr later. Control cattle were given one injection of PGF and inseminated at estrus. Preg- 2a nancy rates measured between 28 and 35 days after insemination by ultrasonography were slightly, but not significantly, higher in controls …

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Influence Of Spray-Dried Plasma Source On Growth Performance Of Weanling Pigs (1994), M M. Rantanen, J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, K G. Friesen, L E. Russell, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach Jan 1994

Influence Of Spray-Dried Plasma Source On Growth Performance Of Weanling Pigs (1994), M M. Rantanen, J W. Smith Ii, B T. Richert, K G. Friesen, L E. Russell, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Six hundred twenty six pigs (initially 9 lb and 13.2 d of age) were used in a 28-d growth trial to determine the effect of spraydried porcine (SDPP), spray-dried bovine (SDBP), and low-ash porcine plasma (LAPP) on growth performance in the early-weaned pig. Pigs were allotted by weight to one of 10 dietary treatments with 8 to 10 pigs per pen and 7 replicate pens per treatment. The control diet was corn-soybean meal-based and contained 14.44% dried skim milk with no plasma added. Each plasma source (2, 4, and 6%) replaced dried skim milk in the control diet. The LAPP …

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Alcohol- And Water-Extracted Soy Protein Concentrates For Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), L L. Burnham, M R. Cabrera, I H. Kim, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock Jan 1994

Alcohol- And Water-Extracted Soy Protein Concentrates For Early-Weaned Pigs (1994), L L. Burnham, M R. Cabrera, I H. Kim, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 72 weanling pigs (average initial wt of 7 lb and 10 d of age) was used in a 38-d growth assay to determine the nutritional value of alcohol- and water-extracted soy protein concentrates. Pigs were sorted by sex, weight, and ancestry and assigned to 12 pens with six pigs/pen. The soy preparations were fed in a nursery regimen with Phase I (d 0 to 10), Phase II (d 10 to 24), and Phase III (d 24 to 38) diets. Pigs and feeders were weighed at initiation and conclusion of each phase, with fecal samples collected on d …

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The Use Of Growth Models To Evaluate The Changing Response To Digestible Lysine In High-Lean Growth Gilts (1994), K G. Friesen, A P. Schinckel, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach Jan 1994

The Use Of Growth Models To Evaluate The Changing Response To Digestible Lysine In High-Lean Growth Gilts (1994), K G. Friesen, A P. Schinckel, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Conventional response criteria for amino acid research include mean live weight gain and tissue accretion rates over a given weight interval. However, these methods fail to characterize the changing response of tissue accretion to dietary amino acids as body weight increases. For this reason, growth modeling was used to characterize the response to digestible lysine in two experiments (114 gilts each) from 80 to 160 lb and 160 to 300 lb, respectively. Corn-soybean meal diets were formulated to assure that lysine (.54 to 1.04% and .54 to .94% digestible lysine for Exp 1 and 2, respectively) was the first limiting …

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The Effect Of Dietary L-Carnitine On Growth Performance And Tissue Accretion Rates In The Early-Weaned Pig (1994), K Q. Owen, S A. Blum, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz Jan 1994

The Effect Of Dietary L-Carnitine On Growth Performance And Tissue Accretion Rates In The Early-Weaned Pig (1994), K Q. Owen, S A. Blum, Jim L. Nelssen, Robert D. Goodband, Michael D. Tokach, Steven S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 216 pigs (initially 11.7 Ib and 21 d of age) was used in a 35-weight, ancestry, and sex in a randomized complete block design, resulting in six pigs per pen (three barrows and three gilts) and six pens per treatment. Experimental diets were fed in two phases from d 0 to 35 postweaning. During Phase I (d 0 to 14 postweaning), the control diet was corn-soybean meal based; included 7.5% spray-dried porcine plasma, 25% dried whey, and 1.75% spray-dried blood meal; and was formulated to contain 1.6% lysine; and .44% methionine. On d 14, all pigs were …

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Influence Of Buffered Propionic And Fumaric Acids On Starter Pig Performance (1994), J R. Bergstrom, T L. Signer, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen Jan 1994

Influence Of Buffered Propionic And Fumaric Acids On Starter Pig Performance (1994), J R. Bergstrom, T L. Signer, Michael D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Jim L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A 28 d growth trial was conducted to determine the effects of adding organic acids to a Phase I starter diet on pig performance. At weaning (13 ± 2 d of age and 8.86 lb), 300 pigs were blocked by weight and allotted to each of five diets. The control diet was corn-soybean meal based; contained 20% dried whey, 7.5% spray-dried porcine plasma, and 1.75% spray-dried blood meal; and was formulated to 1.5% lysine, .9% Ca, and .8% P. Luprosil NC (.4%; a buffered liquid propionic acid), Luprosil salt (.4%; a buffered dry propionic acid), fumaric acid (1.5%), and a …

