Meat Science Commons^™

Feeding Vitamin E May Reverse Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Instability Caused By Feeding Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles To Cattle, Michael D. Chao, Katherine I. Domenech, Chris R. Calkins Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steers were finished on either 0% or 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles with four antioxidant treatments (control; vitamin E; Agrado; vitamin E + Agrado). Feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles increased polyunsaturated fatty acids contents in SR membrane and altered sarcoplasmic reticulum phospholipid profiles. Steaks from steers fed wet distillers grains plus solubles also had more protein degradation. Supplementing vitamin E reversed the alteration of sarcoplasmic reticulum phospholipid profiles and prevented the accelerated protein degradation resulted from feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles. These findings suggest that feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles in the finishing diet may accelerate …

Granulosa Cell Exposure To Excess Androgens Inhibits Their Ability To Proliferate In The Cow Which May Cause Or Perpetuate Androgen Excess, Andrea S. Cupp, Sarah Romereim, Adam F. Summers Summers, William E. Pohlmeier, Renee M. Mcfee, Renata Spuri- Gomes, Scott G. Kurz, Anthony K. Mcneel, Robert A. Cushman, John S. Davis, Jennifer R. Wood

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Within the UNL physiology herd, a group of cows have been identified with excess androgen (androstenedione, A4) in their dominant follicle (30 fold higher than controls) and a 17% reduction in calving rate, suggesting subfertility. Th e objective was to identify altered granulosa cell gene expression that could be preventing these cells from converting excess androgen into estrogen. Microarray analysis suggests these granulosa cells experience inhibited proliferation resulting in a reduced total population of cells. Improved understanding of the causes of this phenotype may provide beef producers with tools to identify potentially subfertile cattle and improve reproductive efficiency.

Effect Of Dam Age On Offspring Productivity, Aline G. Da Silva, Jacqueline A. Musgrave, John Nollette Nollette, Andy Applegarth, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Records collected from 1997 to 2014 were analyzed to evaluate the effects of dam age on off spring productivity. Steer calves born from young mothers (2 and 3 yr old dams) had lighter carcasses with more carcasses grading Choice and upper 2/3 Choice. Th e calving performance and reproductive performance in the second breeding season for heifer calves born from first calving dams were the lowest compared with heifers born from multiparous dams. A quadratic effect of dam age on off spring performance was observed; as dam age increased, off spring performance increased, until dam age reached 7 to 8 …

Impact Of Supplementing Cattle With Omnigen- Af At The Receiving Or Finishing Phase On Beef Shelf- Life, Katherine I. Domenech, Michael D. Chao, Joe Buntyn Buntyn, Ty B. Schmidt, Chris R. Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A patented proprietary product, OmniGen- AF, was evaluated to extend beef steak shelf- life at 8, 22 and 29 days of aging. Th e three treatment groups included a control group with no supplementation, OmniGen- AF supplementation for28 d aft er receiving, and supplementation for 210 d during finishing. Th e inclusion of OmniGen- AF had no effect on tenderness or visual discoloration under retail display conditions and minimal effects on fatty acid composition. Although color stability seemed to be unaffected by the supplementation, feeding OmniGen- AF throughout the entire feeding period tended to decrease oxidation. Supplementing cattle with a …

Effects Of Replacing A Traditional Growing Diet With A Complete Pelleted Feed On Total Tract Digestibility Of Growing Diets, Jana L. Harding, Melissa L. Jolly, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A digestion study evaluated the effects of replacing traditional growing diets containing 60% untreated corn stover \or 60% alkaline treated corn stover, with one of two types of complete pelleted feeds (Pellet C or Pellet S) containing alkaline treated corn stover and dry distillers grains. Pellet C and S were harvested using different methods. Pellet S had the greatest OM and NDF digestibility, while the untreated stover had the lowest. Pellet C and the treated stover fell intermediate. Replacing a traditional growing diet with a complete pelleted feed resulted in similar or improved diet digestibility, depending on stover harvesting method.

