Effects of feeding whole cottonseed and cottonseed products on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of whole cottonseed or cottonseed products on performance and carcass characteristics of beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 120 beef steers (initial BW = 381 +/- 31.7 kg) were fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets with 10% (DM basis) basal roughage, and whole cottonseed or individual cottonseed components (cottonseed hulls, meal, and oil). Over the entire feeding period, ADG did not differ (P = 0.95), but DMI increased (P = 0.07) and G:F decreased (P = 0.06) for steers fed the cottonseed diets compared with the control diet. Dressing percent (P = 0.02) and marbling scores (P = 0.02) of carcasses from steers fed the cottonseed diets were less than for steers fed the control diet. In Exp. 2, 150 beef steers (initial BW = 364 +/- 9.9 kg) were used to determine the effects of whole cottonseed or pelleted cottonseed (PCS) on performance and carcass characteristics. Cattle were fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets in which whole cottonseed or PCS replaced all of the dietary roughage, supplemental fat, and supplemental natural protein of the control diet. Over the entire feeding period, steers fed the cottonseed diets had lower (P = 0.04) DMI and greater (P < 0.01) G:F than steers fed the control diet. Carcass characteristics did not differ (P = 0.16 to 0.96) among dietary treatments. In Exp. 3, 150 beef heifers (initial BW = 331 +/- 17.1 kg) were used to determine the effects of PCS or delinted, whole cottonseed (DLCS) on performance and carcass characteristics. Heifers were fed rolled corn-based finishing diets in which cottonseed replaced the dietary roughage, supplemental fat, and all or part of the supplemental natural protein of the control diet. Over the entire feeding period, ADG, DMI, and G:F of heifers fed the control diet did not differ (P = 0.19 to 0.80) from those of the cottonseed diets; however, heifers fed the diets containing PCS had greater ADG (P = 0.03) and G:F (P = 0.09) than heifers fed diets containing DLCS. Carcass characteristics of heifers fed the control diet did not differ (P > or = 0.28) from those fed the cottonseed diets. Heifers fed the diets containing PCS had greater (P < or = 0.03) HCW, dressing percent, and LM area than those fed DLCS. Based on our results, whole cottonseed, or products derived from processing whole cottonseed, can replace feedstuffs commonly used in beef cattle finishing diets with no adverse effects on animal performance or carcass characteristics.     

Effects of prepartum supplementary fat and muscle hypertrophy genotype on cold tolerance in newborn calves.

Effects of feeding pregnant dams supplemental dietary fat during the last 55 d of gestation on cold tolerance of newborn crossbred calves with (Piedmontese cross, P, n = 15) or without (Hereford cross, H, n = 16) the muscle hypertrophy allele was determined. Primiparous F1 dams gestating F2 calves of the respective breeds were assigned randomly within breed to receive gestation diets containing either 2.2 (Low Fat; LF) or 5.1% fat (High Fat; HF). Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds containing 37% oil with 79% linoleic acid were the supplemental fat source in diets formulated to be isocaloric-isonitrogenous. At parturition, calves were separated from their dams, fed 38 degrees C pooled dairy cow colostrum (30 mL/kg BW), muzzled to prevent suckling, and returned to their dams in a heated (22 degrees C) room for 3.5 h. At 4 h of age (birth = 0 h), a catheter was inserted into the jugular vein. At 5 h of age, calves were placed in a 0 degrees C room for 140 min, and rectal temperatures and blood samples were obtained at 10- and 20-min intervals. Blood was assayed for cortisol and glucose. Rectal temperature was affected by diet (P<.05), time, diet x time, and breed x time (P<.01 for time and the interactions). Cortisol and glucose concentrations were not affected by diet, breed, or the diet x breed interaction, but they were affected by time, breed x time (both P<.01), and diet x time (P = .06). Calves from HF dams had higher rectal temperatures than calves from LF dams, and the HF calves maintained higher rectal temperatures throughout cold exposure. Cortisol concentrations were lower (P = .06) in calves from HF dams, and these calves had more (P = .06) glucose available for metabolic heat production than calves from LF dams. Piedmontese-cross calves maintained higher (P<.01) rectal temperatures and had higher cortisol and glucose (both P<.01) concentrations than did H-cross calves. We conclude that feeding dams supplemental fat during late gestation increased heat production in newborn calves and potentially could increase calf survival; calves with muscle hypertrophy may have a different ratio of shivering vs nonshivering thermogenesis due to differences in body composition or relationships among uncoupling proteins.     