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Mix Time Affects Diet Uniformity And Growth Performance Of Nursery And Finishing Pigs (1994), S L. Traylor, Keith C. Behnke, C R. Stark, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock Jan 1994

Mix Time Affects Diet Uniformity And Growth Performance Of Nursery And Finishing Pigs (1994), S L. Traylor, Keith C. Behnke, C R. Stark, Robert H. Hines, Joe D. Hancock

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of mix time on diet uniformity and growth performance of nursery and finishing pigs. For Exp. 1, 120 weanling pigs (average initial body wt of 12.1 lb) were used in a 27-d growth assay. The same Phase I diet (pelleted) was fed to all pigs for 7 d postweaning, then the pigs were switched to Phase II diet treatments for d 7 to 27. Treatments were mixing times of 0, .5, 2, and 4 min per 1,000 lb batch of complete feed in a double-ribbon mixer. From d 7 to 27, ADG …

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Manure Storage Structures For Small Dairies (1994), Joseph P. Harner, James P. Murphy Jan 1994

Manure Storage Structures For Small Dairies (1994), Joseph P. Harner, James P. Murphy

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas environmental regulations require dairy producers with more than 300 animal units (215 mature cows at 1,400 lb, or equivalent weight) to be able to store the manure scraped from freestalls, lots, alleys, and holding pens for 120 days. Many dairies are smaller than the size requiring mandatory registration. However, some are considered a potential environmental problem because of their location near streams or waterways and/or their management and application of manure and may require registration. The intent of the regulations is that manure be stored from December to March to avoid applying it onto frozen ground. Most dairies consider …

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Influence Of Source Of Calories On Composition And Production Of Milk (1994), A.J. Gallegos, John E. Shirley Jan 1994

Influence Of Source Of Calories On Composition And Production Of Milk (1994), A.J. Gallegos, John E. Shirley

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Wheat and tallow increased milk production in a complementary fashion when added to a milo-based grain mix.; Dairy Day, 1994, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1994;

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Supplemental Chromium And Revaccination Effects On Performance And Health Of Newly Weaned Calves, S.A. Lindell, Robert T. Brandt Jr., J. Ernest Minton, Frank Blecha, Gerald L. Stokka, C.T. Milton Jan 1994

Supplemental Chromium And Revaccination Effects On Performance And Health Of Newly Weaned Calves, S.A. Lindell, Robert T. Brandt Jr., J. Ernest Minton, Frank Blecha, Gerald L. Stokka, C.T. Milton

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of chromium (Cr) supplementation (4 mg/hd/day in a yeast form) or no supplementation, with or without revaccination with a modified live viral vaccine at 9 days postweaning o n performance, health, and ability to withstand an IBR challenge infection. In Trial 1, Cr supplementation had no effect on performance of newly weaned calves in a 28-day receiving study, but reduced the incidence of respiratory disease by 37%. Revaccinati on depressed dry matter intake and had no effect on animal health. In trial 2, blood plasma levels of cortisol and ACTH (stress hormones …

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The Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate Level On Rumen Metabolism In Steers With Induced Subacute Acidosis, S.A. Shuey, Robert T. Brandt Jr., S.M. Gramlich Jan 1994

The Effect Of Sodium Bicarbonate Level On Rumen Metabolism In Steers With Induced Subacute Acidosis, S.A. Shuey, Robert T. Brandt Jr., S.M. Gramlich

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sodium bicarbonate at 1 or 2% of dry matter intake was evaluated as a means of alleviating subacute acidosis, using six fistulated Holstein steers in a controlled acidosis challenge model. Steers were feed challenged by withholding an evening feeding and then feeding 2.5% of BW for two consecutive mornings. Postchallenge rumen pH for control steers (no sodium bicarbonate) was lower (P<.05) than for steers fed either 1% or 2% sodium bicarbonate, which were similar to each other. Hours below pH 5.6 were less (P<.01) postchallenge for steers fed sodium bicarbonate and w ere similar between the 1 and 2% levels. Although sodium bicarbonate reduced ruminal pH hours below 5.6, it did not appear to alter concentrations of volatile fatty acids or lactate in acidotic steers. Sodium bicarbonate appears to be beneficial in managing subacute acidosis in situations where wide intake fluctuations are common or expected.

