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Animal Science Alumni Newsletter, Winter 2006

Department of Animal Science: Departmental News

Contents:

Nielsen Named Kermit Wagner Distinguished Professor of Animal Science
Animal Science Alumnus is UNL Masters Week Recipient
From the Department Head’s Desk
Animal Breeding Symposium Honors Dr. Dale Van Vleck
New Faces for Old Places
New Faculty
Larry Larson to Retire
2006 SSR New Investigator Award
UNL Animal Science Students Benefit from the NC/NCW Annual Convention in More Ways than One
Block & Bridle Activities
2007 Upcoming Activities
Ambassador Activities
Beermann and Calkins Attend Congress in Ireland
Mexico 2006 – A Trip to Remember
Former Student Fernando Lagos Experiences
Former Graduates Receive CASNR Awards
Recent Department Awards and Recognitions …

Correlated Responses In Maternal Performance Following Divergent Selection For Heat Loss In Mice, J. M. Mcdonald, Merlyn . K. Nielsen

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Divergent selection in mice was applied in 3 independent replicates for high (maintenance high; MH) and low (maintenance low; ML) heat loss for 16 generations. An unselected control (maintenance control; MC) was also maintained in all replicates. Selection ceased for 26 generations; heat-loss measurement and selection resumed at generation 42. Lactation performance, dam weight, dam feed intake, and efficiency of production of pup weight were recorded or calculated for MH and ML dams in all 3 replicates at generation 46 or 47 with the objective of determining whether selection for heat loss has created correlated responses in maternal performance. One-half …

Effects Of Supplementing Beef Cows With Lipid From Whole Corn Germ, Jeremy Martin, Richard J. Rasby, Dennis R. Brink, Ron Lindquist, Duane Keisler, Stephen D. Kachman, Mark Dragastin

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A two-year study was conducted with crossbred beef cows to determine whether supplementation with fat from whole corn germ either pre- or postpartum influenced ovarian activity before the breeding season, pregnancy rates, calving interval, calf performance, or serum leptin concentration. Supplements were fed for approximately 45 days before or 45 days after calving. Cows supplemented prepartum with fat from whole corn germ had shorter calving intervals. Ovarian activity before the breeding season, pregnancy rate, calf growth, and serum leptin were not different between groups.

Effects Of Optaflexx Fed In Combination With Mga On Feedlot Heifer Performance, William A. Grififn, Galen E. Erickson, Bill Dicke, Robert J. Cooper, D. J. Jordon, William Moseley, Gary Sides, Jim S. Drouillard, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A commercial feedlot experiment was conducted using 1,807 heifers to evaluate the effects of Optaflexx fed in combination with MGA on finishing heifer performance. In heifers receiving MGA throughout the entire 126-143 day feeding period, feeding Optaflexx for the last 31-38 days increased ADG and hot carcass weight compared to heifers fed MGA but not Optaflexx. Heifers fed MGA and Optaflexx had increased DMI, improved feed efficiency and increased final live weight. Carcass quality measurements were not influenced by treatment.

Frontmatter And Contents

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Appreciation is expressed to the following firms, associations, or agencies who provided grant support for research in the beef cattle program.

Abengoa Bionergy Corp., York, Nebraska
Beef Board, Centennial, Colorado
Bioniche Lifes Services, Belleville, Ontario, Canada
Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, Nebraska
Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
Intervet, Millsboro, Delaware
J.C. Robinson Seed Co., Waterloo, Nebraska
Montana State University, Boseman, Montana
Nebraska Cattlemen, Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska
Nebraska Corn Board, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Physiology Corp., Amarillo, Texas
Pfizer Inc., New York, New York
Soypass Royalty Funds, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska

Appreciation is also expressed to the following firms who provided …

Effects Of Pre- And Postpartum Nutrition On Reproduction In Spring Calving Cows And Calf Feedlot Performance, Leslie Aaron Stalker, Don C. Adams, Richard N. Funston, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred, spring calving cows were used in a three-year experiment to evaluate the influence of supplemental protein prepartum and grazing sub-irrigated meadow postpartum on pregnancy rates and calf feedlot performance. Feeding supplement prepartum improved body condition score pre-calving and pre-breeding and increased the percentage of live calves at weaning but did not affect pregnancy rate or steer calf feedlot performance. Grazing sub-irrigated meadow did not change pregnancy rates or feedlot performance.

