Beef Science Commons^™

Winter-Feeding High Forage Vs. High Concentrate Diets To Beef Cows: Effects On Placental Transcriptomics, Lactation Capacity, And Enteric Methane Emissions, Megan Ann Wehrbein

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nutritional management and lactation performance are critical factors influencing productivity in cattle. This research includes two complementary studies. The first study was a meta-analysis to develop a lactation curve for Bos taurus cattle in North America using data from machine or hand milked cows. Data from 7 studies were used resulting in 1340 cow-day observations. Milk yield was analyzed by parity (primiparous or multiparous) and feeding management (non-nutrient restricted or nutrient restricted), revealing that primiparous cattle peaked earlier and at lower yields than multiparous cattle, and nutrient restriction reduced peak milk yield. Overall, Bos taurus cattle followed lactation trends similar …

Evaluation Of High-Moisture Ear Corn As A Roughage Source In Finishing Diets Fed To Beef Steers, Riley J. Leeson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feedlot performance, rumination activity, and carcass characteristics of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) as a roughage source in finishing diets fed to beef steers. Backgrounded steers (n = 191; initial shrunk weight [4% BW] = 449 kg  23.9 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 24 pens (8 steers/pen) with pens randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (6 pens/treatment): control diet with hay fed at 10% roughage equivalency (RE; HAY10), or HMEC at either 14% (EAR14), 10% (EAR10), or 6% (EAR6) RE. High-moisture ear corn was assumed to …

Impact Of Natural Feed Additives And Monensin Sodium On Growth Performance In Feedlot Cattle, Thiago Lauro Maia Ribeiro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation was to investigate how phytogenic feed additives and a pulse feeding monensin sodium strategy would affect growth performance in the receiving and finishing feedlot phases. Three randomized complete block design feedlot experiments and one pooled analysis were conducted to determine the effects of the feed additives and management strategies used in newly weaned and finishing beef cattle. The objective of these experiments were 1) determine if a blend of capsicum oleoresin, clove essential oil, and garlic essential oil (CCG) influences cattle performance, sera metabolites or health outcomes during the feedlot receiving phase; 2) determine if …

Finishing Location And Forage Diversity Influences Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality Attributes, Terroir, And Color Stability Of Grass-Finished Bison Bulls, Garrett Tyler Weldy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this thesis is to determine the influence of finishing location and forage diversity on carcass characteristics, meat quality, terroir, and color stability of grass-finished bison bulls. The specific objectives were 1) Determine the effect of finishing location on carcass characteristics, meat quality attributes, and terroir of grass-finished bison bulls, 2) Investigate the effect of forage diversity on the carcass characteristics, meat quality attributes, and terroir of grass-finished bison bulls, and 3) Determine the effect of finishing location on the meat color stability of grass-finished bison bulls. Overall, results indicate that finishing location influenced carcass characteristics, objective …

Management Strategies To Improve Gastrointestinal Health And Productivity Of Native And Dairy-Derived Steers Fed In Confinement, Becca B. Grimes Francis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation was to evaluate strategies to mitigate metabolic disorders in confinement fed steers. The first study was conducted on yearling beef steers to investigate the effect of a rumen buffer, calcium magnesium carbonate (CMC), when fed with or without tylosin phosphate (TYL), on growth performance, rumination activity and liver abscess prevalence. Supplementation of a rumen buffer was not an effective alternative to a feed-grade antimicrobial for the control of liver abscesses in beef steers. Supplementation of CMC reduced DMI, thus negatively influencing BW and ADG. No associative effects of CMC and TYL were observed for any …

Effect Of Vibration Isolation During Transportation On Beef Sirloin Subprimal And Steak Quality, Kylie Nevada Krueger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of vibration during transportation on beef sirloin water holding capacity, color, and tenderness. USDA Choice center-cut sirloin top butts (n = 45 cases) were collected at a commercial processing facility and randomly allocated to one of three treatments 1) regular pallet driven 241 km (Reg241), 2) regular pallet driven 644 km (Reg644), and 3) vibration isolation pallet driven 644 km (Iso644). All subprimals were transported at -2.2 °C (d0) and stored for 10 days to mimic industry practices for product aging. Following storage (d11), one subprimal per case was evaluated …

Phytogenic Feed Additives Pre- And Post-Calving And Effects Of Substituting Ddgs With Soybean Meal On Protein Metabolism In Beef Cattle, Grace H. Jardon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of these studies was to evaluate nutritional strategies to improve beef cattle productivity through targeted supplementation and protein source manipulation. The first study investigated the effects of a phytogenic supplement (PHYT; a blend of turmeric, capsicum, and black pepper oleoresin) on colostrum yield and composition, calf passive immunity, and cow–calf performance. Twenty-three Angus-based cows were assigned to either a control group or received 250 or 500 mg/head/day of PHYT from 30 days pre-calving to 60 days post-calving. Supplementation with PHYT linearly increased colostrum fat and calf serum IgA concentrations. Milk fat, calf serum IgG, and colostrum IgM tended …