Evaluating Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn On Finishing Cattle Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Marie E. Harris, Melissa L. Jolly- Breithaupt, Brandon L. Nuttelman Nuttelman, Dirk Burken, Galen E. Erickson, Ivan G. Rush, Matt K. Luebbe

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two experiments were conducted to compare Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn™ containing an alpha amylase enzyme trait (SYT- EFC) with commercially available corn grain without the alpha amylase enzyme trait (Conventional) for cattle performance and carcass characteristics at 2 locations. In Exp. 1, steers were fed SYT- EFC or Conventional corn with or without the addition of 25% Sweet Bran, or a BLEND (Conventional and SYT- EFC) without Sweet Bran. In Exp. 2, steers were fed SYT- EFC, Conventional, BLEND, or Conventional with an alpha amylase enzyme supplement (NZ). In Exp. 1, feed conversion improved 8.5% for SYT- EFC compared with …

Effect Of Harvest Method On Residue Quality, Tasha M. King, Robert G. Bondurant, Jana L. Harding Harding, Jim C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A growing study was conducted to evaluate the effect of residue quality due to harvest method and inclusion of supplemental rumen undegradable protein on performance of growing steers. The residue harvested with an alternative method to minimize stem increased gain and improved efficiency compared to conventionally harvested corn residue. Inclusion of rumen undegradable protein increased gain and improved feed effi ciency compared to diets without supplemental rumen undegradable protein.

Finishing Yearling Heifers Using Self- Fed Dried Distillers Grains On Pasture, Jared M. Mracek, Jason M. Warner, Bradley R. Wetovick Wetovick, Dennis E. Bauer, Twig T. Marston, Jim C. Macdonald, Jerry D. Volesky, Richard J. Rasby

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 2- yr study compared a traditional system of grazing yearlings followed by a grain- based drylot finishing program to a system using a self- fed dried distillers grain supplement during a spring/summer/fall pasture grazing season. Th e self- fed (SF) heifers had greater ADG and ending BW on pasture but the traditionally managed heifers had greater final BW and HCW. At harvest, SF heifers had greater 12th rib back fat. When data were adjusted to a common empty body fat, carcass weight and marbling score were greater for traditionally managed heifers.

Effect Of Safeguard® On Fecal Egg Count And Steer Performance In Newly Received Calves, Antonio J. Neto, Curtis J. Bittner, Brandon L. Nuttelman Nuttelman, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of Safeguard® on fecal egg count (FEC) and performance of newly received calves in the feedlot were evaluated. Treatments were Safeguard® and Dectomax® injectable or only Dectomax® injectable. Th e basal diet consisted of 30% dry- rolled corn, 36% Sweet Bran® Cargill, 30% alfalfa hay, and 4% supplement. Th ere were no diff erences in DMI, ADG, F:G, and initial FEC between treatments. However, FEC on d 19 was lower for animals receiving Safeguard® and Dectomax® compared to Dectomax®. Th e combination of Safeguard® and Dectomax ® reduced FEC to very low amounts of newly received calves in …

How Many Clean-Up Bulls Are Needed Aft Er Estrus Synchronization And Artificial Insemination?, Hazy R. Nielson, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

To evaluate the ideal number of bulls to use following estrus synchronization and artificial insemination (AI), research reporting AI and final pregnancy rates and bull to female ratio in Bos taurus cattle was reviewed and summarized. Pregnancy rate means were weighted based on the number of females in each study. Final pregnancy rates for a normal bull to female ratio (1:20 to 30) in a natural service setting were 87.8%. In comparison, final pregnancy rates following estrus synchronization and AI for a normal, intermediate (1:31 to 49), and half the number of bulls (1:50 to 60) were 87.8, 82.6, and …

Effect Of Feeding De-Oiled Dry Distillers Grains Plus Solubles On Beef Oxidation, Color And Tenderness, Keni E.Z. Nubiato, Katherine I. Domenech, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Chris R. Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle fed a de-oiled dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) diet (50% DM basis) were compared to cattle fed a corn- based control diet to determine effects on discoloration, oxidation, color, and tenderness of beef aged for 2, 8, 14 and 21 days. Dietary treatment had no effect on tenderness. From the fourth day of retail display, beef from animals fed de-oiled DDGS had greater lipid oxidation and greater percentages of discoloration. Th e de-oiled DDGS treatment also showed greater discoloration aft er 21 days of aging. While feeding de-oiled DDGS did not impact lipid oxidation at 2, 8 and …

