Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Using Enspira™ To Improve Fiber Digestion, Jana L. Harding, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald Donald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Two experiments evaluated the effectof treating various feedstuffs with an enzyme(Enspira) on digestibility. Twelve feeds commonly fed to beef cattle were treated with four levels of the enzyme(0, 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 lb of enzyme per ton of DM). Enzyme treatment increased in vitro DMD of high moisture corn (HMC), wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS), corn bran, and husks. There was a quadratic increasein gas production for corn leaves, as well as a linear increase in gas production for corn bran treated with increasing levels of Enspira. Treating feeds with the commercial enzyme Enspiraimproved in vitro digestibility of feeds …

Dryland Cover Crops As A Grazing Option For Beef Cattle, Alex H. Titlow, Jake A. Hansen, Matt K. Luebbe Luebbe, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Karla H. Jenkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A two-year grazing study was conducted to evaluate forage quality and utilization of cover crops (CC) in dryland cropping systems compared to crested wheatgrass pastures (CWP). The CC mixture consisted of oats, peas and turnips planted in March with a no-till drill. Both CC and CWP were grazed during the month of June. Total tract dry matter digestibility and CP were greater for CC compared to CWP while NDF and ADF of CC were less. The CC was observed to have greater forage quality over both years and may produce similar amounts of forage as crested wheatgrass pastures allowing deferred …

Effect Of Irrigation Allocation On Perennial Grass Production And Quality, Gary W. Hergert, Karla H. Jenkins, James Margheim Margheim, Alex Pavlista, Rex Nielsen, Murali Darapuneni

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cool-season grass mixtures and warm-season grass mixtures were evaluated in 2010, 2011, and 2012 under varying irrigation levels to determine dry matter yield, CP, and TDN for beef cattle in the Nebraska Panhandle. As a generalization, when seasonal precipitation was average, irrigation levels over 10 inches resulted in no significant increase in either grass production or quality. Cool-season grasses produced more dry matter yield and maintained greater CP and TDN than warm-season grasses. In all three years, a mixture of wheatgrasses had greater forage yield than an orchardgrass monoculture or a mixture dominated by bromegrasses. In 2010 and 2011, treatments …

Effect Of Distillers Grains Supplementation On Calves Grazing Irrigated Or Non-Irrigated Corn Residue, Mandi Jones, James C. Macdonald, Galen Erickson Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Andrea K. Watson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing irrigated or non-irrigated corn residue received supplementation of dried or modified distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) at 0.3, 0.7, or 1.1% of BW . Steers were individually supplemented daily through Calan gates. Daily gain improved quadratically with increasing supplementation (1.55 lb/day to 2.12 lb/day) and for calves grazing non-irrigated (2.02 lb/day) compared to irrigated (1.77 lb/day) corn residue. Feeding dry instead of modified DGS did not significantly impact ADG. Supplementing DGS to calves grazing corn residue increased gain during the winter period.

Nutrient And Tenderness Differences Of Beef From Heifers Due To Mutation Of The Myostatin Genehypothesized, Michelle E. Semler, Chris R. Calkins, Galen E. Erickson Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Strip loins and eye of rounds were obtained from heifers genotyped with variations of the myostatin gene; 19 homozygous dominant (Angus), 20 heterozygous dominant (Angus x Piedmontese), and 20 homozygous recessive (Piedmontese). Steaks were aged for 14 days, cooked fresh (never frozen), and nutrient steaks were frozen three days postmortem. Meat from homozygous recessive heifers was equal in tenderness to homozygous dominant and heterozygous dominant heifers. Fat content of meat from homozygous recessive heifers decreased while moisture and protein increased compared to homozygous dominant and heterozygous dominant. Calorie content decreased with increasing copies of the recessive gene. Thus, meat from …

Effect Of Feeding De-Oiled Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles On Beef Fatty Acid Profiles, Katherine I. Domenech, Kim A. Varnold, Michelle E. Semler Semler, Michael D. Chao, Tommi F. Jones, Galen E. Erickson, Chris R. Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A total of 336 steers were fed one of seven finishing diets: a corn-based control, 35%, 50%, or 65% inclusion of wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS), either traditional (full-fat) or de-oiled. At harvest, 15 low USDA Choice carcasses within each dietary treatment (n = 105) were selected to evaluate the effect of diet on the fatty acid profile of strip loin steaks aged seven days. Feeding WDGS increased the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in comparison to a corn based diet. Feeding de-oiled WDGS resulted in less PUFA’s than the full-fat WDGS diets. It seems that the removal …

