Beef Science Commons^™

Assessing The Impact Of Toxic Fescue Consumption During Gestation On Muscle Growth Gene Expression And Beef Color Quality Of The Offspring, Madison Blank

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Endophyte-infected tall, toxic fescue is the most common forage for beef cattle in the southeastern U.S. However, exposure to this forage causes detrimental effects on the health of gestating cattle. The exposure to toxic fescue during gestation has been shown to impact fetal development during pregnancy and their offspring’s subsequent growth. However, limited information is currently available on the impact of this exposure on the meat quality of the offspring. Our objective is to determine how the dam’s exposure to toxic fescue during gestation impacts the beef color and quality of the final offspring.

A total of 22 animals (11 …

Effect Of A Probiotic Microbial Gel Jointly With Two Versions Of Supplemental Direct-Fed Microbials In Receiving Cattle Diets On Growth Performance And Health, John Mitchell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective was to assess the effect of a probiotic microbial gel (BIOFRESH® Microbial Gel, Agrarian Solutions) administered on arrival in combination with feeding one of two different direct-fed microbials (DFM 365a or DFM 365b, Agrarian Solutions) on the health and growth performance of stocker calves at high risk for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Beef heifer calves (n = 292, BW = 476 ± 5 lb) arriving on 3 separate receiving dates were used in the 42-day receiving study. On arrival (d -1), heifers were processed, stratified by d -1 body weight, and then assigned randomly to 9 pens (10 …

The Effect Of Including A Yeast Culture Containing Essential Oils In Receiving Cattle Diets On Growth Performance And Health, Taylor Deanna Foster

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Due to the increased risk of bacterial populations developing resistance to current antibiotics, consumer perceptions surrounding the utilization of antibiotics use in cattle, and the endemic incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) among growing and finishing cattle, alternative management strategies to improve the health of cattle must be developed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a supplement containing a yeast culture and an essential oils blend (YEO) on the health and growth performance of stocker calves at high-risk for BRD. Crossbred male beef calves (n = 185) received on two separate dates were used in …

Influence Of Increased Supplementation Of Organic-Complexed Zinc To Beef Cows During Gestation: Effects On Preweaning Health Of Offspring, Naija N. Sharpley

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing zinc supplementation from organic-complexed sources to beef cows during gestation on calf performance. In May 2025, during gestation, Angus crossbred cows were confirmed pregnant with female sexed semen (n = 83) and enrolled in the current study. Cows (4.7 ± 2 years of age and 531 ± 84.4 kg body weight, mean ± standard deviation) were allotted to 4 groups (20 to 21 cows/group) based on, sire of heifer calf, cow age, and cow body weights taken at weaning. Assigned groups received 1 of 2 treatments (2 groups/treatment): …

The Influence Of Retail Display Conditions On Ground Beef Quality And Palatability, Sarah Lynn Shoup

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of these studies were to evaluate the impact of retail display case type and muscle type on meat quality attributes, including color, lipid oxidation, texture, and volatile compound profiles, as well as to assess economic implications based on retail color degradation. Case type effects were further evaluated by considering environmental factors such as temperature, air velocity, and relative humidity and their influence on the shelf life of beef patties. An economic analysis was also conducted to estimate the value of patties based on a* (redness) scores at different points during retail display. In Study 1, differences in L* …

Freezing And Shipping Optimization To Increase Quality And Profitability Of Meat E-Commerce, Paul Olaoluwaniyi Dahunsi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Freezing remains one of the most reliable methods for preserving meat quality and extending shelf life. However, quality deterioration can still occur due to structural and biochemical changes activated during freezing, thawing, and distribution. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers’ preference for bulk purchasing and online meat shopping has increased, raising questions about the best strategies to balance both quality maintenance and profitability. This thesis aimed to evaluate two key stages where frozen beef is most vulnerable to quality degradation: consumer-level freezing and post-purchase shipping. The objectives were (1) to determine the effects of product size and subsequent consumer freezing practices …

Effectiveness Of Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance Administered To Newly Received, High-Risk Stocker Calves, Elle Johnston, Rosie Whittle, Robin Cheek, Beth Kegley, Jeremy Powell, Shawna Weimer

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

Stocker cattle purchased at auction can be susceptible to disease due to the stressors associated with the auction process and are referred to as “high-risk.” The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a maternal bovine appeasing substance, FerAppease^®, on the growth performance, health, and behavior of stocker cattle. Male beef calves (n = 80) were purchased at auction and transported to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Savoy Research Complex Beef Stocker Unit. On day 0, bulls were castrated, and steers and bulls were assigned to 8 pens (n = 10 calves/pen; …