Extended Days On Feed: Influences On Growth Performance, Efficiency, And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers And Heifers Of Different Proportions Of Angus And Limousin Genetics, Grace Henley Olinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recently, cattle feeders have extended days on feed (DOF) resulting in hot carcass weights (HCW) exceeding the limits of existing serial slaughter datasets. This study's goal was to determine the impact extended DOF exerts on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers with varying proportions of Angus (AN) and Limousin (LM) genetics. In 2022, commercial AN cows from two MT ranches were artificially inseminated to 9 sires from 3 breeds (AN, LM, and Limflex (LF)) with parentage confirmed by DNA. In 2023, 216 calves (sired by 72 AN, 73 LF, and 71 LM; 105 steers and …

Effects Of Peri-Castration Pain Management Strategies On Feed And Water Intake, Performance, And Blood Cortisol Levels Of Weaned Beef Steers, Andrea K. Brandner, Cody L. Wright, Ana Clara B. Menezes

Animal Science Research Report 2024

No abstract provided.

Influence Of Finishing Systems On Carcass Characteristics, Composition, And Fatty Acid Profile Of Bison Bulls, Clay J. Newton, Lydia M. O'Sullivan, Keith R. Underwood, Judson K. Grubbs, Christina E. Bakker, Kristi M. Cammack, Thu Dinh, Carter Kruse, Amanda D. Blair

Animal Science Research Report 2024

No abstract provided.

Utilization Of Camera Grading Technology For Bison Carcass Characteristics, Christina Bakker, Jessica Sparks, Keith Underwood, Kyle Grubbs, Amanda D. Blair

Animal Science Research Report 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of beef camera grading technology to assess characteristics of bison carcasses.

The Influence Of By-O-Reg+ Beef, An Oregano-Based Essential Oil Supplement, On Growth Performance, Carcass Traits And Meat Quality Of Finishing Beef Steers, Bergin Mackenzie Debruin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of an oregano-based essential oil (OEO; By-O-Reg+ Beef), on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of beef steers finished in an all-natural program. Yearling steers were allotted to 16 pens (n = 8 pens per treatment, 8 steers per pen). Treatments included: 1) control (CON) fed no oregano-based essential oil and 2) group fed 4 g/steer daily of By-O-Reg+ Beef. Steers were harvested on day 149 of the feeding period. Standard carcass data was collected and instrumental color (L*, a*, b*) was recorded. Strip loins were collected from a …

Longevity In Afrikaner Cattle: A Survival Analysis, Allison M. Bot Steffl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Afrikaner breed of cattle is indigenous to South Africa and due to their hardiness was once the most popular breed amongst farmers. The objectives for this study were to: (1) estimate environmental effects (age at first calving, season) and (2) genetic variance affecting longevity in Afrikaner cattle using survival analysis and a Weibull model and (3) evaluate the effect of the Infusion Project on longevity utilizing a Cox model. For the first objective, age at first calving impacted longevity as younger age at first calving was associated with decreased longevity. Season of birth and year of birth also impacted …

Role Of Production Systems On Carcass And Palatability Attributes Of Bison, Lydia Margaret Hite O'Sullivan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The overall objective of this dissertation was to determine the impact of finishing systems on carcass and palatability attributes of bison. The specific objectives were 1) determine the influence of finishing system (grain-finished vs. grass-finished) on the mechanisms of tenderness formation in the longissimus lumborum of bison bulls, 2) determine the influence of diverse finishing systems on carcass characteristics and proximate composition of bison heifers, and 3) determine the influence of diverse finishing systems on palatability of striploin steaks from bison heifers. Results indicate that finishing systems differentially influence carcass characteristics, tenderness, and flavor attributes of bison. Specifically, this is …

Evaluation Of Soybean Meal Versus Distillers Co-Products As A Protein Supplement For Finishing Beef Cattle: Effects On Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Efficiency Of Dietary Net Energy Utilization, Cassidy R. Ross

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two randomized complete block design experiments were conducted to: 1) examine the effects of soybean meal with or without additional soybean hulls in replacement of modified corn distillers grains plus (MDGS) solubles on growth performance efficiency of dietary net energy utilization and carcass traits responses in finishing beef steers, 2) determine if partial or complete replacement of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) with solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM) in diets based upon high-moisture ensiled corn influences growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, sera urea-N (SUN) concentrations, or carcass traits in finishing beef steers. Experiment 1 was a 118-d …