Effects of Feeding Supplemental Fat During Gestation to First-Calf Beef Heifers

Study 1, pregnant crossbred, first-calf heifers (n = 149; BW 493.8 ± 6.3) received gestation diets: control (CON), or added safflower seeds (SAFF), raw soybeans (SOY), or sunflower seeds (SUN). Diets were formulated isocaloric-isonitrogenous, contained 2.4, 4.7, 3.8, or 5.1% fat, and were fed for the last 65.3 ± 4.6 d precalving. Supplemental fat feeding was terminated at calving. Diet effects on dam BW or condition scores and calf birth BW, calving difficulty, and dam estrous cyclicity were generally nonsignificant (P>0.10). Fat-supplemented dams had greater pregnancy rates (P<0.05) and fall calf BW (P=0.08): CON, 79%, 182.4 kg; SAFF 94%, 194.9 kg; SOY, 90%, 197.7 kg; SUN, 91%, 196.8 kg. Study 2, pregnant crossbred, first-calf heifers (n = 83; BW 439.8 ± 7.3) received gestation diets: control (CON2) or added sunflower seeds (SUN2). Diets were formulated isocaloric-isonitrogenous, contained 2.2 and 6.5% fat, and were fed for the last 68.2 ± 5.5 d before calving. Supplemental fat feeding was terminated at calving. Blood samples were collected during the feeding period. Diet effects on dam BW, condition scores, estrous cyclicity, and pregnancy percentage were nonsignificant. Calf birth BW from SUN2 dams tended (P=0.06) to be greater. Diet effects on blood components were nonsignificant except for NEFA concentrations tending to be lower in SUN2 dams at the initial (P=0.08) and mid-gestation feeding (P=0.06) sampling. Major differences were found in forage availability between Studies 1 and 2. We conclude that dietary fat or fatty acids may be an important “reproductive fuel,” and effects of supplemental gestation fat may be masked when adequate nutrients are available in forages consumed postpartum.     

High linoleic acid safflower seed supplementation for gestating ewes: effects on ewe performance, lamb survival, and brown fat stores

Objectives of this study were to determine whether feeding high-linoleic safflower seed to gestating ewes increases cold tolerance and survival in lambs, and whether brown adipose tissue (BAT) stores in lambs are affected by prepartum safflower seed supplementation. In Trial 1, 234 gestating ewes (122 in yr 1 and 112 in yr 2; 75.5 and 81.2 +/- 0.6 kg initial BW for yr 1 and 2, respectively) were allotted randomly to one of two dietary treatments (four pens*treatment(-1)*yr(-1)). Ewes were fed alfalfa-based diets containing (DM basis) either 2.8 (LF) or 5.7% (HF) dietary fat beginning 55 (yr 1) and 42 (yr 2) +/- 1 d prepartum. In Trial 2, 40 Rambouillet cross ewes gestating twins (82.9 +/- 1.7 kg BW) were used in 2 yr (20/yr) and were fed diets containing (DM basis) either 1.9 (LF) or 4.9% (HF) dietary fat beginning 53.4 +/- 1.4 d prepartum. The basal diet was 37.5% each of grass and alfalfa hays and 25% corn silage (DM basis). Cracked safflower seeds (18% CP, 32% fat, 25.6% linoleic acid; DM basis) were used as the supplement in HF, whereas safflower meal and corn were used as the supplement in LF for both trials. At parturition, one lamb from each ewe was selected randomly for slaughter. Perirenal (PR) and pericardial (PC) BAT was excised and weighed, and the carcass was frozen for compositional analysis. In Trial 1, more lambs from HF 0.03; 15.4 vs. 5.8 +/- 2.8%), and dams survived (P = 0.03; 88.4 vs. 78.3 +/- 2.9%), fewer died due to starvation (P = there was a tendency for fewer to die due to pneumonia (P = 0.07; 0.0 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.6%). Ewes fed HF tended to wean more lambs per ewe (P = 0.09; 1.4 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.06) but had similar lamb weight weaned per ewe (P = 0.51; 23.1 +/- 1.22 kg). In Trial 2, prepartum ewe plasma NEFA and glucose concentrations increased with advancing gestation (P < 0.001). Lamb rectal temperature tended (P = 0.08) to be higher in LF lambs and tended (P = 0.06) to increase following parturition. Perirenal BAT weight did not differ among treatments (33.01 +/- 1.66 g; P = 0.28; 0.62 +/- 0.30% BW; P = 0.60). Lambs from LF dams tended (P = 0.08) to have greater PC BAT weight; however, the effect was not significant when expressed as a percentage of BW (0.13 +/- 0.007; P = 0.98). High-linoleic safflower seeds fed during the last 45 d of gestation may be beneficial in improving lamb survivability. Our data do not indicate this response was a result of increased BAT stores. More research is necessary to determine mechanisms that enhance lamb survival when high-linoleic saf-flower seed is fed during gestation.     

Effects of feeding beef females supplemental fat during gestation on cold tolerance in newborn calves.

Effects of prepartum fat supplementation of the dam on cold tolerance of calves were determined in two studies. In Exp. 1, 22 F1, crossbred heifers gestating F2 calves received diets containing either 1.7 or 4.7% dietary fat starting at d 230+/-2d of gestation. Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) containing 37% oil with 79% linoleic acid were the supplemental fat source in isocaloric-isonitrogenous diets. Calves were separated from their dams at birth, fed pooled dairy-cow colostrum, muzzled to prevent sucking, and returned to their dams in a heated (22 degrees C) barn for 3.5 h. At 4 h of age, a jugular catheter was inserted. At 5 h of age, calves were placed in a 0 degrees C room for 140 min and rectal temperatures and blood samples were obtained at 10- and 20-min intervals. Blood was assayed for glucose, cortisol, and cholesterol. In Exp. 2, 18 multiparous, crossbred beef cows bred to Murray Grey sires were randomly assigned to receive diets containing either 1.7 or 3.1% dietary fat starting at 235+/-2 d gestation. Safflower seeds were used as the supplemental fat source in isocaloric-isonitrogenous diets. At d 260 of gestation, premature parturition was induced in one-half of the cows from each diet group by feeding Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) needles. Experimental protocols were the same as in Exp. 1, except that cold exposure was at 9 degrees C for 200 min. Rectal temperatures were affected in Exp. 1 by time and diet x time (both P < .01) and diet x calf sex (P < .05) and in Exp. 2 by calf age (P < .05), time, and calf age x time (both P < .01). Plasma cortisol concentrations were affected by time (P < .01) and calf sex x time (P < .05) in Exp. 1 and by time ( P < .01) in Exp. 2. Cholesterol concentrations in Exp. 1 were affected by diet x time (P < .05) and in Exp. 2 by time (P < .05). Plasma glucose concentrations were affected in Exp. 1 by diet (P < .05) and in Exp. 2 by calf age, time, and calf age x time (all P < .01). We conclude from Exp. 1 that feeding heifers supplemental fat during late gestation increased glucose concentrations in the newborn calf, resulting in favorable responses in body temperature in the cold-stressed newborns. This increase in substrate availability suggests a potential positive effect on heat generation in newborns during sustained periods of cold stress. In Exp. 2, premature calves had compromised cold tolerance possibly due to impaired shivering or brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.     