Effects Of Dam Nutrition On Growth And Reproductive Performance Of Heifer Calves, Jeremy Martin, Kim Vonnahme, Greg Lardy, Don C. Adams, Richard N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 3-year experiment evaluated the effects of maternal nutrition on growth and reproductive performance of heifer calves. Supplementing cows with protein during late gestation resulted in heifers that were heavier at weaning and breeding, had higher pregnancy rates, and calved earlier. Allowing cows to graze meadows after calving improved calf weaning weight but not heifer reproductive performance. Heifers from cows that were fed hay after calving had reduced DMI and improved residual feed intake if their dams were supplemented with protein during gestation, but ADG and G:F were not affected by dam supplementation or spring feeding strategies.

Valuing Feedyard Management Education, Experience, And Expertise, Rik R. Smith, Darrell R. Mark

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

This study uses a mail survey to determine the value Nebraska feedyard operators place on education, experience, and area of expertise in new assistant manager hires. Using conjoint analysis, calculations are made that estimate the marginal value of moving from one level of these attributes to another. Results show that operators preferred higher levels of education and experience. However, relevant experience was preferred over formal education. As an area of expertise, animal health was valued highest by operators of feedyards in all size categories for new assistant managers. Personnel management was valued lowest. Results suggest prospective assistant managers can maximize …

Statistics Used In The Nebraska Beef Report And Their Purpose

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The purpose of beef cattle and beef product research at UNL is to provide reference information that represents the various populations (cows, calves, heifers, feeders, carcasses, retail products, etc.) of beef production. Obviously, the researcher cannot apply treatments to every member of a population; therefore, he/she must sample the population. The use of statistics allows the researcher and readers of the Nebraska Beef Report the opportunity to evaluate separation of random (chance) occurrences and real biological effects of a treatment. Following is a brief description of the major statistics used in the beef report. For a more detailed description of …

Nebraska 2006 Beef Cattle Report

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Table of Contents

Cow/Calf
Effects of Supplementing Beef Cows with Lipid from Whole Corn Germ
Effects of Supplementing Lactating, June-calving Cows on Second-calf Pregnancy Rates
Effects of Pre- and Postpartum Nutrition on Reproduction in Spring Calving Cows and Calf Feedlot Performance
Effects of Dam Nutrition on Growth and Reproductive Performance of Heifer Calves
A System for Wintering Beef Heifers Using Dried Distillers Grains
Feeding Melengestrol Acetate to Bulls Prior to and at Puberty Alters Body Weight, and Hormone Concentration
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor mRNA Isoforms 120 and 164 Are Differentially Regulated Prior to Ovulation
Bull Exposure, When Combined with a …

Wet Corn Gluten Feed And Alfalfa Hay Levels In Dry-Rolled Corn Finishing Diets: Effects On Finishing Performance And Feedlot Nitrogen Mass Balance, T. B. Farran, Galen E. Erickson, Terry Klopfenstein, C. N. Macken, R. Lindquist

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

One-hundred ninety-two crossbred steers (initial BW= 351 ± 11 kg) were used to determine the effects of removing alfalfa hay (AH) from dry-rolled corn-based diets containing wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) on animal performance and nutrient (N and OM) mass balance in open feedlot pens. Steers were stratified by weight and assigned randomly to 24 pens (2 × 3 factorial) and fed for 132 d from June to October 2002. Experimental diets contained either 0 or 35% WCGF and 0, 3.75, or 7.5% AH, and were formulated to be isonitrogenous. For efficiency of gain, an interaction occurred (P = 0.09) …

Evaluation Of Average Daily Gain Prediction By Level One Of The 1996 National Research Council Beef Model And Development Of Net Energy Adjusters, H. C. Block, Terry Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two data sets were developed to evaluate and refine feed energy predictions with the beef National Research Council (NRC, 1996) model level 1. The first data set included pen means of group-fed cattle from 31 growing trials (201 observations) and 17 finishing trials (154 observations) representing over 7,700 animals fed outside in dirt lots. The second data set consisted of 15 studies with individually fed cattle (916 observations) fed in a barn. In each data set, actual ADG was compared with ADG predicted with the NRC model level 1, assuming thermoneutral environmental conditions. Next, the observed ADG (kg), TDN intake …

