Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Piscivorous Bird Use Of Aquaculture And Natural Water Bodies In Mississippi, Paul C. Burr, Jimmy I. Avery, Garrett M. Street, Bronson K. Strickland, Brian S. Dorr

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Double crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) and great egrets (Ardea alba) have an extensive history of human wildlife conflict with the aquaculture industry of western Mississippi, USA, due to

their depredation of cultured catfish (Ictalurus spp.). Although aquaculture is abundant, western Mississippi also contains naturally occurring water bodies that offer alternative forage opportunities to these species. How cormorants or egrets distribute themselves among these 2 foraging options is unknown, but it has been generally assumed each species uses aquaculture disproportionately more because of the high density of available prey. To test this assumption, we surveyed these …

Control Or Eradication: Problems In The Management Of Invasive Birds, Michael L. Avery, Chris J. Feare

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Humans have captured, transported and intentionally released wild birds for centuries (Blackburn et al., 2009). Motivations for such purposeful introductions include food (West and Zhou, 2007), religion (Agoramoorthy and Hsu, 2007), sport (McDowall, 1994), biocontrol (Bennett and Hughes, 1959; Kurdila, 1995) and aesthetics (Ryan, 1906; Thomson, 1922). Many purposeful bird introductions were the work of acclimatization societies, particularly in North America, New Zealand and Australia. These societies were formed in the 19th century by European settlers to transport bird species from their homelands in efforts to establish them in the newly settled regions (Thomson, 1922; Dunlap, 1997). As a result …

New Approach To Health And The Environment To Avoid Future Pandemics, Serge Morand

Animal Sentience

This commentary expands Wiebers & Feigin’s target article by pinpointing how declining wildlife, expanding livestock and globalisation contribute to the increase in epidemics of zoonotic diseases, the COVID-19 crisis and future health crises. Epidemics and the emergence of zoonoses are manifestations of dysfunctional links with animals, both wild and domestic, requiring a new approach to health and the environment.

Effect Of Conventional Or High Protein Dry Distillers Grains Plus Solubles In Either Dry- Rolled Or Steam- Flaked Corn Based Diets On Finishing Performance Of Steers, Lauren A. Ovinge, L.J. Mcphilips, B.M. Boyd, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 2 × 3 factorial finishing study evaluated feeding 0 or 30% high protein distillers grains or conventionally produced distillers in either steam- flaked or dry- rolled corn based diets. Feeding conventional distillers grains in dry rolled corn based diets resulted in improved feed conversion, with no difference between high protein distillers grains as compared to conventional DDGS when included in dryrolled corn diets. In steam flaked corn- based diets, feeding high protein distillers and conventional distillers tended to increase feed conversion. Feeding conventional distillers or high protein distillers grains resulted in greater DMI and ADG as compared to diets …

Evaluating Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn Silage Or Grain On Growing Beef Cattle Performance, Mckenna M. Brinton, Bradley M. Boyd, F. Henry Hilscher, Levi J. Mcphillips, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A growing trial was conducted to evaluate Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn containing an alpha amylase enzyme trait compared with commercially available corn without the amylase enzyme trait on growing cattle performance characteristics. Corn was harvested as either corn silage or dry corn, and corn silage was further harvested with kernel processing or not. Th e treatment design was a 2×2+2 factorial with 2 hybrids of silage, kernel processed or not, and then a 40% dryrolled corn and hay growing diet as Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn or control corn. No interactions were observed between silage hybrids and kernel processing. Cattle fed …

Comparing March And May Calving Systems In The Nebraska Sandhills, Mckay R. Erickson, Devin L. Broadhead, J. A. Musgrave, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Three production years for March and May calving, Red Angus- based cows and their off spring from the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory (GSL), Whitman, NE, were evaluated. Steer progeny were evaluated through harvest and carcass data collected. Calf birth body weight (BW) and breeding BW were greater for May calves vs. March; however, adjusted weaning BW was greater for March calves. Pregnancy rates, weaning rates, calving interval, calving difficulty, and calf vigor were similar between calving systems. Udder score was greater for March cows. Compared with March calf- fed steers, May calf- fed steers had greater hot carcass weight (HCW), longissimus …

Combined Analysis On The Effects Of Late Gestation Supplementation In A Spring Calving Beef Herd, Devin L. Broadhead, Kathy Hanford, Matthew C. Stockton, Jacki A. Musgrave, R. A. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Data were compiled from 4 independent studies conducted over 13 years in the Nebraska Sandhills. Th is combined analysis evaluated the effects of late gestation supplementation on cow and calf productivity in a spring calving herd. Cows wintered on dormant range, sub- irrigated meadow or corn residue. Late gestation supplementation improved pregnancy rates regardless of supplement amount or over winter treatment. Supplement did not affect cow body weight and condition score. Calves born to cows fed supplement had greater weaning weights regardless of when they were weaned.

