Wet corn gluten feed and alfalfa hay levels in dry-rolled corn finishing diets: effects on finishing performance and feedlot nitrogen mass balance

One-hundred ninety-two crossbred steers (initial BW = 351 +/- 11 kg) were used to determine the effects of removing alfalfa hay (AH) from dry-rolled corn-based diets containing wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) on animal performance and nutrient (N and OM) mass balance in open feedlot pens. Steers were stratified by weight and assigned randomly to 24 pens (2 x 3 factorial) and fed for 132 d from June to October 2002. Experimental diets contained either 0 or 35% WCGF and 0, 3.75, or 7.5% AH, and were formulated to be isonitrogenous. For efficiency of gain, an interaction occurred (P = 0.09) between AH and WCGF. Feed efficiencies of cattle fed 35% WCGF were improved 4.4% (P = 0.10) compared with efficiencies of cattle fed no WCGF at 0% AH; there was a marked improvement in ADG for cattle fed WCGF compared with no WCGF in diets with 0% AH. Within 35% WCGF diets, efficiency decreased as AH inclusion increased (P = 0.06). Efficiency was equal across AH levels when 0% WCGF was fed; however, ADG was decreased when AH was removed. Interactions between AH and WCGF were not detected for other performance or carcass criteria; therefore, main effects of AH and WCGF are discussed. Daily intake, ADG, and HCW increased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary AH level increased. Feeding 35% WCGF also resulted in greater DMI (P < 0.01) and a tendency for greater ADG and HCW (P < or = 0.10) compared with steers fed no WCGF. Interactions between AH and WCGF were not observed for feedlot N mass balance. As level of AH increased across diets, N intake, N retention, and N excretion increased (P < 0.05). Steers fed 35% WCGF consumed and excreted more N (P < 0.01) than those fed no WCGF. More manure DM (P = 0.11), OM, and N (P < 0.01) were removed from pens housing steers fed 35% WCGF as well as greater OM and N recovery in finished compost. More N (kilogram/steer) was also lost to volatilization as a result of greater N excretion when WCGF was fed. Expressed as a percentage of N excretion, loss of N from pens housing steers fed 0 and 35% WCGF was not different, averaging nearly 80%. These data suggest that AH has less value when dry-rolled corn-based diets contain 35% WCGF and can be decreased from conventional levels. Furthermore, loss of N from open feedlot pens is high during the summer months, and feeding WCGF may not reduce N losses during these times of year.     

Effect of supplemental energy source and frequency on growing calf performance

Crossbred heifers (n = 120; 265 kg, SD = 37) were fed individually (84 d) to determine the effect of supplement type, concentration, and frequency on intake and performance and to estimate the energy value of dry distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) in a high-forage diet. Treatments were arranged in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial, with 3 supplements, 2 concentrations, and 2 frequencies of supplementation. Supplements including dry-rolled corn (DRC), DRC with corn gluten meal (DRC + CGM), and DDGS were fed at 0.21% (LOW) or 0.81% (HIGH) of BW daily and were provided daily (DAILY) or 3 times weekly (ALT). Heifers were fed to consume grass hay (8.7% CP) ad libitum. Individual DMI, diet composition, BW, and ADG were used to calculate energy values for DDGS and DRC. Supplement type, concentration, frequency, and interactions were tested using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with BW included as a covariate. Supplement x concentration interactions for gain (P = 0.01) and G:F (P < 0.01) were detected. At the LOW concentration, heifers supplemented with DDGS gained more and were more efficient (P /= 0.22) between DDGS and DRC + CGM in HIGH treatments, although both improved (P 相似文献   

Aspiration of barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres by a dog

This case report describes an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois dog with acute onset of cough caused by aspiration of barium-impregnated polyethylene spheres (BIPS) and pneumonia following an episode of suspected gastric dilation. Although bronchoscopic retrieval of the BIPS was largely unsuccessful, the dog recovered uneventfully, with most of the BIPS being coughed out and swallowed over a 1-month period. Aspiration of BIPS should be considered a potential complication of their administration. Furthermore, endoscopic removal of aspirated BIPS is challenging and may not be indicated because of their inert nature and possible self-clearance.     

