Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons^™

Evaluation Of Plant- Waxes To Estimate Forage Intake In Grazing Cattle, Hannah C. Hamilton, Jerry D. Volesky, Robert M. Lewis Lewis

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Although key to the efficiency of a cattle operation, feed intake is challenging to evaluate in a grazing setting. However, even within forage- based systems, plant- wax markers may be used to predict dietary choices and feed intake. Plant- waxes are a complex mixture of lipids found on the surface of plants. When sufficiently unique among plants, the composition of diets can be determined from the pattern of these compounds in the forages ingested. These markers were used to delineate the parts of the corn plant and, separately, 8 western rangeland grasses and legumes. Using plant waxes, the components of …

Evaluating The Impacts Of Field Peas In Growing And Finishing Diets On Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Hannah L. Greenwell, Karla Jenkins, Jim C. Macdonald Donald, Matt K. Luebbe

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The impact of field peas as a grazing supplement and a component of finishing diets on performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated over two years. During grazing, cattle supplemented with field peas had a greater ending body weight and average daily gain than cattle that received no supplement. However, cattle supplemented with corn had greater average daily gain than both peas and control cattle. Overall, those cattle not supplemented during grazing compensated 53% and 88% when compared to those cattle supplemented corn and peas, respectively. Inclusion of field peas in grower supplement or finishing diets may be advantageous if appropriately …

Effects Of Field Pea Supplementation On Digestibility And Rumen Volatile Fatty Acid Concentration Of Diets Containing High And Low Quality Forages, Hannah L. Greenwell, Jana L. Gramkow, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt Breithaupt, Jim C. Macdonald, Karla Jenkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Five ruminally cannulated steers were used to evaluate the effects of supplementation (no supplement, field peas, or dry rolled corn; 0.43% BW) with high and low quality forages on diet digestibility and rumen volatile fatty acid concentrations. Th e inclusion of field peas increased dry matter intake and organic matter digestibility over dry rolled corn and unsupplemented steers. Propionate proportions were less for field peas and control treatments than dry rolled corn, while acetate proportions increased in field peas, and control treatments as compared to dry rolled corn. As a result, acetate to propionate ratio was reduced when dry rolled …

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

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study evaluated the effects of two wintering systems (cornstalk grazing and drylot feeding) on cow- calf performance in a summer- calving intensively managed cowherd at two locations. Grazing cow- calf pairs on cornstalks resulted in lower ending BW of cows and reduced ADG of calves when compared to drylot cow- calf pairs at weaning. A partial budget of incorporating winter cornstalk grazing into an intensive production system suggests that cows wintered on cornstalks were $136.85 more profitable when compared to cows wintered in the drylot.

Effects Of Modified Distillers Grains And Corn Ratios As Supplements In Diets Varying In Forage Quality On Performance Of Growing Beef Steers, Viviane B. Ferrari, Robert G. Bondurant, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Distillers grains (DG) have been intensively used for beef production, but prices relative to corn vary such that it may be beneficial to displace a portion of DG with corn in certain circumstances. Four ratios of supplemental energy (40% of diet DM) from modified distillers grains and corn (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 40:60) were supplemented in one of 3 forage diets (56% of diet DM) and evaluated for performance. Forages were high (brome hay + sorghum silage) or low quality. Low quality forages were corn residue baled through conventional rake and bale, or by disengaging the spreader on the combine …

Fatty Acid Composition Of Beef Fed Omnigen- Af At Receiving Or Finishing, Katherine I. Domenech, Michael D. Chao, Joe O. Buntyn Buntyn, Ty B. Schmidt, Chris Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Beef fatty acid profiles and superoxide dismutase activity were determined for cattle receiving OmniGen- AF supplementation (a patented nutritional supplement) at receiving (first 28 d at the feedlot) or throughout finishing (all 210 d of finishing) vs. a control group (non- supplemented). Th e most meaningful change in fatty acid composition from inclusion of OmniGen- AF was total poly- unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content where beef from the finishing group had more PUFA content in relation to the receiving group and was not different from the control group. Despite this increase in PUFA, cattle supplemented through finishing tended to have …

