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Statistics Used In The Nebraska Beef Report And Their Purpose

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Th e purpose of beef cattle and beef product research at University of Nebraska– Lincoln is to provide reference information that represents the various populations (cows, calves, heifers, feeders, carcasses, retail products, etc.) of beef production. Obviously, the researcher cannot apply treatments to every member of a population; therefore, he/she must sample the population. Th e use of statistics allows the researcher and readers of the Nebraska Beef Report the opportunity to evaluate separation of random (chance) occurrences and real biological effects of a treatment. Following is a brief description of the major statistics used in the beef report. For …

Effects Of Supplementing Omnigen- Af® With Or Without Ractopamine Hydrochloride On Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Feedlot Steers, Kelby M. Sudbeck, Robert G. Bondurant, Troy J. Wistuba Wistuba, Kevin C. Dehaan, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, Matt K. Luebbe

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An experiment was used to evaluate feeding OmniGen- AF during the last 28 or 56 days of the finishing phase in diets with or without Optafl exx. Th ere were no differences in steer performance or carcass characteristics when OmniGen- AF was fed alone or in combination with Optaflexx. Feeding Optaflexx increased ADG, HCW, and improved F:G. Supplementation of Optafl exx also increased the rate of accretion in LM area, but decreased the accretion of intramuscular fat percentage. These data illustrate the repartitioning of nutrients between lean and fat tissues when Optaflexx is fed.

Effect Of Corn Residue Harvest Method On In Vivo And In Vitro Digestibility, Janessa J. Updike, Levi J. Mcphillips, Melissa L. Jolly- Breithaupt Breithaupt, Jana L. Harding, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A digestion study was conducted using 18 crossbred wether lambs to evaluate the effects of corn residue harvesting method and ensiling on the digestibility of corn residue. Husks had the greatest digestibility compared to any of the harvesting methods. No differences were observed for the digestibility of husklage, ensiled husklage, or stalklage. None of the harvest methods resulted in residue digestibilities similar to husks.

Effects Of Wintering System On Cow And Calf Performance In A Summer-Calving Intensive Production System, Jason M. Warner, Curtis J. Bittner, Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, Karla H. Jenkins, Richard J. Rasby, Matt K. Luebbe, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Effects of wintering cow- calf pairs on cornstalks or in a drylot on cow- calf performance and reproduction in a summer-calving intensively managed cowherd were evaluated at two locations. Cow body condition score change was not different between treatments in western Nebraska, but was greater for pairs fed in a drylot in eastern Nebraska. In western Nebraska, calf gain and weights were not different between treatments, but were greater for drylot calves in eastern Nebraska. Initial data indicate that wintering pairs on cornstalks may decrease cow performance and calf gain. If reproduction is adequate and grazing is not impeded, wintering …

Evaluation Of Varying Corn Grain (And Byproduct) Inclusion In Beef Cattle Finishing Diets, Andrea K. Watson, Matt K. Luebbe, Galen E. Erickson Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A pooled- analysis of UNL feedlot trials examined the impact of starch (corn grain) on cattle performance. Cattle age (calf- fed or yearling) affected DMI, ADG, and F:G, but not marbling score or fat depth. Intake, ADG, F:G, and fat depth were optimized with 50– 70% corn grain in the diet. Marbling was not maximized until the diet contained > 75% corn. Removing either all the corn or all the byproduct from diets did not maximize performance. Including a minimum of 20% byproduct and 20% corn in the diet is biologically advantageous, while the remaining 60% of the diet is flexible …

Performance And Economics Of Supplementing Yearlings On Smooth Bromegrass Pastures, Cody A. Welchons, Robert G. Bondurant, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, Jim C. Macdonald, Andrea K. Watson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Ten years of performance data from 2005– 2014 were summarized to evaluate the effects of distillers grains plus solubles supplementation or fertilization of smooth bromegrass on performance and economic profitability of yearling steers with corn priced at either $3,4, or 5/bu and DGS priced at either 95, 105, or 115% the price of corn. Steers supplemented with distillers grains on non- fertilized smooth bromegrass had greater ADG (2.37 lb/d) compared with unsupplemented steers (1.69 lb/d). Unsupplemented steers grazing fertilized and nonfertilized pasture had similar gains; however, steers grazing fertilized pasture were more profitable due to savings in land rent. Supplemented …

Effect Of Pelleted Byproducts On Performance When Fed To Growing Cattle, Cody A. Welchons, Curtis J. Bittner, Dirk Burken Burken, Jim C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Heifers fed a basal diet of either low or high quality forage were supplemented with a corn residue and corn by- product pellet at 0, 0.5, or 1.0% of BW. A linear increase in final BW, ADG, and feed efficiency was observed as supplement increased for heifers fed high quality forage while a quadratic response was observed for those fed low quality forage. Increasing supplement linearly decreased daily average forage dry matter intake from 16.5 lb to 12.6 lb at 0 and 1.0% of BW, respectively. Accordingly, as supplement intake increased, total dry matter intake increased linearly from 16.5 lb …

Table Of Contents 2016 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

No abstract provided.

