Growth Performance by Stocker Steers Fed Magnesium-Mica During a Grazing and Feedlot Period

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of Mg-mica supplementation on grazing and feedlot performance of stocker steers. In Exp. 1, eight groups of six steers were fed a basal diet of 80% ground grain sorghum, 15% corn silage, and 5% control protein supplement (DM basis) or a supplement containing Mg-mica (9% of supplement; 4.5 mg/kg diet DM) for 141 d. Marbling scores tended (P<0.10) to be greater, and the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice or higher was greater (P<0.05), from steers fed Mg-mica than from those fed the control supplement. In Exp. 2, eight groups of nine head each were offered either a control grain sorghum-based supplement or one containing 34 g/d of Mg-mica (2.7 g Mg) while grazing smooth bromegrass pastures for 112 d. Pasture groups were then placed in feedlot pens for 120 d and fed a basal diet similar to that described above. Two groups fed each pasture supplement received a control supplement, and two received a supplement containing Mg-mica (10% of supplement; 5 mg/kg diet DM). Steers fed Mg-mica during the pasture phase tended to have heavier (P=0.11) hot carcass weights, higher (P<0.05) dressing percentages, numerically (P>0.10) higher marbling scores, and a higher percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice than steers fed the control supplement during the pasture phase. Therefore, adding Mg-mica to pasture supplements or feedlot diets appears to have no impact on grazing or feedlot performance, but may improve carcass quality.     

Performance of Steers Supplemented with Zinc During Grazing and Receiving at the Feedlot

A study was conducted to compare the effects of three supplemental zinc sources on beef steers grazing winter annual pasture and during receiving in a feedlot. In southern Arkansas, 84 steers were weighed (BW = 216 ± 1.5 kg), bled via jugular puncture, and randomly assigned to 12 bermudagrass pastures (0.81 ha each) that had been overseeded with wheat, rye, and annual ryegrass (7 steers per pasture; 116 d of grazing) on January 15; the steers were allowed to graze until May 11. Steers were fed 0.45 kg daily of corn-based supplement containing 103 mg zinc from ZnSO₄, zinc amino acid complex (ZnAA), or zinc polysaccharide (ZnPOL) during the entire grazing period. On May 12, steers were shipped to a research feedlot (14 h; 1,016 km; 6.9% BW shrink) in northeast New Mexico. In the feedlot, the same groups of steers were fed a receiving diet (steam-flaked milo) that contained the same zinc sources as fed during the grazing period. Dietary concentrate was increased from 75 to 85% of dietary DM weekly. Data were analyzed as a completely random design; least squares means were separated using contrast. Steer BW on d 28 and 84 of the grazing period were greater (P<0.05) for cattle fed ZnAA and ZnPOL than for steers fed ZnSO₄; however, ADG over the 116 d of grazing and ending BW did not differ (P>0.28) among zinc sources. In the feedlot, steer BW, ADG, and feed efficiency did not differ (P>0.05) among zinc sources. Serum zinc concentrations did not differ (P>0.05) among zinc sources at any point in time. We conclude that early in the grazing period, ZnAA and ZnPOL improved steer BW compared with ZnSO₄; however, no differences were noted among zinc sources later in the grazing period or during receiving in the feedlot.     

Effects of Pre-Weaning Vitamin E,Selenium, and Copper Supplementation on the Performance,Acute Phase Protein Concentration,and Immune Function of Stressed Beef Calves