Effect of varying carbohydrate and fat content of milk replacer on body composition of Holstein bull calves

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of varying concentrations of dietary fat and carbohydrate on changes in body composition of Holstein bull calves fed under isocaloric and isonitrogenous intake conditions. Thirty-two calves were assigned to a randomized block design with three dietary treatments, eight calves per treatment, and one baseline group of eight calves. Animals were reared from birth to 85 kg live BW (SEM = 0.57). All calves began treatments between 2 and 6 d of age. Three different milk replacer treatment diets were designed to deliver 14.8 (low fat, LF), 21.6 (medium fat, MF), or 30.6% of DM (high fat, HF) fat; 55.3, 46.7, or 35.4% of DM lactose; and 23.5, 24.8, or 27.0% of DM CP, respectively. Gross energy values were 4.62, 5.09, and 5.77 Mcal/kg for the LF, MF, and HF milk replacers, respectively. From d 1 to 14, calves were offered 0.24 Mcal intake energy/kg BW(0.75), adjusted weekly based on increases in BW, and 0.28 Mcal intake energy/kg BW(0.75) from d 15 to slaughter. Dry feed was not offered. Dry matter, energy, CP, and fat intakes were 55.2 kg, 257.6 Mcal, 13.0 kg, and 8.2 kg; 52.8 kg, 268.8 Mcal, 13.1 kg, and 11.4 kg; and 46.8 kg, 270.3 Mcal, 12.6 kg, and 14.3 kg for the LF, MF and HF treatments, respectively. Energy and CP intakes did not differ among treatments (P = 0.63 and 0.79, respectively). Fat and DMI were different among treatments (P = 0.001 and 0.02, respectively). Empty BW gains were 0.61, 0.61, and 0.65 kg/d for LF, MF, and HF, respectively, and were not different among treatments (P = 0.27). Empty body CP, water, and ash gain were not different among treatments (P = 0.65, 0.99, and 0.57, respectively). Empty body retained energy and fat gain were 27.2 and 57.7% greater for calves fed the HF than for those fed the LF diet (P = 0.06 and 0.006, respectively). Fat as a percentage of the whole empty body on a water-free basis was lower for calves consuming the LF diet (28.6%) than for those fed the HF diet (34.6%), whereas percentage of CP on an empty body, water-free basis was greater for calves consuming the LF diet (59.2%) than for those fed the HF diet (54.9%) (P = 0.006). The results of this study demonstrated that, under isocaloric and isonitrogenous intake conditions, equivalent dietary energy from fat compared to carbohydrate, above 15% fat, has no beneficial purpose unless additional fat deposition is required in the animal. Further, the data demonstrate significant changes in body composition independent of growth rate.     

Fatty acid composition of plasma, medial basal hypothalamus, and uterine tissue in primiparous beef cows fed high-linoleate safflower seeds

The experimental objectives were to evaluate the influence of supplemental high-linoleate safflower seeds on fatty acid concentrations in plasma, medial basal hypothalamus, uterine tissues, and serum 13,14-dihydro-15-keto PGF(2)alpha metabolite (PGFM) in primiparous beef cows during early lactation. Beginning 1 d postpartum, 18 primiparous, crossbred beef cows (411 +/- 24.3 kg of BW) were fed foxtail millet hay at 1.68% of BW (DM basis) and either a low-fat supplement (control: 63.7% cracked corn; 33.4% safflower seed meal; and 2.9% liquid molasses; DM basis) at 0.35% of BW (n = 9) or a supplement (linoleate) containing 95.3% cracked high-linoleate (79% 18:2n-6) safflower seeds and 4.7% liquid molasses (DM basis) at 0.23% of BW (n = 9). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. The linoleate diet contained 5.4% of DMI as fat vs. 1.2% for control. Beginning 1 d postpartum, cattle were bled every 3 d for collection of serum and plasma. Cattle were slaughtered at 37 +/- 3 d postpartum for collection of the medial basal hypothalamus, myometrium, endometrium, caruncular tissue, intercaruncular tissue, and oviduct. Feeding linoleate increased (P = 0.001) plasma concentrations of 18:2n-6, 18:2cis-9 trans-11 and total unsaturated fatty acids; however, 18:1trans-11 did not differ (P = 0.19) between treatments. Concentrations of 20:5n-3 in the medial basal hypothalamus tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for cattle fed linoleate. Concentrations of fatty acids in the oviduct were greater (P < 0.05) than in other uterine tissues. Cows fed linoleate had greater (P = 0.05) concentrations of 18:3n-3 in the endometrium and less (P = 0.06) 18:2cis-9 trans-11 in the myometrium than cows fed the control. Supplemental fat increased (dietary treatment x day postpartum, P = 0.01) concentrations of PGFM in serum more in linoleate than control cows from d 3 to 9 postpartum. Lipid supplementation early in the postpartum period altered the fatty acid composition of medial basal hypothalamus, uterine tissue, and serum concentrations of PGFM. The most novel observation was that the oviduct appeared to be the most sensitive tissue to additional dietary linoleic acid, which could potentially influence fertility.     

