Life Sciences Commons^™

Cattle Resource Selection On Late Fall Sagebrush Steppe Habitat In Idaho, United States, Larry Cole Kempton, April Hulet, Jim Sprinkle, Randy Larsen, Jameson Brennan, Dan Lauritzen, Sawyer Fonnesbeck, Justin Hatch

Library/Life Sciences Undergraduate Poster Competition 2024

Introduction Targeted cattle grazing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for controlling invasive grasses like cheatgrass in sagebrush-steppe ecosystems1. However, there's a lack of understanding about cattle distribution and their preference for invasives during the dormant season. One statistical model that provides insights into cattle distribution and the selection of resources (e.g., vegetation) is the Resource Selection Function (RSF) model2. Our research objective is to utilize a resource selection function to predict the probability of cattle selecting a particular location, in our case areas with higher cheatgrass abundance, based on environmental variables. The development of a resource selection function …

Grazing Management Of Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus Proliferus) For Sheep And Cattle Production In Southern Australia, N J. Edwards, G M. Allen, D M. Mcneill, C M. Oldham

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Direct grazing of hedgerows of tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) by sheep or cattle appear to be very robust systems. Tagasaste persists under a continuous grazing regime with cattle such that plant regrowth maintained between 5 and 10 cm in length produces in excess of 215 kg of animal liveweight/ha/year. This level of production is also sustained within a rotational grazing regime. Under both grazing systems cattle production within a year is highly seasonal, with liveweight gains from young cattle peaking at 1.0-1.5 kg/head/day in winter and spring, but dropping to maintenance only by late summer-autumn. Sheep, like cattle, can …

Scale Of Patchiness Affects The Relation Between Forage Quality And Patch Choice By Cattle, Wallis Devries, M F. Laca, E A. Laca

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

We predicted and tested the effects of scale of heterogeneity on movements and selectivity of a large grazer in a controlled field experiment. We created random mosaics of short/high quality and tall/low quality grass patches in equal proportion at grid sizes of 2x2 m and 5x5 m. Subsequently, we monitored the foraging behavior of four steers in 16 20x40 m plots over 30-minute periods. As predicted, the animals selected the short patches both by walking in a nonrandom manner and by concentrating their grazing time. Selectivity was more pronounced in large patches than in small ones. In contrast, the number …

Characterization Of Grazing Patterns In Cool-Season Annual And Warm-Season Perennial Grass Pastures, G E. Aiken, M S. West, D I. Bransby

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Pastures are often either under- or over-grazed, which can affect both pasture sustainability and livestock performance. Disk meter heights were measured for rye (Secale cereale L.) -ryegrass (Lolium L. multiflorum Lam.) pasture to characterize stocking rate (2.5, 3.7, and 4.9 steers/ha) effects on grazing patterns. In another study, grazing indices were calculated for bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] to describe pasture utilization over time for three stocking rates (3.0, 5.9, 8.9 steers/ha). Distributions of DMH for rye-ryegrass showed distinct grazing patterns for each stocking rate, with the distributions changing from bimodal to multi-modal from heavy to light …

Shade For Cattle On Pasture: A Guide For Ontario Producers, E J. Finegan, T M. Widowski

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In tropical climates, adequate shade may be essential to ensure the survival and productivity of grazing animals, but in the temperate Ontario climate, the necessity or benefits of providing shade for grazing cattle are less clear, and have proved controversial. Meteorological data indicate that beef cattle in Ontario may be at risk of suffering from heat stress on more than 25% of days during July and August, and may decrease feed intake and benefit from the provision of shade for more than 50% of days during the two hottest summer months. A booklet, entitled ‘Beat the Heat. A Guide …

How Do Cattle And Sheep Alter Ingestive Behaviour In Response To Changes In Sward State?, P D. Penning, R J. Orr, A J. Parsons, A Harvey

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Ingestive behaviour of yearling Friesian heifers continuously stocked on monocultures of Lolium perenne (G) or Trifolium repens (C) maintained at sward heights of 7-8 cm, was recorded. Bite masses, prehension biting and mastication rates were similar between treatments (211 vs. 230 mg DM prehension bite-1, 61 vs. 55 prehension bites and 11 vs. 13 mastications, min-1 for G and C, respectively). DM intake rates were 12.9 g min-1 for both treatments. Animals grazed longer (536 vs.436 min) and ruminated longer (526 vs. 267 min-1) on G compared with C. Daily intakes were 6.9 vs.5.6 kg DM for G and C. …

