Life Sciences Commons^™

Regression Analysis To Predict The Impact Of High Neutral Detergent Fiber Ingredients On Carcass Yield, J. Soto, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, M. A. Goncalves, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research has shown that carcass yield is reduced when feeding distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or other high fiber ingredients. Considering the financial implications of changing carcass yield, the objective of this project was to develop regression equations to accurately estimate carcass yield from dietary NDF withdrawal strategies. Data from 8 trials originating from 5 journal articles, 2 theses, and 1 technical memo were used to develop a regression equation to predict carcass yield. The regression analysis showed that number of days in the withdrawal period (WP), NDF level in the dietary phase prior to the final phase (NDF1), …

Effect Of Zinc Oxide, Zinc Hydroxychloride, And Tri-Basic Copper Chloride On Nursery Pig Performance, H. S. Cemin, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 1,215 pigs (PIC 1050 × 280; initially 11.7 lb BW) were used in a 42-d growth trial to determine the effects of ZnO, Zn hydroxychloride (IntelliBond Z; IBZ), and tri-basic copper chloride (IntelliBond C; IBC) on growth performance of nursery pigs. Pigs were allotted by pen weight and assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. Treatments consisted of added Zn as ZnO (3,000 ppm in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm in phase 2); Zn hydroxychloride (IBZ; 1,000 ppm in phase 1 and phase 2); and Cu as tri-basic copper chloride (200 ppm), alone or in combination, as …

Horn Fly Control And Growth Implants Are Effective Strategies For Heifers Grazing Flint Hills Pasture, S. S. Trehal, J. L. Talley, K. D. Sherrill, T. Spore, R. N. Wahl, W. R. Hollenbeck, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Horn flies (Haematobia irritans(L.)) are considered the most important external parasite that negatively affects pasture-based beef systems with losses estimated to exceed $1 billion annually to the U.S. beef industry. Control strategies have relied heavily on insecticide applications to control horn flies and are implemented when the economic threshold of 200 flies/animal have been exceeded. When horn fly populations are maintained below 200 flies/animal by treating them with insecticides then the level of stress annoyance behaviors such as leg stomping, head throwing, and skin twitching decreases while grazing increases. While most stocker operators utilize some type of fly …

Route Of Mannheimia Haemolytica And Pasteurella Multocida Vaccine Administration Does Not Affect Health Or Performance Of Receiving Heifers, T. Spore, M. E. Corrigan, T. R. Parks, C. S. Weibert, M. L. Detray, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Light weight stocker calves often experience health problems shortly after arrival to feeding facilities. Preventative health programs are routinely administered to calves upon arrival to reduce the incidence of Bovine Respiratory Disease. The major route of vaccine administration in cattle is via injection through either intramuscular or subcutaneous routes. Several products have been introduced that utilize the intranasal route of vaccine administration. There are several reasons why intranasal vaccine administration may be more beneficial: 1) Intranasal vaccine administration alleviates concerns that injections pose for Beef Quality Assurance programs. 2) Intranasal vaccine administration may be less stressful on the animal. 3) …

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 …

Prevalence Of Horns In A Pen Does Not Affect Incidence Of Carcass Bruising In Feedlot Cattle, M. E. Youngers, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson, J. C. Simroth, S. J. Bartle, M Siemens, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Disbudding and dehorning are two common practices done to remove horns from cattle to prevent injury to handlers and other cattle and to reduce bruising of carcasses. Bruised carcasses result in substantial reduction in profit due to trim loss, increased sanitation risk, and loss in time on the rail during processing. Previous research has indicated that cattle with horns increased hide damage of cohorts and caused injury to handlers. Cattle with horns cause circular shaped bruises that lead to trim loss due to bruising. Cattle with tipped horns do not have a lower bruising rate than cattle with intact horns. …

Antioxidant Feeding Does Not Impact Incidence Or Severity Of Liver Abscesses, H. C. Muller, C. L. Van Bibber-Krueger, J. S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Liver abscesses are a large source of economic loss in feedlot cattle. Not only do liver abscesses lead to a decrease in feedlot performance, but these livers are condemned in the abattoir and can also lead to a further decrease in carcass value due to trim loss. Tylosin phosphate is a metaphylactic macrolide drug that effectively decreases the occurrence of liver abscesses. The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use. However, in January 2017 the FDA will require a veterinary feed directive for medically important antibiotics (antibiotics that are used in human health) used in …

Decline In Brahman Breed Influence Of Beef Calf Lots Marketed By Video Auction From 1995 To 2015, E. D. Mccabe, M. E. King, K. E. Fike, K. L. Hill, G. M. Rogers, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Brahman cattle are widely known for their ability to tolerate hot and humid climates as well as for their insect and parasite resistance. An estimated 40% of all beef cows in the United States are located in the southern region, which has a relatively hot climate. Historically, many of these beef cows have had at least some Brahman influence. The opportunity to evaluate potential changes in the influence of the Brahman breed on beef calves produced in the United States was available through lots of beef calves marketed through a video auction service. The objective was to characterize the potential …