2016 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report (Complete)

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Contents

Cow/Calf: Effects of Wintering System on Cow and Calf Performance in a Summer-Calving Intensive Production System ● How Many Clean-up Bulls Are Needed after Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination? ● Economics of Rebreeding Non-pregnant Females ● Effect of MGA vs CIDR Estrus Synchronization on Estrus Response and Pregnancy Rates in 311 d Old Beef Heifers ● Comparison of TAI at GnRH Injection and Delayed Insemination of Non-estrus Beef Heifers ● Effect of Dam Age on Offspring Productivity ● Cows with Excess Androgen are Anovulatory and Have Differing Patterns of Progesterone Secretion ● Granulosa Cell Exposure to Excess Androgens Inhibits …

Effects Of Supplemental Energy And Protein Source On Performance Of Steers Grazing Irrigated Corn Residue, Benjamin T. Tibbitts, Jim C. Macdonald, Rick N. Funston Funston, Cody A. Welchons, Robert G. Bondurant, F. Henry Hilscher

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing corn residue (86 d) were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments to evaluate the effects of protein and energy supplements on steer performance. Th e 5 treatments consisted of 1) un-supplemented control (NS), 2) dry rolled corn only (CRN), 3) 89% dry rolled corn/6% molasses/5% urea (C + RDP), 4) 60/40 blend of soy- pass/soybean meal (SP), and 5) dried distillers grains plus solubles (DGS). Supplements were fed to provide equal TDN intake. Average daily gain among treatments was 1.48, 1.32, 0.53, 0.31, and −0.18 lbs. for SP, DGS, C + RDP, CRN, and NS, respectively. Only …

Metabolic And Body Temperature Responses To Environmental Conditions Across Seasons In Finishing Steers, Bradley M. Boyd, Terry L. Mader, Curtis J. Bittner Bittner, Dirk Burken, Henry Hilscher, Gene Wijffels, John B. Gaughan, Megan Sullivan, Judy Cawdell- Smith, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two trials (summer and winter) were conducted with 80 steers each at the UNL ARDC near Mead, Neb. Continuous body temperature was collected throughout both trials and blood samples were taken every other week until four weeks prior to harvest. Th is resulted in a total of 6 collections for the summer and 8 collections for the winter. Blood measures responded differently between seasons with significant quadratic interactions between collection time and season suggesting environmental conditions affect blood metabolites.

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 Hales, Tami M. Brown- Brandl, Meredith L. Bremer, Matthew L. Spangler, Tommy L. Wheeler, David A. King, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing study evaluated the effects of shade and feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on performance, carcass quality, mobility, and body temperature. No effect on body temperature, or performance was observed for shaded cattle versus cattle in open pens. Feeding ZH increased HCW, LM area and decreased yield grade. Zilpaterol hydrochloride increased respiration rate but did not significantly affect body temperature or mobility. Across all treatments mobility decreased with time, therefore, cattle were least mobile at the time of harvest.

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.

Mineral Composition Of Beef Cattle Carcasses, Andrea K. Watson, Jana L. Harding, Matt P. Mccurdy Curdy, Matt J. Hersom, Kristin E. Hales, Clint R. Krehbiel, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Mineral retention was measured in 76 beef steers. Cattle were grown at different rates of gain and then finished on a common diet. Calcium and P retention were not affected by treatment and were similar between the growing and finishing periods averaging 4.2 g P and 10.8 g Ca /100 g protein gain across both experiments. As ADG during the growing period was decreased, K, Mg, and S mineral retention during the finishing period were increased. Expressing mineral retention as g/100 g protein gain reducedvariation due to animal size and ADG and suggests that current NRC predictions are accurate.

Anaerobic Digestion Of Feedlot Manure, Andrea K. Watson, Adam L. Shreck, Amy M. Schmidt Schmidt, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle diet can impact manure quality and quantity but has minimal impacts on methane production from anaerobic digestion of manure. Quality of manure, measured as OM, does affectmethane production and is largely impacted by the environment cattle are housed in and methods used to collect manure. As the amount of ash contamination of manure was increased, or OM content of the manure was decreased, organic matter degradation and methaneproduction were decreased. With adequate daily cleanout of ash from digesters, open-lot beef cattle manurecan be used for anaerobic digestion.

Mineral Composition Of Serial Slaughter Holstein Carcasses, Andrea K. Watson, Trent J. Mcevers, Lee-Anne J. Walter Walter, Nathan D. May, Jacob A. Reed, N. Andy Cole, Ty E. Lawrence, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Carcasses of 115 Holstein steers were divided into lean, bone, internal cavity, hide, and fat tissues for analysis of P, Ca, K, Mg, and S retention. Every 28 days, five steers from each of two treatments, fed Zilmax for 20 days prior to harvest or not fed Zilmax, were harvested. There were no differences due to treatment or days on feed when mineral retention was expressed as g/100 g of protein gain. Expressing mineral retention relative to protein gain reduced variation due to rate of gain and animal size.

2015 Beef Cattle Report (Complete)

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Table of Contents

Cow/Calf

Impact of Heifer Development System on Subsequent Gain and Reproduction 5

Genetic Parameter Estimates for Calving Difficulty and Birth Weight in a Multibreed Population 8

Estimation of British- and Continental-Specific Heterosis Effects for Birth, Weaning, and Yearling Weight in Cattle 10

Using Sugar Beet Pulp to Replace Wheat Straw when Limit Feeding Late Gestation Beef Cows 12

Supplementing Cow-Calf Pairs Grazing Smooth Bromegrass 14

Effects of Calf Age at Weaning on Cow and Calf Performance and Feed Utilization in an Intensive Production System 16

An Economic Analysis of Conventional and Alternative Cow-Calf Production Systems 19

Effect …