Estimation Of Undegradable Intake Protein In Forages Using Neutral Detergent Insoluble Nitrogen At A Single In Situ Incubation Time Point, H. L. Haugen, M. J. Lamothe, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Don C. Adams, M. D. Ullerich

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) at a single in situ incubation time point to estimate the undegradable intake protein (UIP) in forages as well as to compare rates of NDIN degradation. Forage samples in Exp. 1 comprised diet samples collected from range and meadow pastures monthly from May through September. In Exp. 2, clipped samples of alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, kura clover, and smooth bromegrass, and diet samples of the mixed legume-grass and smooth bromegrass were evaluated. Forage samples were incubated in situ for their mean retention time (MRT) estimated from IVDMD …

Determination Of Undegradable Intake Protein Digestibility Of Forages Using The Mobile Nylon Bag Technique, H. L. Haugen, S. K. Ivan, James C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two experiments were conducted using 2 ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers to determine the digestibility of undegradable intake protein (UIP) of smooth bromegrass (Bromis inermis), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus coniculatus L.), and heat-treated alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using the mobile nylon bag technique. Undegradable intake protein was determined using neutral detergent insoluble CP at a single in situ incubation time point based on 75% of the total mean retention time estimated from IVDMD plus a 10-h passage lag. In Exp. 1, UIP (% DM) of smooth bromegrass in June and July were 1.82 and 1.71, respectively (P …

Effects Of Growth-Promoting Agents And Season On Blood Metabolites And Body Temperature In Heifers, Terry L. Mader, W. M. Kreikemeier

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

To assess the efficacy of growth-promoting agents among seasons, triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), IGF-I, and tympanic temperature (TT) were measured in summer and winter studies. Heifers (n = 9/pen) were allotted to 12 pens in both December and June. Pens were assigned to 1 of 6 growth promotant treatments: control (no growth promotant), estrogenic implant (E), trenbolone acetate implant (TBA), E + TBA (ET), melengestrol acetate (MGA), and ET + MGA (ETM). Blood samples were collected from 4 heifers per pen per study on d 0, 28, 56, and 84 via jugular …

Technical Note: Estimating Statistical Power Of Mixed Models Used In Dairy Nutrition Experiments, Paul J. Kononoff, Kathryn J. Hanford

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Statistical power is defined as the probability of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis. Power calculations may be useful in planning experiments. The objective of this technical note is to outline an applied method that estimates statistical power of a dairy nutrition experiment that employs a Latin square as the experimental design. Because the SAS MIXED procedure (PROC MIXED) is commonly used to analyze data sets, this note outlines basic programming procedures that may be used to estimate statistical power of a mixed model using this procedure.

Block And Bridle Annual, 2006

Block and Bridle Annual (1933–2021)

Table of Contents:

Block & Bridle History
Historian’s Welcome
President’s Address
Animal Science Department Chairman Address
Animal Science Faculty
Membership List
Block & Bridle Members
Block & Bridle Officers
Block & Bridle Initiates
Block & Bridle Advisors
Block & Bridle Seniors
2004-2005 Honors Banquet
Calendar of Events
Treasurer Report
Secretary Report
Programs
Socials
Beef Pit
Big Red Welcome
State Fair Herdsmanship
Steak Fry
National Convention
Little Ak-Sar-Ben
Kid’s Day
Holiday Gathering
Big Red Beef Show
Little MAEC
Agricultural Education Contests
2006 Honoree
Honors Banquet
Block & Bridle Members
Livestock Judging Team
Meats Judging Team
MAEC Team
Horse Judging Team
Equestrian …

2006 Nebraska Swine Report, Duane Reese

Nebraska Swine Reports

Table of Contents
Production Management
• Impact of Repeated Out-of-Feed Events and Fineness of Grind on Grow-Finish Performance
• The Case Against Evening-Up Litters Until Weaning
• Patterns of Drinking Water Use in Pork Production Facilities