Beef Hot Carcass Weight Influences Proteolysis, Clay J. Carlson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of beef hot carcass weight on proteolysis to better understand early postmortem proteolysis. Beef tenderness formation is influenced by various factors, such as temperature decline and proteolysis. Limited focus has been given to the effects of carcass weight on proteolysis. This study aimed to investigate the influence of increased beef hot carcass weight (HCW) on proteolysis of four muscles (serratus ventralis, longissimus thoracis, longissimus lumborum, and semitendinosus) during early postmortem aging times. Beef steers (n =12) were harvested and categorized into two weight groups: lightweight (LW; HCW = 349 ± …

Feeding Strategies To Improve Gastrointestinal Health And Growth Performance Of Confinement Fed Ruminants, Forest Laine Francis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this dissertation was to investigate how feed additives, orally administered direct fed microbials, and dietary management strategies may be beneficial in improving gastrointestinal health and growth performance of confinement fed ruminants. Four studies were conducted using confinement fed steers (n = 3) and wether lambs (n = 1) to determine the effects of the products and management strategies used. The first study was conducted on finishing steers to investigate the effects of increasing doses of an encapsulated butyric acid and zinc supplement (BZ) on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, carcass characteristics, and gastrointestinal health. …

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

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

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

The Effects Of Body Weight, Feed Intake, And Weather On Total And Liquid Water Intake In Growing Beef Cattle, Madison Rae Kovarna

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Research conducted in the 1950s to determine water requirements utilized cattle that vary greatly from the animals being raised today. Additionally, most of the previous research has been conducted on animals being fed for slaughter, rather than bulls or reproductive females. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of weather variables, dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight (BW) on total daily water intake (TDWI) and liquid daily water intake (LDWI) in growing beef bulls and heifers. Two contemporary groups of Angus and Simmental x Angus bulls and heifers over a two-year period were utilized in this …

Evaluation Of Precision Ingredient Inclusion On Production Efficiency Responses In Finishing Beef Cattle, Santana R. Hanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two randomized complete block design feedlot experiments were conducted over the course of two years. These experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of 1) evaluate the observed-to-expected ratio for ingredient inclusion using no commodity inclusion assistance technology or using commodity inclusion assistance technology; and 2) evaluate the influence that varying degrees (highly variable at random or 0.454 kg asfed tolerance for each ingredient) of accuracy on ingredient inclusion have on growth performance, carcass traits, efficiency of dietary NE utilization, and ingredient inventory management in finishing beef cattle. Experiment 1 used single source Black Angus heifers (n = 60; initial …

Evaluating Precision Supplementation Technology And Mathematical Nutrition Models For The Development Of Heifers Grazing Dormant Rangeland In Western South Dakota, Anna Katherine Dagel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Great Plains supports about 40-50% of beef cattle production in the United States. Consequently, the beef cow-calf sector provides a large economic impact for states located within the Northern Great Plains (South Dakota Department of Agriculture, 2021). Producing profitable rangeland beef cattle through an economically efficient cowcalf operation presents several challenges. These challenges include providing adequate nutrition to meet the needs of growing heifers on rangelands, which requires additional labor and feed/supplement to achieve desired rates of gain and reach a target body weight, resulting in reproductive success. Implementation of precision livestock technology (PLT) and the use of precision …

Addressing Soil Carbon Sequestration Response From Multispecies Dairy Forage Systems And Modeling Rangeland Beef Cow Dry Matter Intake Using Precision Enteric Emissions Measurements, Lillian J. Mcfadden

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Regenerative agriculture is a pressing matter for the dairy industry to address cropland sustainability and carbon sequestration. One regenerative management practice that has been identified to help with row crop sustainability for key metrics like soil organic carbon (SOC) is complex covers. When producers use complex covers one of the main challenges is that it takes time to detect a change in SOC. However, simulation models are a tool that can be used to help determine if a regenerative practice is a strategy that gives the best results (i.e., increased SOC) while aligning with long-term production goals. Therefore, our objectives …

Diet And Management Strategies To Mitigate Decreased Feed Intake Associated With Terminal Implant Administration In Finishing Beef Steers, Alexandria M. Kelly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Terminal implant administration in beef steers often leads to decreased feed intake, leading to less growth. Our objective was to identify diet and management changes that can mitigate this decrease in feed intake. Single-sourced Angus x Simmental steers (n=27, initial BW= 385.1 ± 30.8 kg) were utilized in a completely randomized trial to assess the effects of animal movement and increased forage inclusion on rumination and feed intake after re-implanting. Steers were initially implanted with Synovex Choice (100 mg trenbolone acetate and 14 mg estradiol benzoate; Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ), then reimplanted 88 d later with Synovex Plus (200 mg trenbolone …