The Relationship Between Chute Behavior And Morbidity In Cattle, Andrea Rankin

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Most cattle see a handling chute at least once in their lives. Handling plays a huge role in cattle management, whether it’s for transportation, auction sales, deworming, medical treatments, or AI purposes. Morbidity related to Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is one of the biggest causes of economic loss for ranchers and can be related to handling stress. Auction-derived calves (ADC; n=92) were brought to the University of Arkansas Savoy Research Facility for processing and monitoring for behavioral cues and disease. The objective of this study was to find a relationship between the calves’ behavior in the chute and morbidity. The …

Alternative Methods For Finishing Beef Cattle: Effects On Performance, Carcass Quality, And Meat Characteristics, Michelle Johnson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the effects of alternative finishing methods on the live performance, carcass quality, and meat characteristics of beef steers. In study 1, treatments consisted of a conventional feedlot finishing diet with roughage included in the ration (FDLT); a high starch diet fed at 2-2.25% of BW with ad libitum access to bermudagrass pastures (STCH); or a high by-product diet fed at 2-2.25% of BW with ad libitum access to bermudagrass pastures (BYPD). Steers were fed their respective diets once daily and weighed every 28 days until deemed finished. Cattle were then transported and …

Evaluating The Effects Of 6-Day And 7-Day Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocols Using Sex-Sorted Semen On Pregnancy In Beef Cattle, Nicole Noel Noga

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In this study, 527 beef heifers from three locations across two states were enrolled between November 2020 and May 2021 for experiment 1, divided into three sub-experiments: 1A (n = 85), 1B (n = 383), and 1C (n = 59). These heifers were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups. Treatments 1 and 2 involved a 6-day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol, including administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH; 100 μg IM; Factrel; Zoetis Animal Health, Parssipany, NJ) and a CIDR insert (EAZI-BREED CIDR; 1.38g P₄; Zoetis Animal Health) on Day 0, followed by prostaglandin F2α (PGF_2α; …

Effects Of Varied Fertilization, Tillage, And Supplementation Strategies On Grazing Steers And Wheat Pasture Performance, Cody Everett Gruber

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objectives for the two experiments were to determine the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizer rate, establishment method through no-till (NT) or clean-till (CT), and supplementation on stocker, wheat stand, and economic performance. Within study 1, 24, 1.62-ha pastures, were used over a two-year period. Pasture treatments consisted of a combination of N fertilization rate (100.88, 134.5, or 168.12 kg/ha), applied as broadcast urea and split between two equal applications of 50% at planting and the remaining 50% in the spring when daytime average temperatures trend above 10°C, and of NT establishment or CT establishment. Steers were weighed on arrival, …

The Spatial Dissimilarities And Connections Of The Microbiota In The Upper And Lower Respiratory Tract Of Beef Cattle, Zhihao Zhang, Chengqian Zhang, Yikai Zhong, Shuli Yang, Feilong Deng, Ying Li, Jianmin Chai

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes morbidity and mortality in cattle. The critical roles of the respiratory microbiota in BRD have been widely studied. The nasopharynx was the most popular sampling niche for BRD pathogen studies. The oral cavity and other niches within the respiratory tract, such as nostrils and lung, are less assessed. In this study, oropharyngeal swabs (OS), nasal swabs (NS), nasopharyngeal swabs (NP), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were collected from calves located in four countries and analyzed for investigation of the dissimilarities and connections of the respiratory microbiota. The results showed that the microbial diversity, structure, and composition …

Effect Of Bovine Respiratory Disease On The Respiratory Microbiome: A Meta-Analysis, Samantha Howe, Beth Kegley, Jeremy Powell, Sicheng Chen, Jiangchao Zhao

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most devastating disease affecting beef and dairy cattle producers in North America. An emerging area of interest is the respiratory microbiome’s relationship with BRD. However, results regarding the effect of BRD on respiratory microbiome diversity are conflicting.