Differences In Efficacy Between Gamithromycin, Tilmicosin, And Tulathromycin As Metaphylactic Treatments In High Risk Calves For Bovine Respiratory Disease, T. Miller, M. E. Hubbert, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The cost of Bovine Respiratory Disease to the beef industry due to death, poorer conversions, and therapy is estimated to cost more than $3 billion per year. Identifying and mitigating Bovine Respiratory Disease in cattle can be difficult due to the increased susceptibility for Bovine Respiratory Disease in high risk cattle. One management option to minimize an outbreak of respiratory disease is the use of metaphylaxis, the mass treatment of a group of calves to reduce the incidence and adverse effects of respiratory disease on high risk animals. Criteria used to determine the necessity of metaphylactic treatment against Bovine Respiratory …

Feeding A Novel Trace Mineral At Lower Levels To Grazing Stocker Cattle Does Not Impair Performance, C. S. Weibert, W. R. Hollenbeck, S. B. Laudert, J. D. Kubick, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When grazing stocker cattle on native Flint Hills pasture, optimizing growth rate is important in determining overall profitability. The correct selection of mineral supplements is an important decision that can be used to help promote overall productivity during a grazing season.

Receiving Stocker Cattle Performance Is Similar With Either Corn Or Sorghum Wet Distillers Grains, A. C. Vesco, A. K. Sexten, E. Titgemeyer, W. R. Hollenbeck, L C. Grimes, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Distillers grains are an excellent energy and protein feed source for beef cattle. Corn distillers grains have been fed to beef cattle for many years, but sorghum distillers grains are becoming more popular and may be more cost effective than corn. Sorghum is very comparable to corn in terms of energy, but has a higher crude protein value. All distillers grains are available in a wet and dry form. The moist texture of wet distillers grains can help to reduce sorting at the bunk and appears to improve intake in young calves. The objective of this study was to evaluate …

High Energy Digestible Fiber-Based Diets Improve Efficiency In Growing Heifers, T. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, G. A. Hanzlicek, K. T. Cavalli, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, E. Titgemeyer, Christopher Vahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An inherent challenge of long hauled, highly stressed calves is decreased feed intake upon destination arrival. Highly stressed, newly received stocker calves not consuming adequate amounts of energy are prone to a variety of disorders such as Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex and decreased performance throughout the feeding period. One mechanism that can be used to increase energy intake upon arrival is to make the diet more energy dense. Often times, this is accomplished by the addition of cereal grains high in fermentable carbohydrate including starch. Unfortunately, this has also been linked to increasing morbidity due to metabolic disorders. The goal …

Water Intake In Growing Beef Cattle, C. M. Ahlberg, K. Allwardt, A Broocks, K Bruno, A. Taylor, C. Krehbiel, C. Richards, S. Place, U. Desilva, D. Vanoverbeke, R. Mateescu, M. M. Rolf

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Water is an essential part of livestock and human diets and is often thought of as an inexpensive, readily available renewable natural resource. However, the amount of competition between humans, wildlife, feed production, and livestock for high-quality water is increasing, not only from the effects of drought but from the pressure of a growing global population (Nardone et al., 2010). With limited resources available for production agriculture, there is a need to identify and select for efficient animals that can produce more product with fewer inputs. Although some work has been done in dairy cattle, very little data is available …

Feeding Nucleotides With Corn Germ Meal Or Dried Corn Distillers Grains Does Not Promote Growth Performance Of Receiving And Growing Calves, M. L. Detray, S. P. Montgomery, E. Titgemeyer, A. E. Wertz-Lutz, Christopher Vahl, A. T. Schilling, W. R. Hollenbeck, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Corn germ meal is often used in swine and poultry diets, but very little information exists on the effects on beef cattle and on newly arrived stressed cattle. When formulating receiving and growing diets, calf health and stress are important factors to consider. Including nucleotides, an immune-boosting feed additive may aid in gastrointestinal health of an animal and furthermore improve growth performance. The objective of these experiments was to determine: 1) the effects of corn germ meal in comparison to dried corn distillers grains on growth performance and 2) the effects of nucleotides on growth performance, by receiving and growing …

Flake Density, Roll Diameter, And Flake Moisture All Influence Starch Availability Of Steam-Flaked Corn, E. F. Schwandt, M. E. Hubbert, D. U. Thomson, Christopher Vahl, S. J. Bartle, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Steam-flaked corn is commonly fed in feedlot finishing diets because steam-flaking improves starch availability and nutrient utilization, thus improving the overall feeding value of corn. In most operations which utilize steam-flaked corn, grain is processed to a pre-determined flake density by setting the rolls to a specific separation distance and using tension to hold rolls together. Flaked grain is most often produced to a bulk density between 24 and 32 lb/bu, with a common recommendation of 27 lb/bu for corn; however, flake density among steam-flakers within a single mill and among feedlots can vary greatly. Flaking to a similar density …