Identification Of Genes Expressed In The Anterior Pituitary Associated With Water Restriction In Beef Cattle, Himali Chathurika Wickramasinghe Vithana Arachchilage

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Water is an essential nutrient and is required for growth, metabolism, lactation, and reproduction. Without water, livestock production would not be possible. Despite its importance, water requirements in livestock have not received much attention from the research community since the 1950s. The most recent edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (8th edition) relies on literature from the 1950s or earlier for defining water requirements in beef cattle. Since the time these requirements were estimated, much has changed with regards to body size, genetics, and productivity of our livestock herds, including beef cattle. Global surface temperatures have increased in …

Strategies To Optimize Confinement Fed Beef Cattle In The Northern Plains, Erin R. Gubbels

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this dissertation was to understand the strategies needed to optimize performance of confinement fed beef cattle in the Northern Plains. This was accomplished through three objectives: 1) evaluate health, growth performance, and antibody titers in previously vaccinated, newly weaned calves administered a respiratory and clostridia vaccine upon arrival compared to no vaccination; 2) determine the influence of manger space restriction on program-fed feedlot heifers during the growing phase; and 3) to evaluate growth performance and carcass traits following transit of feedlot heifers sourced and finished in different regions of the United States. For objective 1, single-sourced, newly …

Regional Assessment Of Live Cattle And Carcass Characteristics In The Northern Plains, Harlee A. Brauckmuller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this project was to perform a regional assessment of live cattle and carcass characteristics in the northern plains. The assessment audited three packing plants to assess fed cattle, cow, and bull production. The live animal factors evaluated were transportation, mobility of cattle, identification, brands, and mud/manure present. Data collected during the slaughter process was bruising, dentition, and offal condemnations. In fed cattle yield grade, quality grade, and hot carcass weight were assessed. In cows and bulls muscle score and fat color score were assessed. To assess differences between cattle in the Northern Plains and cattle in the …

Sdsu Beef Day 2022 Complete Proceedings, Department Of Animal Science, Sdsu Extension

SDSU Beef Day 2022 Summary Publication

This is the complete proceedings of the South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science Beef Day 2022. The proceedings contain research presented on the following topics:
Feedlot
Herd Management
Meat Science and Nutrition

Impact Of Corn Silage Moisture And/Or Kernel Processing At Harvest On Finishing Steer Growth Performance, Efficiency Of Dietary Net Energy Utilization And Carcass Traits, Thomas G. Hamilton, Warren Rusche, Julie Walker, Zachary K. F. Smith

SDSU Beef Day 2022 Summary Publication

Study Description:

Red Angus steers (n = 192; initial shrunk BW = 983 ± 62.3 lbs) were used in the 112 d finishing experiment at the Southeast Research Farm (SERF) of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station in Beresford. Steers were from a single source and obtained from a local SD auction facility. Steers were received 2 weeks prior to trial initiation. Steers were offered a common diet containing 60% concentrate upon arrival. Steers were transitioned to a 90% concentrate diet over the course of 14 d. Steers were consuming the finishing diet (Table 1) at the initiation of the …

Evaluation Of Dietary Roughage Inclusion In A Single Or Two-Diet System For Backgrounding And Finishing, Thomas G. Hamilton, Warren Rusche, Zachary K. F. Smith

SDSU Beef Day 2022 Summary Publication

Study Description:

Pre-conditioned crossbred beef steers (n = 46; initial shrunk [4%] BW = 621 ± 89.1 lbs) were used in a 210-d grow-finish experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center (RNC) in Brookings, SD. Steers were fed once daily, and bunks were managed according to a slick bunk management system. Cattle were fed in 25 × 25 ft concrete surface pens (n = 10 pens; 5 pens/treatment) with 25 linear ft of bunk space and heated, concrete, continuous flow waterers. Treatments included: 1) A single-diet program (targeted a 59 Mcal/cwt NEg diet fed for 210-d; 1D) or 2) two-diet program …

Dose Effects Of Encapsulated Butyric Acid And Zinc On Beef Feedlot Steer Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Dietary Net Energy Utilization, Forest L. Francis, Erin R. Gubbels, Thomas G. Hamilton, Warren Rusche, Doug Lafleur, Jerilyn E. Hergenreder, Zachary K. F. Smith

SDSU Beef Day 2022 Summary Publication

Study Description:

Steers (n = 272; shrunk BW = 794 ± 163 pounds) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 143.5 d feedlot finishing trial: 0 g BPZ/ kg diet dry matter (DM) (CON), 1 g BPZ/ kg diet DM (1BPZ), 2 g BPZ/ kg diet DM (2BPZ), or 3 g BPZ/ kg diet DM (3BPZ). Carcass data and liver health outcomes were collected, and feedlot growth performance data and efficiency of dietary net energy utilization were calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis.