Use of bovine somatotropin for increased skeletal and lean tissue growth of Holstein steers

One hundred-sixty Holstein growing-finishing steers (initial BW of 185 kg) were blocked by BW to determine the effectiveness of long-term bovine somatotropin (bST) administration on lean, skeletal, and carcass measurements. Steers were randomly allocated to 4 treatments (10 steers/treatment) within a block (n = 4 blocks). Treatments were control, no bST (C-C); bST from d 0 to 182 (bST-C); bST from d 183 to slaughter (C-bST); and bST from d 0 to slaughter (bST-bST). Steers received a s.c. injection of placebo or bST at 14-d intervals. Doses were 320 mg of bST/injection from d 0 to 112 and 640 mg of bST/injection from d 113 to slaughter. The last treatment was administered 31 d before slaughter. Steers received a 14% CP (DM basis) diet from d 0 to 182 and 11.5% CP from d 183 to slaughter that consisted of dry, whole-shelled corn and a pelleted protein-mineral supplement. Steers were slaughtered when BW per block averaged 615 kg (d 325, 353, 367, and 381 for the 4 blocks, respectively). Thirty steers were removed from the study because of poor performance with respect to their pen mates, illness, lameness, death, incomplete castration, and incorrect treatment. Serum IGF-I concentrations increased 151% (P < 0.01) from d 7 through 35 in bST-treated steers compared with control steers. During the first 182 d, bST-C and bST-bST steers were heavier (P < 0.01) and had greater (P < 0.01) ADG, G:F, hip height, and hip height gain compared with C-C and C-bST steers. From d 183 to slaughter, C-bST steers had reduced (P < 0.05) daily DMI and greater G:F than bST-C steers. At final slaughter, C-bST and bST-bST steers had greater (P < 0.05) hip height than C-C steers. Noncarcass weight was increased and dressing percent reduced (P < 0.05) in C-bST and bST-bST steers compared with C-C steers. Quality grade was least (P < 0.05) in bST-bST carcasses compared with C-C, whereas bST-C and C-bST carcasses were intermediate. At final slaughter, steers receiving bST had greater (P < 0.05) carcass protein and water composition and lower (P < 0.05) carcass lipid and lipid accretion than C-C steers. Bovine somatotropin was effective in reducing carcass fat and increasing edible lean. Administering bST to young, lightweight steers increased skeletal growth and noncarcass weight without an increase in total carcass weight, but decreased carcass quality.     

Nitrogen and protein metabolism and metabolites in plasma and urine of beef steers treated with somatotropin

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of daily injection of bovine somatotropin (bST) on the metabolism of N and 1-[14C]leucine and on hormone and metabolite concentrations in growing beef steers. Injection of bST increased N retention (P less than .05) primarily through decreased (P less than .10) urinary N excretion. Plasma concentration of somatotropin, insulin and glucose increased (P less than .01) and of urea-N (P less than .01) and alpha-amino-N (P less than .10) decreased with bST compared with excipient injection. Total leucine flux was not altered by treatment; however, the partition of flux was. Leucine oxidation decreased (P less than .05) and leucine used for protein synthesis (P less than .10) increased, with bST compared with excipient injection. During excipient injection, 10.3 g protein were synthesized for each gram crude protein deposited, whereas during bST injections only 6.4 g were required. The average maximum contribution of myofibrillar protein degradation to whole body protein degradation, calculated from excretion of 3-methylhistidine, was 16%. Although the ratio of protein deposition/protein synthesis was low for both excipient- and bST-injected steers, the incremental efficiency of protein deposition was 50%, reflecting a dilution of protein synthesis required for turnover and a proportionately greater increase in protein synthesis than protein degradation with bST injection. In growing beef steers, bST stimulated whole body protein synthesis and decreased leucine oxidation. The change in partition of leucine flux, but not of total flux (irreversible loss), demonstrates a chronic redirection in metabolism consistent with homeorhetic control. These data from steers injected with bST suggest mechanisms by which bST affects metabolism during normal growth.     

Effects of forage and protein source on feedlot performance and carcass traits of Holstein and crossbred beef steers.

