Meat Science Commons^™

Characterizing Digestion Traits Of Novel Corn Bran Products, Jiehua Xiong, Chanon Suntara, Rebecca Sjostrand, Tyler Spore, Maggie Youngers, Rick Stock, Galen E. Erickson, J. C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A digestion study was conducted to evaluate novel corn bran products from Cargill Corn Milling on nutrient digestibility in beef steers. Three bran products (Bran A/B/C) were included at 70% of diet dry matter of TRT A, B and C, with an internal control (SFC control) diet which consisted of 70% SFC. The SFC control exhibited the greatest dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and starch digestibility, and the least neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. Among TRT A, B and C when bran products were included at 70%, there was no difference in DM or OM intake and digestibility. NDF …

Interaction Of Sweet Bran Inclusion And Corn Processing Method In Beef Finishing Diets On Digestibility, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Kathlyn Hauxwell, Maggie Youngers, Rick Stock, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Six ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers were utilized in a 6 × 6 Latin square design to evaluate the interaction of corn processing method and Sweet Bran inclusion in finishing diets on total tract digestibility and rumen fermentation characteristics. Treatments were designed as a 2 × 3 factorial, with one factor as corn processing method (steam-flaked corn or a blend of high-moisture and dry-rolled corn) and the second factor as Sweet Bran inclusion at 0, 20, or 40% of diet dry matter. Cattle fed steam-flaked corn diets had greater starch digestibility while cattle fed high-moisture/ dry-rolled corn diets had greater …

Evaluation Of Models To Predict Dry Matter Intake Of Forage Based Diets, Aksel Wiseman, Andrea K. Watson, Rick Stock, Terry Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Dry matter intake (DMI) data from growing cattle experiments at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center were summarized in order to evaluate the accuracy of model predicted DMI. Cattle were fed individually (n = 78) or in pens (n = 15) and predicted DMI using the Beef Cattle Nutrient Requirements Model (BCNRM, 2016) was compared to observed DMI. The model over predicted DMI when total digestible nutrients (TDN) was less than 64%, under predicted DMI when dietary TDN was greater than 64%, and had a low accuracy, explaining less than 22% of the variation in DMI. An equation to …

Interaction Of Urea With Frequency And Amount Of Distillers Grains Supplementation For Growing Steers, Haley F. Linder, Zachary E. Carlson, M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study was conducted to determine the interaction of urea with the frequency and amount of distillers grain supplementation for growing steers consuming forage. Steers were individually fed for 84 d and received ad libitum grass hay and 1 of 8 treatments. Treatment design was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial. Supplement was fed either every day or 3x/ week, amount of supplement fed was 13.99 lb/week or 28.00 lb/week, and contained either no urea or 1.3% urea. Supplementation frequency and the inclusion of urea did not impact steer average daily gain. The amount of supplement did impacted steer …

Impact Of Urea On Corn Silage Growing Cattle Diets, Tyler J. Spore, Hannah C. Wilson, Nolan R. Meier, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Andrea K. Watson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing urea in a corn silage growing cattle diet and ensiling time impact on rumen undegradable protein content of corn silage. Four treatments (urea inclusion at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5% of diet dry matter) were evaluated in diets containing 95% corn silage using 10 ruminally and duodenally cannulated heifers. Corn silage was sampled 5 times (every 32 days) to determine rumen undegradable protein content. Intake and total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber all increased linearly with increasing inclusion of urea in the diet. Measured …

Growth Performance In Livestock With Stress-Induced Low Birthweight Is Recovered By Clenbuterol Administration, Rachel L. Gibbs, Rebecca M. Swanson, Joslyn K. Beard, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica Lynn Petersen, Dustin T. Yates

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Stress in pregnant livestock causes pathological low birthweight of the offspring and diminishes their muscle growth capacity. Using sheep as a model for beef cattle, this study determined that the limited growth capacity of offspring with stress-induced low birthweight could be recovered by postnatal treatments. Muscle in these animals has less growth-promoting β2 adrenergic activity and thus the injectable β2 adrenergic stimulant clenbuterol was used as a daily treatment. Lambs with stress-induced low birthweight continued to exhibit impaired muscle growth and feed efficiency well past the normal age for weaning. In addition, they began to put on excess fat around …

Zipaterol Supplementation Improved Indicators Of Well-Being, But Not Growth In Heat-Stressed Red Angus Steers, Pablo C. Grijalva, Duarte E. Diaz, Samuel R. Garcia, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica Lynn Petersen, Dustin T. Yates