Effect Of Backgrounding System On Steer Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Jordan L. Cox, Kristin E. Hales, Kristen M. Ulmer Ulmer, Richard J. Rasby, Steven D. Shackleford, Chad Engle, John Rieckman, Harvey C. Freetly, Mary Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The impact of 3 backgrounding systems: grazing corn residue with distillers grains supplementation at 0.86% BW/d, grazing an oats-brassica forage, or feeding a grower ration in a drylot on finishing performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Backgrounding phase gains were greatest for steers fed a grower ration in the drylot (3.58 lb/d), intermediate for steers grazing oats-brassica forage and then fed the grower ration for short period (2.65 lb/d), and least for steers grazing corn residue while supplemented distillers grains and then fed the grower ration for short period (2.22 lb/d). These backgrounding treatment differences did not affect ADG during …

Shelf Life Of Ground Beef From Cattle Fed Distillers Grains Containing Different Amounts Of Oil, Faith D. Rasmussen, Chad G. Bower, Gary A. Sullivan Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Beef shoulder clods were collected from steers fed one of four finishing diets: no distillers grains and three with distillers grains containing different amounts of oil. Raw ground beef patties were evaluated for changes in objective color, discoloration, and lipid oxidation during simulated retail display (7 days). Cooked beef links in refrigerated (18 days) and frozen storage (198 days) were analyzed for lipid oxidation throughout shelf life. Fatty acid profiles were evaluated in lean, subcutaneous fat, and ground composite samples. All distillers grain diets increased C18:2 and polyunsaturated fatty acids in beef. There were no dietary differences in lipid oxidation …

Rumen Undegradable Protein And Bambermycins Supplementation Of Calves Grazing Corn Residue, Cody A. Welchons, Robert G. Bondurant, F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher, Jim C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing non- irrigated corn residue were supplemented with a corn residue and by- product pellet that contained either Soypass, soybean meal, or processed soybean meal at a rate of 4 lb / d. Additionally, a supplement was fed at 1 lb / d that provided 0 or 20 mg / steer daily of bambermycins (Gainpro®). There was no interaction between bambermycins inclusion and pellet type. Likewise, there was no effect of pellet type or bambermycins on ending BW or ADG. In order to maximize gain of calves grazing corn residue it is important to provide a supplement that …

Delineating Complex Forage Mixtures Using Plant-Wax Markers, Napoleón Vargas Jurado, Hannah C. Hamilton, Ronald M. Lewis

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Plant waxes provide a marker profile of individual plants that, when sufficiently distinct, can be used to estimate the diet composition of grazing cattle. They also may provide a tool for reliably predicting feed intake. The traditional method (nonnegative least squares) to use these markers to predict diet composition has limitations. A newer statistical approach (Bayesian linear unmixing) deemed more efficient was tested with simulation. Samples from 8 forage species in Nebraska were analyzed for their plant- wax marker contents. Those concentrations were used to simulate 1000 diets for 4 mixtures containing 2, 3, 5 or 8 plants. The efficiency …

Effect Of Corn Residue Grazing Or Baling On Subsequent Crop Yield And Nutrient Removal, Kristen M. Ulmer, Jordan L. Cox, Manbir K. Rakkar Rakkar, Robert G. Bondurant, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Mary Drewnoski, Karla H. Jenkins, James C. Macdonald, Rick J. Rasby

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 2- year study evaluated the effect of corn residue baling or grazing on subsequent yields, as well as, nutrient removal by baling at five locations in Nebraska. Three treatments were applied to each field: baled, grazed, and control (no baling and no grazing). Grain and stover yields were measured by hand harvest at maturity. No differences were observed among treatments for corn yield with baled having yields of 234 bu grain / acre, grazed with 239 bu grain / acre and control with 223 bu grain / acre. Th ere was no difference in stover yield among treatments (8,326, …

Timed Insemination Vs. Modified Estrus Detection In Beef Heifers, Benjamin T. Tibbitts, Tonya L. Meyer, Dan J. Kelly Kelly, Richard N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Th e objective of this study was to compare a modified estrus detection and fixed time AI vs. no estrus detection and fixed time AI on subsequent pregnancy rates. Yearling heifers were estrus synchronized and AI at 72 ± 2 h after prostaglandin injection. In one group estrus was not detected and all heifers received gonadotropin releasing hormone at the fixed- time AI; in the other group estrus was detected at 58 ± 2 and 70 ± 2 h after prostaglandin and inseminated in the following order at 72 ± 2 h: heifers in estrus at 58 h, heifers in …