Fifty-eight Holstein and 58 crossbred beef steers were individually fed one of four isonitrogenous diets to evaluate the effects of forage source (corn silage and alfalfa haylage) and protein source (soybean meal and fish meal) on feedlot performance. Phase 1 diets (up to 354 kg of BW) were 40% forage and 60% concentrates and were fed for 70 to 136 d (depending on diet and breed group). Phase 2 diets (354 kg of BW until slaughter) were 20% forage and 80% concentrates and were fed for 127 to 150 d (depending on diet and breed group). Slaughter end points were .6 cm of 12th rib fat for Holsteins and 1.0 cm of rib fat for crossbreds using real-time ultrasonic estimates. The steers were fed for a maximum of 330 d each year. Forage source was a significant component of variation for most growth, efficiency, and carcass traits. Holstein and crossbred steers fed alfalfa haylage had significantly lower average daily gain, feed efficiency, dressing percentage, and empty body fat and required more days on feed to reach slaughter end points, but had higher total feed energy intake available for production. Steers fed corn silage diets had significantly greater energetic efficiency (P less than .05) than those fed alfalfa haylage, due to increased use of ME to produce fat in the carcass. Protein type did not influence gain, feed or energetic efficiency, energy intake, or most carcass traits. A significant protein system x forage source interaction among the four diets was detected for crossbred steers fed corn silage and fish meal, for which there was significantly greater feed conversion with lower energy intake above maintenance, possibly due to better fiber digestion and(or) amino acid flow to the lower tract. Alfalfa haylage plus soybean meal diets decreased (P less than .05) the percentage of Holsteins grading USDA Choice or higher. These results indicate that corn silage, because of greater energy concentration, was a more desirable forage in feedlot diets composed of less than or equal to 40% forage and that protein type (soybean meal and fish meal) in growing diets is not an important factor in feedlot performance or carcass traits of Holstein or crossbred steers that are fed these diets.     

The effect of roasted soybeans in the diet of feedlot steers and Synovex-S ear implants on carcass characteristics and estimated composition.

Beef steer carcasses from three 2 x 2 factorial feeding experiments (Exp. 1, 20 carcasses; Exp. 2 and 3, 19 carcasses each) were evaluated to study the influence of supplementing with roasted soybeans (RSB; 127 degrees C for 10 min) vs soybean meal (SBM) and implanting with the estrogenic growth promoter Synovex-S (SYN, 20 mg estradiol benzoate and 200 mg progesterone) on carcass merit, composition of dissected 9-10-11th rib section, estimated edible carcass composition, and cooking characteristics of strip loin steaks. In all experiments, steers were fed diets consisting of 15% corn silage, 15% orchardgrass silage, and 70% corn-based concentrate. There were no treatment interactions found in this study. Final BW averaged 480.4, 498.5, and 500.7 kg for Exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and hot carcass weights averaged 288.4, 296.4, and 309.1 kg. Across experiments, hot carcass weight was 8.3 kg less (P < .03) for RSB steers than for SBM steers. Fat weight (P < .01) and percentage of fat (P < .01) were less and percentage of bone (P < .04) was greater in the 9-10-11th rib section of RSB steers than of SBM steers. Estimated percentage of fat (P < .02) was less and percentage of bone (P < .04) was greater in edible carcass of RSB steers than in that of SBM steers. Total 9-10-11th rib section weight tended to be less for RSB steers (P < .08) than for SBM steers. Carcass merit measurements were not affected (P > .10) by supplement, but numerically the percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat was 11% greater for RSB steers than for SBM steers in Exp. 2 and 3. Final BW and carcass weight were 38.7 and 22.6 kg greater (P < .01), respectively, for SYN-implanted steers than for steers not implanted. Longissimus muscle area was greater (P < .01), percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (P < .02) was less, USDA quality grade tended to be less (P < .09), and shear force of strip loin was greater (P < .01) for SYN-implanted steers than for steers not implanted. The 9-10-11th rib section and estimated carcass compositions were not different (P > .10) between SYN-implanted steers and steers not implanted but reflected a somewhat leaner carcass. The authors conclude from this study that in feedlot steers, either implanted or not implanted, there is no benefit from supplementing with RSB in place of SBM, and that the use of RSB in place of SBM in feedlot diets may reduce the amount of edible carcass.     

Titration of the recombinant bovine somatotropin dosage that maximizes the anabolic response in feedlot steers

The objective of this study was to determine the minimum dosage of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) required to elicit maximum depression in plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), an indicator of anabolic activity. Twenty-four steers (389 kg) were blocked by weight into six pens. Six steers were placed on each of the following bST doses: 0, 8, 16 and 32 mg bST/d. Treatments were administered once daily via subcutaneous injections for 21 d. Steers were weighed and jugular blood samples were taken on d 0, 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 21 at 1400, approximately 4 h after feeding. Delta PUN (DPUN) was calculated as PUN - d 0 PUN. There was no dose x time interaction (P = .94) in DPUN. Maximum reduction in DPUN with bST occurred by d 7 (P less than .05). Linear (P less than .01) and quadratic (P less than .05) orthogonal contrasts indicated that DPUN depression increased with bST administration, with maximal reduction calculated to occur with 23 mg (59 micrograms/kg) bST/d. There was no further decrease in DPUN with 32 than with 16 mg bST, indicating that the minimum daily dose is at least 16 mg but no more than 23 mg. A similar dose response was observed in daily gain. Results from this study indicate that bST reduced PUN in a dose-dependent manner and that 41 to 64 micrograms/kg body weight maximized the anabolic effect of bST in growing steers.     