Postpartum supplemental fat, but not maternal body condition score at parturition, affects plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles of suckling beef calves

Three-year-old Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows, which were nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479 +/- 36 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (580 +/- 53 kg of BW) at parturition, were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr) to determine the effects of maternal BCS at parturition and postpartum lipid supplementation on fatty acid profile of suckling calf plasma and adipose tissue. Beginning 3 d postpartum, cows within each BCS were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments in which cows were all fed hay and either a low-fat (control) supplement or supplements with either high-linoleate cracked safflower seeds (linoleate) or high-oleate cracked safflower seeds (oleate) until d 61 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and safflower seed supplements were provided to achieve 5% of DMI as fat. Total concentration of fatty acids in plasma did not differ (P = 0.48) due to maternal BCS at parturition. Percentage of 20:5n-3 in plasma tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for calves suckling cows with a BCS of 6 at parturition. No other differences (P = 0.12 to 0.99) were noted in calf plasma fatty acid profile due to maternal BCS at parturition. Likewise, no differences were detected for total fatty acid concentration (P = 0.88) in calf adipose tissue due to maternal BCS at parturition. Weight percentage of 14:1 (P = 0.001) was greatest in adipose tissue of calves suckling cows fed control and oleate; however, the percentages of 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 16:1, 17:0, and 18:3n-3 were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed control compared with calves suckling cows fed linoleate or oleate. Percentages of 18:0, 18:1trans-11, 18:2n-6, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed linoleate compared with calves suckling cows fed control and oleate. Calves suckling cows fed oleate had greater (P < 0.001) percentages of 18:1trans-9, 18:1trans-10, and 18:1cis-9 in adipose tissue than calves suckling cows fed control or linoleate. Calf plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles were reflective of milk fatty acids. Because fatty acids play an important role in metabolic regulatory functions, changes in milk fatty acid profile should be considered when beef cows are fed lipid supplements.     

Effects of dietary iodine value product on growth performance and carcass fat quality of finishing pigs

A total of 120 barrows (initial BW = 47.9 ± 3.6 kg; PIC 1050) were used in an 83-d study to determine the effects of dietary iodine value (IV) product (IVP) on growth performance and fat quality. Pigs were blocked by BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 treatments with 2 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were fed in 3 phases and formulated to 3 IVP concentrations (low, medium, and high) in each phase. Treatments were 1) corn-soybean meal control diet with no added fat (low IVP), 2) corn-extruded expelled soybean meal (EESM) diet with no added fat (medium IVP), 3) corn-soybean meal diet with 15% distillers dried grains with solubles and choice white grease (DDGS + CWG; medium IVP), 4) corn-soybean meal diet with low CWG (medium IVP), 5) corn-EESM diet with 15% DDGS (high IVP), and 6) corn-soybean meal diet with high CWG (high IVP). On d 83, pigs were slaughtered and backfat and jowl fat samples were collected and analyzed. The calculated and analyzed dietary IVP values were highly correlated (r(2) = 0.86, P < 0.01). Pigs fed the control diet, EESM, or high CWG had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed EESM + DDGS. Pigs fed the control diet had greater (P < 0.05) ADFI than pigs fed all other diets. Pigs fed EESM + DDGS and high CWG had improved (P < 0.05) G:F compared with pigs fed the control diet or DDGS + CWG. Pigs fed diets with DDGS had greater (P < 0.05) backfat and jowl fat IV, C18:2n-6, and PUFA and less SFA than pigs fed all other treatments. Pigs fed EESM had greater (P < 0.05) backfat and jowl fat IV, C18:2n-6, and PUFA than pigs fed the control diet, low CWG, or high CWG. Pigs fed low CWG or high CWG had greater (P < 0.05) jowl fat IV than control pigs. Feeding ingredients high in unsaturated fatty acids, such as DDGS and EESM, had a greater impact on fat IV than CWG, even when diet IVP was similar. Therefore, IVP was a poor predictor of carcass fat IV in pigs fed diets with different fat sources and amounts of unsaturated fats formulated with similar IVP. Dietary C18:2n-6 content was a better predictor of carcass fat IV than diet IVP.     

