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 …

Evaluating Predictive Models For Predicting Total Score Of Beef Carcasses, Emmanuel Forson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The beef industry plays a vital role in global agriculture, with carcass quality and consumer preference being key determinants of market success. This thesis examines predictive modeling techniques for estimating the Total Score of beef carcasses, a composite measure representing yield and quality, primarily used by the Nebraska Cattlemen Association. Using data from the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Foundation Retail Value Steer Challenge (2000–2023), the study compares the performance of First Order Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) with three machine learning techniques: K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM).

The analysis focuses on six key predictors: Hot Carcass Weight, Back …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 ± …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Effect Of Finishing System And Animal Age On Carcass Traits And Nutritional Profile Of Bison Bulls, Clay Newton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this thesis project were to 1) evaluate the influence of grain- and grass-finishing systems on carcass characteristics, proximate composition, nutritional profile, and fatty acid composition of bison bull meat, and 2) evaluate the influence of animal age on carcass characteristics of bison bulls. For objective 1, bison bulls were allowed to graze native range in north-central Nebraska until approximately 26 mo of age, when they were randomly assigned to either grain-finishing (n = 98; in an open lot with ad libitum access to prairie hay, alfalfa hay and corn for 95 d prior to slaughter) or grass-finishing …

Optimization Of Forage Use In Diets Fed To Backgrounding And Finishing Cattle In The Northern Great Plains, Thomas G. Hamilton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The two studies in this thesis were conducted to: 1) investigate the impact of corn silage moisture content and kernel processing at harvest on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, and carcass traits in finishing steers when fed at 20% DM inclusion in diets containing modified distillers grains plus solubles; and 2) determine the influence of equal cumulative roughage inclusion in a single diet or twodiet system during a 210-d backgrounding-finishing period in pre-conditioned beef steers on growth performance responses, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and carcass traits. Experiment 1 was a 112-d finishing experiment conducted …

Identification And Characterization Of Candidate Rumen Bacterial Species From Beef Cattle With The Potential For Metabolizing Lipids, Cheyenne E. Hron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ruminants and the microorganisms within their rumen have an intricate symbiotic relationship. Ruminants are able to convert plant materials that are indigestible to humans into meat, milk, and fiber for human consumption and use. Supplementing lipids in diets fed to beef cattle could be beneficial for the host animal as lipids are a higher density energy source. However, they can be detrimental to rumen microorganisms. While much research has been involved in elucidating the composition of the ruminal microbiome, knowledge of the effects of lipids on the ruminal microbiome has been quite limited. In this context, we took advantage of …

Influence Of Beef Carcass Weight On Carcass Chilling, Steak Case Life And Quality Traits, Trevor C. Dehaan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine the influence of beef carcass weight on chilling and pH decline of beef carcasses, as well as color, case life and tenderness of steaks from the round, loin, rib and chuck. Twelve carcasses were allotted by hot carcass weight (HCW) into Heavyweight (HW) and Lightweight (LW) groups. Temperature decline, pH decline and thermal image temperature were measured in the round, loin, rib, and chuck for approximately 48 hours. Carcass data including 12th rib fat thickness, ribeye area, and marbling score were collected. The Semitendinosus (ST), Longissimus lumborum (LL), Longissimus thoracis (LT) and …

Management And Dietary Strategies To Mitigate Environmental Stressors In Northern Plains Cattle Feeding Systems, Warren Carl Rusche

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Three studies were undertaken to examine strategies to mitigate environmental stress faced by Northern Plains cattle feeders. In the first study, 46 feedlot managers from SD (n = 21), MN (n = 6), and NE (n = 19) were surveyed on use and perceptions of heat stress (HS) mitigation strategies. All respondents avoided cattle handling during heat stress events and incorporated some method of HS mitigation. Buildings or shades were perceived as the most successful strategy (60.9%) and were most commonly named as strategies managers would like to employ (63% for shades and 17.4% for buildings). Increasing dietary corn silage …

Impact Of Carcass Chilling System On Carcass Characteristics And Biochemical Changes In Beef Carcasses, Lydia Margaret Hite

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Effective and efficient chilling of beef carcasses will directly influence meat quality and consumer acceptance. Over the past century the United States’ meat industry has evolved, and spray chilling system have become common practice utilized by the beef industry. However, many of the chilling systems presently in use were designed to chill carcasses averaging lighter than the average beef hot carcass weight of today. Beef hot carcass weight has increased 68 kilograms from 1991 to 2019. The increase in beef hot carcass weight could result in longer chilling periods and present possible challenges for chilling systems used by the beef …