High Instantaneous Spring Stocking Rates To Improve Year Round Herbage Utilization In Argentine Dairy Production, M H. Wade, D E. Dalla Valle

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In much of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina 60% of the year’s pasture production occurs during spring. This trial was carried out to test the minimum area necessary for grazing in the period of maximum pasture growth in the 3 to 4 months of spring, so that in turn the maximum potential area for forage conservation could be estimated. At the two levels of herbage allowance aimed for (achieving 18.1 and 36.6 kgDM/cow/d), herbage intake was 11.1 and 13.4 kgDM/cow/d and milk production 20.9 and 22.3 l/cow/d respectively. While these differences were not significant, the trial demonstrated a potential of 70 …

The Effect Of Sward Height And Bulk Density On Herbage Intake And Grazing Behaviour Of Dairy Cows, C S. Mayne, D Mcgilloway, A Cushnahan, A S. Laidlaw

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The effects of sward height and bulk density on herbage intake and grazing behaviour of dairy cows during 1 hour grazing periods was investigated. Sward factors had a marked effect on dry matter (DM) intake/bite, which ranged from 0.4 to 1.1 g, and this was reflected in hourly intake rates. Intake/bite was largely influenced by sward height, reflecting increased bite depth in taller swards, with inherent differences between swards at low sward heights largely attributable to differences in bulk density (BD). The results indicate that DM intake rates up to 4.0 kg DM/hour can be achieved in short term grazing …

Characterization And Management Of Grassland And Associated Plant Communities On Kodiak Island, Alaska, J David Swanson, M.H. W. Barker

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A range survey on Kodiak Island grazing leases was conducted summers of 1995-96 to update management plans for areas grazed by cattle (Bos tarus) and bison (Bison bison). Ecological site (site) mapping and descriptions were updated, ecological status and grazing use was evaluated. Spatial data were acquired and summarized using Geographic Information System (GIS). New sites were developed for beaches and cliffs to facilitate ecosystem planning and enhance GIS capabilities.

Research Programme To Improve The Utilization Of Home-Grown Forages In The Netherlands, A.M. Van Vuuren, A H. Bosma, G J. Kaspers, J.J. M.H. Ketelaars, E.N. Van Loo, H J.P. Marvin, H Valk, G.W.J. Van De Ven

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In The Netherlands a research programme has been initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries to increase the proportion of high-quality home-grown forage in rations for dairy cows. This should result in a more sustainable dairy husbandry by improving the efficiency of utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus from home-grown forages (mainly grass and maize) on farm level. Research disciplines involved are plant breeding, forage harvesting and conservation and nutrition.

An Assessment Of Young Cattle Behaviour And Welfare In A Virtual Fencing System, C. Holohan, A. Gordon, R. Palme, S. Buijs, F. Lively

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Virtual fencing is a novel technology which uses a combination of audio and electrical stimuli to contain grazing livestock within a GPS boundary. There are however some concerns around the use of such a technology and its potential effects on the behaviour and welfare of animals. To investigate this, 64 dairy-origin calves were assigned to one of two treatments in a randomised complete block design, with 4 groups of 8 calves per treatment. The two treatments were virtual fencing (VF) and electric fencing (EF). The experimental period lasted 31 days in total, consisting of a 10 day training period and …

Public Policies For The Development Of A Sustainable, Forage-Based Cattle Sector In Colombia, Argentina, And Costa Rica: A Comparative Analysis, S. Burkart, M. Diaz, Moreno Lerma

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Projected increases in global food demand highlight the importance of Latin America as one of the major future food suppliers, particularly regarding animal-source foods such as beef or milk. Despite the importance of the cattle sector for the region, its negative environmental impacts are numerous and the shift towards sustainability is perceived as slow and uncoordinated. This study aims to identify achievements and difficulties in the implementation of public policies for a sustainable cattle sector in Colombia, Argentina, and Costa Rica, for which policies focused on the use of silvo-pastoral systems and forage-based solutions are prioritized. Based on the review …