Influence of Prepartum Fat Supplementation on Subsequent Beef Cow Reproduction and Calf Performance

High fat range supplement (HFRS) and HFRS with lipid from soybean soapstock (HFRS-SPH; Consolidated Nutrition, Omaha, NE) were compared with a corn-soybean meal supplement (control). In Exp. 1, primiparous cows were individually fed the control supplement (n = 12), HFRS (n = 12), or HFRS-SPH (n = 10) for 62 ± 2 d prepartum. Heifer body condition score pre- and postpartum did not differ (P=0.78) among groups. Milk production was not influenced (P=0.15) by source of supplement. Somatic cell counts, however, tended to be less (P=0.07) in HFRS-supplemented heifers than in heifers fed the control supplement. At birth, calf body temperature (P=0.8), vigor (P=0.7), and BW (P=0.6), as well as BW gain through 90 d postpartum (P=0.6), did not differ among prepartum supplementation treatments. Plasma concentrations of linoleic acid were greater (P=0.02) in fat-supplemented heifers at 30 d prepartum and at calving compared with heifers on the control treatment; however, concentrations of plasma linoleic acid returned to levels comparable with those in control heifers by 30 d postpartum. Neither number of cows cycling by 90 d postpartum (P=0.15) nor length of the postpartum interval (P=0.25) differed among treatment groups. In Exp. 2, multiparous cows were pen-fed the control supplement (n = 49), HFRS (n = 47), or HFRS-SPH (n = 49) for 59 ± 2 d prepartum. Prior to parturition, cows fed the control supplement had better body condition scores (5.8 ± 0.1; P=0.004) than cows fed either commercial supplement (5.4 ± 0.1). Calf performance (P=0.7) and conception rates (P= 0.5) did not differ among treatments. Productivity of cows and calves was not improved with provision of supplemental fat prepartum.     

Glucose and insulin metabolism in ruminating and veal calves fed high and low fat diets.

Holstein male calves were maintained on conventional (milk to 6 wk of age, fed grain and hay after weaning) and veal (milk replacer only) diets to 16 wk of age. Within each of these 2 physiological states (ruminating or non-ruminating), calves were fed low or high fat diets (ruminating: 3 and 10%; veal: 10 and 18%). Glucose tolerance tests were undertaken at 8 and 16 wk of age in each group. Basal concentrations (4 hr postfeeding) and areas under the response curves for plasma glucose and insulin were higher in veal calves (P < .0001). Ruminating calves fed higher fat utilized glucose more readily (smaller areas under the curves for both glucose and insulin, P < .10) than those fed lower fat. Age did not influence basal glucose concentrations (P > .10), but older calves had higher basal insulin (P < .0001) and greater areas under the curves (P < .0005) for both glucose and insulin after a glucose challenge. Rate of clearance (k) was greater in ruminating calves (P < .001). Though rate of clearance in veal calves was slower, larger plasma pool size caused veal calves on average to utilize glucose at a 15% greater rate per kg body weight than ruminating calves. Whereas fat concentration in the diets did not influence glucose metabolism in veal calves, the high lactose content (> 50% of diet dry matter) of veal diets induced severe insulin resistance in these calves.     

Effect of dietary chromium-L-methionine on glucose metabolism of beef steers

Thirty-six crossbred steers (288 +/- 3.7 kg initial BW) were used to determine the effect of Cr, as chromium-L-methionine, on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in beef calves. Calves were fed a control diet or the diet supplemented with 400 or 800 microg Cr/kg of diet as chromium-L-methionine. Calves were kept in drylots (six calves/pen; two pens/dietary treatment). Steers were caught twice a day in locking headgates and individually fed their respective diets for a period of 22, 23, or 24 d prior to the metabolic challenges. Calves received a totally mixed diet containing 54% corn, 38% cottonseed hulls, and 5% soybean meal. On d 21, 22, and 23, four calves/dietary treatment were fitted with an indwelling jugular catheter. Approximately 24 h after catheterization, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (500 mg glucose/kg of BW), followed 5 h later by an intravenous insulin challenge test (0.1 IU insulin/kg of BW), was conducted. There was no effect (P > 0.10) of dietary treatment on ADG or ADFI. During the intravenous glucose tolerance test, serum insulin concentrations were increased by supplemental chromium-L-methionine (linear effect of Cr, P < 0.05). There was a time x treatment interaction (P < 0.05) on plasma glucose concentrations after the glucose infusion. Plasma glucose concentrations of calves fed 400 microg Cr/kg of diet were lower than those of controls and calves supplemented with 800 microg Cr/kg of diet (quadratic effect of Cr, P < 0.05) 5 and 10 min after the glucose infusion. Supplemental chromium-L-methionine increased the glucose clearance rate from 5 to 10 min after the insulin challenge test (linear effect of Cr, P < 0.05). Glucose half-life from 5 to 10 min after the insulin infusion was also decreased by supplemental chromium-L-methionine (linear effect of Cr, P < 0.10). These data indicate that supplemental Cr, as chromium-L-methionine, increased glucose clearance rate after an insulin infusion and increased the insulin response to an intravenous glucose challenge in growing calves with functioning rumens.     

Effects of dietary energy and starch concentrations for newly received feedlot calves: I. Growth performance and health

