Effects of biological type of beef steers on vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus status

Feedlot steers (n = 36) from three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos taurus-Continental, and Bos taurus-English) were used to determine the Ca, P, and vitamin D3 status of feedlot cattle. The USDA yield and quality grade traits were measured at slaughter, and the concentrations of vitamin D3 (VITD) and the metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH D) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2 D) were determined in LM, liver, kidney, and plasma. Plasma and muscle Ca and P concentrations also were determined. Biological type of cattle affected a number of carcass traits. Carcasses from Bos taurus-English cattle had more marbling, resulting in higher quality grades (P < 0.05). Carcasses from Bos taurus-Continental cattle had lower calculated yield grades (P < 0.05) than did carcasses from cattle in the other biological types. In general, differences in carcass traits resulting from biological type were consistent with other reports. Plasma and LM Ca and P concentrations were not affected (P = 0.06) by biological type of cattle, indicating that Ca and P homeostasis is a conserved trait across the different types of cattle. Plasma VITD and 25-OH D concentrations were not affected (P = 0.41) by biological type, whereas plasma 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in Bos taurus-Continental and Bos indicus cattle. Liver VITD and 25-OH D were not affected by biological type (P = 0.76), but liver 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in Bos indicus cattle than in Bos taurus-Continental cattle. Kidney vitamin D metabolite concentrations were not affected by biological type of cattle (P = 0.21). Muscle VITD concentration was greater (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in the other two biological types, and muscle 25-OH D concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle than in Bos indicus cattle. Muscle 1,25-(OH)2 D concentration was less (P < 0.05) in the Bos taurus-Continental cattle than in the other two biological types. Cooking eliminated vitamin D metabolite differences among the biological types. Our results suggest that Bos indicus cattle had greater 1,25-(OH)2 D (the biologically active form) in tissues, and greater 1,25-(OH)2 D plasma concentrations than Bos taurus cattle. Thus, the need for VITD supplementation and optimal levels of Ca and P in feedlot diets might differ between Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle.     

Effects of supplemental vitamin D3 on feed intake, carcass characteristics, tenderness, and muscle properties of beef steers.

Research was conducted to determine the effects of supplemental dietary vitamin D3 on DMI, carcass traits, Warner Bratzler shear (WBS) force, calpastatin activity, plasma minerals, pH (0, 3, 12, and 24 h after slaughter), water-holding capacity (WHC), and sensory characteristics of three muscles. Pre-slaughter vitamin D3 treatments included no supplemental vitamin D3, 6 x 106 IU (MIU) of vitamin D3 for 4 d, or 6 MIU of vitamin D3 for 6 d. Cattle were slaughtered and carcasses were chilled for 48 h before removal of steaks from the longissimus, gluteus medius, and biceps femoris muscles. Steaks were aged at 2 degrees C for 7, 14, or 21 d before cooking to a final internal temperature of 70 degrees C for WBS and sensory panel analysis. Dry matter intake was lower for steers supplemented with vitamin D3 for 4 or 6 d. Live and carcass weights were lower (P < 0.05) in steers supplemented with vitamin D3. Supplementing 6 MIU/6 d of vitamin D3 decreased (P < 0.05) WBS values of gluteus steaks (pooled over aging times). Longissimus steaks from steers supplemented with vitamin D3 for 6 d had lower (P < 0.05) WBS force values than these steaks from control steers or steers fed vitamin D3 for 4 d at 7 d postmortem. Biceps femoris steaks from steers receiving vitamin D3 for 4 d had higher WBS values than steaks from control steers at 14 and 21 d postmortem. Feeding vitamin D3 at 6 MIU for 6 d decreased (P < 0.05) the percentage of steaks that had WBS values > or = 3.86 kg for all steaks. Feeding vitamin D3 had no effect on palatability traits evaluated by trained panelists. Blood Ca concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) when vitamin D3 was fed and with increased vitamin D3 feeding time. Feeding vitamin D3 for 6 d (vs 4 d) delayed pH decline for all muscle types after 0, 3, and 12 h postmortem. Water-holding capacity was increased (P > 0.02) after 0 h, 24 h, and 21 d postmortem when vitamin D3 was fed and was greater at 0 and 24 h if vitamin D3 was fed for 6 d rather than 4 d. These data suggest that supplementing 6 MIU of vitamin D3 will decrease DMI and improve beef tenderness through increased blood plasma Ca concentrations and WHC.     