Evaluation Of Commercial Genomic Tests For Maternal Traits In Crossbred Beef Cattle, Mckay R. Erickson, J.R. Tait, R. A. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

DNA samples were collected from beef heifers born at the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory and analyzed with a genomic test. Phenotypic data from these females were compiled and used in a regression analysis to evaluate the utility of these genomic scores as predictors for phenotypic outcomes. Th e genomic score for birth body weight (BW) was signifi cantly associated with animal birth BW. Th e genomic score for heifer pregnancy was not a statistically significant predictor of actual pregnancy. Neither dam age or the genomic score for stayability were significant predictors of actual reproductive longevity.

Efficacy Of A Second Injection Of Prostaglandin F2Α In Yearling Beef Heifers Following Previous Estrus Synchronization, Mckay R. Erickson, Kenneth C. Ramsay, R. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Angus- based, yearling beef heifers were utilized to determine the effects of administering a second prostaglandin F2α (PGF; Lutalyse, Zoetis Animal Health, Parsippany, NJ) injection to heifers who did not previously respond to estrus synchronization. All heifers were exposed to a melengestrolacetate (MGA)- PGF protocol. Following PGF injection, heifers were observed for estrus (estrus detection patches rubbed) for 3 d and inseminated. Heifers who did not show signs of estrus were placed with fertile bulls. Aft er 3 d with bulls, heifers with greater than 50% of the rub- off coating removed from estrus detection aids were considered to have …

Effect Of Gnrh Injection At - 72 H In Mga- Pgestrus Synchronization Protocol, Mckay R. Erickson, Dan Kelly, Doug O’Hare, T.L. Meyer, R. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Yearling beef heifers from 2 locations were synchronized with melengestrol acetate (MGA)- prostaglandin F2α (PGF) fi xed time AI (TAI) protocol. At PGF administration 72 h before AI, heifers were randomly assigned to receive either 0 or 5 μg gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH). Th e administration of 5 μg GnRH at PGF did not increase estrus activity or improve TAI pregnancy rates at either location (Location 1, 56% (GnRH) vs. 57%; Location 2, 59% (GnRH) vs. 53%). Administering GnRH at PGF increased (74% vs. 63%) pregnancy rates for heifers inseminated during a follow- up heat detection period at one location. A …

Effect Of Age Of Dam On Heifer Progeny Performance, Joslyn K. Beard, J. A. Musgrave, Kathy Hanford, Rick N. Funston, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle records were gathered and evaluated over a 12- yr period to investigate how cow age impacts heifer progeny growth and reproductive performance. Cow records from March and May calving herds, were categorized into young, moderate, and old groups based on their age at calving each year in the herd. Heifer calves born to young cows had lighter body weight at birth and adjusted 205- d BW than heifers from moderate and old cows. Heifer pre-breeding BW and pregnancy determination BW were not influenced by dam age. However, age of dam does impact the percentage of heifers to reach puberty …

Evaluation Of Rumen Undegradable Protein Sources Fed In An Organic Production System, Elizabeth A. Schumacher, Galen E. Erickson, F. Henry Hilscher, Levi J. Mcphillips, Zac E. Carlson, Mary E. Drewnoski, Jim C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Fifty- eight Holstein steers with an initial body weight of 469 lb were fed 1 of 5 dietary treatments containing different rumen undegradable protein (RUP) sources: control with no supplemental protein, field peas, field peas plus fish meal, soybean meal, and SoyPass, a treated soybean meal high in RUP. These protein sources replaced corn in a base diet of 65% dry rolled corn, 30% alfalfa haylage, and 5% supplement in order to balance for metabolizable protein (MP). Th e objective of this study was to compare how rumen undegradable protein sources that can be found in organic production systems affect …

Table Of Contents 2020 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cow/Calf

Evaluation of Level of Milk Potential on Nutrient Balance in 2- and 4- Year- Old May- Calving Range Cows Grazing Sandhills Upland Range............................ 5

Effect of Age of Dam on Heifer Progeny Performance ........................... 8

Effect of GnRH Injection at - 72 h in MGA- PG Estrus Synchronization Protocol.................................. 10