Crossbred calves (n = 572; initial BW = 186 +/- 27 kg) purchased from northern Texas, Arkansas, and southeast Oklahoma auction markets were delivered to the Willard Sparks Beef Research Center, Stillwater, OK, and used to study the effects of dietary energy and starch concentrations on performance and health of newly received feedlot calves during a 42-d receiving period. On arrival, calves were assigned randomly to one of two dietary energy levels (0.85 or 1.07 Mcal NEg/kg DM) and one of two dietary starch levels (34 or 48% of ME from starch) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Cattle were weighed and serum samples were collected on d 0, 7, 14, 28, and 42. Individual animal records of morbidity were kept for all cases of respiratory and other disease. Nasal swabs were collected from each morbid animal and cultured for upper-respiratory pathogens. There were no energy x starch level interactions for performance or health response variables. Daily gain (1.14 kg/d) and gain efficiency (ADG:DMI = 0.179) were not affected by increasing dietary energy or starch concentrations. Calves fed low-energy diets consumed (P < 0.05) more DM. No difference (P = 0.54) was detected in morbidity for calves fed high-energy (62.4% calves treated) compared with low-energy (65.8% calves treated) diets; however, calves fed the high-starch diets had numerically (P = 0.11) greater morbidity than calves fed low-starch diets (68.8 vs. 59.4% calves treated, respectively). There were no energy or starch effects on Mannheimia haemolytica or Pasteurella multocida antibody titers; however, day effects (P < 0.02) occurred. On d 7, 14, and 28, calves had antibody titers for P. multocida that were greater (P < 0.05) than titers on d 0. In addition, calves had greater antibody titers to M. haemolytica on d 7 and 14 than on d 0. Nasal swabs revealed that calves fed the high-energy diets tended (P = 0.06) to have a lower percentage of morbid calves with P. multocida during the first antimicrobial treatment and a lower percentage of Haemophilus somnus isolates during the first (P = 0.01) and second (P = 0.06) antimicrobial treatments than calves fed the low-energy diets. Although animal performance was not influenced, the present data suggest that feeding the high-energy diet decreased the percentage of P. multocida and H. somnus pathogens in calves that received one or more antimicrobial treatments.     

Effect of field pea-based creep feed on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and performance by nursing calves grazing native range in western North Dakota

Two experiments evaluated digestive and performance effects of field pea-based creep feed in nursing calf diets. In Exp.1, eight nursing steer calves (145 +/- 27 kg initial BW) with ruminal cannulas were used to evaluate effects of supplementation and advancing season on dietary composition, intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation characteristics. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and field pea-based creep (SUP; 19.1% CP, DM basis) fed at 0.45% BW (DM basis) daily. Calves grazed native range with their dams from early July through early November. Periods were 24 d long and occurred in July (JUL), August (AUG), September (SEP), and October (OCT). Experiment 2 used 80 crossbred nursing calves, 48 calves in yr 1 and 32 calves in yr 2 (yr 1 = 144 +/- 24 kg; yr 2 = 121 +/- 20 kg initial BW), to evaluate effects of field pea-based creep on calf performance. Treatments included unsupplemented control (CON); field pea-based creep feeds containing either 8% (LS); or 16% (HS) salt; and soybean meal/field pea-based creep containing (as-fed basis) 16% salt (HIPRO). Masticate samples from SUP calves in Exp.1 had greater CP (P = 0.05) than those from CON calves. Forage CP and ADIN decreased linearly with advancing season (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). In vitro OM digestibility of diet masticate decreased from JUL to OCT (P < 0.01; 58.5 to 41.3%). Forage intake did not differ (P = 0.33) between treatments but increased linearly with advancing season (1.67, 1.90, 3.12, 3.38 kg/d for JUL, AUG, SEP, and OCT, respectively; P < 0.01). Milk intake (percentage of BW) did not differ (P = 0.56) between CON and SUP calves but decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with advancing season. Supplemented calves had greater (P = 0.03) total intake (g/kg of BW; forage + milk + creep) compared with CON calves. Treatment did not affect (P < 0.30) rate of in situ disappearance of forage or creep. Forage DM, CP, and creep DM disappearance rate decreased linearly (P < or = 0.02) with advancing season. Supplementation decreased (P = 0.05) ruminal pH, whereas ruminal ammonia and VFA concentrations were greater (P < or = 0.02) in SUP calves. In Exp. 2, creep-fed calves had greater ADG and final BW than CON calves (P < 0.01). Calves offered HS tended (P = 0.07) to have increased gain efficiency above CON than LS calves. Field peas can be used as an ingredient in creep feed to increase calf weight gain without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation and digestion.     

Effects of whole cottonseed, cottonseed oil or animal fat on digestibility of wheat straw diets by steers

Two completely random digestion trials were conducted, each with 12 beef steers (325 kg initial weight), to measure changes in digestibilities of fat and of forage components when fat was added to diets containing 62 to 76% wheat straw. Trial 1 diets contained either no added fat or 6.3% added fat from whole cottonseed (30% of the diet), cottonseed oil or animal fat; diets were formulated to contain equal levels of cottonseed hulls and cottonseed meal. Trial 2 diets contained 0, 2, 4 or 8% added animal fat. In all forms and at all levels, added fat increased apparent digestibility of dietary lipid (P less than .05). However, estimated true digestibility of lipid decreased (from 94 to 71%) as added fat was increased from 0 to 8% (P less than .05). Up to 6.3% added fat increased digestible energy (DE) content of the diet. Fat additions of 2 and 4% increased daily DE intake (P less than .05) and did not depress digestibility of diet components (P greater than .05). Fat additions of 6.3% or greater, either as free fats or as whole cottonseed, reduced (P less than .05) mean acid detergent fiber digestibility from 40 to 28%. In addition to depressing fiber digestibility, 8% added fat reduced (P less than .05) digestibilities of dry matter (from 54 to 47%), organic matter (60 to 52%) and gross energy (60 to 51%). Oil fed as whole cottonseed caused digestibility depressions similar to free fat addition at the same level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Conjugated linoleic acid content in adipose tissue of calves suckling beef cows on pasture and supplemented with raw or extruded soybeans