Results: To examine the effect of BRD on the alpha diversity of the respiratory microbiome, a meta-analysis analyzing the relationship between the standardized mean difference (SMD) of three alpha diversity metrics (Shannon’s Diversity Index (Shannon), Chao1, and Observed features (OTUs, ASVs, species, and reads) and BRD was conducted. Our multi-level model found no difference in Chao1 …

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, …

Effect Of Soy Co-Products In Supplements For Grazing Cattle On Growth, Complete Blood Cell Counts, And Physiological Response Following A Lipopolysaccharide Challenge, Bralee Lansdell

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soy co-products (soybean meal and soy oil) in the diet on the growth and hemocytology of cattle during a 56-day growing phase and the physiological/behavioral response to an endotoxin challenge. Angus crossbred steers (n = 36; 289 ± 31 kg, initial body weight ± SD) were stratified by body weight and sire; and assigned randomly to pastures (n = 9; 0.45 ha/mixed-grass pasture). Pastures were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products, 2) a supplement containing soybean meal, or 3) …

Influence Of Pregnant Cattle Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue On Offspring Immune Function, Sidney Nicole Dunkel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective was to evaluate the influence of pregnant cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall, toxic, fescue (E+) during gestation on innate immune response of male offspring to an endotoxin challenge. Crossbred multiparous cows (n = 36) were bred to Red Angus sires and housed in replicated E+ or novel endophyte-infected, non-toxic, fescue (NE+) pastures prior to breeding and throughout gestation. From this calf-crop, a subset of post-weaned steers (n = 8 E+; n = 8 NE+) were selected for a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Blood was collected every 30 min beginning 2 h prior to (Pre-LPS) and continuing 9 h following (Post-LPS) …

Biodegradable Microneedle Patch For Delivery Of Meloxicam For Managing Pain In Cattle, David A. Castilla-Casadiego, Katherine A. Miranda-Munoz, Jesse L. Roberts, Anne D. Crowell, David Gonzalez-Nino, Dipankar Choudhury, Frank O. Aparicio-Solis, Shannon L. Servoss, Adrianne M. Rosales, Gary Prinz, Min Zou, Yuntao Zhang, Johann F. Coetzee, Lauren F. Greenlee, Jeremy Powell, Jorge Almodovar

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Microneedle patches are a promising source for transdermal diffusion of macromolecules and are designed to painlessly penetrate the skin. In this study, a biodegradable chitosan microneedle patch to deliver meloxicam for managing pain in cattle was tested. The potential of reuse of the polymeric solution to fabricate the patches, optimization of fabrication, morphological analysis of the microneedle patch and analysis of preservation of the chemical composition after sterilization were evaluated. In-vitro analysis consisted of studying in-vitro penetration mechanical properties, compression testing analysis of microneedle patch, and in-vitro drug release analysis. In-vivo studies were performed to analyze the dissolution capability of …

Effects Of An Injectable Zinc Solution At Weaning As An Alternative Castration Method In Beef Cattle, Reagan Nicole Cauble

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Two experiments were conducted to investigate a 1 mL intratesticular zinc (100 mg Zn) injection administered into each testicle at weaning (Z) and its effects on growth, health, behavior and testosterone. In the first experiment, beef bulls were assigned randomly to treatment at birth: 1) surgically castrated at birth (S; n = 37) or 2) Z (n = 37). Testicular thickness differed by day (P < 0.01) for Z. Testosterone concentrations were greater in Z by d 77 and remained so through d 280 (P = 0.02) compared to S. Zinc injected calves were heavier at the trail’s conclusion (P ≤ 0.04), had greater ADG overall (P < 0.01), heavier hot carcass weight (P = 0.01), and greater lean muscle area (P = 0.01) compared to S; but a lower marbling score (P < 0.01). Yield Grade, dressed carcass yield and fat thickness were similar (P ≥ 0.14). Zinc injected calves had greater haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations (P < 0.01). Zinc injected calves had greater concentrations of white blood cells on d 1 and 2 and greater concentrations and proportions of neutrophils on d 1, 2 and 3 (P < 0.01). Conversely, S had a greater percentage of lymphocytes on d 1, 2 and 3 and a lower ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes during that same time (P < 0.01). Zinc injected calves spent more time on their side or sternum on d 1 and more time on their side on d 2 while S spend more time standing during that time (P < 0.01). During d 3, 4, 5, and 6, Z stood more while S laid on their sternum (P < 0.01). In trail 2, beef bulls were allocated randomly to treatment one week post weaning: 1) banded (B; n = 42) or 2) Z (n = 39). Body weights were similar (P ≥ 0.39) but ADG improved for Z compared to B (P = 0.05). Testosterone concentrations were greater in Z compared to B (P ≤ 0.02). Testicular width in Z differed by d (P < 0.01). Zinc castrated calves spent more time on their side compared to B one day post castration (P = 0.03) until d 3 and 4 where B spent more time on their side (P ≤ 0.02). Banded calves stood more the first two days (P ≤ 0.01). On days 3, 4, 5, and 6, Z stood more (P ≤ 0.01) while B were on their sternum (P ≤ 0.03). Banded calves had lower Hp concentrations compared to Z (P ≤ 0.01). Total white blood cell concentrations, proportions and concentrations of neutrophils, and proportion of lymphocytes were greater in Z compared to B on d 1, 2, and 3 (P ≤ 0.01). There was no interaction between treatments over time for IL1β, IL6, and TNFα expression (P ≥ 0.83). The findings in both studies indicate that intratesticular Zn injections at weaning can improve growth performance and some carcass attributes but produce a heightened inflammatory and immune response and cause discomfort. Injecting zinc, as formulated and administered in these trails, does not result in complete castration of beef calves at this age and therefore cannot be considered a true castration alternative.