Influence of corn hybrid traits on digestibility and the efficiency of gain in feedlot cattle

Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of chemical and physical corn kernel traits on digestibility and feedlot cattle performance. Seven commercially available corn hybrids representing a range in kernel traits were evaluated for a variety of chemical and physical traits that included test weight, 1,000-grain weight, kernel size, starch, CP, amylose, Stenvert Hardness tests (kernel hardness traits), tangential abrasive dehulling device loss, 12-h in vitro starch disappearance, and rate and extent of in situ DM disappearance. Differences among hybrids existed for all physical kernel traits measured. In Exp. 1, 224 steers in 28 pens were fed the same hybrids for 167 d in a completely randomized design. All diets were formulated to have 12.5% CP and contained 66% dry-rolled corn (DM basis). There were no differences (P >0.20) among corn hybrids for DMI, ADG, or carcass characteristics. However, efficiency of gain (G:F) was influenced by hybrid (P < 0.01) with a difference of 9.5% from the least to the most efficient. In Exp. 2, 7 ruminally cannulated heifers were used in a 7 x 7 Latin square design to determine the effects of these hybrids on nutrient digestibility, VFA concentrations, and ruminal pH. Total-tract OM and starch digestibilities were not different (P >0.15) among hybrids and averaged 77.9 and 95.1%, respectively. Differences (P < 0.05) among hybrids existed for ruminal propionate concentration and the acetate to propionate ratio. Kernel hardness traits correlated (P < 0.05) with G:F were 1,000-grain weight (r = -0.81), Stenvert time to grind (r = -0.83), and the proportion of Stenvert soft to coarse particle height (r = 0.83). Propionate concentration was not correlated (r = 0.45) with G:F but was correlated (P = 0.02) to the Stenvert time to grind (r = -0.83). Cattle fed dry-rolled corn hybrids with greater proportions of soft endosperm had greater concentrations of propionate and gained more efficiently than cattle fed hybrids with a harder endosperm. Selecting for these softer kernel traits may improve the efficiency of gain in feedlot cattle.     

Low-temperature synthesis of zintl compounds with a single-source molecular precursor

Thermolysis of the heterobimetallic phosphinidene complex [Sb(PCy)3]2- Li6.6HNMe2 (Cy = C6H11) at 303 to 313 kelvin gives Zintl compounds containing (Sb7)3- anions. The complex thus constitutes a stable molecular single-source precursor to Zintl compounds and provides a potential low-temperature route to photoactive alkali metal antimonates. The new chemical reaction involved, which is driven thermodynamically by the formation of P-P bonds, has implications in the low-temperature synthesis of other technologically important materials (such as gallium arsenide).     

Optimal wet corn gluten and protein levels in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets for steer calves

A feeding trial evaluated the hypothesis that wet corn gluten feed would improve growth performance of cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets and supply required degradable intake protein (DIP). The trial used 360 steer calves (initial BW = 288 +/- 11 kg) housed in 36 pens for 166 d in an incomplete 4 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Pens of steers were assigned to treatments according to a completely randomized design (four replicates per treatment combination). Treatments were wet corn gluten feed (0, 20, 30, or 40% of dietary DM) and CP (13.0, 13.7, or 14.4% of dietary DM) via supplemental urea as DIP. The 0% wet corn gluten feed treatment included only the 13.7% CP diet, and the 40% wet corn gluten feed treatment included only the 13.7 and 14.4% CP diets. Final dietary DIP concentration was 9.0% for 0% wet corn gluten feed; 8.7, 9.5, and 10.2% for 20% wet corn gluten feed; 9.0, 9.7, and 10.3% DIP for 30% wet corn gluten feed; and 10.0 and 10.6% for 40% wet corn gluten feed. Hot carcass weight, ADG, DMI, and G:F responded quadratically (P < or = 0.05) to wet corn gluten feed. The 20, 30, and 40% wet corn gluten feed treatments increased ADG by 7, 6, and 3% and increased DMI by 4, 5, and 5%, respectively, relative to the 0% wet corn gluten feed treatment. Feed efficiency was 102, 101, and 98% of the 0% wet corn gluten feed treatment for 20, 30, and 40% wet corn gluten feed, respectively. Hot carcass weight, ADG, and G:F increased linearly (P < or = 0.05) in response to increased DIP. Nonlinear analysis for DIP over the combined 20 and 30% wet corn gluten feed treatments indicated a DIP requirement of 9.6% of DM for ADG and 9.2% of DM for G:F, corresponding to 14.6 and 14.3% CP for 20% wet corn gluten feed and 14.8 and 14.5% CP for 30% wet corn gluten feed, respectively. Fat thickness, marbling, LM area, and USDA yield grade were not affected (P = 0.12 to 0.99) by wet corn gluten feed or CP. These results show that the inclusion rate of wet corn gluten feed for maximizing ADG and G:F in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets is approximately 20% of DM. The DIP requirement determined in this trial averaged 9.4% of DM.     