Growth And Reproductive Performance Of Yearling Beef Heifers Implanted With Revalor G In The Nebraska Sandhills, Benjamin T. Tibbitts, Hazy Rae Nielson, K. H. Ramsay Ramsay, Richard N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Th is study evaluated effects of a single stocker implant (Revalor G) on growth and reproductive performance of yearling beef heifers in the Nebraska Sandhills. Crossbred heifers, grazing native Sandhills range, were randomly assigned to either be implanted 82 ± 2 days prior to estrus synchronization, or not implanted, to determine the effects of growth implants on heifer performance. Heifers were bred via artificial insemination followed with clean- up bulls. Implanted heifers gained more and were heavier at the end of the trial, but had a reduced pregnancy rate than non- implanted heifers. Implanted heifers also had a lower pregnancy …

Impact Of Heifer Development System In Two Different Breeding Seasons, Shelby A. Springman, Hazy Rae Nielson, Jacqueline A. Musgrave Musgrave, John Nollette, Andy Applegarth, Richard N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Replacement heifers from March and May calving herds were offered ad libitum meadow hay and 4 lb/d supplement or grazed meadow and offered 1 lb/d supplement from mid- January to mid- April. Heifers fed hay gained more during the treatment; however, heifers grazing meadow experienced compensatory gain, resulting in similar body weight at pregnancy diagnosis in both calving herds. Pregnancy rates were similar between treatment groups in March and May heifers. A reduced input winter management system is a viable option to maintain pregnancy rates in early and late summer breeding seasons.

Effects Of Distillers Grains Or Fiber On Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli In Steers, Liesel G. Schneider, Curtis J. Bittner, Jordan E. Burhoop Burhoop, F. Henry Hilscher, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Rodney A. Moxley, David R. Smith

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Increased probability for fecal shedding and colonization by Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been observed in previous studies when steers are fed increased inclusions of distillers grains. A feeding study was conducted to determine if distillers grains or fiber from distillers grains in the finishing ration of feedlot steers affected fecal shedding prevalence of seven serogroups of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC- 7). For EHEC O45 and EHEC O103, the greatest prevalence of shedding occurred when steers were fed increased distillers grains For all EHECs except for O111, fecal shedding prevalence was similar between the corn control and either of the corn …

Effect Of Long- Term Corn Residue Grazing On Soil Properties, Manbir K. Rakkar, Humberto Blanco, Mary E. Drewnoski Drewnoski, Jim C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of long- term (16 years) corn residue grazing with cattle on soil compaction, soil structure, soil organic matter, and nutrients. Three treatments: 1) fall grazing (November through January; 1.8 to 2.5 AUM/ac), 2) spring grazing (February to middle April; 2.3 to 3.1 AUM/ac), and 3) control (no grazing) under a no- till irrigated corn- soybean system in eastern Nebraska were studied. Crop yields were increased and soil bulk density and cone index (parameters of soil compaction), wet soil aggregate stability (parameter of soil structural quality), and organic matter content were not affected …

Effect Of Increasing Supplemental Rumen Undegradable Protein (Rup) On Performance Of Calves Fed A Silage Growing Diet, Colton R. Oney, F. Henry Hilscher, Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, Andrea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A growing study evaluated the effects of increasing supplemental rumen undegradable protein (RUP) on performance of calves fed an 85% corn silage diet. Five levels of supplementation were evaluated with 12 individually fed steers per level of supplement. Supplement levels consisted of 0, 3.25, 6.5, 9.75 and 13% supplemental RUP (% of diet DM) fed as a blend of 60% Soypass and 40% Empyreal. Increasing supplemental RUP in the diet increased ending body weight and average daily gain linearly, and decreased F:G linearly while DMI remained constant among treatments. As cattle grew from 600 to 730 lb, F:G was improved …

2017 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report (Complete)

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Contents

Cow/Calf: Effect of Heifer Development System on Reproduction and Subsequent Gain as a Pregnant Heifer • Impact of Heifer Development System in Two Breeding Seasons • Timed Insemination vs. Modifi ed Estrus Detection in Beef Heifers • Growth and Reproductive Performance of Yearling Beef Heifers Implanted with Revalor G in the Nebraska Sandhills • Development of Terminal and Maternal Economic Selection Indices in Beefmaster Cattle • Effects of Wintering System on Cow and Calf Performance in a Summer- Calving Intensive Production System • Methods to Increase Productivity of Spring Calving Production Systems in the Nebraska Sandhills