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of zilpaterol (β2 agonist) supplementation on respiration rate, body temperature, growth, and carcass traits were studied in chronically heat-stressed feedlot steers. Through a collaborative partnership with the University of Arizona, Red Angus steers were heat stressed (90-105^oF) and fed zilpaterol-supplemented rations (Thermo-neutral control steers were pair-fed to the average feed intake of heat-stressed steers) for 30 days. Hot and cold carcass weights for heat-stressed cattle were 3% less than for controls, despite equal feed intake. Zilpaterol did not affect growth but improved the heat stress-induced hyperventilation and elevated body temperatures. Lighter carcass weights in heat-stressed cattle …

Inflammatory Modulators Improve Daily Gain Of Heat-Stressed Wethers, Micah S. Most, Pablo C. Grijalva, Dustin T. Yates

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Inflammation during heat stress may mediate poor growth in livestock. The effects of anti-imflammatory treatments on muscle growth during chronic heat stress were evaluated by using meat lambs as a smaller cheaper model for feedlot steers. Wethers were maintained in normal (75^oF) or heat stress (105^oF for 12 hours/day, 85^oF for 12 hours/day) environments for 30 days and received dexamethasone injections every 3 days, oral fish oil supplementation twice daily, or no intervention. Growth was tracked and muscles were weighed when harvested afterward. Dexamethasone and fish oil both increased average daily gain over the …

Impact Of Cow Size On Economic Profitability In Cow-Calf And Feedlot Production Systmes, Robert L. Ziegler, Elliott James Dennis, J. A. Musgrave, T. L. Meyer, R. Funston, Kathryn J. Hanford, J. C. Macdonald, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

This study retrospectively evaluated the effect of cow size on profitability in the cow-calf segment and retained ownership of steer calves in the feedlot. Data were collected between 2005 to 2017 from the cowherd at Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory. From these data, two separate herds were assumed, one consisting of small-sized (1,000 lb) cows and another consisting of large-sized cows (1,220 lb) for the GSL cowherd. Larger cows weaned larger calves and produced heavier carcass weights of steers at slaughter. However, smaller cows generated more total pounds of output throughout the entire production system based on more calves retained in feedlots …

Statistics Used In The Nebraska Beef Cattle Report And Teir Purpose, University Of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Te purpose of beef cattle and beef product research at UNL 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. Te use of statistics allows the researcher and readers of the Nebraska Beef Cattle 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 a more detailed description …

Economics Of Grazing Calves On Oats Planted After Corn Silage In Eastern Nebraska, Kallie J. Calus, Mckenna M. Brinton, Benjamin H. Hansen, Kristen M. Ulmer, Zachery E. Carlson, Fred H. Hilscher, M. E. Drewnoski, Jay Parsons, J. C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A five-year study (2015–2019) evaluated profitability of planting and grazing an oats cover crop after early harvested corn silage in eastern Nebraska. Oats were typically planted in the first week of September. Stocking rate ranged from 1.7 to 0.6 steers per acre and was based on oats biomass. Calves were turned out in early November each year and allowed to graze until oats biomass or weather limited intake. Grazing period ranged from 30 to 69 days. Average daily gain of calves ranged from 3.35 to 1.29 pounds with an average of 1.97 pounds. Shortened grazing seasons in some years were …

Model Definition For Genetic Evaluation Of Purebred And Crossbred Lambs Including Heterosis, Napoleón Vargas Jurado, David R. Notter, Joshua B. Taylor, Daniel J. Brown, Michelle R. Mousel, Ronald M. Lewis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Crossbreeding is a common practice among commercial sheep producers to improve animal performance. However, genetic evaluation of U.S. sheep is performed within breed type (terminal sire, semi-prolific, and western range). While incorporating crossbred records may improve assessment of purebreds, it requires accounting for heterotic and breed effects in the evaluation. The objectives of this study were to: 1) describe the development of a paternal composite (PC) line, 2) determine the effect of direct and maternal heterosis on growth traits of crossbred lambs, 3) estimate (co)variance components for direct and maternal additive, and uncorrelated maternal environmental, effects, and 4) provide an …

Interaction Of Urea With Frequency And Amount Of Distillers Grains Supplementation For Growing Steers On A High Forage Diet, Haley F. Linder, Josh E. Sebade, Zac E. Carlson, Hannah C. Wilson, Tyler J. Spore, Mary E. Drewnoski, Jim C. Macdonald