Effect Of Feeding De-Oiled Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles On Beef Oxidation And Tenderness, Katherine I. Domenech, Kim A. Varnold, Michelle E. Semler, Michael D. Chao, Tommi F. Jones, Galen E. Erickson, Chris R. Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle fed a de-oiled wet distiller’s grains plus solubles (WDGS) diet were compared to cattle fed corn or traditional (full-fat) WDGS diets to determine effects on discoloration, oxidation, and tenderness of beef aged for seven and 21 days. At seven days of aging, dietary treatment had no effect on discoloration. At 21 days of aging, beef from cattle fed de-oiled WDGS had less oxidation than the corn control and several of the full-fat WDGS treatments. Although tenderness increased with aging and retail display, dietary treatment had no effect on tenderness. These findings suggest that these dietary treatments, followed by a …

Effects Of Feeding Distillers Grains In A Yearling Beef System On Meat Quality, Kelby M. Sudbeck, Kimberly A. Varnold, James C. Macdonald Donald, Chris R. Calkins, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Distillers grains use while wintering on cornstalks during summer grazing and during the finishing period was evaluated to determine the effects of lifetime exposure to distillers grains on meat characteristics. Finishing diets with distillers grains increased discoloration in steaks following six days of retail display for steaks aged seven days, and after four days of retail display for steaks aged 21 days. Supplementation during summer grazing increased discoloration when cattle were not finished using distillers grains. There were no differences in oxidative rancidity among dietary treatments. Supplementing with distillers grains prior to finishing was not additive in impacting the color …

Effect Of Natural Antioxidant Concentration On Lipid Oxidation Of Ready-To-Eat Ground Beef Links From Cattle Fed Distillers Grains In Different Phases Of Production, Brandy D. Cleveland, Joe O. Buntyn, Amy L. Redfield Redfield, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, Tommi F. Jones, Ty B. Schmidt, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Shelf life of cooked ground beef links with no, low, or high concentrations of a blend of natural plant extract antioxidant were compared to evaluate lipid oxidation over time. When no antioxidants were added, samples stored nine days or beyond were more oxidized than the samples with the addition of an antioxidant. No differences in lipid oxidation were observed between 0.13% and 0.20% antioxidant concentrations during similar days of refrigerated storage days. Therefore, the addition of natural antioxidants were effective at reducing oxidative rancidity, regardless the concentration of antioxidant.

Lipid Oxidation In Cooked Ground Beef Links From Cattle Fed Distillers Grains In Different Phases Of Production, Brandy D. Cleveland, Joe O. Buntyn, Amy L. Redfield Redfield, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, Tommi F. Jones, Ty B. Schmidt, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Ground beef links from cattle fed high or low levels of distillers grains during backgrounding and Sweet Bran^® or modified wet distillers grains in finishing diets were compared to analyze oxidation over time. Ready-to-eat beef links from cattle fed 5 lb/head/day (DM basis) of wet distillers grains during backgrounding had greater oxidative rancidity with extended storage than those from cattle fed 2 lb/head/day (DM basis). Beef links from cattle finished with wet distillers grains oxidized more rapidly than those fed Sweet Bran. Therefore, cooked beef from cattle fed distillers grains during either phase of production (backgrounding or finishing) showed …

Effect Of Feeding Different Types Of Byproducts And Concentrations Throughout A Beef Growing System On Ground Beef Color And Lipid Oxidation, Joe O. Buntyn, Brandy D. Cleveland, Amy L. Redfield Redfield, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson, Tommi F. Jones, Ty B. Schmidt, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of feeding different concentrations of wet distillers grains during winter backgrounding and either modified wet distillers grains or Sweet Bran^® during the finishing phase on ground beef color and lipid oxidation. After a 14 day aging period, ground beef patties were made and placed in a simulated retail display for seven days. There were no overall differences in lipid oxidation between treatments but was a treatment by day interaction for discoloration. Ground beef from heifers finished with modified wet distillers grains discolored at a greater extent when compared to …

Replacement Of Grazed Forage And Animal Performance When Distillers Grains Are Fed In A Bunk Or On The Ground On Summer Range, Kari L. Gillespie, L. Aaron Stalker, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, Jerry D. Volesky, Jacki A. Musgrave

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Forage savings and supplement loss caused by feeding on the ground were estimated when spayed yearling heiferswere fed modified distillers grains with solubles (MDGS) while grazing Sandhills summer range. Across two years, heifers fed 0.6% BW MDGS had 1.39 lb greater ADG and consumed approximately 17% less forage than non-supplemented heifers. Calculated loss of MDGS when fed on the ground was 5.6%. Supplementing MDGS decreased forage consumption approximately 17% and increased summer gains.