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of pre-weaning vitamin E, Se, and Cu supplementation on performance and immune response in stressed calves. In Exp. 1, 71 Hereford x Angus calves were individually creep fed: 1) control supplement (CON), 2) control plus 500 IU vitamin E + 0.3 mg Se/kg DM (E), 3) control plus 10 mg Cu/kg DM (CU), or 4) a combination of E and CU treatments (ECU). In Exp. 2, 80 Hereford (Angus calves were individually creep fed: 1) control supplement (CON), 2) control plus 0.3 mg Se/kg DM (SE), 3) control plus 500 IU vitamin E + 0.3 mg Se/kg DM (LOWE), 4) control plus 1000 IU vitamin E + 0.3 mg Se/kg DM (MEDE), or 5) control plus 1500 IU vitamin E + 0.3 mg Se/kg DM (HIE). Treatments continued for 49 (Exp. 1) or 53 d (Exp. 2) prior to weaning. At weaning all calves were transported to feedlot facilities. In Exp. 1, vitamin E tended (P<0.09) to improve post-weaning ADG and reduce (P<0.06) plasma haptoglobin (Hp), but had no effect on plasma α-tocopherol. Dietary Cu tended to increase (P<0.01) liver Cu stores, and antibody titers to bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) were greater (P<0.04) at weaning in CU and E calves. In Exp. 2, vitamin E tended to increase serum α-tocopherol (P<0.06) and cortisol (P<0.08). Vitamin E and Se supplementation may improve post-weaning performance and decrease plasma Hp concentrations in stressed calves.     

Influence of Betaine on Pasture,Finishing, and Carcass Performance in Steers

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of supplemental betaine on steer performance, fat deposition, and carcass characteristics. In Exp. 1 (grazing phase), 80 steers (317 kg) were fed either 1.0 kg of a control supplement (30% CP) or 1.0 kg of the control supplement plus 20 g of betaine per head per day. Betaine supplementation had no effect on overall gain or fat deposition (P>0.10) but increased ADG (P<0.10) during d 46 to 90 (0.64 vs 0.72 kg; control vs betaine, respectively). The pasture groups remained intact and were moved to the feedlot for 141 d and fed a control diet or the control diet plus 20 g of betaine per head per day. Betaine had no overall effect on finishing gain (P>0.10); however, this response was variable by period. Betaine increased final fat thickness and fat thickness change (P<0.10), but did not affect marbling or longissimus area (P>0.10). Supplemental betaine on pasture increased feed intake, final BW, and hot carcass weight (P<0.05) and increased final fat thickness and fat thickness change (P<0.10) during the finishing phase. In Exp. 2, supplemental betaine (40 g/d) was fed to steers (averaging 584 kg) in 11 replications during the last week before harvest. The overall weighted average increase in dressing percentage when betaine was fed was +0.34% (P<0.05). There was no effect (P>0.10) on fat thickness or marbling. Season of year did not affect response.     

Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Steers Is Accelerated at a Set Body Weight

Seventy-two Angus crossbred steers (average initial BW, 351 ± 5.5 kg) were used to ascertain the breakpoint in BW above which intramuscular fat deposition was accelerated. Steers were randomly assigned to one of three treatments in an unbalanced study; treatment groups represented a BW at which steers would enter the feedlot (363, 408, or 454 kg). Until entering the feedlot, steers were grazed on pasture and supplemented to achieve 0.8 kg gain/d. Intramuscular fat deposition, measured ultrasonically, and live BW were acquired on d 0 and at 28-d intervals thereafter on each animal until harvest. In the feedlot, steers were fed a 13.4% CP concentrate diet until they reached a final BW of approximately 567 kg. After slaughter, carcass data were collected. No differences (P < 0.05) in ADG on pasture (0.85 ± 0.14 kg) or in the feedlot (1.70 ± 0.07 kg) occurred among treatments. There was good agreement between predicted and measured carcass quality grade (QG) (5.5 and 5.2, respectively). Based on broken-line analysis, deposition of intramuscular fat began to increase at approximately 378 kg regardless of BW at entry into the feedlot. The breakpoint BW for increased intramuscular fat accretion rate was calculated as 64% of mature BW of these steers.     