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Two studies were conducted to determine interactions of urea inclusion to a dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS; 29.4% crude protein, 5.48% ether extract) supplement fed at two amounts and two frequencies to steers on a high forage diet. In Exp. 1, 120 (247 kg; SD = 20) steers were fed individually for 84 d. Steers received ad libitum grass hay (6.8% crude protein) and one of eight treatments. Treatment design was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial. Supplement was fed daily or three times per week, amount of supplement fed was 6.36 kg dry matter (DM)/week [0.37% body …

Production Cow-Calf Responses From Perennial Forage-Based And Integrated Beef-Cropping Systems, Zac E. Carlson, Levi Mcphillips, Galen E. Erickson, Mary E. Drewnoski, Jim C. Macdonald

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

An experiment was conducted to measure production responses of an alternative cow-calf production system integrated into a cropping system without access to perennial forage compared to a traditional cow-calf system utilizing perennial forage. Multiparous, cross-bred beef cows (n = 160; average age = 6.2 ± 2.8 yr) were utilized in a randomized complete block experimental design and unstructured treatment design. Upon initiation, cows were blocked by age and stratified by source, assigned randomly to one of two production systems, each with four replicates (n = 20 cows/replicate). Once allotted to their treatment groups, cows remained in their experimental units for …

Evaluation Of A Novel Computer Vision-Based Livestock Monitoring System To Identify And Track Specific Behaviors Of Individual Nursery Pigs Within A Group-Housed Environment, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica M. Lancaster, Eric T. Psota, Benny E. Mote, Lindsey E. Hulbert, Aaron Holliday, Ruth Woiwode, Lance Perez

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Animal behavior is indicative of health status and changes in behavior can indicate health issues (i.e., illness, stress, or injury). Currently, human observation (HO) is the only method for detecting behavior changes that may indicate problems in group-housed pigs. While HO is effective, limitations exist. Limitations include HO being time consuming, HO obfuscates natural behaviors, and it is not possible to maintain continuous HO. To address these limitations, a computer vision platform (NUtrack) was developed to identify (ID) and continuously monitor specific behaviors of group-housed pigs on an individual basis. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the capabilities …

Assessing Population Structure And Genetic Diversity In Us Suffolk Sheep To Define A Framework For Genomic Selection, Carrie S. Wilson, Jessica L. Petersen, Harvey D. Blackburn, Ronald M. Lewis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Long-term sustainability of breeds depends on having sufficient genetic diversity for adaptability to change, whether driven by climatic conditions or by priorities in breeding programs. Genetic diversity in Suffolk sheep in the United States was evaluated in four ways: 1) using genetic relationships from pedigree data [(n = 64 310 animals recorded in the US National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP)]; 2) using molecular data (n = 304 Suffolk genotyped with the OvineHD BeadChip); 3) comparing Australian (n = 109) and Irish (n = 55) Suffolk sheep to those in the United States using molecular data; and 4) assessing genetic relationships …

Site Of Infusion Of A Commercially Available Direct-Fed Microbial On Performance And Digestibility In Lactating Holstein Cows, K. S. Thompson, A. G. Mckeith, C. R. Krehbiel

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate site of infusion of a commercially available direct-fed microbial (DFM) containing 10⁹ cfu/g of Lactobacillus acidophilus and 10⁹ cfu/g Propionibacterium freudenreichii on DMI, rumen kinetics, ruminal VFA, digestibility, milk production, milk components, and blood metabolites in lactating dairy cows.

Materials and Methods: Four Holstein cows equipped with ruminal cannulas were used in a Latin square design experiment with 4 periods. Each 37-d period consisted of 14 d of no treatment to prevent crossover contamination, 14 d of adaptation to treatments, 8 d of sampling, and 1 d for …

Evaluating The Effects Of Medium Chain Fatty Acids On Sow Reproductive Characteristics, Offspring Biological Health Markers, And Growth Performance, Analicia J. Swanson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A sow’s diet can influence and her offspring not only in the suckling period, but well after weaning. The objective of this study was to determine how supplementing medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) in gestation and lactation impacted offspring growth performance as well as the biological markers of pig quality from the suckling period until week 6 of the nursery period. A total of 77 primparious and multiparious females and their 438 offspring were utilized in this study. Sows and gilts (218.15 kg ± 32.15 kg BW at d28 of gestation) were assigned to one of 2 dietary treatments: Control …