Effect of vitamin D3 supplementation level on the postmortem tenderization of beef from steers

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of different doses of vitamin D3 (VITD) on beef feedlot performance, plasma and muscle Ca2+, tissue residues, and improvement of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS) and panel tenderness. A total of 167 steers were fed one of six levels of VITD. The VITD treatments (28 steers/treatment) were 0, 0.5 x 10(6), 1 x 10(6), 2.5 x 10(6), 5 x 10(6), and 7.5 x 10(6) IU/steer daily of VITD fed nine consecutive days before slaughter. Feedlot performance and plasma Ca2+ were measured during the last 21 days on feed. Warner-Bratzler shear force was measured on strip loin and top round steaks at 7, 10, 14, and 21 d postmortem. The VITD treatments of 5 and 7.5 x 10(6) IU/steer daily decreased (P < 0.05) ADG, and VITD supplementation of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 x 10(6) IU/steer daily decreased average dry matter feed intake (P < 0.05) at the end of the feeding trial. Plasma Ca2+ increased linearly with VITD treatment (P < 0.01). Calpastatin and calpain activity were not influenced by treatment (P > 0.05), but muscle Ca2+ was increased (P < 0.05) by VITD treatments of 1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 10(6) IU/steer daily. Feeding VITD did not influence (P > 0.05) carcass quality or yield traits. Supplementing VITD at levels of 1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 10(6) IU/steer daily increased (P < 0.05) VITD concentrations in strip loin and liver samples. Cooking liver decreased VITD concentrations 10 to 28%. Vitamin D3 treatments of 0.5 and 7.5 x 10(6) IU/d reduced strip loin steak WBS at d 7 (P < 0.05), but VITD treatments did not decrease strip loin steak WBS at any other time postmortem. The VITD treatments of 0.5, 1, and 5 x 10(6) IU/steer daily decreased top round steak WBS at 7 d, and all VITD treatments decreased 10-d top round steak WBS (P < 0.05). Supplementing steers with 0.5 x 10(6) IU/steer daily of VITD also decreased (P < 0.05) top round steak WBS at 21 d postmortem compared with controls. Sensory tenderness at 7 d postmortem was increased (P < 0.05) by all VITD treatments in top round steaks, yet strip loin tenderness scores were not affected (P > 0.05) by VITD treatment. Treatment with VITD quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) round WBS. Thus, VITD treatment will effectively improve tenderness when cattle tend to be tough and have no impact on cattle that produce tender beef. Feeding steers 0.5 x 10(6) IU of VITD daily for 9 d improved tenderness in two muscles without negatively affecting feedlot performance or tissue residues.     

Supplemental vitamin D3 concentration and biological type of steers. II. Tenderness, quality, and residues of beef

Vitamin D3 was orally supplemented to determine the supplemental dose that improved beef tenderness in different cattle breed types. Feedlot steers (n = 142) were arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement consisting of four levels of supplemental vitamin D3 (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 million IU/steer daily) administered for eight consecutive days antemortem using three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos Taurus-Continental, and Bos Taurus-English). Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) was measured at 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 d postmortem, and trained sensory analysis was conducted at 7 d postmortem on LM, semimembranosus, gluteus medius, and supraspinatus steaks. Concentrations of vitamin D3 and the metabolites 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 were determined in the LM, liver, kidney, and plasma. Biological type of cattle did not interact (P > 0.10) with vitamin D3 supplementation for sensory or tenderness traits, suggesting that feeding vitamin D3 for 8 d before slaughter affected the different biological types of cattle similarly. Supplementing steers with 0.5, 1, or 5 million IU/(steer(d) decreased (P < 0.05) LM WBSF at 7, 10, 14, and 21 d postmortem compared with controls, and vitamin D3 treatments of 0.5, 1, and 5 million IU decreased (P < 0.05) semimembranosus WBSF at 3, 7, and 14 d postmortem. In general, vitamin D3-induced improvements in WBSF were most consistent and intense in LM steaks. Sensory panel tenderness was improved (P < 0.05) by all vitamin D3 treatments in LM steaks. Sensory traits ofjuiciness, flavor, connective tissue, and off-flavor were not (P > 0.05) affected by vitamin D3 treatments. All vitamin D3 treatments decreased micro-calpain activity and increased muscle Ca concentrations (P < 0.05). Vitamin D3 concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) by supplementation in all tissues tested (liver, kidney, LM, and plasma); however, cooking steaks to 71 degrees C decreased (P < 0.05) treatment residue effects. The vitamin D metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 was increased (P < 0.05) only in plasma samples as a result of the vitamin D3 treatments. These results indicate that supplementation with vitamin D3 at 0.5 million IU/steer daily for eight consecutive days before slaughter improved tenderness in steaks from different subprimal cuts by affecting muscle Ca concentrations, micro-calpain activities, and muscle proteolysis, with only a small effect on tissue residues of vitamin D3.     