Effects Of Direct- Fed Microbial Supplementation In Different Diets On Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Beef Feedlot Heifers, Laura F. Prados, Nirosh D. Aluthge, Curtis J. Bittner Bittner, F. Henry Hilscher, Samodha C. Fernando, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate performance and carcass characteristics of heifers fed a newly developed direct- fed microbial (DFM), using 336 heifers in a pen study. Th e experiment consisted of feeding corn (CON) or 40% modified distillers grains plus solubles (40MDGS) and presence or absence of DFM added as a top- dress. No significant differences were observed for heifer performance and carcass characteristics due to DFM. Feeding MDGS increased ADG, while reducing F:G compared to CON. The DFM developed for this study did not enhance performance as was hypothesized, while feeding MDGS did.

Observations Of Forage Quality And Calf Gain When Grazing Double Cropped Forage Following Wheat Harvest, Kristen M. Ulmer, Robert G. Bondurant, Jana L. Harding Harding, Gary Lesoing, M. E. Drewnoski, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 2- year cover crop grazing study was conducted following wheat harvest to evaluate the quality and yield of a 5- way forage annual forage mix in addition to cattle performance. In 2013, gain of steer calves was 2.03 lb/day, while 2014 steer calves had gain of 1.55 lb/day. Above ground forage production was 1.08 and 1.72 tons/acre in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Daikon radish and purple top turnip (brassicas) were high in sulfur and low in fiber. Fall forage production of brassica and oat based mixes following wheat grain harvest provide 97 to 137 lb of gain per acre.

Effect Of Pelleted Feed Products And Bambermycins On Performance When Fed To Cattle Grazing Residue, Cody A. Welchons, Robert G. Bondurant, F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher, Jim C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, Cody A. Nichols

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing non- irrigated corn residue were supplemented with a corn residue and by- product pellet at 0.3, 0.7, or 1.1% of BW. Th e, pellet was formulated to deliver either 0 or 10 mg/steer daily of bambermycins (Gainpro). Th ere was no interaction between bambermycins inclusion and level of supplementation. Likewise, there was no effect of bambermycins on ending BW or ADG. As level of supplement increased, both ending BW and ADG increased linearly.

Genetic Parameters For Docility, Weaning Weight, Yearling Weight, And Intramuscular Fat Percentage In Hereford Cattle, J. A. Torres-Vázquez, Matthew L. Spangler

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Cattle behavior, including measures of docility, is important to beef cattle producers not only from a human safety perspective but also due to potential correlations to economically relevant traits. Field data from the American Hereford Association was used to estimate genetic parameters for chute score (CS; n = 25,037), weaning weight (WW; n = 24,908), yearling weight (YW; n = 23,978), and intramuscular fat percentage (IMF; n = 12,566). Single-trait and bivariate animal models were used to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations. All models included fixed effects of sex and contemporary group, defined as herd–year–season, and direct genetic and residual …

Production And Economic Efficiencies Of Intensified Cow–Calf Production Management Systems, Jason M. Warner

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of four experiments conducted was to evaluate production and economic efficiencies of intensified cow-calf production management systems. The first experiment tested the effect of calf age at weaning on cow and calf performance and feed utilization at 2 locations. Body weight change from early to conventional weaning time was greater for early-weaned cows. Cow BCS and conception rates were not impacted by weaning. Calf BW at conventional weaning time was greater for conventionally-weaned calves than early-weaned calves at ARDC, but greater for early-weaned than conventionally-weaned calves at PHREC. Calf ADG per unit of total feed energy intake was …

Performance, Body Temperature And Blood Metabolites Of Feedlot Steers As Influenced By Environmental Conditions And Supplementation Of Zilpaterol Hydrochloride, Bradley M. Boyd