Efficacy of a Second Injection of Prostaglandin F2α in Yearling Beef Heifers Following Previous Estrus Synchronization ....................... 12

Evaluation of Commercial Genomic Tests for Maternal Traits in Crossbred Beef Cattle ..................................... 14

Combined Analysis on the Effects of Late Gestation Supplementation in a Spring Calving Beef Herd .................................................... 16 …

Comparison Of Rumen Undegradable Protein Content Of Conventional And Organic Feeds, Elizabeth A. Schumacher, Galen E. Erickson, Hannah C. Wilson, J. C. Macdonald, Andrea K. Watson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Knowledge of a feed ingredient’s protein content and degradability is important in formulating diets for growing cattle. However, there are limited data on protein composition and digestibility of feeds produced in an organic production system. Two studies were conducted using an in situ mobile bag procedure to compare feeds raised in organic and conventional production systems for rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content and digestibility. No differences were observed for RUP content between organic or conventional sources for dehydrated alfalfa, field peas, or expeller pressed soybean meals. Solvent extracted soybean meals were lower in RUP content than expeller pressed soybean meals. …

Effect Of Conventional Or High Protein Dry Distillers Grains Plus Solubles In Either Dry- Rolled Or Steam- Flaked Corn Based Diets On Amount And Site Of Nutrient Digestion, Lauren A. Ovinge, Mitch M. Norman, Hannah C. Wilson, Kaylee E. Wheeler, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 2 × 3 factorial metabolism study using 6 ruminally and duodenally cannulated heifers evaluated the site and amount of nutrient digestion when feeding high protein dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) or conventionally produced DDGS at 30% inclusion compared to feeding no distillers in either dry- rolled or steam- flaked corn diets. Apparent total tract starch digestibility was unaffected by distillers treatment in SFCbased diets, but decreased from 95.1% to 92.0% when DDGS was added to DRC diets, and further decreased to 88.7% for HiPro diets. Dry matter and OM digestibilities were lower types of when either DDGS diets …

Economics Of Yearling Systems, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Mary E. Drewnoski, James C. Macdonald, Andrea K. Watson, Jay Parsons

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Economic analyses were conducted to estimate the effect of management decisions on profitability of yearling production systems. Three reported experiments were analyzed where rate of winter gain and length of summer grazing were variables. Corn stalk grazing with distillers grains supplement is quite economical. Winter gains of 1.5 to 2.0 lb/day were more profitable, aft er grass or aft er feedlot, than winter gains less than 1 lb/ day. Yearlings compensated for lower winter gains while on grass, but those gaining more in the winter gained better in the feedlot and produced heavier final weights. The analyses do not show …

Evaluation Of The Water Footprint Of Beef Cattle Production In Nebraska, Tyler J. Spore, Mesfin Mekonnen, Christopher M.U. Neale, Andrea K. Watson, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Data were compiled on feed usage to model the amount of water needed to produce beef in typical Nebraska production systems. Production systems where cows were wintered on corn residue utilized 18% less water than systems utilizing native range as a wintering source, because of water allocations. Therefore, the water footprint (gallons of water required to produce one pound of boneless meat) was decreased by 18%. In addition, increasing the dietary inclusion of distillers grains from 0% to 40% decreased the water footprint in the finishing phase by 29%, again based on water allocation. Utilizing corn residue and distillers grains …

Evaluation Of Ankom F58 Filter Bags Compared To Dacron Bags And Beakers For Analysis Of Acid Detergent Fiber, Braden C. Troyer, Hannah C. Wilson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Feed and fecal samples were analyzed to compare three methods of determining acid detergent fiber. Each sample was weighed into both Dacron and Ankom F58 fiber bags and then analyzed using an Ankom fiber analyzer. Results were then compared to the Van Soest beaker method. Ankom F58 bags helped reduce washout of small particles associated with Dacron bags, but fecal samples needed to be incubated in detergent for an extended amount of time to isolate acid detergent fiber material. Utilizing a technique that produces correct acid detergent fiber values is important for producers because these values are used as a …

Effect Of Supplemental Protein And Glucogenic Precursors On Digestibility And Energy Metabolism, Tasha M. King, Joslyn K. Beard, Mitch M. Norman, Hannah C. Wilson, Jim C. Macdonald, J. Travis Mulliniks

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A metabolism study was conducted to evaluate the impact of increasing levels of glucogenic precursors on diet digestibility and acetate clearance. Four supplementation strategies containing 0, 30, 40, and 70 g of supplemental glucogenic potential were supplied to a basal diet of bromegrass hay. Addition of glucogenic potential in the form of rumen undegradable protein improved dry matter, organic matter, and acid detergent fiber digestibility efficiency of acetate utilization in growing lambs fed moderate- quality hay. However, no additive effect of supplementing propionate salts and rumen undegradable protein were observed in this study. Th is would suggest that rumen undegradable …

Evaluation Of Green Grass As A Feed Ingredient In Beef Finishing Rations And Impact On Cattle Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Fatty Acid Profiles In Meat, Mitchell M. Norman, Nicolas A. Bland, Bradley B. Boyd, Briana B. Conroy, Andrea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing study utilizing 240 crossbred steers (initial BW=750 ± 52 lb.) evaluated the performance, carcass characteristic and fatty acid profiles from finishing steers fed four inclusions (0, 10, 20, 30 % DM basis) of Green Grass. Th ere were no differences in weights, gain or carcass traits. Dry matter intake tended to linearly increase as Green Grass inclusion increased in the diet. Steers fed Green Grass had greater F:G, and steers fed 30 % Green Grass had a lower marbling score. A linear increase in alpha linolenic acid, poly- unsaturated fatty acids, transunsaturated unsaturated fatty acids, and omega- 3 …

Impact Of Essential Oils Blend On Beef Cattle Performance And Carcass Characteristics In Diets With Increasing Corn Silage Inclusions, Hannah C. Wilson, Bradley M. Boyd, F. Henry Hilscher, Zachary E. Carlson, Andrea K. Watson, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A feedlot study was conducted comparing a natural feed additive (essential oils blend) at varying corn silage (CS) inclusions (14, 47, and 80%; DM basis) on receiving and finishing performance. Essential oils have been shown to alter the rumen environment leading to improved feed efficiency and production. Cattle were fed 14% CS for 168 days, 47% CS for 195 days, and 80% CS for 238 days to a common backfat of 0.5 inches. Th ere were no interactions between the inclusion of the essential oil blend and corn silage for performance or carcass characteristics. Th ere was no significant difference …

Impact Of Shade In Beef Feed Yards On Performance, Body Temperature, And Heat Stress, Tommy M. Winders, Bradley M. Boyd, Casey Macken, Andrea K. Watson, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study using crossbred steers was conducted at a commercial feedyard in Eastern NE to determine the effects of shade on cattle performance, ear temperature, panting scores, and cattle activity. Cattle with shade had greater dry matter intake, average daily gain and lower panting scores while movement and ear temperature were not different between treatments. Over the course of the experiment three weather events were selected to be analyzed separately (two heat events and one cool event) based on wind adjusted temperature- humidity index. Providing shade during heat event 1 resulted in greater intakes and lower panting scores, while providing …

Impact Of Diet And Quality Grade On Shelf Life Of Beef Steaks, Nicolas A. Bland, Felipe A. Ribeiro, Nicolas J. Herrera, Morgan L. Henriott, Kellen B. Hart, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steers were fed a diet containing dry rolled corn, steam flaked corn, dry rolled corn with 30% dried distillers grains, or steam flaked corn with 30% dried distillers grains. Strip loins from upper 2/3 Choice and Select- grade carcasses were obtained to evaluate the effects of diet and quality grade on shelf life characteristics. Strip loins were aged for 2, 9, 16, or 23 days. Results suggest that steaks from cattle fed steam flaked corn (with or without dried distillers grains) and from cattle fed dried distillers grains (regardless of corn type) had higher levels of many unsaturated fatty acids, …

Impact Of Feeding Natursafe® (An Immune Support Product) On Beef Quality, Morgan L. Henriott, Kellen B. Hart, Nicolas J. Herrera, Felipe A. Ribeiro, Nicolas A. Bland, Bucky L. Gwartney, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Th e objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding NaturSafe® and the potential impact on meat quality characteristics in beef. Steers were fed one of five diets: a control with dietary antibiotics, a control without dietary antibiotics, or a diet without antibiotics containing 12 g/d/, 15 g/d/, or 18 g/d/ of NaturSafe® for a period of 112 d. Following harvest, strip loins were collected, aged for 13 or 29 d and placed under retail display conditions for 0 or 7 d. Feeding NaturSafe® at 12 g/d or 15 g/d resulted in tenderness (shear force) values less …