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 …

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 …

Steak Location Within The Semitendinosus Muscle Impacts Metmyoglobin Accumulation On Steaks During Retail Display, K. J. Phelps, T. G. O'Quinn, T. A. Houser, J. M. Gonzalez

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beef color is a major attribute consumers utilize to make purchasing decisions. It is estimated poor color shelf-life of beef steaks costs the meat industry more than $1 billion annually. Shelf-life color is influenced by a balance of two biochemical processes within steaks: metmyoglobin reducing ability and oxygen consumption. Steaks that exhibit a greater metmyoglobin reducing and a reduced oxygen consumption are typically characterized as more color stable. Characteristics of the muscle fiber or muscle cell are what determine the properties of a steak. Commonly, muscles with more oxidative fibers have an elevated oxygen consumption and reduced metmyoglobin reducing ability. …

Brahman Genetics Negatively Impact Protein Degradation And Tenderness Of Longissimus Lumborum Steaks, But Do Not Influence Collagen Cross-Linking, K. J. Phelps, D. D. Johnson, M. A. Elzo, C. B. Paulk, J. M. Gonzalez

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beef tenderness is an important factor contributing to consumer eating satisfaction of beef products. Tenderness is dependent on several factors including: breed-type, postmortem age time, myofibrillar muscle protein degradation, and collagen content. During the past 30 years, numerous studies have indicated steaks from cattle with a greater percentage of Brahman genetics are tougher than steaks from Bos taurus cattle. The cause of tougher steaks is commonly attributed to Brahman cattle having a greater calpastatin activity which inhibits calpains, the enzymes responsible for myofibrillar protein degradation during the postmortem aging process. Some researchers have reported calpastatin activity was poorly correlated to …

Tenderness, Juiciness, And Flavor Contribute To The Overall Consumer Beef Eating Experience, L. N. Drey, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Overall beef palatability can be attributed to three primary traits, tenderness, juiciness, and flavor, as well as the interaction among these traits (Smith and Carpenter, 1974). Multiple authors have worked to identify which of these palatability traits contributes the most to overall eating satisfaction and have historically identified tenderness as the most important palatability trait (Savell et al., 1987; Miller et al., 1995a; Savell et al., 1999; Egan et al., 2001). Overall eating quality of beef steaks may excel at one or even two of these traits, yet fail to meet consumer eating expectations due to the unsatisfactory level of …

Coarse Marbled Beef Is Juicier And More Flavorful Than Fine Or Medium Marbled Beef, K. R. Vierck, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beef palatability and eating experience is driven primarily by U.S. Department of Agriculture quality grade and marbling levels. Beef USDA quality grade consists of both marbling levels and maturity. Conventionally, marbling texture has not been a consideration of quality grades. Currently, only one study has assessed the effects of marbling texture on beef palatability. Despite this, preferences for fine or medium marbling exist with both packers and retailers, as approximately 75% of branded beef programs under the supervision of USDA-AMS require fine or medium textured marbling, which equates to losses of premiums for packers and producers (USDA, 2016). The objective …

Angus Ground Beef Has Higher Overall Consumer Acceptability Than Grass-Fed Ground Beef, F. Najar, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn, R. Danler, S. Stroda, L. N. Drey, K. R. Vierck, G. D. Mccoy

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Ground beef is considered one of the major sources of animal protein in the U.S., accounting for approximately 40% of beef consumption per capita (USDA, 2011). Consumers’ concern about animal welfare, sustainable production, and low fat products has influenced purchasing decisions, resulting in an increased demand for grass-fed ground beef (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 2007). Grass-fed cattle are fed natural based forages or grass-hay, thus resulting in a higher deposition of omega-3 fatty acids in meat. Meat from grain-fed cattle has a lower omega-3 content due to the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid profile found in a …

Relationship Between Trauma Sustained At Unloading And Carcass Bruise Prevalence In Finished Cattle At Commercial Slaughter Facilities, T. Lee, C. D. Reinhardt, S. J. Bartle, Christopher Vahl, M. Siemens, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Bruising in cattle can be an indicator of poor animal welfare, as well as a significant cause of economic loss due to decreased carcass value. Previous literature suggests sources of trauma causing bruising in beef carcasses include horn prevalence, rough transport conditions, cattle handling techniques, cattle temperament, and vehicle design; however, evidence of correlations between such trauma and actual carcass bruising is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between trauma sustained at unloading and carcass bruise prevalence in finished cattle at commercial slaughter facilities.