Effects of AGRADO® on Growth Performance and Health of Newly Received Feedlot Calves

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of an antioxidant (AGRADO®; Solutia Inc., St. Louis, MO) on the growth, gain to feed ratio, and health of receiving calves. In Experiment 1, 96 mixed breed heifer calves (206 ± 1.4 kg initial BW) were purchased at sale barns and delivered as a single group to the research facility near Fayetteville. All heifers were fed a total mixed diet containing 30% cottonseed hulls, 53% cracked corn, and 11% soybean meal for 42 d with either 0 or 150 mg AGRADO®/kg diet. Fewer (P<0.05) of the heifers fed supplemental AGRADO® were treated for respiratory disease (73% vs 83%), and medication cost was lower (P<0.05) for heifers fed supplemental AGRADO ($6.33 vs $9.49 per pen). Supplemental AGRADO® did not affect (P>0.10) ADG, daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio. In Experiment 2, 86 bull and steer calves (237 ± 2.2 kg initial BW) were managed and fed as in Experiment 1 for a 41-d study. In this trial, supplemental AGRADO® had no significant effect on the number of sick calves or medication costs, but gain to feed ratio was improved (P<0.05) during the first 28 d of the trial. These results indicate that supplemental AGRADO® may improve the health or growth performance of newly received feedlot cattle.     

Season-Long vs Intensive-Early Stocking with Growing Cattle Grazing Bermudagrass Pasture

Our objective was to compare the performance of weaned steer calves managed with intensive-early stocking (IES; 12.4 steers per ha for 70 d) or season-long stocking (SLS; 6.2 steers per ha for 140 d) with and without supplementation (2 × 2 factorial). Beginning on May 15, 90 steers (BW = 217 ± 0.8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of 12 common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) pastures (0.81 ha each) fertilized with 168 kg of nitrogen/ha. One of the following four treatments was randomly applied to three pastures: i) SLS plus no supplement, ii) SLS plus 0.45 kg/steer of ground corn daily, iii) IES plus no supplement, and iv) IES plus 0.45 kg/steer of ground corn daily. Steers on IES were lighter (P=0.01) than SLS steers on d 70. By d 140, SLS steers supplemented with corn were 33 kg heavier (P=0.02) than nonsupplemented steers. When using SLS, corn increased the BW gain 0.5 kg/kg of corn fed; however, when IES was used, there was no benefit from corn supplementation. Total BW gain/ha did not differ (P>0.17) among treatments, but SLS with corn supplementation could have the potential to produce more BW gain/ha compared to the other treatments. Grazing systems did not affect feedlot ADG (P>0.53), but IES (175 d on feed) steers did have a higher (P<0.01) feedlot total BW gain than the SLS steers (154 d on feed). Using IES positively affected (P<0.08) dressing percentage and longissimus area compared to SLS; however, these differences in carcass characteristics were probably the result of the longer feeding period.     

Influence of Both Endophyte Infestation in Fescue Pastures and Calf Genotype on Subsequent Feedlot Performance of Steers

Three experiments were conducted to determine the influence of both the concentration of endophytic fungus infestation in tall fescue pastures and calf genotype on the subsequent health and performance of steers in the feedlot. In Exp. 1 and 2, Angus steers grazed fescue pastures in Georgia containing low, moderate, or high endophyte infestations for 182 d (Exp. 1) or 78 d (Exp. 2) with 12 steers per treatment. Steers were transported 1,600 km to Texas in October (Exp. 1) and July (Exp. 2), were fed a 93% concentrate diet during the finishing period, and were harvested at an estimated backfat thickness of 12 mm. In both trials, DMI over the entire feeding period and carcass characteristics were not affected (P>0.05) by endophyte infestation. In both trials, pasture ADG decreased, and feedlot ADG and gain to feed ratio increased as the previous pasture endophyte infestation increased (P<0.05). Serum cholesterol concentrations tended (P<0.10) to decrease with increasing endophyte infestation during the first 14 d in the feedlot. In Exp. 3, Angus and Brahman × British crossbred steers grazed fescue pastures in Georgia containing low, moderate, or high endophyte in each of 2 yr. Six steers of each breed group were on each treatment each year. Steers were transported to Texas in late August of each year, were fed a 93% concentrate finishing diet, and were harvested at an estimated individual backfat thickness of 12 mm. As endophyte infestation increased, serum urea N concentrations and gain to feed ratios increased (P<0.05), whereas pasture ADG, initial BW, transit shrink, serum cholesterol concentrations, final BW, and carcass weights decreased (P<0.05) in Angus steers, but not in Brahman-cross steers. In these studies, the adverse effects of high endophyte infestations in fescue pastures appeared to carry over to the feedlot for ca. 14 d. However, steers from highly infested pastures can compensate for poor pasture performance with improved performance in the feedlot when no adverse health effects occur. Any impact of the endophyte seems to be similar in Brahman-cross and Angus steers.     