Shelf Life Of Cooked Ground Beef Patties From Cattle Fed Wet Distillers Grains With Solubles, Nathan T. Dierks, Tommi F. Jones, Kimberly A. Varnold Varnold, Derek J. Schroeder, Amy L. Redfield, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle were grazed without or with energy supplementation of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) during backgrounding, and were finished on a corn-based diet with or without 35% WDGS. Ground beef patties were made from shoulder clods, cooked, and stored in a refrigerated or frozen state. Cattle supplemented with WDGS had greater lipid oxidation in cooked ground beef patties regardless of finishing diet or storage type.

Effects Of Dietary Change On Viral-Bacterial Interactions In The Rumen Of Cattle, Christopher L. Anderson, Melissa L. Jolly, Adam L. Shreck Shreck, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

This ongoing study investigates the impact of diet and bacteriophage activity on the structuring of rumen microbial community composition and diversity. Fistulated cattle were acclimated to a given diet for 21 days before samples were collected and subsequently enriched for viral particles with tangential flow filtration. Taxonomic identification, abundance, and functional attributes were assigned to both bacterial and viral communities. Principle coordinate analysis of the bacterial communities revealed significant clustering based on diet. While diet drives the structuring of rumen bacterial communities, bacteriophages may maintain high, constant bacterial diversity.

Effect Of Micro-Aid® Supplementation On Nitrogen Losses From Manure, Andrea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, Mike J. Rincker

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 2x2 factorial designed experiment was used to study the effects of Micro-Aid and time on OM and N losses from manure, in a simulated feedlot pen setting. Manure was collected from cattle on a common diet, except for the addition of 1 g Micro-Aid /steer daily. Losses of OM were greater at 60 d than 30 d, and greater for control than Micro-Aid. Nitrogen losses at d 30 were similar between treatments but control pans had greater N losses at d 60. Feeding Micro-Aid to cattle may inhibit N volatilization from manure, enhancing the fertilizer value of manure.

Optimal Marketing Date Of Steers Depends On Marketing Strategy, James C. Macdonald, Cody J. Schneider, Kelsey M. Rolfe Rolfe, Stephen D. Kachman, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Seven research trials conducted over five years at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln were summarized to determine how animal performance changes through the finishing period on a live and carcass weight basis. Live weight, carcass weight, carcass ADG, and carcass feed efficiency all changed quadratically throughout the feeding period; live ADG and live feed efficiency declined linearly. During times of negative profit margins, optimal profitability for steers marketed on a live-basis occurred by selling early, whereas optimal profitability was achieved by feeding steers marketed on a carcass-basis longer.

The Effects Of Diet And Cooler Aging On Consumer Panel Scores For Beef, Kimberly A. Varnold, Chris R. Calkins, Rhonda K. Miller Miller, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred steers (n = 64) grazed warm- or cool-season grasses, without or with energy supplementation of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS), and were finished on a corn-based diet with or without 35% WDGS. Finishing cattle on WDGS, especially after beingsupplemented with WDGS, caused declinesin flavor desirability scores of L. dorsi steaks. Conversely, grass type was more influential in B. femoris steaks with warm-season grasses generating lower consumer panel scores. Scores were not different from each other when supplementation was provided. It is recommended that producers provide WDGS supplementation and finish on an all-corn diet in order to create the …

The Effects Of Diet On The Biochemical Constituents Of Beef, Kimberly A. Varnold, Chris R. Calkins, Brandon L. Nuttelman Nuttelman, Lasika S. Senaratne-Lenagala, Justine J. Stevenson, Michelle E. Semler, Michael D. Chao, Tommi F. Jones, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred steers (n = 64) were grazed on warm- or cool-season grasses, without or with energy supplementation of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS), and were finished on a corn-based diet with or without 35% WDGS. Grass-type was the major contributor in determining the biochemical composition of L. dorsi steaks, with warm-season grasses causing increased concentrations of moisture and zinc and decreased concentrations of magnesium. Aging 28 days instead of 7 days increased pH and caused an increased concentration of carbohydrates, and non-heme and heme iron in B. femoris steaks. Diet, especially grass type, during grazing, can alter the end …

Grass Type, Grazing Supplementation, And Finishing Diets Affect Beef Fatty Acids, Kimberly A. Varnold, Chris R. Calkins, Brandon L. Nuttelman Nuttelman, Lasika S. Senaratne-Lenagala, Tommi F. Jones, Timothy P. Carr, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred steers (n = 64) were grazed on warm- or cool-season grasses, without or with energy supplementation of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS), and were finished on a corn-based diet with or without 35% WDGS. Grass type was the major contributor in determining the fatty acid profile, especially in the neutral lipid layer. Warm-season grasses decreased concentrations of most fatty acids compared to cool-season grasses. The provision of WDGS as an energy supplement while grazing dissipated any differences caused by grass type.