Quality Parameters Of Wet And Dry Aged Beef Loins From Cattle Fed High Doses Of Vitamin E, David M. Velazco, Joe A. Sonderman, Nicolas J. Herrera, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The objective of this experiment was to determine if dietary supplementation of high doses of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol; 2,200 IU per day for 100 days) can impact quality attributes of wet and dry-aged beef strip loins. Steaks from beef cattle supplemented with high doses of vitamin E exhibited less lipid oxidation after wet or dry aging, took longer time to discolor during retail display, and sustained redder color for a longer period under retail display conditions compared to controls. Free amino acids related to positive beef flavor attributes were higher for dry-aged loins compared to traditional wet aged samples loins. …

Beef Quality And Oxidative Stability From Cattle Fed High Levels Of Vitamin E, Nicolas J. Herrera, Joe A. Sonderman, David M. Velazco, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Meat color is a major factor for consumer meat purchasing decisions. Aging beef, which can improve tenderness, has been shown to accelerate discoloration in fresh beef, shortening retail display time, and generating negative flavor attributes. The objective of this study was to evaluate supplementing cattle high levels (2,200 International Units/ day) of Vitamin E to sustain meat quality during prolonged retail display in beef strip loins after 2 or 14 days aging compared to commercially-produced loins selected as controls. Results showed a treatment x age effect for Warner-Bratzler shear force and free calcium content, primarily due to aging. A dietary …

Effect Of Feeding Cars On Digestibility And Fatty Acid Flow In Finishing Cattle Diets, John C. Gibbons, Mitchell M. Norman, Tyler J. Spore, Hannah C. Wilson, Kylie Butterfield, Andea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson, Jonathan W. Wilson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of a liquid feed, Condensed Algal Residue Solubles (CARS) on diet digestibility and fatty acid flow to the small intestine. Three treatments included CARS at 0, 2.5, and 5% of the diet dry matter, replacing steam-flaked corn. The base diet included 73, 70.5, or 68% steam flaked corn, 15% dried distillers grains plus solubles, 8% alfalfa haylage, and 4% supplement. Inclusion of CARS in the diet did not affect dry matter or organic matter intake or digestibility of dry matter, organic matter or neutral detergent fiber. Amount of fatty acid flowing to …

Evaluation Of Green Grass On Nutrient Digestibility And Fatty Acid Flow In Cattle Finishing Diets, Aksel R. Wiseman, Tyler J. Spore, Mitchell M. Norman, Hannah C. Wilson, J. C. Macdonald, Andrea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Six ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers were utilized in a 3 × 3 replicated Latin square experiment to test 0, 15, and 30% dietary inclusion of Green Grass (Sunseo Omega 3; Chungcheong Duk-Do, South Korea), a feed comprised of sesame meal, giant kelp, cassava, and sorghum (not currently approved to be fed in the US). Dry matter and fiber intake increased linearly with increased Green Grass inclusion. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility were not affected by Green Grass inclusion. Concentration of saturated fatty acids at the duodenum were similar for Green Grass 0 and Green Grass 15 with a …

Effect Of Biochar As A Feedlot Pen Surface Amendment On Manure Nutrient Capture, J. L. Sperber, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Levi J. Mcphillips, Heather Nobert, Andrea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two mass balance experiments were conducted during winter and summer seasons to evaluate the effect of spreading biochar on the feedlot pen surface on manure nutrient retention. The winter experiment (Dec to June) evaluated three treatments including biochar spread to pen surface (approximately 54 lb of biochar per steer), hydrated lime spread to pen surface (cooperation with UNL Environmental Engineering; approximately 68 lb per steer) and negative control (no treatment applied). The summer experiment (June to Nov) evaluated biochar treatment (approximately 68 lb of biochar per steer) against negative control. Biochar utilized in winter and summer was unprocessed and sourced …

Interaction Of Sweet Bran Inclusion And Corn Processing Method In Beef Finishing Diets, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Levi J. Mcphillips, Braden C. Troyer, Maggie Youngers, Rick Stock, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of corn processing method and Sweet Bran concentration on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated in steam-flaked corn or a blend of high-moisture and dry-rolled corn-based diets. Sweet Bran was included at 0, 20, or 40% of diet dry matter. When cattle were fed 0% Sweet Bran, feeding steam-flaked corn resulted in a 11.7% improvement in feed conversion and heavier hot-carcass weight compared to feeding high-moisture/ dry-rolled corn. As Sweet Bran increased in the diet, there was a linear improvement in feed conversion for high-moisture/dry-rolled corn-fed steers and no change in feed conversion for steam-flaked corn-fed …