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Trial one was conducted at the United States Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) near clay center, NE during the summer of 2014. The objective of this trial was to measure the effects of supplementing zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for the final 21 days of the finishing period, and shade, on performance, body temperature, respiration rate, and mobility of finishing beef steers. Feeding ZH increased hot carcass weight, dressing percent, longissimus muscle area, and reduce USDA yield grade. Shade did not affect steer performance and did not reduce body temperature. Zilpaterol hydrochloride increased respiration rate when compared to control cattle and had …

Genomic Analysis Of Sow Reproductive Traits: Identification Of Selective Sweeps, Major Genes, And Genotype By Diet Interactions, Melanie D. Trenhaile

Department of Animal Science: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Reproductive traits, such as litter size and reproductive longevity, are economically important. However, selection for these traits is difficult due to low heritability, polygenic nature, sex-limited expression, and expression late in life. Marker-assisted selection may provide an alternative to increase genetic progress.

Nebraska Index Line (NIL) has been selected for litter size related traits since 1981. It is one of the main contributing lines to the UNL reproductive longevity resource population (n > 1,500), which was genotyped for 60,000 SNPs, phenotyped for age at puberty (AP), lifetime number of parities (LTNP), litter size traits, and other reproductive traits, and fed …

Effects Of Shade And Feeding Zilpaterol Hydrochloride To Finishing Steers On Performance, Carcass Quality, Heat Stress, Mobility, And Body Temperature, Bradley M. Boyd, Steven D. Shackelford, Kristin E. Hales, Tami M. Brown-Brandl, Meredith L. Bremer, Matthew L. Spangler, T. L. Wheeler, D. A. King, Galen Erickson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Steers (n = 480; 22% with black hides and 78% with red hides) were used to study the effects of shade and feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on performance, carcass quality, heat stress, mobility, and body temperature (BT). A randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement was used with 4 replicates per treatment. Factors included housing type (open or shaded pens) and the feeding of ZH (0 or 8.33 mg/kg DM) the last 21 d on feed with a 3-d withdrawal. Cattle were blocked by BW into a heavy or light block and randomly assigned to pen …

Crossbreeding Strategies: Including Terminal Vs. Maternal Crosses, Robert L. Weaber

Range Beef Cow Symposium

The dramatic changes and volatility cow-calf production system input costs and calf values have many producers wondering about the value of heterosis in today’s beef industry pricing structure. Many producers are seeking ways to improve cow-calf production efficiency and profitability. Profitability may be enhanced by increasing the volume of production (i.e. the pounds of calves you market) and/or the value of products you sell (improving quality). The reduction of production costs, and thus breakeven prices, can also improve profitability. Better yet, improving the input:output ratio should enhance profit. For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that …

Managing Risk On The Average Sized Cow–Calf Operation, Wayne Fahsholtz

Range Beef Cow Symposium

It has been said that life happens. Usually that refers to circumstances that happen in one’s life or in the life of a ranching business. These circumstances can include weather events like drought, severe snow, floods and fire. There are a number of tools that can be used to reduce the risk that ranches incur. The proactive ranch leader will take steps to manage risks. It is an ongoing process and must occur every year in order for risk to be minimized. Workforce risk and succession must also be taken into account. Ranches that don’t take risk management steps are …

Feedlot And Carcass Data: Making “Cents” And Making Decisions, Julie Walker

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Sixty-two percent of calves are sold within 30 days of weaning (47% at weaning; McBride and Mathews, 2011). In the last decade, marketing of finished animals has shifted to selling on value-based systems. In 2012, nearly three times more cattle were sold in a value-based system compared to a traditional cash method. However, those two marketing methods accounted for nearly equal percentages of cattle sold as recently as 2006 (Mike Kasten, RBCS 2013). Therefore, carcass merit is a larger driver of value today compared to when the majority of cattle were sold on a live weight basis. How are feeder …