Bale Grazing To Improve Soil Fertility In Kentucky Pastures, N. Roy, J. W. Lehmkuhler

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

A long-term project on a small Kentucky beef farm has demonstrated that bale grazing is an effective means of improving soil fertility. With the cooperation of a beef cattle producer, Extension personnel have been able to measure improvements in soil fertility using both high density and moderate density bale grazing practices. Initial efforts demonstrate that high density bale grazing improved soil fertility quickly by increasing soil test phosphorus from 15 to 45 ppm and potassium from 52 to 175 ppm on Melich III soil test extraction method. High density bale grazing was also shown to serve as a strategy to …

Economic Benefits Of Sustainable, Forage-Based Cattle Systems In Colombia And Nicaragua, S. Burkart, K. Enciso, M. Diaz, R. Van Der Hoek

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Forage-based cattle systems play a key role in rural economies of developing countries in terms of food security and poverty alleviation, particularly in tropical Latin America. However, they are often related to being a major cause of negative environmental impacts by contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, and the reduction of biodiversity. Significant resources have been allocated to research and development in forage material improvement, including selection and breeding. A broad range of improved materials were released by private and public sector actors showing superior characteristics in terms of productivity and environmental impacts compared to native or naturalized …

A Comparison Of Four Methods Of Botanical Analysis In Kentucky Cattle Pastures, Echo Elizabeth Gotsick, S. Ray Smith, Jimmy C. Henning, Christopher D. Teutsch

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Throughout the many decades of grassland and forage research, practitioners have used many different methods to assess botanical composition. While a few of these methods have proven to be accurate and efficient, there has been limited direct comparison between methods. The objective of this study was to determine an accurate and efficient method to determine botanical composition for researchers, practitioners, and students. Six farms with two pastures each were monitored across the state of Kentucky. Sampling started fall 2020 and continued through fall 2022 with measurements taken three times a year using the following measurement techniques: step point, visual estimation, …

Characterisation Of Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy In Female Cattle Using Genotype Information, Cliona Ryan

ORBioM (Open Research BioSciences Meeting)

Background

Aneuploidy is a genetic condition characterized by the loss (monosomy) or gain (trisomy) of one or more chromosomes. Aneuploidy affecting the sex chromosomes often leads to infertility. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of sex chromosome aneuploidy in a large juvenile population using routinely available genotype intensity information.

Methods

Genotype and genotype intensity data was available on 145,476 female dairy and beef cattle below 15 months of age at the time of genotyping, with no recorded progeny. Genotype intensity data included the LogR Ratio (LRR), R-value (the sum of X and Y SNP probe intensities), …

Measuring The Phytochemical Richness Of Meat: Effects Of Grass/Grain Finishing Systems And Grapeseed Extract Supplementation On The Fatty Acid And Phytochemical Content Of Beef, Lucas Krusinski, Isabella C. F. Maciel, Stephan Van Vliet, Muhammad Ahsin, Guanqi Lu, Jason E. Rowntree, Jenifer I. Fenton

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

Grass-finished beef (GFB) can provide beneficial bioactive compounds to healthy diets, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and secondary bioactive compounds, such as phytochemicals. The objective of this study was to compare fatty acids (FAs), micronutrients, and phytochemicals of beef fed a biodiverse pasture (GRASS), a total mixed ration (GRAIN), or a total mixed ration with 5% grapeseed extract (GRAPE). This was a two-year study involving fifty-four Red Angus steers (n = 54). GFB contained higher levels of n-3 PUFAs, vitamin E, iron, zinc, stachydrine, hippuric acid, citric acid, and succinic …

Plant Functional Types And Grazing Management In Mediterranean Grassland: An 11-Year Synthesis, Marcelo Sternberg, Zalmen Henkin, Avi Perevolotsky, M. Gutman, Eugene D. Ungar

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Mediterranean ecosystems have high seasonality in resource availability, high year-to-year rainfall variability, many annual plants in the forage and a long history of grazing and disturbance. These facts, and results of previous studies (Sternberg et al., 2000) suggested that stocking rates could be increased above those of traditional grazing. However, the long-term effects of intensive grazing on the vegetation were not fully known. This study aimed to evaluate the responses of plant functional types (PFT) and community structure to different regimes of cattle grazing in Mediterranean grassland, particularly at high stocking rates.

Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (Fapru): Establishment Of A New Usda-Ars Research Location, J. R. Strickland, Glen E. Aiken, Isabelle Kagan, R. D. Dinkins

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Forages are vital to the success of grazing livestock production systems. Forages provide a low cost source of nutrients for animal production (Barnes & Nelson 2003; Ball et al., 1996). Limited fundamental (i.e., genomic, proteomic, metabolomic) research on the effects of environment and management on plant quality and production and the effects of plant metabolites (i.e., nutrients, anti-quality factors, nutraceuticals) on animal performance has hindered our ability to improve the productivity of forage-based enterprises. There is insufficient information for reliable prediction of animal performance in response to plant metabolites. To address these issues, USDA-ARS established FAPRU (Forage-Animal Production Research …

A Mechanistic Examination Of Interspecific Competition Between Wild And Domestic Herbivores, Courtney Check

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Large herbivores, such as mule deer and cattle have similar life histories and likely compete for resources. However, quantifying the extent to which these species compete and the specific resources they compete for has proved challenging. My research examines if cattle influence deer abundance and behavior due to competition for forage, competition for shade, and/or by affecting the predation risk of deer. Using a grid of autonomous trail cameras, I was able to determine if cattle abundance influences local deer abundance in relation to specific resources and habitat features. Using GPS data from collared deer, I was also able to …

Effects Of Supplemental Trace Minerals As Amino Acid Complexed Or Inorganic Sources For Beef Cattle From Receiving Through Finishing, Robin Ashley Cheek

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of experiments was to investigate the effects of inorganic or amino acid-complexed sources of trace minerals on health, gain performance, liver mineral concentrations, and carcass characteristics of beef heifers from receiving through finishing. To investigate the effects of inorganic or amino acid-complexed sources of trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) on performance and morbidity of beef heifers during the receiving period, crossbred beef heifer calves arriving on 3 delivery dates were used in a 42-day receiving trial. Treatments consisted of supplemental zinc (360 mg/d), copper (125 mg/d), manganese (200 mg/d), and cobalt (12 mg/d) from complexed (Availa-4, …

Number And Viability Of Seeds Recovered From Faeces Of Ruminant Animals, Alaba O. Jolaosho, Olufemi S. Onifade, O. M. Arigbede, Jimoh A. Olanite, T. O. Akinola

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Ruminants play a significant role in the dissemination of plant seeds as a result of ingested seeds during grazing on pasture escaping digestion that are voided with the faeces and returned to the seed bank (Russi et al., 1992).

Methane Production By Cattle Grazed At Two Stocking Rates On A Semi-Natural Grassland, Cesar S. Pinares-Patiño, Y. Rochette, M. Fabre, J.-P. Jouany, C. Martin

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Global warming induced by the human-enhanced concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere is a major environmental concern of our day. Enteric methane (CH₄) is the most important GHG associated with grazing livestock. The emissions of methane may be influenced by environmental conditions and grazing management. Stocking rate (SR), the number of animals per unit of land area, remains the simplest management tool in pastoral farming. However, little is known about the influence of SR on CH₄ emission. The objective of this study was to compare the CH₄ emissions from cattle managed under low and …

Cattle Overwintering Areas In Middle-European Conditions - Important “Point” Sources Of Nitrous Oxide Emissions, M. Šimek, J. Hynšt, P. Brůček, J. Čuhel, D. Elhottová, H. Šantrůčková, V. Kamír

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions in grazed grasslands are strongly influenced by animal excreta (Fowler et al., 1997). In addition, soil compaction caused by animal traffic significantly influences soil physical conditions and thus directly or indirectly impacts on the microbial processes producing N₂O. In the Czech Republic pastures are mostly located in hilly and mountain areas. During the growing season, cattle are typically grazing, while during the winter the animals are concentrated near the animal house on a relatively small plot called an "overwintering area". The objective of this study was to estimate the fluxes of …

Effect Of Forest Grazing In Summer On Grazing Behaviour, Heart Beat And Heat Production Of Beef Cows, H. Tobioka, M. Fukumoto, S. Takeda

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In Japan summer is very hot and humid, particularly in daytime, therefore the supply of shade to animals is important. At the same time, a lot of forest and partial forest area is under-utilised in most of the mountain areas. Introduction of animals to forest areas might result in not only less labour demanding animal management, but also in the efficient weeding in the forest (Sugimoto et al., 1999). We compared the grazing behaviour, heart beat and heat production of beef cows in partial forest with those in the normal grazing place outside the forest.