Effect of organic matter addition to the pen surface and pen cleaning frequency on nitrogen mass balance in open feedlots

Three finishing trials were conducted to determine the effects of dietary manipulation and management on N losses from open feedlots. In each experiment, 96 steers were assigned randomly to 12 nutrient balance pens. In Trial 1, calves were fed for 180 d during the winter/spring months; in Trial 2, yearlings were fed for 132 d in the summer. In Trials 1 and 2, N losses from pens were compared directly by adding OM to the pen surface or indirectly by feeding digestible ingredients designed to increase OM excretion. The dietary treatment (BRAN) included 30% corn bran (DM basis) replacing dry-rolled corn. Pens where OM was directly added received sawdust applications (SAWDUST) at a rate to match OM excretion from the BRAN diet. These two treatments were compared with a conventional, 75% dry-rolled corn diet (CON). Because CON and SAWDUST diets were identical, performance for both treatments was similar during Trials 1 and 2. The BRAN diet decreased (P < 0.10) gain efficiency during Trials 1 and 2 by 9.5% relative to CON. Fecal N excretion was greater (P < 0.01) for calves and yearlings when BRAN was fed compared with CON. Adding OM to the pen surface increased (P < 0.01) the amount of N in manure removed from pens and reduced (P < 0.10) N losses in Trial 1. Nitrogen losses were not significantly different among treatments in Trial 2. In Trial 3, calves were fed for 166 d during the winter/spring months. A 2 x 2 factorial design was used to evaluate pen cleaning frequency and diets similar to CON and BRAN. Pens were either cleaned monthly or once at the end of the feeding period. Daily DMI was greater (P = 0.01) and ADG was lower (P < 0.01) when cattle were fed BRAN compared with CON. Responses from all three trials indicate a negative effect of BRAN on gain efficiency. Dietary treatment and cleaning frequency interacted for N balance in the feedlot. Nitrogen losses decreased and manure N increased (P < 0.10) for cattle fed BRAN compared with CON when pens were cleaned monthly. Feeding BRAN did not affect total manure N, but resulted in higher N losses when pens were cleaned only once. For all trials, BRAN increased the amount of N remaining in composted manure. Adding OM to pen surfaces and/or cleaning pens more frequently may decrease N losses from open feedlot pens and from compost, although responses seem influenced by ambient temperature or season.     

Effects of concentration and composition of wet corn gluten feed in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets

Two finishing experiments were conducted to determine the effects of concentration (Exp. 1) and composition of wet corn gluten feed (Exp. 2) in steam-flaked corn-based diets on feedlot steer performance. In Exp. 1, 192 English x Continental crossbred steer calves (299 +/- 0.6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with six dietary treatments (four pens per treatment). Treatments were six concentrations of wet corn gluten feed (Sweet Bran, Cargill Inc., Blair, NE; 0, 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35%) replacing steam-flaked corn (DM basis). All diets contained 10% corn silage, 5% supplement, and 3.5% tallow (DM basis). Gain efficiency and ADG were similar (P > 0.25) among treatments. Dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.10) with 0% wet corn gluten feed than with concentrations of 20, 25, and 35% WCGF. Dry matter intake did not differ among treatments containing wet corn gluten feed. In Exp. 2, 160 English x Continental crossbred steer calves (315 +/- 0.6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with five dietary treatments (four pens/treatment). Treatments were assigned based on four ratios of steep to corn bran/germ meal mix in wet corn gluten feed plus a negative control (CON). Wet corn gluten feed was fed at 25% of the dietary DM and was made by mixing steep and corn bran/germ meal into the diet. The four concentrations of steep in wet corn gluten feed that comprised the ratios were 37.5, 41.7, 45.8, and 50% (DM basis), with the remaining proportion being the bran/germ meal mix. Bran/germ meal mix was comprised of 60% dry corn bran, 24% germ meal, and 16% fine-cracked corn (DM basis). All diets contained 10% corn silage, 5% supplement, and 3.5% tallow (DM basis). Daily gain did not differ (P = 0.18) among treatments. Gain efficiency did not differ between CON and 50% steep; however, G:F was decreased (P < 0.05) for concentrations of 37.5, 41.7, and 45.8% steep compared with CON. A linear improvement (P < 0.05) was observed for G:F as concentration of steep increased as a proportion of wet corn gluten feed. These data suggest that wet corn gluten feed can be used at concentrations up to 35% of the dietary DM without adversely affecting performance, and that steep has more energy than bran/germ meal in steam-flaked corn-based diets.     