Growth Performance and Serum Prolactin Concentrations of Stocker Steers Implanted with Trenbolone Acetate While Grazing Endophyte-Infected Fescue in the Spring

A 64-d grazing study was conducted with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the impact of implant treatment on growth performance, hair score, and serum prolactin levels of steers grazing tall fescue with high (HE) or low (LE) levels of infection with the endophytic fungus Neotyphodium coenophialum. Mixed-breed steers (n = 130; 246 ± 3.5 kg initial BW) were allocated randomly to one of three HE or one of four LE pastures beginning April 13. Within each replication, one-half of the steers were implanted (IMP) with trenbolone acetate (40 mg) and estradiol (8 mg), and one-half were not implanted (NI). No implant treatment × endophyte level interactions were detected (P>0.10). Steers grazing HE had lower (P<0.01) BW gain, inferior (P<0.05) hair scores, and lower (P<0.01) serum prolactin concentrations on d 64 than those steers grazing LE. Total BW gains were greater (P=0.01) from IMP steers than from NI steers, but serum prolactin concentrations and hair scores did not differ (P>0.10) between IMP and NI steers on either d 36 or 64. When tabulated across forage and implant treatments, correlations were negative between overall BW gains and hair scores measured on d 64 (r = 0.28; P<0.01), and positive between overall BW gains and serum prolactin levels measured on d 36 and 64 (r = 0.33 and 0.43, respectively; P<0.001). Therefore, fescue toxicity symptoms were manifested in HE steers, and implanting trenbolene acetate and estradiol improved grazing BW gain, but no endophyte level × implant interactions were detected.     

Acute phase proteins in naturally occurring respiratory disease of feedlot cattle

The aim of this study was to evaluate three acute phase proteins (APP) [haptoglobin (HPT), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and transferrin (Tf)] in feedlot cattle with naturally occurring respiratory disease diagnosed by a calf health scoring chart (CHSC). Seventy-seven beef calves were observed for signs of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) during the first 28 days after arrival at the feedlot. Fourteen cases and pen matched controls were selected based on the CHSC. BRD cases were defined as a score of ≥5, while controls were defined as a score ≤4. The mean CHSC score in cases was 6.9 which was significantly greater than the controls 2.8 (P < 0.01). Mean plasma LBP and HPT concentrations were significantly greater in cases than controls (P < 0.01). Our study results show that measurement of HPT and LBP could be useful in detecting respiratory disease in feedlot conditions. Transferrin concentrations between the two groups were not statistically different.     

Genotype x environment interactions for postweaning performance in crossbred calves grazing winter wheat pasture or dormant native prairie.