Supplemental vitamin D3 concentration and biological type of beef steers. I. Feedlot performance and carcass traits

Because of the Ca dependency of the calpains, oral supplementation of vitamin D3 (VITD) can increase the Ca content of muscle to activate the calpains and improve tenderness. Feedlot steers (n = 142) were arranged in a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement consisting of four levels of VITD (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 million IU/[steer x d]) for eight consecutive days antemortem using three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos taurus-Continental, and Bos taurus-English). Feedlot performance factors of ADG, DMI, and G:F were measured, and carcass quality, yield, and color data were collected. Plasma Ca and P concentrations were measured during d 4 to 6 of supplementation and at exsanguination, and carcass pH and temperature were measured in the LM at 3 and 24 h postmortem. Vitamin D3 treatment at 5 million IU/(steer x d) decreased ADG (P < 0.05) over the supplementation and feed intake for the last 2 d of feeding compared with untreated control steers. Likewise, G:F was decreased (P = 0.03) in steers supplemented with 5 million IU/d compared with controls. Overall, there was a linear decrease (P < 0.01) in ADG and G:F as a result of VITD supplementation. Plasma concentrations of Ca and P were increased (P < 0.05) by VITD concentrations of 1 and 5 million IU/(steer x d). All VITD treatments increased (P < 0.05) LM temperature at 3 h postmortem and pH at 24 h postmortem. Vitamin D3 treatments did not affect (P = 0.07) any other carcass measurements, including USDA yield and quality grade; thus, any improvements in meat tenderness as a result of VITD supplementation can be made without adversely affecting economically important carcass factors. Biological type of cattle did not interact with VITD treatment for any carcass or feedlot performance trait. Although feeding 5 million IU/(steer x d) of VITD for eight consecutive days had negative effects on performance, supplementing VITD at 0.5 million IU/ (steer x d) did not significantly alter feedlot performance.     

Seasonal changes in serum calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D concentrations in llamas and alpacas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the interaction of season and age on serum calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 concentrations in llamas and alpacas. ANIMALS: 23 clinically normal llamas and 7 alpacas. PROCEDURES: Animals were assigned to 1 of the 3 following groups on the basis of age at the start of the study: adult (age, > or = 24 months; n = 8), yearling (> 12 but < 20 months; 5), and neonate (< 6 months; 17). Twelve serum samples were obtained at monthly intervals. Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 concentrations were measured, and the calcium-to-phosphorus concentration (Ca:P) ratio calculated. Effect of season and age on each of these variables was determined. RESULTS: Vitamin D3 concentrations varied significantly as a function of season; the highest and lowest concentrations were detected September through October and February through March, respectively. The seasonal decrease in vitamin D3 concentration was significantly greater in neonates and yearlings, compared with adults. Serum phosphorus concentration decreased as a function of age, with the most significant seasonal change detected in the neonate group. The Ca:P ratio in neonates varied between 1.1 and 1.3 except during winter months when it increased to > or = 2.0. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Mean vitamin D3 concentration varied by > 6 fold in neonatal and yearling llamas and alpacas and > 3 fold in adult animals as a function of season. These results support the hypothesis that seasonal alterations in vitamin D3 concentrations are a key factor in the development of hypophosphatemic rickets in llamas and alpacas.     

Factors affecting the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content of beef cow milk.