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Implanting Suckling Heifer Calves: Growth And Subsequent Performance, D.D. Simms Jan 1994

Implanting Suckling Heifer Calves: Growth And Subsequent Performance, D.D. Simms

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 361, suckling, heifer calves was used over a 2-year period to assess the effects of implanting with either Ralgro® or Synovex-C® on growth and subsequent performance as replacement females. Both implants increased (P<.01 ) weaning weights over that of controls, with the weight increase being retained by yearlings. Pelvic area also was increased at 1 year of age by both implants, with Synovex-C producing larger (P<.01) pelvic areas than Ralgro. However, just prior to calving, body weight and pelvic area were similar among treatments. Uterine scores, cycling activity prior to breeding, percentage exhibiting estrus, and pregnancy percentage were similar for all treatments. Implanting tended to reduce first-service conception rates. Synovex-C implanted heifers calved later (P<.05) than Ralgro-implanted heifers and, consequently, their calves tended to be lighter at weaning. Levels of calving difficulty we r e similar for all treatments. In summary, implanting suckling heifer calves at 2-4 months of age will increase growth rate, but this research indicates some potential for reduction in reproductive performance.

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Effect Of Grain Content On The Nutritive Value Of Whole-Plant Corn Silage, R.N. Jr. Sonon, B.S. Dalke, D.L. Holthaus, L. Pfaff, K.K. Bolsen, Matthew A. Young Jan 1994

Effect Of Grain Content On The Nutritive Value Of Whole-Plant Corn Silage, R.N. Jr. Sonon, B.S. Dalke, D.L. Holthaus, L. Pfaff, K.K. Bolsen, Matthew A. Young

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of grain content on the nutritive value of corn silage. Whole-plant silage dry matter (DM) increased, whereas neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents decreased as the level of grain increased from 0 to 65% in the reconstituted, whole-plant, corn silages. Using sheep as a model, voluntary DM intake and DM and organic matter (OM) digestibility increased, but crude protein (CP) and ADF digestibilities decreased linearly as grain content increased from 0 to 52.5%. Our results indicate that the optimum level of grain in whole-plant corn silage to maximize …

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Puberty And Breeding Performance Of Beef Heifers Developed At Different Rates Of Gain, J. Ernest Minton, Robert T. Brandt Jr., C.M. Coughlin, R.C. Cochran Jan 1994

Puberty And Breeding Performance Of Beef Heifers Developed At Different Rates Of Gain, J. Ernest Minton, Robert T. Brandt Jr., C.M. Coughlin, R.C. Cochran

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Crossbred heifers (546 lb initial body weight) were developed in drylot and limit-fed a corn, corn silage diet to gain .5 (n = 14), 1.0 (n = 15), 1.5 (n = 14), or 2.0 lb/d (n = 15) from Dec. 7, 1992 until the onset of the breeding season, May 3, 1993. Actual daily gains averaged 1.0, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.1 lb/d, respectively. Age at puberty was not affected by feeding treatment. At the onset of the breeding season, nutritional treatment had a linear effect on body condition score, ribeye fat thickness (both P<.01), and reproductive tract score (P<.05), all increasing with increasing rate of gain. Nutritional treatment had a quadratic effect on pelvic area (P<.05), which averaged 190.6, 201.6, 206.5, and 205.3 cm2 for heifers fed to gain .5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 lb/d, respectively. At the conclusion of the development period, estrus was synchronized, and heifers were inseminated artificially at estrus for 45 days and, if open, mated naturally for another 17 d. Overall pregnancy rates were similar among heifers fed to gain .5, 1.0, and 1.5 lb/d (92.9, 93.3, and 92.9%, respectively), and all tended to be greater (P<.09) than the rate for heifers fed to gain 2.0 lb/d (66.7%). In summary, NRC recommendations underestimated gain of limit-fed heifers at lower predicted rates of gain. Thus, even though heifers fed to gain only .5 lb/d had lower body condition scores and reproductive tract scores at the onset of the breeding season, their actual body weight gains (1.0 lb/d) were sufficient for normal onset of puberty and subsequent conception. In addition, heifers fed to achieve relatively high rates of gain (2.0 lb/d) during development may have had impaired fertility.

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Among-Breed Estimates Of Heritability For Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, And Mature Cow Weight, K.M. Andries, R.R. Schalles, D.E. Franke Jan 1994

Among-Breed Estimates Of Heritability For Birth Weight, Weaning Weight, And Mature Cow Weight, K.M. Andries, R.R. Schalles, D.E. Franke

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Data from a rotational crossbreeding study was used to calculate among-breed heritabilities of birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), and mature cow weight at 5 years of age. The among-breed estimates were higher than previous within-breed estimates because of the inclusion of genetic differences between breeds. Maternal effects for BWT and WWT also were calculated. These estimates allow for comparisons among breeds and for the eventual calculation of EPDs for hybrid cattle.

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