Business Management
• Producers' Management

Odor Issues
• Odor Footprint Tool Progress: Regional Output Resources

Reproduction
• Freezing Swine Embryos: Do Success Rates Differ Between Breeds?
• Regulation of Pituitary Gene Expression in Lines of Swine with Different Ovulation Rates

Nutrition
• Effect of Diet and Sire Line on Crow-Finish Performance
• Effects of Feeding Increased Levels of Vitamin B12 to Weaning Pigs
• …

Effects Of Pre- And Postpartum Nutrition On Reproduction In Spring Calving Cows And Calf Feedlot Performance, Leslie Aaron Stalker, Don C. Adams, Terry J. Klopfenstein, D. M. Feuz, Richard N. Funston

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Crossbred, spring-calving cows (yr 1, n = 136; yr 2, n = 113; yr 3, n = 113) were used in a 3- yr experiment to evaluate the influence of supplemental protein prepartum and grazing subirrigated meadow postpartum on pregnancy rates and calf feedlot performance. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used in a switchback design. From December 1 to February 28, cows grazed dormant upland range in 8 pastures (32 ± 2 ha each). The equivalent of 0.45 kg of supplement/cow per d (42% CP) was provided to half of the cows on a pasture basis …

Benchmarking Carcass Characteristics And Muscles From Commercially Identified Beef And Dairy Cull Cow Carcasses For Warner-Bratzler Shear Force And Sensory Attributes, A. M. Stelzleni, L. E. Patten, D. D. Johnson, Chris R. Calkins, B. L. Gwartney

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to benchmark carcasses and muscles from commercially identified fed (animals that were perceived to have been fed an increased plane of nutrition before slaughter) and nonfed cull beef and dairy cows and A-maturity, USDA Select steers, so that the muscles could be identified from cull cow carcasses that may be used to fill a void of intermediately priced beef steaks. Carcass characteristics were measured at 24 h postmortem for 75 carcasses from 5 populations consisting of cull beef cows commercially identified as fed (B-F, n = 15); cull beef cows commercially identified as nonfed …

Consumer Sensory Acceptance And Value Of Wet-Aged And Dry-Aged Beef Steaks, B. M. Sitz, Chris R. Calkins, D. M. Feuz, W. J. Umberger, Kent M. Eskridge

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

To determine sensory preference and value of fresh beef steak differing in aging technique, strip steaks were evaluated by consumers in Denver (n = 132 consumers) and Chicago (n = 141 consumers). Wet-aged Choice strip loins were matched with dry-aged Choice strip loins, whereas wet-aged Prime strip loins were matched with dry-aged Prime strip loins. Dry-aged strip loins were commercially aged in air in a controlled environment for 30 d and vacuum-aged for 7 d during shipping and storage. Wet-aged strip loins were vacuum-packaged and aged for 37 d in a 1°C cooler. Pairs of strip loins were matched to …

The Effect Of Carbohydrate Source On Nitrogen Capture In Dairy Cows On Pasture, A. M. Gehman, J. A. Bertrand, T. C. Jenkins, B. W. Pinkerton

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to determine if feeding carbohydrate supplements with faster degradation rates than corn to dairy cows grazing ryegrass would improve nitrogen capture, milk production, and components. Treatments were grain supplements based on: 1) corn (CORN), 2) barley and molasses (BM), or 3) citrus pulp and molasses (CM). For BM and CM, the diet composition was the same as that of CORN except that a portion of the corn was replaced with barley and molasses or citrus pulp and molasses, respectively, on a dry matter basis. Cows grazed ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pasture. Yield of …

Milk Production Of Dairy Cows Fed Wet Corn Gluten Feed During The Dry Period And Lactation, Paul J. Kononoff, S. K. Ivan, W, Matzke, R. J. Grant, R. A. Stock, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

An experiment was conducted with 36 primiparous and 40 multiparous Holstein cows to examine the effects of feeding wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) on 305- d milk production, dry matter (DM) intake, body condition score (BCS), and health. The experimental treatments included: 1) control—WCGF not fed (n = 27); 2) WCGF-L—cows received diets containing WCGF (38% DM basis) during lactation (n = 23); and 3) WCGFDL— cows received diets containing WCGF (38% DM basis) during the dry period and lactation (n = 26). During the dry period, cows consuming WCGF were observed to have a significant gain in BCS (0.07 …