Effect Of Rapeseed Inclusion In Late-Summer Planted Oat Pasture On Growing Performance Of Beef Steers, Devin A. Jakub, Hannah E. Riley, Kristin E. Hales, Steven D. Shackelford, Harvey C. Freetly, M. E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An oat monoculture was planted in late summer at 100 lb/ac and compared to oats planted at 50 lb/ac with rapeseed included at 3 lb/ac. Seed cost of the oat monoculture ($20/ac) was greater than the mix ($15/ac). Initial forage yield was not affected by the inclusion of rapeseed with fall oat. Calf gain was significantly greater and cost of gain was significantly decreased when rapeseed was included due to the combination of greater gains and lesser seed cost. Including rapeseed in late summer planted oats may be beneficial for producers who want to graze growing calves in the fall.

Interaction Of Urea With Frequency And Amount Of Distillers Grains Supplementation On Growing Steer Rumen Digestion Parameters, Haley F. Linder, Joshua E. Sebade, Tyler J. Spore, M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Ruminally cannulated steers were used in 8 × 6 row-column design with 8 animals and 6 periods. Treatment design was a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, with factors including amount of supplementation, frequency of supplementation, and inclusion of urea. Hay dry matter intake was reduced by increased amount of supplementation and by decreased frequency of supplementation. Total VFA concentration did not differ among treatments. Rumen ammonia-N concentration was impacted by an interaction of amount of supplementation and inclusion of urea but there was no effect of supplementation frequency. In situ NDF disappearance did not differ between daily and alternate …

Comparison Of Partially Confined And Traditional Cow-Calf Systems, Zac E. Carlson, Levi J. Mcphillips, Galen E. Erickson, M. E. Drewnoski, J. C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Production of cow-calf pairs and grow/finish performance of calves from a partially-confined, fall-calving, intensive cow-calf system were compared to a traditional, spring-calving, extensive cow-calf system. Body condition was lower at breeding and weaning for the fall-calving alternative system compared to the traditional, spring-calving system. Conception, calving, and weaning rates were not different among treatments. Weaning weights were lower for the fall-calving alternative system than traditional, spring-calving system. Following weaning, calves were grown for 117 d and then subsequently finished to the same target fatness for both systems. In the grower phase, gain was greater and feed conversion improved for the …

Evaluation Of Salmonella Biofilm Cell Transfer From Common Food Contact Surfaces To Beef Products, Rong Wong, David A. King, Norasak Kalchayanand

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Meat contamination by Salmonella enterica is a serious public health concern. Available data have suggested that biofilm formation at processing plants and contaminated contact surfaces might contribute to meat contamination. Because transfer from contact surfaces to food products via direct contact has been deemed the most common bacteria transmission route that can lead to contamination, we evaluated the effect of Salmonella biofilm forming ability, contact surface material, and beef surface tissue type on Salmonella biofilm transfer from hard surfaces to beef products. Salmonella biofilms developed on the common contact surfaces stainless steel (SS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) were transferred consecutively via …

Comparison Of Methods To Estimate Ruminal Degradation And Intestinal Digestibility Of Protein In Hydrolyzed Feather Meal With Or Without Blood, Kassidy Buse, D. L. Morris, H. L. Diaz, O. R. Drehmel, Paul J. Kononoff

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) is a feedstuff high in rumen undegraded protein (RUP) that can be used as an effective source of metabolizable protein for dairy cattle. Because the production process may vary, the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of HFM may also vary. Additionally, some processes may incorporate additional blood into the final product to result in feather meal with poultry blood. To determine the rumen degradability and intestinal digestibility of these products, several laboratory assays can be used; the common assays are the mobile bag (MOB), modified three-step (MTS), and Ross (ROS) assays. Although all 3 assays determine …

Inflammatory Mediation Of Heat Stress-Induced Growth Deficits In Livestock And Its Potential Role As A Target For Nutritional Interventions: A Review, Micah S. Most, Dustin T. Yates

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Heat stress is detrimental to well-being and growth performance in livestock, and systemic inflammation arising during chronic heat stress contributes to these poor outcomes. Sustained exposure of muscle and other tissues to inflammation can impair the cellular processes that facilitate muscle growth and intramuscular fat deposition, thus reducing carcass quality and yield. Climate change is expected to produce more frequent extreme heat events, increasing the potential impact of heat stress on sustainable livestock production. Feedlot animals are at particularly high risk for heat stress, as confinement limits their ability to seek cooling from the shade, water, or breeze. Economically practical …