Effect of Temporary Meiotic Attenuation of Oocytes with Butyrolactone I and Roscovitine in Resistance to Bovine Embryos on Vitrification

This study aimed to produce in vitro bovine embryos by the addition of two drugs, which is responsible for oocyte meiosis inhibition: roscovitine (ROS) and butyrolactone I (BL‐I). Oocytes were recovered from slaughtered cows and matured in a commercial medium and maintained in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. Oocytes were maintained for 6 h in an in vitro maturation (IVM) medium containing ROS (12.5 μm ), BL‐I (50 μm ) and association of drugs (ROS 6.25 μm and BL‐I 25 μm ). Oocytes were cultured for 18 h in an agent‐free medium for the resumption of meiosis. After 24 h of maturation, oocytes were inseminated in the commercial in vitro fertilization (IVF) medium. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOFaa medium in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. On day 3, rate of cleavage was evaluated and on days 6 and 7, rate of blastocyst formation. BL‐I and its association with the ROS increased the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation (p < 0.05). The ROS alone was inefficient, impairing embryonic development, with low rates of blastocyst formation when compared to the control group and other treatments (p < 0.05). The embryos from BL‐I and ROS+BL‐I groups presented higher number of cells and lower rates of cellular apoptosis compared to other groups, either for the fresh or for post‐thawing embryos. Embryos from ROS+BL‐I group showed to be more resistant to the vitrification process, presenting a higher rate of embryonic re‐expansion (p < 0.05). In conclusion, block of meiosis using BL‐I or its association with ROS increased the rate of blastocyst formation, and the association of ROS+BL‐I resulted in a better resistance to the embryo cryopreservation process.     

Effects of dry, wet, and rehydrated corn bran and corn processing method in beef finishing diets

Two finishing trials were conducted to determine the effects of adding different types of corn bran, a component of corn gluten feed, on cattle performance. In Trial 1, 60 English crossbred yearling steers (283 +/- 6.7 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments. Treatments were diets with no corn bran, dry corn bran (86% DM), wet corn bran (37% DM), and rehydrated dry bran (37% DM). Bran was fed at 40% of dietary DM. All finishing diets had (DM basis) 9% corn steep liquor with distillers solubles, 7.5% alfalfa hay, 3% tallow, and 5% supplement. Gain efficiency and ADG were greater (P < 0.01) for cattle fed no corn bran compared with all treatments containing corn bran; however, no differences were detected across corn bran types. In Trial 2, 340 English crossbred yearling steers (354 +/- 0.6 kg) were used in a randomized block design with treatments assigned based on a 2 x 4 + 2 factorial arrangement (four pens per treatment). One factor was the corn processing method used (dry-rolled corn, DRC; or steam-flaked corn, SFC). The other factor was corn bran type: dry (90% DM), wet (40% DM), or dry bran rehydrated to 40 or 60% DM. Bran was fed at 30% of dietary DM, replacing either DRC or SFC. Two control diets (DRC and SFC) were fed with no added bran. All finishing diets contained (DM basis) 10% corn steep liquor with distiller's solubles, 3.5% alfalfa hay, 3.5% sorghum silage, and 5% supplement. Corn bran type did not affect DMI (P = 0.61), ADG (P = 0.53), or G:F (P = 0.10). Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.01) by steers fed bran compared with those fed no bran, and was greater by steers fed DRC than by steers fed SFC (P < 0.01). Interactions occurred (P < 0.01) between grain source and bran inclusion for ADG and G:F. The ADG by steers fed the SFC diet without bran was greater (P < 0.01) than by steers fed SFC diets with bran, whereas the ADG by steers fed DRC diets with or without bran was similar. Daily gain was 15.2% greater (P < 0.01) by steers fed SFC without bran than by steers fed DRC without bran. Gain efficiency was 16.9% greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed SFC without bran compared with steers fed DRC without bran. In DRC and SFC diets, feeding bran decreased (P < 0.01) G:F by 5.2 and 13.8%, respectively. The moisture content of corn bran had no effect on finishing steer performance, and drying corn bran did not affect its energy value in finishing cattle diets.