This paper reports the calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content of milk from Shorthorn cattle during the five month calf nursing period as well as the effect of prepartum administration of a single intramuscular dose of vitamin D3 or of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on the milk mineral constituents. The colostrum of the group which received 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was found to contain a higher percentage of calcium on the second and third day than the colostrum of control cows or those receiving D3. No differences occurred in colostrum magnesium or phosphorus contents due to prepartum treatment. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations were all high in the first day of lactation, but declined until the third day after parturition. Milk calcium, magnesium and phosphorus content of individual cows was not uniform throughout the lactation and the variation was different for different cows.     

Use of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin E to improve tenderness of beef from the longissimus dorsi of heifers

The objective of this trial was to determine whether a single bolus of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25-OH D(3)), vitamin E, or a combination of the 2 would improve the tenderness of steaks from the LM of beef heifers. Forty-eight Angus crossbred heifers were allotted randomly to 8 pens. Six heifers were in each pen, and there were 2 pens per treatment. The 4 treatments included control (no 25-OH D(3) or vitamin E); 25-OH D(3) (500 mg of 25-OH D(3) administered as a one-time oral bolus 7 d before slaughter); vitamin E (1,000 IU of vitamin E administered daily as a top-dress for 104 d before slaughter); or combination (500 mg of 25-OH D(3) administered as a one-time oral bolus 7 d before slaughter and 1,000 IU of vitamin E administered daily as a top-dress for 104 d before slaughter). Blood samples were obtained on the day that heifers were allotted to treatments, on the day 25-OH D(3) was administered, and on the day before slaughter. Plasma calcium concentration was increased when 25-OH D(3) was administered with or without vitamin E (P < 0.007). In LM, calcium concentration tended to increase (P = 0.10) when 25-OH D(3) was administered alone but not when 25-OH D(3) was administered with vitamin E. Concentrations of 25-OH D(3) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in plasma were increased when 25-OH D(3) was administered with or without vitamin E (P < 0.001). Steaks from heifers treated with 25-OH D(3) or vitamin E, but not both, tended to have lower Warner-Bratzler shear force than steaks in the control group at 14 d postmortem (P = 0.08). Postmortem protein degradation as measured by Western blot of the 30-kDa degradation product of troponin-T was increased with all treatments after 3 d postmortem (P 相似文献   

黑龙江省7个不同地区养殖场肉牛血液钙、磷和镁浓度的比较分析

通过黑龙江省7个不同地区肉牛养殖场血液钙(Ca)、磷(P)和镁(Mg)浓度的检测比较,来判断这7个肉牛养殖场肉牛钙磷代谢的情况,为肉牛养殖场预防钙磷代谢障碍疾病提供理论依据。选择黑龙江省大庆、双鸭山、九三、牡丹江市7个不同地区不同饲养方式的肉牛养殖场作为调查点,分别记为A组(双鸭山放牧加舍饲)、B组(双鸭山全舍饲)、C组(大庆全舍饲)、D组(九三放牧)、E组(大庆放牧加舍饲)、F组(大庆放牧加舍饲)、G组(牡丹江全舍饲),并对7个不同地区养殖场血中Ca、Mg和P的浓度及游离脂肪酸(NEFA)、葡萄糖(GLU)、β-羟丁酸(BHBA)进行比较分析,综合判定7个肉牛养殖场Ca、P代谢的状况。结果显示:7个调查点65头肉牛血浆中Ca、P和Mg浓度均在正常范围内,各地区间血Ca浓度差异不显著,P浓度有差异性,其中C、G组极显著高于A组(P<0.01);C、G组极显著高于B组(P<0.01);C组极显著高于D、E、F组(P<0.01);G组极显著高于D组(P<0.01);G组极显著高于E组(P<0.01);G组极显著高于F组(P<0.01),能量指标NEFA B组显著高于D组(P<0.05),其他各组间无差异性。GLU各组间存在差异其中A组显著高于E组(P<0.05);B组显著高于A、D组(P<0.05),极显著高于E、F、G组(P<0.01);C组极显著高于A、D、E、F、G组(P<0.01);D组显著高于E组(P<0.05);F组显著高于E组(P<0.05),BHBA有组间差异,C、D、E组极显著高于A组(P<0.01)、F组显著高于A组(P<0.05);C组显著高于B组(P<0.05);D、E组极显著高于B组(P<0.01);C组极显著高于G组(P<0.01);D组极显著高于F、G组(P<0.01);E组极显著高于F、G组(P<0.01)。各组间在血磷、NEFA、GLU、BHBA方面存在差异,与各组间的饲养方式,饲料精粗比及饲养环境有关。结果表明,黑龙江省大庆、双鸭山、九三、牡丹江市7个不同地区肉牛养殖场没有发生钙磷代谢障碍性疾病,但也要预防营养代谢疾病的发生。     