Data from 403 calves from Angus, Brahman, and reciprocal-cross cows sired by Polled Hereford bulls were used to evaluate the impact of postweaning backgrounding forages on postweaning BW, gains, and carcass traits. Calves were born (spring of 1991 through 1994) and reared on either endophyte-infected tall fescue or common bermudagrass pastures. After weaning, calves were transported 360 km to the Grazinglands Research Laboratory, west of El Reno, OK, and, within breed and preweaning forage, were assigned to one of the following winter stocker treatments: 1) winter wheat pasture or 2) dormant native prairie plus supplemental CP. In March, winter stocker treatments were ended and calves were grazed as a single group on cool-season grasses until early July (1992, 1993, and 1994) or late May (1995), when the feedlot phase began. In the feedlot, calves were fed a high concentrate diet for an average of 120 d until a backfat thickness of > 10 mm was reached. Calves were shipped in truck load lots to Amarillo, TX (350 km), for processing and collection of carcass data. Averaged over calf breed group, calves wintered on wheat pasture gained faster (P < 0.01) during the stocker phase (0.71 vs 0.43 kg); had heavier (P < 0.01) final feedlot weights (535 vs 512 kg); lower feedlot (P < 0.01) ADG (1.37 vs 1.53 kg); heavier (P < 0.01) carcass weights (337 vs 315 kg); larger (P < 0.01) longissimus muscle (84.9 vs 81.8 cm2); higher percentage (P < 0.01) of kidney, heart, and pelvic fat (2.32 vs 2.26); and higher (P < 0.01) dressing percentage (62.2 vs 61.3) than calves backgrounded on native prairie. Maternal heterosis for stocker ADG was evident in calves backgrounded on native prairie but not on winter wheat (P < 0.10), but the two environments were similar in maternal heterosis for feedlot ADG and carcass traits. Calves wintered on native prairie were restricted in growth and expressed compensatory gain during the feedlot phase but not during the spring stocker phase. Dormant native grasses can be used to winter stocker calves excess to the winter wheat pasture needs, but ownership of these calves would have to be retained through the feedlot phase to realize any advantage of built-in compensatory gain. Finally, these data suggest that expression of maternal heterosis for weight gain is more likely in calves backgrounded on native prairie than in calves grazed on winter wheat.     

Cattle Grazing Distribution and Efficacy of Strategic Mineral Mix Placement in Tropical Brazilian Pastures

A study was conducted in Brazil to identify factors affecting grazing distribution of yearling Nelore cross heifers and to evaluate the efficacy of placement of a salt–mineral mix away from water to improve uniformity of grazing. Two pastures (25 ha and 42 ha) were evaluated for four 15-d sessions. Mineral mix was placed 590 m to 780 m from water during two sessions and at water for two sessions. Stubble heights were measured at the beginning and end of each session in 1-ha subunits of each pasture. Cattle locations were recorded on day 13 and 14 of each session by horseback observers. Heifers avoided areas with a preponderance of forbs and taller grass (P < 0.001). For the first 15 days of the study cattle avoided subunits farther from water. Thereafter, horizontal distance from water had no affect on grazing use (P > 0.10). Stubble height reduction was more uniform (P < 0.05) when the mineral mix was at water compared to away from water. In contrast, heifers spent less time farther from water when mineral mix was placed at water (P = 0.02) based on visual observations. Strategic placement of a salt–mineral mix away from water does not appear to be a reliable tool to improve cattle grazing distribution in humid tropical pastures from 25 ha to 45 ha in size.     

Influence of Urea Alone or Combined with Fish Solubles,Fish Meal,or Feather Meal in Liquid Supplement with and Without L-Carnitine on Performance and Ruminal and Metabolic Parameters of Weanling Calves

Using growing calves (n = 368) grazing mature forage in three 84-d experiments, one objective was to compare the effects of feeding molasses-based liquid supplements containing urea (U) alone or combined with fish solubles (FS), fish meal (FM), or feather meal (FE) on performance, and blood metabolites. Another objective was to evaluate the effects on these criteria of adding carnitine to these supplements to provide 1 g·h⁻¹·d⁻¹ L-carnitine. Including FM or FE in the mixture improved (P<0.05) supplement consumption in two experiments and improved growth rate in all experiments. Carnitine improved the growth rate when U was the only protein source, but reduced growth rate when FM was included in the liquid supplement (P<0.05). During the growth phase, plasma ammonia N (PAN) was higher (P<0.05) when U was the only protein source as compared with FM or FE. Carnitine did not influence these metabolic parameters. During the metabolic phase of each experiment, calves similar to those used in the growth phase were dosed via stomach tube with 3 g liquid supplement/kg BW. Ruminal and blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after dosing. Ruminal ammonia N, PAN, and plasma urea N (PUN) concentrations were higher (P<0.05) when calves were dosed with U or FS supplement than when dosed with FM or FE supplements. Calves dosed with liquid supplement containing carnitine had lower (P<0.05) concentrations of ruminal ammonia N and PAN. Carnitine reduced (P<0.05) PUN in one experiment and increased (P<0.05) PUN in another. Branched-chain volatile fatty acids were increased (P<0.05) by dosing with FS or FM supplements. Including ruminally undegradable protein sources (FM or FE) in liquid supplement improved intake and performance and was related to reduced ruminal ammonia N, PAN, and PUN. Carnitine fed in liquid supplement also reduced ruminal ammonia N and PAN concentrations.     