Effects Of Relative Humidity On Meat Quality In Dry Aged Beef, Felipe A. Ribeiro, Soon K. Lau, Morgan L. Henriott, Nicolas J. Herrera, Nicolas A. Bland, Jeyamkondan Subbiah, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

During dry- aging, water is transferred from the interior to the meat surface and is subsequently evaporated to the surrounding environment. Th ere is a common belief in the meat industry that rapid drying creates a hard crust on the meat surface, which would act as a protective barrier against moisture loss, holding moisture on the inside of the product. Th is phenomenon is called case hardening. If this hypothesis is correct, drying at low relative humidity would be recommended in order to get case hardening and avoid excessive yield loss. Th is study was conducted to evaluate the effects …

Impact Of Feeding Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn As Dry- Rolled Corn, High- Moisture Corn, Or A Blend To Finishing Yearlings, Mckenna M. Brinton, Bradley M. Boyd, F. Henry Hilscher, Levi J. Mcphillips, J. C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing study evaluated the effect of corn hybrid and processing type on finishing performance of yearling steers. Treatment design was a 2×3+1 factorial, with two hybrids that included a conventional commercial corn (CON) and Syngenta’s Enogen Feed Corn (EFC). Corn was processed and fed as dry- rolled corn (DRC), high- moisture corn (HMC), or a 50:50 blend of the two for each hybrid. An additional treatment included 50% EFC DRC and 50% CON HMC, to evaluate a blend of the two hybrids and processing types. An interaction between hybrid and processing method was observed for ADG and F:G. Cattle …

Eff Ect Of Revalor- Xh, Revalor- 200, And Combination Revalor- Ih/Revalor- 200 On Yearling Heifer Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Zachary E. Carlson, Galen E. Erickson, Caitlin A. Coulson, D. J. Jordon, Robert J. Cooper, Tony L. Scott, Sheri J. Bundy, Brandon L. Nuttelman

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A commercial feedlot trial tested three implant strategies (Revalor- 200 on day 0, Revalor- IH on d 0 and re- implanted with Revalor- 200 on d 56, or Revalor- XH on d 0) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of heifers fed for 138 d. Th ere were no differences observed for final body weight, dry matter intake, or average daily gain on a live basis among implant strategies. Heifers implanted with Revalor- IH/200 combination had greater carcass- adjusted final body weight and improved feed conversion compared to Revalor- 200 and Revalor- XH. Hot carcass weights, dressing percent, and LM …

Evaluation Of Two Implant Strategies, Revalor- Xh Or A Combination Revalor- Ih/Revalor- 200 On Heifer Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Zachary E. Carlson, Galen E. Erickson, Bill D. Dicke, Marshall N. Streeter

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A commercial feedlot trial examined effects of two implant strategies (Revalor- IH on d 1 and re- implanted with Revalor- 200 on d 101 or Revalor- XH on d 1) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of heifers fed 183 days. Th ere were no differences between implant strategies for final body weight, dry matter intake, and average daily gain. Heifers implanted with the combination IH/200 treatment had improved carcassadjusted feed conversion, greater LM area, and lower calculated yield grade compared to heifers implanted with XH. Th e response in growth performance between the two implant strategies suggests that the …

Comparing Shredlage® And Conventional Silage As A Roughage Component In Steam- Flaked Corn Diets For Finishing Cattle, Brianna Conroy, Matt Jaynes, Robbi Pritchard, Karla H. Jenkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study was conducted at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center feedlot evaluating SHREDLAGE® processed at 26.5 mm and 1 mm gap; by CLAAS, to conventional chopped corn silage at 13 mm with a standard CLAAS processor set to 1 mm, as a roughage source at two inclusions for cattle fed steam- flaked corn based finishing diets. Yearling steers (930 lb) were fed finishing diets containing 9 or 14% (dry matter basis) conventionally chopped corn silage or corn SHREDLAGE® in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Cattle fed rations containing SHREDLAGE had greater final body weight, hot carcass weight, …

Chopped Sugar Beets For Growing And Finishing Cattle, K. H. Jenkins, Brianna Conroy

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Crossbred steers (n=270; 645 lb, ± 3 lb) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial treatment design in a growing (54 d) and finishing study (130 d). Th e factors were 0 or 44% sugar beets (dry matter basis) in place of dry rolled corn, during the growing phase and 0, 15, or 30% sugar beets during the finishing phase. Daily gain was not different for the growing treatments but the calves on the 44% sugar beet treatment had less dry matter intake than those on the 0% sugar beet treatment, making them 5.5% more efficient. However, during the …