Interactions of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D that influence their status in domestic meat animals

Known and possible interactions between Ca, P, Mg, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), vitamin D and its metabolites, and interactions of each of these with other factors plus complexities and possible variations between and within domestic animal species, such as age, sex, physiologic state (i.e., pregnancy, lactation and growth) and diet, make Ca, P and Mg metabolism extremely dynamic and complex. Many advances have been made in understanding these interactions and how each of these factors is controlled, secreted or metabolized within the body. Some interactions among these factors are discussed in detail, mostly with a view to understanding mechanisms by which homeostasis of Ca, P and Mg is maintained. Also, three of the major diseases of mineral metabolism of cattle (milk fever, grass tetany and wheat pasture poisoning) provide excellent models to study the complex soil, plant and animal interrelationships among Ca, P, Mg and the factors that influence and control the ultimate utilization of these minerals in animals. These diseases are used to illustrate some of the interactions among many of the factors that influence Ca, Mg and P metabolism in domestic animals.     

Effects of supplemental zinc concentration and source on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum values in finishing beef steers

Three studies were conducted to examine the effects of zinc concentration or source in diets of finishing beef steers. In Exp. 1, 108 (British x Continental) beef steers were supplemented with concentrations of added zinc (as ZnSO4) at 20, 100, or 200 mg/kg of dietary DM. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted among treatments for ADG or gain:feed for the 112-d finishing period. However, a linear (P < 0.10) decrease was noted in daily DMI with increasing zinc concentrations for the overall finishing period. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted in hot carcass weight; dressing percentage; longissimus muscle area; percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat; or marbling score. There were, however, quadratic increases in s.c. fat thickness (P < 0.05) and yield grade (P < 0.01) with added zinc. In Exp. 2, 12 beef steers were used to examine effects of added dietary zinc on serum concentrations of cholesterol and fatty acid profiles. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed in cholesterol or fatty acids among the supplemental zinc levels. In Exp. 3, 84 Brangus- and Angus-sired steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based diet containing 30 mg of supplemental zinc per kilogram of dietary DM from one of the following sources: 1) ZnSO4, 2) Zn amino acid complex, or 3) a zinc polysaccharide complex. No differences (P > 0.10) were noted for the overall 126-d trial for ADG, DMI, or gain:feed ratio. Percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart fat was increased (P < 0.10) in steers supplemented with ZnSO4 vs the average of Zn amino acid and Zn polysaccharide complexes. However, s.c. fat thickness was greater (P < 0.10) in steers supplemented with Zn amino acid and Zn polysaccharide complexes vs ZnSO4. Serum zinc concentration did not differ (P > 0.10) among zinc sources. Supplemental zinc concentration in finishing diets did not seem to influence feedlot performance and had a minimal impact on carcass quality. Either the organic or inorganic source can be included in finishing diets without affecting feedlot performance.     

Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and calciotropic hormones in donkeys

OBJECTIVE: To provide reference values for serum biochemical variables that are used for evaluation of mineral metabolism in donkeys and compare values with those in horses. ANIMALS: 18 donkeys and 18 horses. PROCEDURES: Total calcium (tCa), total magnesium (tMg), and inorganic phosphorus (P) concentrations were measured in serum samples via spectrophotometry. Ionized calcium (iCa) and magnesium (iMg) concentrations were quantified with selective electrodes. By use of a micropartition system, tCa and tMg were fractionated to separate protein-bound (pCa, pMg) and ultrafiltrable fractions. Complexed calcium (cCa) and magnesium (cMg) concentrations were calculated by substracting ionized fractions from ultrafiltrable fractions. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol (CTR) concentrations were measured via radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Serum tCa concentration in donkeys (3.37 +/- 0.21 mmol/L) was composed of pCa (1.59 +/- 0.21 mmol/L [47.0 +/- 4.2%]), iCa (1.69 +/- 0.04 mmol/L [50.4 +/- 3.0%]), and cCa (0.09 +/- 0.08 mmol/L [2.6 +/- 2.9%]). Serum tMg concentration (1.00 +/- 0.08 mmol/L) was fractioned in pMg (0.23 +/- 0.08 mmol/L [23.4 +/- 8.1%]), iMg (0.59 +/- 0.04 mmol/L [58.8 +/- 5.1%]), and cMg (0.18 +/- 0.08 mmol/L [17.8 +/- 7.2%]). Serum concentrations of P (1.14 +/- 0.30 mmol/L), PTH (20.4 +/- 21.2 pg/mL), and CTR (13.4 +/- 5.9 pg/mL) were determined. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum variables of mineral metabolism in donkeys were within reference ranges for horses. However, when compared with horses, donkeys had higher iCa, cMg, and CTR and lower pMg and PTH concentrations.     