Bovine Respiratory Microbiota Of Feedlot Cattle And Its Association With Disease, Jianmin Chai, Sarah F. Capik, Beth Kegley, John T. Richeson, Jeremy G. Powell, Jiangchao Zhao

Animal Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), as one of the most common and costly diseases in the beef cattle industry, has significant adverse impacts on global food security and the economic stability of the industry. The bovine respiratory microbiome is strongly associated with health and disease and may provide insights for alternative therapy when treating BRD. The niche-specific microbiome communities that colonize the inter-surface of the upper and the lower respiratory tract consist of a dynamic and complex ecological system. The correlation between the disequilibrium in the respiratory ecosystem and BRD has become a hot research topic. Hence, we summarize the pathogenesis …

Economic Contribution Of The Agricultural Sector To The Arkansas Economy In 2019, Leah English, Jennie Popp, Wayne Miller

AAES Research Reports and Research Bulletins

Agriculture and associated agricultural activities are major contributors to the Arkansas economy. Agriculture is defined as the sum of agricultural production and processing activities, unless otherwise specified, and includes crop and animal production and processing, agricultural support industries, forestry and forest products, and textile goods. Agriculture contributes to the economy through direct agricultural production and value-added processing, leading to economic activity in other parts of the economy.

This report is the fourteenth in a series that examines agriculture’s economic contribution to the Arkansas economy. The total economic contribution of agriculture (direct, indirect, and induced effects) on value added, employment, and …

Effects Of Retail Case Environment And Led Lighting Temperature On Color Of Ground Beef Patties, Mesa Kutz

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

The objective of this study was to explore different type of retail cases and case environments, primarily lighting, to quantify the impact on shelf life. Coarse ground 80:20 beef from a local retail establishment was acquired between 7 and 10 d from the box date and fine ground through a 9.5 mm grinder plate, and then formed into 150.25 g patties with an automatic patty forming machine. Each patty was then individually packaged in PVC-overwrap packages and randomly assigned to one of the four different treatments: open, multideck cases with 3000 K lighting (OPEN3000),open 3500 K lighting (OPEN3500),enclosed, …

Exploring How Maternal Phosphorus Status Affects Calf Growth And Performance, Elizabeth Lafferty

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study will focus on how maternal phosphorus status of beef heifers affects the growth and performance of their calves. Heifers have been offered free-choice mineral with either 0 or 4% supplemental phosphorus from 30 days after weaning until calving. A study by H. Hilfiker, a University of Arkansas honors student, investigated the effects of these treatments from 30 days after weaning until 60 days after the breeding season when heifers were confirmed to be bred or open. For this developing heifer project 64 crossbred Angus heifers were assigned randomly into 8 groups (8 heifers/ group) before assigning each group …

Relationship Of Underline Scores And Production Traits In Beefmaster Cattle, Bryan R. Kutz

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to establish the relationship of underline scores (UDLS), production traits, and conformation scores in Beefmaster cattle born between 1976 through 2008. Records provided by Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) were analyzed. Certified classifiers approved by the BBU recorded scores. Sizes and shapes of the underlines differentiated the scores (1-4). A score of one was used to designate the least amount of navel flap or sheath and a score of four represents the maximum amount of naval flap or sheath accepted for registration in the BBU. In this study the relationship of the traits was determined …

Methods To Reducing Weaning Stress In Early Weaned Spring Beef Calves, Matthew Daniel Hahn