Using Partial Confinement Systems For Beef Cattle Production, Karla Jenkins

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Summary

• Energy density is the key to limit feeding
• Lactation increases energy needs considerably
• Consider early weaning options
• Confined calves must be able to reach water and feed
• Limit fed cows need ample bunk space and a consistent feeding routine
• Each producer needs to evaluate their resources and system options to see what might work best
• As prices change systems should be reevaluated

Economically Relevant Traits And Selection Indices, Matt L. Spangler

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Sire selection should focus on that which is economical. This requires a true accounting of the traits that generate revenue or incur a cost within a specific beef cattle enterprise. Once the drivers of profit have been identified, sire selection should focus on the suite of traits that impact profitability. The use of bio-economic selection indices can dramatically reduce the complexity of multiple trait selection and aid in sire selection towards increased profitability. It is critical to use selection indices that match the intended production system. Using a terminal index in an enterprise that retains replacement heifers would not be …

Cow Feed Efficiency Unknowns Including Utilization Of Range Forages, Douglas L. Olsen

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Olsen Ranches is a family-owned diversified operation located in western Nebraska near Harrisburg. The Olsens have a commercial and registered cow herd that markets harvest ready animals as well as replacement females and bulls. Custom services include custom individual feed intake data collection with a GrowSafe system, custom feeding, and custom AI work. The farm enterprise crops include wheat, corn, barley, peas, annual forages, and alfalfa on both dry land and irrigated farm ground. In 2010, Olsens installed a GrowSafe system on the ranch to measure feed intake of steers that are part of the American Hereford Association’s National Reference …

Feed Efficiency In The Range Beef Cow: What Should We Be Looking Att?, H. H. "Trey" Patterson

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Beef cow efficiency is a critically important topic for range cow producers. Feed efficiency, or the ability to convert grazed forages into production, is obviously an important aspect of overall cow efficiency. The late Bob Taylor from CSU made the statement “profitable cattle are usually productive, but productive cattle are not always profitable” (Taylor, 1994). That is an inherently important concept in the efficiency discussion, as it leads us to question the important metrics in determining feed efficiency in the cow.

Impacts Of Estrous Synchronization On Cowherd Performance, G. Cliff Lamb

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Estrous synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) are reproductive management tools that have been available to beef producers for over 40 years. Synchronization of the estrous cycle has the potential to shorten the calving season, increase calf uniformity, and enhance the possibilities for utilizing AI. Artificial insemination allows producers the opportunity to infuse superior genetics into their operations at costs far below the cost of purchasing a herd sire of similar standards. These tools remain the most important and widely applicable reproductive biotechnologies available for beef cattle operations. However, beef producers have been slow to utilize or adopt these technologies into …

Animal Welfare Implications Of Beef Industry Practices Including Dehorning, Castration, And Branding, Jason K. Ahola

Range Beef Cow Symposium

An increasing number of consumers are making animal product purchasing decisions based on how animals were raised and cared for. This decision is, in most cases, based on labeling claims made on packaged products, point of purchase materials offered, and/or conversations with those selling the product. This issue is driven by consumers wanting to know more about how their food is raised and where it comes from. For the average consumer with no baseline knowledge, there appears to be a need for verification and validation that animals received appropriate care during their lifetimes and were treated as humanely as possible. …

Why Does Consumer Opinion Trump Science (Animal Welfare, Gmos, Food Animals Vs. Pets)?, Ronnie D. Green

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Slides of a presentation covering science denialism with respect to animal welfare, genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), food animals versus pets, etc.

De-Commoditizing The Feeder Calf Market: Providing Objective Information To Buyers, Tom Brink, Lee Leachman

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Beef is no longer a commodity as it is presented to consumers. Name brands and greater differentiation are everywhere. Fed cattle aren’t really a commodity either. Close to 70% of all fed cattle are sold on grids and formulas, which price these animals individually, according to their actual carcass value. Commercial bulls have been de-commoditized for years. Bulls in all major breeds are now sold with a plethora of specific and detailed information (even videos on individual animals) that allows prospective buyers to evaluate and compare bulls in a detailed and sophisticated manner, similar to how we might compare pickup …