The concentration of CLA in adipose tissue can be increased in ruminants by feeding pasture and extruded soybeans. The objective of this study was to evaluate maternal supplementation of raw (RS) or extruded (ES) soybeans on the concentrations of CLA in milk fat of cows and s.c. adipose tissue of suckling calves. Thirty-two spring-calving cows (BW 624 +/- 76 kg; BCS 3.5 +/- 0.4; mean +/- SD) and calves (BW 127 +/- 15 kg) were separated into 2 groups. Cows were distributed to have 8 calves of each sex in both groups. When animals were turned out to pasture, dams received 2 kg/d of either RS or ES. Dietary treatments had no effect on average milk intake (P = 0.22) and pasture forage intake (P = 0.13) for calves over the course of the grazing season. As a result, no effect of treatments was observed on ADG (P = 0.26). At weaning, milk fat content of CLA reached 15.4 and 24.2 mg/g of total fatty acids for cows fed RS and ES, respectively (P = 0.02). The CLA concentrations in adipose tissue were 16.9 and 25.0 mg/g of total fatty acids for calves suckling dams fed RS and ES, respectively (P < 0.001). Overall, results demonstrated supplementing grazing cows with ES increased CLA content in milk and adipose tissue of suckling calves.     

Effects of barley variety fed to steers on carcass characteristics and color of meat

This study evaluated the effect of barley varieties in the diets of finishing steers on carcass composition, fat, and lean color and the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat. Crossbred steers (391 kg initial BW) were assigned randomly to one of five finishing diets composed primarily of corn (n = 9), Morex barley (n = 9), Steptoe barley, (n = 9), or two experimental barley varieties SM3 (n = 9) and SM5 (n = 9). Grains were cracked prior to feeding. Diets were formulated (DM basis) to be isonitrogenous (2.24% N) and isocaloric (2.01 Mcal/kg NEm and 1.35 Mcal/kg NEg). Steers were slaughtered according to industry-accepted procedures when it was visually estimated that 70% of carcasses would grade USDA Choice. After a 24-h chill at 4 degrees C, carcass quality and yield grade data were collected by trained, experienced university personnel. Objective color (L*, a*, and b*) of both the LM and subcutaneous fat were measured, and samples of subcutaneous fat were removed from the 10th- to 12th-rib region for fatty acid analysis. Diet did not affect hot carcass weight (P = 0.15), fat thickness (P = 0.58), LM area (P = 0.57), percentage of internal fat (P = 0.52), yield grade (P = 0.96), marbling (P = 0.73), or quality grade (P = 0.10). However, the LM from steers fed diets formulated with Morex and SM5 barley varieties tended to be lighter (higher L* values, P = 0.08) than the LM from steers fed the corn-based diet. Additionally, fat from steers fed corn tended to be more yellow (higher Hunter b* values, P = 0.09) than fat from steers fed barley-based diets. Although grain source had only minimal effects on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat samples, pentadecanoic acid (15:0) was greater (P < 0.05) in fat from steers fed SM3 and Steptoe barley varieties than in fat from steers fed corn. Stearic acid (18:0) concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in fat samples from steers fed corn than in those fed the experimental barley lines (SM3 and SM5). Conversely, fat samples from steers fed Steptoe and SM5 barley had greater (P < 0.05) gadoleic acid (20:1) concentrations than fat from steers fed corn or Morex variety. Although the variety/line of barley included in the finishing diet may affect LM and fat color, grain-source (barley vs. corn) had little effect on beef carcass quality and yield grades and did not greatly alter the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat.     

Effects of wet corn gluten feed and roughage levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and dietary roughage on performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of feedlot cattle fed diets based on steam-flaked corn (SFC). In Exp. 1, crossbred steers (n = 200; BW = 314 kg) were fed 4 dietary treatments (DM basis): a standard SFC-based diet containing 9% roughage (CON) and 3 SFC-based diets containing 40% WCGF, with either 9, 4.5, or 0% roughage. A linear (P = 0.04) increase in final BW and DMI (P < 0.01) was observed in diets containing WCGF as dietary roughage increased. Steers fed WCGF and higher levels of roughage had greater (P = 0.01) ADG than steers fed lower levels of roughage. Steers fed the CON diet had lower (P = 0.04) daily DMI and greater (P = 0.03) G:F than those fed WCGF. Most carcass characteristics of steers fed CON did not differ (P > 0.10) from those of steers fed WCGF. Based on feed disappearance and visual scan data, consumption rate did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments; however, feeding intensity (animals present at the bunk after feeding) was greater for steers fed CON (P < 0.01) than for steers fed WCGF. In Exp. 2, yearling crossbred steers (n = 1,983; BW = 339 kg) were fed 4 dietary treatments (DM basis): a standard SFC-based control diet that contained 9% roughage (CON) and 3 SFC-based diets containing either 20% WCGF and 9% roughage or 40% WCGF with 9 or 4.5% roughage. Steers fed the CON diet tended to have lower final BW (P = 0.14), ADG (P = 0.01), and DMI (P < 0.01) than steers fed diets containing WCGF. Steers fed the 20% WCGF diet had greater (P = 0.08) G:F than steers fed the 40% WCGF diets. With 40% WCGF, increasing roughage from 4.5 to 9% decreased (P < 0.01) G:F and increased (P = 0.06) DMI. Gain efficiency was improved (P < 0.01) for steers fed CON vs. those fed diets containing WCGF, whereas HCW (P = 0.02) and dressing percentage (P < 0.01) were greater for steers fed WCGF. Percentage of cattle grading USDA Choice was greater (P = 0.02) for cattle fed WCGF. Results suggest that replacing SFC with up to 40% WCGF increased ADG and decreased G:F when 4.5 to 9.0% roughage was supplied. More CON steers were present at the feed bunk during the first hour after feeding than WCGF steers, suggesting that including WCGF at 40% of the diet affected feeding behavior.     