Cholesterol concentration of longissimus muscle, subcutaneous fat and serum of two beef cattle breed types

The cholesterol concentration of uncooked and cooked longissimus muscle, uncooked subcutaneous fat and serum, as affected by days on feed, breed type and sex class in a factorial arrangement, and the relationship between serum cholesterol and tissue cholesterol were studied. Days on feed, breed type and sex class had no effect (P greater than .05) on tissue cholesterol concentrations. Overall least-squares means for uncooked and cooked longissimus muscle and subcutaneous fat were 63.32, 80.27 and 98.90 mg of cholesterol/100 g of tissue, respectively. Cholesterol concentration was 26.8% higher in cooked vs uncooked muscle and 56.2% higher in uncooked subcutaneous fat compared with uncooked muscle. Serum cholesterol concentration was lower (P less than .05) for fullblood Chianinas and steers (122.6 and 133.9 mg/dl) compared with crossbreds and heifers (162.3 and 151.0 mg/dl), respectively. Serum cholesterol concentration showed a cubic response (P less than .05) over days on feed; it was lowest at 0 d (79.6 mg/dl), increased up to 77 d (156.3 mg/dl), leveled off (154.7 mg/dl), then increased again (179.3 mg/dl). Serum cholesterol had low and insignificant correlation coefficients with all tissue cholesterol concentrations (r = .08 to .22; P greater than .05). Results indicate that muscle and fat tissue cholesterol concentrations do not vary in response to the differences in breed type, sex class or time on feed represented in the present study and thus may be an inherent characteristic dependent upon quantitative needs for cellular membrane functions. However, serum cholesterol concentration was affected by treatments evaluated in this study and may be related to factors affecting lipid metabolism.     

Effects of crude protein concentration and degradability on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum urea nitrogen concentrations in finishing beef steers

Two experiments were conducted at two locations to determine the effects of dietary CP concentration and source on performance, carcass characteristics, and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) concentrations of finishing beef steers. British x Continental steers were blocked by BW (357 +/- 28 and 305 +/- 25 kg initial BW; n = 360 and 225; four and five pens per treatment in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). Steam-flaked corn-based diets were arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial with three CP concentrations (11.5, 13, or 14.5% of DM) and three sources of supplemental CP (N basis): 100% urea; 50:50 blend of urea and cottonseed meal; or 100% cottonseed meal. Steers in both experiments were initially implanted with Ralgro and reimplanted with Revalor-S on d 56. Performance and carcass data were pooled across locations. Crude protein concentration x source interactions were not observed (P = 0.22 to 0.93) for performance and carcass data. Crude protein concentration affected ADG (P = 0.02) and carcass-adjusted (to a common dressing percent within location) ADG quadratically (P = 0.06). Increasing the concentration of supplemental urea linearly increased carcass-adjusted ADG and G:F (P < 0.05) and carcass-adjusted G:F (P < 0.001). Dry matter intake was not affected (P = 0.93) by either CP concentration or source. Hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.02), LM area (P = 0.05), and dressing percent (P = 0.03) increased linearly with increasing urea concentration, whereas increasing CP concentration quadratically affected HCW (P = 0.02), with a maximum at 13% CP. Differences in backfat thickness and yield grade were negligible across treatments. Neither marbling score nor percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice was affected by CP concentration or source. At all times measured, SUN concentrations increased (P < 0.05) with increasing CP concentration, but effects of CP source were small and variable across time. Results indicate that increasing CP concentrations from 11.5 to 13% slightly increased ADG and carcass-adjusted ADG, whereas increasing the proportion of supplemental urea increased carcass-adjusted ADG, G:F, and carcass-adjusted G:F and increased HCW, LM area, and dressing percent. A CP concentration above 13% seemed detrimental to ADG and HCW. Serum urea N increased over time, with CP concentration having a greater effect than CP source.     