Growing: Effect of …

In Situ Digestibility Of Residue Parts Of Corn Planted In Different Populations And Row Widths, Viviane B. Ferrari, Janessa J. Updike, Jana Harding Harding, Keith Glewen, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Plant density can be changed by altering row width and/or number of plants within a row. The use of narrower rows at seeding may increase yield and reduce plant-toplant competition. Corn seeds were planted at 2 row widths (15 and 30- inch rows) and 3 plant populations (25,200, 35,000 and 54,000 seeds / acre). Samples of corn residue were collected 4 dates (October 8, October 24, November 5 and November 19) postharvest and separated into cob, stem, leaf and husk to determine changes in quality over time. Th e greatest plant population increased the NDF content and NDF digestibility of …

Effect Of Harvest Method And Ammoniation On Digestibility And Intake Of Corn Residue, Ashley C. Conway, Tasha M. King, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt Breithaupt, Jim C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Mary E. Drewnoski

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of three harvest methods, both with and without ammonia treatment, on the in vivo digestibility and intake of baled corn residue were assessed in a digestion trial with lambs. Treatments included three corn residue harvest methods (conventional rake and bale, New Holland Cornrower™ with eight rows or with two rows of corn stalks chopped into the windrow containing the tailings [leaf, husk and upper stalk] from eight harvested rows) and the effects of ammoniation at 5.5% of DM compared to no ammoniation of the residue. Th e 2- Row baled residue (51.7%) had greater dry matter digestibility than …

Methods To Increase Productivity Of Spring Calving Production Systems In The Nebraska Sandhills, Devin Broadhead, L. A. Stalker, Jacki A. Musgrave Musgrave, Rick N. Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Feeding supplement to cattle grazing dormant winter range increased cow BW and BCS and calf performance, but not pregnancy rate. Using a CIDR to shorten the post-partum interval in a cow herd with existing acceptable reproductive performance did not improve pregnancy rate. Feeding creep feed to calves increased weaning BW but should be considered within the context of a cost/benefit analysis. Additional years of data collection may be necessary to draw definitive conclusions.

Predicting Feedlot Growth Performance Over The Feeding Period Utilizing Steer Age And Body Weight, Curtis J. Bittner, Andrea K. Watson, Jim C. Macdonald Donald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A pooled- analysis of UNL feedlot pens examined the effects of steer age and body weight on feedlot growth performance. For data analysis, pens were divided into 3 subclasses based on steer age (calf- fed, short yearling, or long yearling) and, grouped based upon initial body weight (500 to 1200 lb, in 100 lb increments) within each age class. As initial body weight increased, DMI (lb/d) for the whole feeding period increased quadratically in calf-fed steers and increased linearly in short and long yearlings. A quadratic increase in ADG was observed in calf- feds as initial body weight increased. No …

Acknowledgements

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Appreciation is expressed to the following firms, associations, or agencies who provided grant support for research in the beef cattle program.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant/ USDA/NIFA Foundation Program: Animal Reproduction

The Beef Checkoff , Centennial, Colo

Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, Neb.

CSIRO, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Dickson, ACT, Australia

Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Ind.

Huvepharma Inc. Peachtree City, GA

Dr. Kenneth and Caroline McDonald Eng Foundation San Antonio, Tex.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition. Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Centennial, Colo.

Effect Of Harvest Method On Digestibility Of Corn Residue, Tasha M. King, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt, Jana L. Gramkow Gramkow, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Corn residues can be an economical forage source for producers and advanced harvest methods have increased the quality of baled residue. A digestion study was conducted to evaluate the effects of harvest method of corn residues (low- stem, highstem, and conventional) on digestibility in lambs. Samples from total fecal collection were dried 1 of 3 ways to determine effects on digestibility estimates. Corn residue containing low- stem had greatest overall digestibility with high- stem residue being intermediate and conventional harvesting having the lowest digestibility. Drying method had no effect on digestibility estimates.

Comparison Of Titanium® 5 Ph- M Versus Titanium® 5 Plus Nuplura® Ph With The Presence Or Absence Of Monensin On Health And Performance Of Newly Received Feedlot Calves Fed Ramp®, Robert M. Jones, Curtis J. Bittner, F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher, Mallorie F. Wilken, Rick Stock, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A receiving study was conducted to evaluate the effects of RAMP® with Rumensin® concentration (0 or 25.0 g/ton) given with one of two viral vaccinations (Titanium® 5 PH- M or Titanium® 5 plus NUPLURA® PH) on steer growth performance and morbidity. There were no significant vaccine by diet interactions observed. Neither vaccine treatment nor Rumensin® level affected intake, gain, or feed conversion. Vaccine type did not affect first pull (P = 0.19) or second pull morbidity rates (P = 0.52). These findings suggest that neither vaccine type nor Rumensin® concentration had any effect on steer growth performance or morbidity rate.

Evaluation Of 0 Or 300 Mg Of Optaflexx® On Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Steers Fed To Different Degrees Of Finish, Robert M. Jones, Curtis J. Bittner, F. Henry Hilscher Hilscher, Mallorie F. Wilken, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A feedlot study evaluated the effects of ractopamine hydrochloride (Optaflexx®) dosage (0 or 300 mg/steer daily) and days on feed (118, 139, 160, 174 DOF) as a 2 × 3 + 1 factorial (steers fed 174 d were not fed Optaflexx) on performance of big yearlings. No interaction was observed between Optaflexx and days on feed. Feeding Optaflexx improved live final BW, carcass- adjusted ADG, carcass- adjusted feed conversion, and calculated yield grade. Increasing days on feed linearly increased live final BW, carcass-adjusted feed conversion, HCW, dressing percent, and marbling score but not ADG. Furthermore, a quadratic increase in LM …

Corn Residue Quality Throughout The Grazing Season, Shelby E. Gardine, Gavin L. Harsh, Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, Jana L. Gramkow, Andrea K. Watson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Changes in in vitro organic matter digestibility and digestible organic matter of corn residue were evaluated throughout the fall grazing and spring grazing seasons. In vitro organic matter digestibility and digestible organic matter were greatest at the beginning of fall grazing and declined over time. Slight weathering resulted in lower quality corn residue available at the beginning of spring grazing compared to the beginning of fall grazing. The in vitro organic matter digestibility of available residue declined 21% over the fall grazing season and 51% throughout the spring grazing season. As the availability of nutrients declines over time, adjustments in …

Perceptions Of Crop Consultants And Producers On Grazing Corn Residue In Nebraska, Jordan L. Cox, Kristen M. Ulmer, Manir Rakkar Rakkar, Lisa Franzen-Castle, Humberto Blanco-Canqui, Mary Drewnoski, Jim C. Macdonald, Richard J. Rasby

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A survey was conducted to explore factors influencing corn residue grazing recommendations by crop consultants and producer practices in Nebraska. Approximately 80% of consultants recommended grazing corn residue, while 63% of producers allowed grazing. Of producers who did not graze, about 50% cited concerns related to soil compaction, inconvenience (lack of water, fencing, and land/equipment damage), and lack of access to livestock. Producers who allowed and consultants who recommended grazing were more likely to perceive that grazing residue increased subsequent grain yields. Most consultants (56.0%) and producers (43.8%) reported making decisions in regards to grazing based on their own observation. …

Pooled Gain Analysis Of Steers Grazing Corn Residue And Supplemented With Distillers Grains, Cody A. Welchons, Jim C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A pooled analysis combined data from three trials in which steer calves grazing corn residue were supplemented with distillers grains at varying amounts as a percent of BW. A regression equation was calculated in order to provide an accurate estimate of gain for calves fed distillers grains at various rates. Steers supplemented with distillers grains in a range from 0.3 to 1.1% of BW (1.5 to 6.5 lb / steer daily) had estimated gains that ranged from 1.07 to 1.94 lb / d. Th is prediction equation provides an estimate of gain for calves supplemented with distillers grains at various …

Effect Of Feeding Field Peas On Fresh Beef Quality, Hope R. Voegele, Katherine I. Domenech, Emery K. Kunze Kunze, Felipe A. Ribeiro, Karla H. Jenkins, Jim C. Macdonald, Chris R. Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Th is study was conducted over two years to evaluate the use of field peas during two phases of production (grazing and finishing) on overall fresh beef quality. The backgrounding treatments included: no supplement, field peas, or dry- rolled corn and finishing treatments included the presence or absence of field peas. Loin samples (n = 232) were aged for 14 d and placed under retail display conditions for 7 d. Dietary treatments had no effect on tenderness (WBSF or SSF) or visual discoloration and minimal effects on objective color, lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition. These data indicate field peas …