Grazing Behaviour And Selection Of Browse Species By Cattle, Sheep And Goats On Natural Pasture In The Sahelian Zone Of Burkina Faso, H. O. Sanon, C. Zoungrana-Kabore, I. Ledin

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Pastures in semi-arid countries, are subject to seasonal variability. Browse species that are less dependent on rainfall, are highly valued. Goats are browsers, while cattle and sheep are grazers. However, faced with a scarcity of feed resources, especially in the late dry season, all animal species fall back on browse species. The objective of this study was to estimate feeding behaviour and browse species utilisation by cattle, sheep and goats on natural pasture in different seasons, and concurrently appreciate the indigenous knowledge on browse species in the study area.

A Simple Vegetation Criterion (Ndf Content) May Account For Diet Choices Of Cattle Between Forages Varying In Maturity Stage And Physical Accessibility, Cécile Ginane, R. Baumont

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The management of extensively grazed pastures requires an understanding and prediction of the diet choices of herbivores grazing on vegetation that is qualitatively (maturity stage) and quantitatively (biomass, sward height) heterogeneous. The Optimal Foraging Theory (OFT, Stephens & Krebs, 1986), bases its predictions on the relative energy intake rate (EIR) of forages. However, as EIRs are difficult to assess at pasture and are subject to wide intra- and inter-individual variations, another vegetation criterion was sought (accessibility, quality), by-passing the animal's influence, to predict cattle diet choices quantitatively.

Diversity Of Diet Composition Decreases With Conjoint Grazing Of Cattle With Sheep And Goats, A. M. Nicol, M. B. Soper, A. V. Stewart

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Conjoint or mixed grazing can affect the diet selected by each species (Nicol & Collins, 1990). Diet similarity coefficients are often used to compare pairs of diets (Krebs, 1999). However this approach is awkward when a number of contrasts are required in a multifactorial comparison. Species diversity is a descriptor of a particular environment. Many models provide an estimate of species diversity, the most common of these being a log-normal distribution (Tokeshi, 1996). We tested whether this model could be applied to dietary components selected from a pasture, and thus provide a coefficient of dietary diversity for the individual diets …

Mineral Composition Of Serially Slaughtered Holstein Steers Supplemented With Zilpaterol Hydrochloride, Andrea K. Watson, Trent J. Mcevers, Lee-Anne J. Walter, Nathan D. May, Jacob A. Reed, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, N. Andy Cole, Johnjohn P. Hutcheson, Ty E. Lawrence

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Calf-fed Holstein steers (n = 115; 449 ± 20 kg) were utilized in a serial harvest experiment. A baseline group of five steers was harvested after 226 d on feed (DOF), which was designated day 0. The remaining cattle were assigned randomly to 11 harvest groups, with slaughter every 28 d. Cattle were either not (CON) or were fed zilpaterol hydrochloride for 20 d followed by a 3 d withdrawal (ZH). There were five steers per treatment in each slaughter group ranging from days 28 to 308. Whole carcasses were divided into lean, …

A Study In Cuba Of The Biology, Ecology And Agroecological Management Of Heteropsylla Cubana Crawford In Leucaena Leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit, N. Valenciaga, M. Felicia Díaz, T. E. Ruíz, M. Fernández, C. Mora

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

As a consequence of the increase in Leucaena leucocephala areas to counter the shortage of feed in Cuban cattle production, there is a risk of the development of Heteropsylla cubana Crawford (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) as a pest in silvopastoral systems with this legume. This psyllid is known to be the main phytophagous pest (Valenciaga, 2003), which produces damage in 95% of the apical region of branches. Since information on the identification and biology of a pest species is a necessary prerequisite for its management, a taxonomic, biological and ecological study was conducted to define Heteropsylla behaviour in Cuban conditions and elaborate …