Effects of sodium chloride and fat supplementation on finishing steers exposed to hot and cold conditions

Three studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental fat and salt (sodium chloride) on DMI, daily water intake (DWI), body temperature, and respiration rate (RR) in Bos taurus beef cattle. In Exp. 1 and 2, whole soybeans (SB) were used as the supplemental fat source. In Exp. 3, palm kernel meal and tallow were used. Experiment 1 (winter) and Exp. 2 (summer) were undertaken in an outside feedlot. Experiment 3 was conducted in a climate-controlled facility (mean ambient temperature = 29.9 degrees C). In Exp. 1, three diets, 1) control; 2) salt (control + 1% sodium chloride); and 3) salt-SB (control + 5% SB + 1% sodium chloride), were fed to 144 cattle (BW = 327.7 kg), using a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design. In Exp. 2, 168 steers (BW = 334.1 kg) were used. In Exp. 2, the same dietary treatments were used as in Exp. 1, and a 5% SB dietary treatment was included in an incomplete 3 x 4 Latin square design. In Exp. 3, three diets, 1) control; 2) salt (control + 0.92% NaCl); and 3) salt-fat (control + 3.2% added fat + 0.92% NaCl) were fed to 12 steers (BW = 602 kg) in a replicated Latin square design. In Exp. 1, cattle fed the salt-SB diet had elevated (P < 0.05) tympanic temperature (TT; 38.83 degrees C) compared with cattle fed the control (38.56 degrees C) or salt (38.50 degrees C) diet. In Exp. 2, cattle fed the salt and salt-SB diets had less (P < 0.05) DMI and greater (P < 0.05) DWI than cattle in the control and SB treatments. Cattle fed the salt-SB diet had the greatest (P < 0.05) TT (38.89 degrees C). Those fed only the salt diet or only the SB diet had the least (P < 0.05) TT, at 38.72 and 38.78 degrees C, respectively. Under hot conditions (Exp. 3), DMI of steers fed the salt and salt-fat diets declined by approximately 40% compared with only 24% for the control cattle. During hot conditions, DWI was greatest (P < 0.05) for steers on the salt-fat diet. These steers also had the greatest (P < 0.05) mean rectal temperature (40.03 +/- 0.1 degrees C) and RR (112.7 +/- 1.7 breaths/min). The RR of steers on the control diet was the least (P < 0.05; 98.3 +/- 1.7 breaths/min). Although added salt plus fat decreased DMI under hot conditions, these data suggest that switching to diets containing the combination of added salt and fat can elevate body temperature, which would be a detriment in the summer but a benefit to the animal during winter. Nevertheless, adding salt plus fat to diets resulted in increased DWI under hot conditions. Diet ingredients or the combination of ingredients that can be used to regulate DMI may be useful to limit large increases in DMI during adverse weather events.     

Effects of postpartum dietary fat and body condition score at parturition on plasma, adipose tissue, and milk fatty acid composition of lactating beef cows

Two experiments were conducted with lactating Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows to determine the effects of postpartum lipid supplementation, BCS at parturition, and day of lactation on fatty acid profiles in plasma, adipose tissue, and milk. In Exp. 1, 36 pri-miparous cows (488 +/- 10 kg of initial BW; 5.5 +/- 0.02 initial BCS) were given ad libitum access to hay and assigned randomly to a low-fat (control) supplement or supplements with cracked, high-linoleate safflower seeds (linoleate) or cracked, high-oleate safflower seeds (oleate) from d 3 to 90 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric; safflower seed diets provided 5% of DMI as fat. Plasma and milk samples were collected on d 30, 60, and 90 of lactation. Adipose tissue biopsies were collected near the tail-head region of cows on d 45 and 90 of lactation. In Exp. 2, 3-yr-old cows achieving a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479 +/- 36 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (580 +/- 53 kg of BW) at parturition were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr). Beginning 3 d postpartum through d 61 of lactation, cows were fed diets similar to those of Exp. 1. Adipose tissue and milk samples were collected on d 30 and 60, and plasma was collected on d 31 and 61 of lactation. Responses to postpartum dietary treatment were comparable in both experiments. Cows fed linoleate and oleate had greater (P < 0.001) total fatty acid concentrations in plasma than cows fed control. Except for 15:1, milk fatty acids with <18 carbons were greatest (P < or = 0.01) for cows fed control, whereas milk from cows fed linoleate had the greatest (P < or = 0.02) 18:1trans-11, 18:2n-6, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Milk from cows fed oleate had the greatest (P < 0.001) 18:1cis-9. In Exp. 1, total fatty acid concentrations in adipose tissue samples decreased at d 90 compared with d 45 of lactation, but the fatty acid profile of cow adipose tissue was not affected (P = 0.14 to 0.80) by dietary treatment. In Exp. 2, the percentage of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in adipose tissue of cows with a BCS of 6 decreased (P = 0.001) from d 30 to 60 of lactation. Plasma and milk fatty acid composition reflected alterations in postpartum diet. Less medium-chain fatty acids and more 18-carbon fatty acids in milk were indicative of reduced de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland of beef cows fed lipid supplements; however, the metabolic demands of lactation prevented the deposition of exogenously derived fatty acids in adipose tissue through d 90 of lactation.