Effects Of Corn Processing Method And Protein Concentration In Finishing Diets Containing Wet Corn Gluten Feed On Cattle Performance, C. N. Macken, G. E. Erickson, T. J. Klopfenstein, R. A. Stock

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Three hundred twenty crossbred steer calves (308 kg) were used to determine the effects of corn processing and addition of urea on performance with diets containing wet corn gluten feed (WCGF). The treatment design was a 5 × 2 factorial with factors of corn processing (dryrolled, DRC; fine-ground, FGC; rolled high-moisture, RHMC; ground high-moisture, GHMC; or steam-flaked corn, SFC) and CP concentration (14 or 15%) with 4 pens per treatment and 8 steers per pen. The final diet contained 60% corn, 25% WCGF, 10% corn silage, and 5% supplement (DM basis). No significant protein × grain processing interactions occurred for …

Influence Of Corn Hybrid Traits On Digestibility And The Efficiency Of Gain In Feedlot Cattle, S. L. Jaeger, Matt K. Luebbe, C. N. Macken, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, W. A. Fithian, David S. Jackson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of chemical and physical corn kernel traits on digestibility and feedlot cattle performance. Seven commercially available corn hybrids representing a range in kernel traits were evaluated for a variety of chemical and physical traits that included test weight, 1,000-grain weight, kernel size, starch, CP, amylose, Stenvert Hardness tests (kernel hardness traits), tangential abrasive dehulling device loss, 12-h in vitro starch disappearance, and rate and extent of in situ DM disappearance. Differences among hybrids existed for all physical kernel traits measured. In Exp. 1, 224 steers in 28 pens were fed the same …

Letter From The Dean, Gregory J. Weidemann

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.

Proceedings Of The Western Australian Dhufish Workshop 2004, Mark Pagano, Terry Fuller

Fisheries Occasional Publications

The Western Australian Dhufish Workshop 2004 was a joint project between Recfishwest and the Western Australian Department of Fisheries.

The workshop incorporated presentations from the Department of Fisheries, Recfishwest, the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council, Murdoch University and Challenger TAFE to showcase current knowledge relating to the iconic dhufish in Western Australia. The perspectives of a recreational fisher, a commercial wetline operator and a metropolitan charter boat operator were also presented.

Through information sharing and discussion the workshop provided a platform to better understand the fundamental issues that underpin current and future management arrangements for this valuable resource. Both commercial …

A Health Risk Evaluation For Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Albus) In The Lower Platte River Using Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus Platorynchus) As A Surrogate, Matthew S. Schwarz, Christina D. Lydick, Donald E. Tillit, Diana M. Papoulias, Timothy S. Gross

United States Fish and Wildlife Service: Publications

Most sturgeon species worldwide have been in steep decline since the 1900s. This research evaluated shovelnose sturgeon health, reproduction, and exposure to environmental contamination in the lower Platte River. Shovelnose sturgeon served as a surrogate species for the endangered pallid sturgeon and their health was assessed by incorporating measurements of general health with hepatic, immune, and reproductive system biomarkers. Environmental contaminants were measured in water, potential pallid sturgeon food items (cyprinid minnows), and shovelnose sturgeon digesta, liver, and blood plasma. Contaminants detected in shovelnose sturgeon at concentrations of concern included PCBs, selenium, and atrazine. Total PCBs in carcasses (n = …

The Case Against Evening-Up Litters Until Weaning, Duane Reese, Barbara Straw

Nebraska Swine Reports

A literature review on the effect of fostering or moving individual piglets from one litter to another after they are 24 to 48 hours of age was conducted. Late fostering disrupts nursing, increases fighting, and impairs the growth rate of adopted piglets and their littermates. Pig body weight at weaning was reduced 13 to 24% in extensively fostered litters vs. those where no piglets were fostered after 48 hours of age. No evidence was found that late fostering improves preweaning survival. For the greater good of all piglets, producers are encouraged to resist the urge to even-up litters or foster …

Discovery: The Student Journal Of Dale Bumpers College Of Agricultural, Food And Life Sciences - Volume 7 2006, Several Authors

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

No abstract provided.