Prediction of Future Carcass Traits in Stocker Cattle at the Conclusion of Grazing

Prediction of eventual carcass traits in stocker cattle at the conclusion of grazing could be useful for culling, co-mingling of animals, feedlot pen assignments, and making management decisions in the feedyard. Ultrasound measures of 12th to 13th rib longissimus area (ULA) and fat thickness (UFAT), and off-pasture BW (OPBW) were collected from yearling cattle (n = 261) at the conclusion of grazing in two experiments that evaluated stocking rate and grazing management effects on rye (Secale cereale L.) annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pastures. Carcasss data were subsequently recorded at harvest following feedyard finishing to a visual 1-cm backfat. Correlations were analyzed to determine relationships between carcass traits and ULMA, UFAT, body condition measure (BCM), and OPBW. Ultrasound measures, breed type (BRDT; n = 4), gender (steers and heifers), and feedlot days on feed (DOF) were evaluated in multiple regression models to determine whether these variables influence eventual carcass percentage retail product, kilograms retail product (KRP), hot carcass weight (HCW), and marbling score. Ultrasound FAT and BCM were negatively correlated with percentage retail product, KRP, and HCW and were positively correlated with marbling score. All reduced regression models had R² values of between 0.15 and 0.63, and models with inputs of UFAT and OPBW consistently had the numerically greatest R² values and least RMSE. Multiple regression analyses indicated that prediction of carcass traits from stocker cattle ultrasonic measurements at the conclusion of grazing were possible, but improvement in the models will be necessary to reduce error and improve reliability.     

The Immune Response and Performance of Calves Supplemented with Zinc from an Organic and an Inorganic Source

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemental zinc (Zn) from an organic and an inorganic source on growth performance, serum Zn concentrations, and immune response of beef calves. Treatments consisted of: i) control (no supplemental Zn), ii) Zn sulfate, or iii) Zn–amino acid complex. Zinc sources were supplemented to provide 360 mg of Zn/d. Experiment 1 was a 28-d study using 84 steers (240 ± 1.5 kg) fed bermudagrass hay (21 mg Zn/kg DM) with 1.8 kg/d of the appropriate corn-based supplement. In Exp. 2, 75 heifers (176 ± 2.5 kg) were fed bermudagrass hay (38 mg Zn/kg DM) and the supplements for 140 d. In Exp. 1, ADG was greater (P<0.05) from d 15 to 28 in calves fed supplemental Zn-amino acid compared with those fed Zn sulfate, but ADG did not differ (P>0.10) among treatments for the entire 28-d study. In Exp. 2, there was no effect (P>0.10) on ADG as a result of Zn supplementation. In Exp. 2, Zn-supplemented heifers had a greater response (P=0.06) to phytohemagglutinin 24 h after an intradermal injection. In Exp. 2, calves supplemented with Zn–amino acid complex had a greater antibody response to a second vaccination for bovine respiratory syncytial virus than did control or Zn sulfate-supplemented calves (treatment by day interaction, P=0.06). There was not a consistent benefit of supplemental Zn on growth of calves, but there was a positive impact of supplemental Zn on some immune-response measurements.     