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Reducing weaning stress in beef calves can have dramatic benefits to the health, growth, and performance to beef calves post-weaning. Studies have shown that providing creep feed to calves during the pre-weaning period can improve their nutritional status, which can better prepare them for the stresses they will be exposed to during the weaning process. Studies have also shown that two-stage weaning can reduce the stresses associated with weaning. Previous research has suggested that this method resulted in dramatic changes in behavioral signs associated with stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two-stage weaning with …

Exploring How Maternal Phosphorus Status Affects Calf Growth And Performance, Elizabeth Lafferty, Beth Kegley, Brittni Littlejohn, Jeremy Powell

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

Phosphorus is an important component of bodily functions and is critical for adequate growth and development. This experiment evaluated the effect of maternal phosphorus intake on the growth and health of the calves. Treatments were 1) a free-choice mineral containing no supplemental P or 2) a free-choice mineral with 4% supplemental phosphorus. Primiparous, or pregnant for the first time, crossbred Angus beef cows (n = 36) were stratified by body weight and pregnancy status (bred by artificial insemination or natural service) then assigned to pasture groups (4 groups, 2/treatment, 9 heifers/group). These bred heifers had been receiving these same dietary …

Biogeography Of The Bovine Respiratory Microbiome And Its Relationship With Bovine Respiratory Disease, Jianmin Chai

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly disease in the beef cattle industry, leading to high morbidity, mortality and huge economic loss. Despite the recent advances in vaccination and antimicrobial techniques, no significant health-improved outcomes have developed. Due to a deep investigation of the microbiome, respiratory microbiotas are known to have important roles for host health and disease. However, BRD specific pathogens have not yet been identified since they are found in both healthy and diseased animals. A systemic and comprehensive study of the biogeography of the bovine respiratory microbiome and its relationship with BRD is lacking …

The Effects Of Excess Dietary Sulfur Using Supplemental Sodium Sulfate On Beef Steer, Heifer, And Progeny Productive And Physiological Responses, Jamie Hawley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

For studies 1 through 3, 20 steers of predominantly Angus breeding, were stratified by body weight (279 ± 13.2 kg), assigned randomly to 6 paddocks, and fed a low S ground corn and soybean meal supplement that did not contain any byproduct feeds (0.31% total dietary S; LS) or LS supplement with an additional 0.25% S provided from sodium sulfate (Na2SO4; 0.58% total dietary S; HS) for a 114-d growing phase. Steers were moved to feedlot (373 ± 0.2 kg), remained on prior dietary S treatments, and fed corn and soybean meal diets (0.19 and 0.42% total dietary S; LS …

Association Of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms In Bovine Heat Shock Protein 70, Cytochrome P450, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Interleukin 8 Receptor, And Melatonin Receptor 1a With Hoof And Udder Traits In Beef Cows, Maryrose Warren

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hoof and udder conformation are important to the longevity and productivity of beef cattle. Selection for hoof and udder quality reduces the incidence of lameness and udder disease to improve animal welfare. Genetic selection is an effective means of improving traits such as these, especially through the use of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping to identify indicator traits. This study used genotype data and hoof and udder scores from previous research to determine if there is significant effect between polymorphisms of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), interleukin-8 receptor (IL8), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A), …

Impact Of Phosphorus Intake On Beef Heifer Growth Performance And Conception Rates, Hailey Hilfiker

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aims to examine the effects of phosphorus intake on beef heifer growth performance and conception rates. In Northwest Arkansas, there has been an increase in phosphorus concentrations in soil where livestock manures have been repeatedly applied. Consequently, forages grown on soils high in phosphorus tend to contain high amounts of the mineral itself. This has led many to question whether it is necessary to supplement phosphorus in areas where concentrations may be higher. In this study, crossbred Angus heifers (n = 72), approximately 30 days after weaning, were stratified by body weight (average initial weight 251 ± 3.9 …

Surveillance Of Anaplasma Marginale In Arkansas Beef Cattle Herds, Gabriel Apple

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Anaplasmosis is an economically devastating disease in cattle that is caused by the rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma marginale. It is estimated that this parasitic bacterium causes over $300 million in expenses for the U.S. cattle industry annually. In Arkansas, the beef cattle industry is the fifth largest agricultural commodity in the state, thus necessitating a better understanding of this disease along with its prevalence. In this study, both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were used to determine the prevalence of A. marginale infection in Arkansas beef cattle on pasture in the six commonly known geographical …