Serum vitamin D,calcium, and phosphorus concentrations in ponies,horses and foals from the United States and Thailand

Vitamin D is essential in calcium and phosphorus regulation, bone physiology, cell proliferation and epithelial integrity. Literature on vitamin D in growing horses is sparse, and the effect of age on vitamin D has not been evaluated in equids in the United States or in tropical countries. The goal of this study was to determine if there was an effect of age on serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations in equids in the US (Ohio/Kentucky) and Thailand (Chiang Rai and Kanchanaburi) during the same time of the year. Blood samples were collected from healthy ponies (n = 21) and Thoroughbred foals (n = 13), yearlings (n = 10), and horses (n = 20) in Thailand and from Thoroughbred foals (n = 10) and horses (n = 17) in the US. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D₃, calcium and phosphorus were measured.In both countries, serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were lower in foals than in yearlings and adult horses. Serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were higher in horses than in ponies in Thailand, but were not different between horses from either country. Calcium concentrations were not different between groups or location. In both countries, phosphorus concentrations were higher in foals than in older groups; however, were not different between ponies and horses. This study shows that independent of geography there are age-related differences in 25(OH)D₃ concentrations in horses and further confirms that 25(OH)D₃ concentrations are lower in horses compared to other species. The information will serve as the basis for future clinical studies and to help understand better the pathophysiology of equine disorders associated with calcium and phosphorus dysregulation.     

Supranutritional oral supplementation with vitamin D3 and calcium and the effects on beef tenderness

Ultimate meat tenderness can be influenced by numerous preslaughter and postmortem management techniques. Increased levels of intracellular Ca2+, through postmortem injection, infusion, or marination, have been shown to improve the tenderness of cooked meat products. Oral supplementation with vitamin D3 effectively increases serum Ca2+ and has been hypothesized to increase muscle Ca2+ content, the activity of muscle proteases, and thus the tenderness of cooked beef. Individual Charolais x Hereford heifers (n = 191) were assigned to an unsupplemented control group or groups that were supplemented via oral bolus (for dose regulation purposes) with one of seven levels of vitamin D3 (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 x 10(6) IU D3/d, 2 x 10(6) IU DS/d plus 75 g CaCO3 or 4 x 106 IU D3/d plus 75 g CaCO3) for 2, 4, 6, or 8 d antemortem. Individual feedlot performance, serum Ca2+ levels, and carcass data were collected, and eight longissimus steaks/carcass were used to obtain Warner-Bratzler shear force values measured at 2, 7, 14, and 21 d postmortem for longissimus steaks cooked to 70 degrees or 85 degrees C. Cattle supplemented with 4 x 10(6) IU D3/d plus 75 g of CaCO3 had lower daily feed intake (as-fed) and reduced (P < 0.05) average daily gains compared with controls during the 8-d supplementation period. Additionally, supplemented cattle had numerically higher dressing percentages, possibly due to less fill at the time of slaughter, because carcass weights and USDA yield grades did not differ (P > 0.05) across treatment groups. Supplementation with 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 x 10(6) IU D3/d, for 2 or more days, increased (P < 0.05) serum Ca2+ concentrations compared with controls. Whereas cattle that received additional dietary Ca2+ in the form of CaCO3 had the lowest blood serum Ca2+ concentration. Although blood serum Ca2+ was increased, supplementation with any level of vitamin D3 for any length of time up to 8 d did not improve (P > 0.05) Warner-Bratzler shear force at 2, 7, 14, or 21 d of postmortem aging compared with controls when steaks were cooked to final internal temperatures of either 70 (control means 6.27, 4.91, 4.64, and 3.80 kg, respectively) or 85 degrees C (control means 7.31, 5.32, 4.69, and 4.46 kg, respectively). Results indicated that oral supplementation with vitamin D3 (at high or low doses) for 2 to 8 d before slaughter increased serum Ca2+ concentration but does not improve cooked longissimus tenderness.