Effects of Prenatal Androgenization and Implantation on the Performance and Carcass Composition of Lactating Heifers in the Single-Calf Heifer System

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate feedlot performance of heifers and calves and the lactational characteristics and carcass composition and quality of heifers while in the single-calf heifer (SCH) system. In Exp. 1, 24 lactating Angus × Holstein heifers were slowly adapted to an 85% concentrate diet, and one-half of the heifers were implanted with Finaplix-H®, both at 11 wk postpartum. Heifer-calf pairs were then placed in feedlot pens, equipped with pinpointer feeding devices, and fed an 85% concentrate diet for 102 d. The control (C) and implanted (I) heifers had similar (P=0.27) daily gains and similar (P=0.30) DMI; however, I heifers consumed 8.9% less (P<0.05) DM as a percentage of BW. Pair efficiency of feed conversion tended to be higher (P<0.09) for I heifers than for C heifers. Hot carcass weight tended to be higher (P<0.10) for the I heifers. Ribeye area was 13% greater (P<0.05) and marbling score was 8.7% lower (P<0.01) for the I heifers than for the C heifers. In Exp. 2, 26 lactating Angus × Simmental heifers were used in the SCH system. Heifer adaptation to a high concentrate diet began 3 to 4 wk prepartum. Two to 3 d postpartum, 16 control (C) and 10 prenatally androgenized (PA) heifer-calf pairs were weighed, and eight C and five PA heifers were implanted with Synovex-H®. They were then placed in feedlot pens equipped with pinpointer feeding devices. By 1 wk postpartum, all heifers were adapted to an 85% concentrate diet and fed until they possessed approximately 1.1 cm s.c. fat cover over the 12th and 13th ribs. Heifers were slaughtered 12 h postweaning. The PA heifers tended to consume more (P<0.11) DM than C heifers. Gain:feed (G:F) was similar (P=0.35) for the C and PA heifers; however, the C heifers tended to have an improved (P<0.08) pair G:F. Heifer G:F and pair G:F were both similar (P=0.53) for the I and nonimplanted heifers. Most carcass measurements were unaffected by treatment; however, the I heifers tended to have higher marbling scores (P<0.07).     

Evaluation of Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation in Late Gestation on Lamb Survival and Pre-Weaning Growth

This study was conducted to evaluate vitamin E injection and Se in a mineral supplement in late gestation on lamb survival and pre-weaning growth performance. Ewes were grouped in pens based on their fetal count and BW. The feed provided to ewes in late gestation included alfalfa hay, corn, and protein supplement according to NRC (1985) recommendations. Ewes in late gestation were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments within fetal count (single, twin, and triplet + quad). Treatments were no vitamin E or 900 IU of vitamin E injected i.m. per week and 10 or 90 ppm of Se in a mineral supplement fed ad libitum. Within each pen of ewes (8 to 10 head), approximately one-half of the ewes received injectable E beginning 4 wk before the first expected lambing; the other one-half received no vitamin E. Vitamin E treatments ended at lambing time; however, ewes remained on their respective mineral sources during lactation. Lambs were provided access to creep (16% CP, 83% TDN, and fortified with 35,000 IU of vitamin E, 0.27 g of Se, and 50 g of chlortetracycline/909 kg of creep feed) initiated at an average 10 d of age to weaning. Weekly injection of 900 IU of vitamin E did not affect birth BW (BBW) of lambs. However, 90 ppm of Se fed ad libitum improved BBW of lambs (5.06 vs 4.88 kg, P<0.10) with all of the improvement occurring in lambs born to 6- to 7-yr-old ewes (P<0.01). Vitamin E increased (P<0.05) the pre-weaning performance of lambs from 1- to 2- and 6- to 7-yr-old ewes but did not improve the performance in lambs from 3- to 5-yr-old ewes. Multiple-birth lambs from ewes treated with vitamin E had increased survival in 1 of 2 experimental yr (P<0.05). Survival of single-birth lambs was not effected by vitamin E or Se treatment. These results demonstrate that supplementation of 90 ppm of Se fed ad libitum to ewes during late gestation and throughout lactation improved BBW of lambs from 6- to 7-yr-old ewes, and weekly injection of 900 IU of vitamin E to ewes during late gestation increased the pre-weaning growth of lambs from 1- to 2- and 6- to 7-yr-old ewes and may increase the survival of multiple-birth lambs.     