Acknowledgments, Livestock And Meat Industry Council Inc, Biological Variability

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Listed below are individuals, organizations, and firms that have contributed to the beef research program through financial support, product donations, or services. We appreciate your help!

Evaluation Of Supplemental Energy Source For Grazing Stocker Cattle, L. W. Lomas, J. K. Farney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 108 steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Supplementation treatments evaluated were: no supplement, a supplement with starch as the primary source of energy, and a supplement with fat as the primary source of energy. Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head daily. Supplementation with the starch-based or fat-based supplement during the grazing phase resulted in higher (P<0.05) grazing gains than feeding no supplement during all three years. In 2014 and 2016, grazing gains of steers supplemented with the starch-based or fat-based supplement were similar (P>0.05). In 2015, steers supplemented with the fat-based …

Effects Of Interseeding Ladino Clover Into Tall Fescue Pastures Of Varying Endophyte Status On Grazing Performance Of Stocker Steers, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sixty-four yearling steers grazing tall fescue pastures were used to evaluate the effects of fescue cultivar and interseeding ladino clover on grazing gains and available forage. Fescue cultivars evaluated were high-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ low-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ ‘HM4,’ and ‘MaxQ.’ Steers that grazed pastures of low-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ ‘HM4,’ or ‘MaxQ’ gained significantly more (P<0.05) and produced more (P<0.05) gain/a than those that grazed high-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31’ pastures. Gains of cattle that grazed low-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ ‘HM4,’ or ‘MaxQ’ were similar (P>0.05). High-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31’ pastures had more (P<0.05) available forage than lowendophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ ‘HM4,’ or ‘MaxQ’ pastures.

Comparison Of Two Organic Trace Mineral Supplements For Cows Grazing Tall Fescue, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two sources of organic trace mineral and two sources of magnesium supplementation on cow performance of springcalving cows on K31 endophyte-infected fescue. The two treatments were organic trace minerals (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn)) offered free choice as an amino-acid chelate with magnesium (Mg) as an amino acid chelate (CHEL) or organic trace mineral supplement with amino-acid complex with magnesium supplied as magnesium oxide (COMP). Mineral was offered free-choice beginning 30 days before breeding season on 4 ranches with 6 pastures per treatment (cows n = 203). …

The Effects Of Feeding Benzoic Acid And Essential Oils On Sows And Litter Performance, M. T. Thayer, J. L. Nelssen, A. Langemeier, J. Morton, Z. Ou, J. R. Bergstrom

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 48 sows (DNA Line 200 × 400) and their progeny were used in this study to determine if feeding sows and/or piglets benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) paired with an essential oil blend (CRINA, DSM Nutritional Products, Parsippany, NJ) enhances sow and pig performance during lactation, piglet weight gain in the nursery, and survivability to market. For sow and preweaned piglet performance in the farrowing house, adding benzoic acid and an essential oil blend to the maternal diet did not affect (P>0.05) litter performance or weaning weight of the piglets. Fecal swabbing litters …

Split Suckling, Birth Order, And Birth Weight Affects Colostrum Intake And Pre-Weaning Weight Gain, J. Morton, A. Langemeier, T. Rathbun, D. L. Davis

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Thirty sows (DNA Line 241, n = 10/treatment) and litters (sired by Line 600, pigs n = 412) were used to determine the effects of split suckling on immunocrit, colostrum intake, and growth of low birth weight pigs and pigs that farrow last in the birth order. Three treatments were used 1) control, all pigs suckled ad libitum; 2) weight based, the heaviest 6 pigs were removed for 1.5 h; or 3) birth order based, the first half of the litter was removed for 1.5 h. Over all litters, heavier pigs at birth had greater (P<0.01) colostrum intake and pigs born in the last half of the litter had lower (P<0.01) immunocrits (a measure of circulating immunoglobulins) than pigs born in the first half of the litter. Removing the heaviest 6 pigs for 1.5 h beginning 6 h after farrowing resulted in increased (P<0.05) weight gain by d 7. A tendency (P = 0.15) for treatment × birth order interactions suggests that split suckling increased colostrum intake for the later born pigs.

Evaluation Of Medium Chain Fatty Acids As A Dietary Additive In Nursery Pig Diets, J. T. Gebhardt, K. A. Thomson, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband, S. S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 pigs [DNA (Columbus, NE) 400 × 200; initial BW = 14.8 lb] were used to evaluate the effects of dietary medium chain fatty acid (MCFA) addition on nursery pig performance. Upon arrival to the nursery, pigs were randomized to pens (5 pigs per pen) and allowed a 6-d acclimation period, at which point pens of pigs were blocked by BW and randomized to dietary treatment (9 pens per treatment). Medium chain fatty acids (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO) included hexanoic (C6), octanoic (C8), and decanoic (C10), and were guaranteed ≥ 98% purity. Treatment diets were formulated …