Vein Steak Differences In Strip Loins Of Heifers Due To Mutation Of The Myostatin Gene, Michelle E. Semler, Chris R. Calkins, Galen E. Erickson Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Strip loins from heifers with variations of the myostatin gene; 19 homozygous dominant (Angus), 20 heterozygous dominant (Angus x Piedmontese), and 20 homozygous recessive (Piedmontese) were studied. Strip loins were cut into 1-inch thick steaks and total number of steaks and number of steaks with Gluteusmedius (often called vein steaks) were recorded. Strip loins from heterozygous dominant heifershad a greater number of non-vein steaks and decreased percentage of vein steaks compared to homozygous dominant and homozygous recessive samples. Differences in percentage of vein steaks were inconsistent and showed no meaningful pattern.

Effect Of Feeding Distillers Grains And Supplementing With Dietary Antioxidants On Ground Beef Color During Retail Display, Brandy D. Cleveland, Chad G. Bower, Amy L. Redfield Redfield, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Ground beef patties from cattle fed corn-based diets with no wet distillers grains (control), wet distillers grains (WDGS), WDGS + 1000 IU/head/day vitamin E, WDGS + 150 ppm/head/day, Ethoxyquin/TBHQ (Agrado Plus, Novus International, St. Louis, Mo.), or WDGS + 500 IU/head/day vitamin E + 150 ppm/head/day Ethoxyquin/TBHQ during the finishing phase were compared to analyze color stability during retail display. As display time increased, patties from all dietary treatments had greater discoloration and became darker, less red, and more yellow. Therefore, beef patties discolored during retail display, but the rate and degree of discoloration were unaffected by diet or antioxidant …

Effect Of Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Supplementation On Grazing Cattle Performance, Tyler L. Hasenauer, Terry J. Klopfenstein, James C. Macdonald Donald, Cody J. Schneider, Dirk B. Burken

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Yearlings rotationally grazing smooth bromegrass were individually supplemented modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) at .05, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8% BW. Gain increased quadratically as MDGS level increased. Maximal ADG (2.95 lb/d) was predicted when supplementing level of 0.48% of BW. Economic analysis compared 0, 2, and 5 lb (DM) MDGS supplementation. When cattle ownership was retained through the feeding period, MDGS supplementation was profitable. Supplementation at 2 lb (DM) was more profitable than 5 lb (DM) when MDGS is above $265.63/ton (DM) or 85% the price of $7.50 /bu corn.

Effects Of Grazing On Nebraska Sandhills Meadow Forage Nutrient Content, Jared V. Judy, Jacki A. Musgrave, L. Aaron Stalker Stalker, Karla H. Jenkins, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Nebraska Sandhills subirrigated meadow pastures were utilized to measure the effects of grazing on forage nutrient content in summer pastures. Pre-grazed pastures had greater protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility levelsand lower neutral detergent fiber levels compared with post-grazed pastures early in the grazing season. By late July, post-grazed vs. pre-grazed pastures did not differ in in vitro dry matter digestibility and neutral detergent fiber levels. Observed results indicate the greatest differences in nutrient content between post-grazed and pre-grazed pastures occur early in the grazing season.

Differences In Fecal Bacterial Community Composition Between Beef Steers Which Are High-Shedders And Low-Shedders Of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (Stec), Nirosh D. Aluthge, Yoshitha A. Wanniarachchi, Brandon L. Nuttelman Nuttelman, Cody J. Schneider, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson, Samodha C. Fernando

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The community composition of the fecal microbiota was compared between beef steers which were high-shedders and low-shedders of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Based on Shannon and Chao 1 diversity indices, the high-shedders had a more diverse fecal bacterial community than the low-shedding steers. Members of the genus Prevotella were observed as being more abundant in the low-shedders compared to the high-shedders, while Succinivibrio were more abundant in the high-shedders. Isolation of specific bacteria which are significantly more abundant in low-shedders may pave the way to developing direct-fed microbials which are effective in reducing STEC shedding among high-shedding beef steers.