Influence of L-Carnitine on Performance and Ruminal and Blood Metabolites of Grazing Calves and Finishing Lambs

Three experiments were conducted to study the influence of level and type of L-carnitine (LC) on performance and rumiasl and plasma metabolites of weanling calves and finishing lambs. Weanling calves (84) grazing dormant dallisgrass-bermudagrass forage were fed a 20% CP supplement to provide 0, 0.5, 1, or 2 g of ruminally unprotected (RUP) LC per calf daily in Exp. 1. There was a linear increase (P=0.01) and cubic response (P=0.03) to RUP LC in growth rate and quadratic changes (P=0.01) in plasma ammonia N (PAN) and plasma urea N (PUN). In Exp. 2, 32 lambs were individually fed 14% CP diets containing 0, 50, 100, or 200 ppm RUP LC or ruminally protected (RP) LC in a 2 × 4 arrangement of treatments. Lambs gained BW faster (P=0.03) and more efficiently (P=0.07) as the LC level increased to 100 ppm and then declined at 200 ppm (quadratic response). Longissimus area decreased (P=0.03), and fat cover tended (P=0.15) to decline, at 50 and 100 ppm LC and increased at 200 ppm (linear and quadratic response). Ruminal ammonia N levels were reduced at 50 ppm LC but increased at greater LC levels (linear, quadratic, and cubic response, P=0.02). Plasma carnitine concentrations increased (P=0.01) as the dietary level of LC increased. Protected LC was more effective than RUP LC in increasing growth rate (P=0.06) and reducing PAN (P=0.1). In Exp. 3, 16 wether and 16 ewe lambs were individually fed corn-based or soybean hull-based diets with 0 or 100 ppm RP LC in a 2 × 2 arrangement of treatments. Lambs fed RP LC gained BW faster and more efficiently (P=0.04) than lambs that were not fed LC. Lambs fed corn-based and soybean hull-based diets responded similarly to RP LC; however, performance was greater (P=0.03) for lambs fed the corn-based diet. Gender of lambs did not influence the response to diet or RP LC. Supplementing the diet with 100 ppm RP LC reduced (P=0.01) ruminal pH and ammonia N. Plasma carnitine concentrations were increased (P=0.01), and PAN was decreased (P=0.04) by feeding 100 ppm RP LC. Ruminnaly unprotected and RP LC were effective in improving growth rate in ruminants; the latter appeared to be more effective in finishing lambs. L-carnitine reduced ruminal ammonia N and plasma glucose and, in some cases, PAN and PUN.     

The prevalence and clinical relevance of hyperkalaemia in calves with neonatal diarrhoea

One hundred and twenty-four calves with neonatal diarrhoea were investigated in order to assess the prevalence of hyperkalaemia and the associated clinical signs. Hyperkalaemia (potassium concentration >5.8 mmol/L) was recognized in 42 (34%) calves and was more closely associated with dehydration than with decreases in base excess or venous blood pH. In 75 calves with normal blood concentrations of D-lactate (i.e. ?3.96 mmol/L), K concentrations were moderately correlated with base excess values (r = ?0.48, P < 0.001). In contrast, no significant correlation was observed in 49 calves with elevated D-lactate. Only three hyperkalaemic calves had bradycardia and a weak positive correlation was found between heart rate and K concentrations (r = 0.22, P = 0.014). Ten of the 124 calves had cardiac arrhythmia and of these seven had hyperkalaemia indicating that cardiac arrhythmia had a low sensitivity (17%) but a high specificity (96%) as a predictor of hyperkalaemia.In a subset of 34 calves with base excess values ??5 mmol/L and D-lactate concentrations <5 mmol/L (of which 22 had hyperkalaemia), changes in posture/ability to stand could be mainly explained by elevations of K concentrations (P < 0.001) and to a lesser extent by increases in L-lactate concentrations (P = 0.024). Skeletal muscle weakness due to hyperkalaemia alongside hypovolaemia may produce a clinical picture that is similar to that in calves with marked D-lactic acidosis. However, since reductions in the strength of the palpebral reflex are closely correlated with D-lactate concentrations, a prompt palpebral reflex can assist the clinical prediction of hyperkalaemia in calves presenting with a distinct impairment in their ability to stand (specificity 99%, sensitivity 29%).