Environmental Salmonella In Agricultural Fair Poultry Exhibits In Colorado, K. L. Pabilonia, K. J. Cadmus, T. M. Lingus, D. S. Bolte, M. M. Russell, D. C. Van Metre, M. M. Erdman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Salmonella enterica is a common zoonotic pathogen in humans. Transmission typically occurs through consumption of contaminated food products or contact with infected animals, including poultry or their environment. The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of Salmonella contamination in the environment in poultry exhibits at agricultural fairs. Samples were collected from cages, feed, floors and tables in the exhibit and cultured for Salmonella. At least one environmental sample was positive for Salmonella in 10 of 11 fairs (91%), and Salmonella was isolated from 28 of 55 environmental samples (50.9%). Eleven different serotypes were detected. Results of …

Longevity And Mortality Of Owned Dogs In England, D. G. O'Neill, D. B. Church, P. D. Mcgreevy, P. C. Thomson, D. C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Improved understanding of longevity represents a significant welfare opportunity for the domestic dog, given its unparalleled morphological diversity. Epidemiological research using electronic patient records (EPRs) collected from primary veterinary practices overcomes many inherent limitations of referral clinic, owner questionnaire and pet insurance data. Clinical health data from 102,609 owned dogs attending first opinion veterinary practices (n = 86) in central and southeast England were analysed, focusing on 5095 confirmed deaths.

Of deceased dogs with information available, 3961 (77.9%) were purebred, 2386 (47.0%) were female, 2528 (49.8%) were neutered and 1105 (21.7%) were insured. The overall median longevity was 12.0 years …

Efficacy Of Selected Disinfectants Against Salmonella Isolates From Broiler Breeders, Arslan Aslam

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Salmonella have been causing huge losses in the poultry industry and have been a major cause food borne illness for many years. Salmonella infections in humans from poultry have been increasing. Good hygiene and biosecurity measures can reduce the incidence of Salmonella infections at poultry farms. Disinfection is a most important measure taken to prevent Salmonellosis in poultry. This research was conducted to determine the efficacy of 12 disinfectants against seven Salmonella isolates in the presence and absence of organic matter. A bacterial solution of a specific optical density value was prepared and .05x, .1x and .2x concentrations of disinfectants …

Canine Chronic Kidney Disease In Uk Veterinary Practices: Prevalence, Risk Factors And Survival, D. G. O'Neill, J. Elliott, D. B. Church, P. D. Mcgreevy, P. C. Thomson, D. C. Brodbelt

Epidemiology Collection

Analyses covering 107,214 dogs attending 89 UK practices aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with canine chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis and survival. The apparent prevalence (AP) was estimated using a cross-sectional approach while the true prevalence (TP) was estimated using Bayesian analysis. A nested case-control study design was used to evaluate risk factors. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modelling. CKD AP was estimated at 0.21% and TP at 0.37%. CKD risk factors included increasing age, being insured and certain breeds. The median survival time …

Effect Of Beef Heifer Development System On Adg, Reproduction, And Feed Efficiency During First Pregnancy, Adam F. Summers, T. L. Meyer, Stetson P. Weber Weber, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

This study evaluated the effect of post-weaning development system on heifer ADG, reproductive performance, and subsequent feed efficiency as a pregnant heifer. Heifers were developed on dormant pasture and grazed corn residue or dormant pasture and placed in a drylot. The following winter, a subset of pregnant heifers were placed in a Calan Broadbent individual feeding system during late gestation. Drylot-developed heifers had greater BW from pre-breeding through pregnancy diagnosis and greater overall ADG during development. However, there was no difference in reproductive performance. Pre-calving BW, ADG, and G:F tended to be greater for drylot heifers. Heifers developed on corn …

Heifers With Low Antral Follicle Counts Have Low Birth Weights And Produce Progeny With Low Birth Weights, Adam F. Summers, Robert A. Cushman, Karl Moline Moline, Jeff Bergman, Andrea S. Cupp

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

To determine the relationship of antral follicle count and heifer BW, reproductive tract characteristics, and first-calf performance, Red Angus-composite heifers were used over three years. High antral follicle count heifers had greater BW from birth through pre-breeding. Progeny birth BW was greater for calves born to high antral follicle count heifers compared to low antral follicle count heifers. Taken together these data indicate a relationship between antral follicle counts and BW through the first breeding season and corresponding progeny, and continues to support a possible link between genes that influence growth and development and establishment of ovarian reserve.