Performance and carcass quality of steers supplemented with zinc oxide or zinc methionine

Forty-five Angus steers (avg initial wt 330 kg) were individually fed for 112 d to assess the value of supplemental Zn and source on performance and carcass quality. Steers had ad libitum access to a control diet (81 ppm Zn) of 33% whole corn, 33% ground milo, 15% cottonseed hulls and 13% cottonseed meal, or this control diet with 360 mg Zn/d added from either zinc methionine or zinc oxide. Steers were slaughtered on d 114, and carcass composition was determined by specific gravity. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were not affected by dietary treatments. Steers fed zinc methionine had a higher (P less than .05) USDA quality grade than those fed the control and zinc oxide diets. Marbling score was higher (P less than .05) for steers fed zinc methionine than for those fed control and zinc oxide treatments (4.4 vs 4.0 and 4.0, respectively, where 3 = slight, 4 = small, 5 = modest). Steers fed zinc methionine tended to have more (P less than .10) external fat (13 mm) than steers fed the control diet (10 mm); steers supplemented with zinc oxide had intermediate amounts of external fat (11 mm). Steers fed zinc methionine had 10.5 and 12.8% more (P less than .05) kidney, pelvic and heart (KPH) fat than steers fed control or zinc oxide diets, respectively. The effects of zinc methionine on carcass quality grade and marbling score may be due to Zn and (or) methionine. Regardless of the mechanism, the difference represents a potential economic benefit to producers.     

Physical and chemical components of the empty body during compensatory growth in beef steers

The composition of carcass and noncarcass tissue growth was quantified by serial slaughter of 26 Angus x Hereford crossbred steers (initial age and weight 289 +/- 4 d and 245 +/- 4 kg) during continuous growth (CON) or compensatory growth (CG) after a period of growth restriction (.4 kg/d) from 245 to 325 kg BW. All steers were fed a 70% concentrate diet at ad libitum or restricted levels. Homogenized samples of 9-10-11th rib and noncarcass tissues were analyzed for nitrogen, fat, ash, and moisture. Growth rate from 325 to 500 kg BW was 1.54 and 1.16 kg/d for CG and CON steers. The weight of gut fill in CG steers was 10.8 kg less (P less than .05) before realimentation and 8.8 kg more (P less than .10) at 500 kg BW than in CON steers. The allometric accretive rates for carcass chemical components relative to the empty body were not affected by treatment. However, the accretive rates for CG steers were greater (P less than .01) for noncarcass protein (.821 vs .265), noncarcass water (.861 vs .507), and empty-body protein (.835 vs. .601) than for CON steers. Final empty-body fat was lower (P less than .001; 24.2 vs 32.4%) and empty-body protein higher (P less than .001; 16.6 vs 14.8%) in CG steers than in CON steers. Consequently, net energy requirements for growth (NEg) were approximately 18% lower for CG steers. We conclude that reduced NEg requirements and changes in gut fill accounted for most of the compensatory growth response exhibited in these steers.     

Effects of the beta-adrenergic agonist L644,969 on muscle protein turnover, endogenous proteinase activities, and meat tenderness in steers.

Eight MARC III composite (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Pinzgauer, and 1/4 Red Poll) steers weighing approximately 350 kg were fed 0 or 3 ppm of the beta-adrenergic agonist L644,969 (Merck Sharp and Dohme Laboratories, Rahway, NJ) for 6 wk in a high-concentrate diet. Feed efficiency was higher (P less than .05) in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 1, 3, 5, and 6 wk on trial. Average daily gain was greater (P less than .05) in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 3, 5, and 6 wk on treatment. Fractional degradation rate (percentage/day) of skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein was 27.1% lower (P less than .05) in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 3 wk on trial. Fractional accretion rate (percentage/day) of skeletal muscle myofibrillar protein in beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers was higher (P less than .05) at 1, 3, 5, and 6 wk on trial. The beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers had heavier (P less than .05) carcasses (9.6%), larger (P less than .05) longissimus muscle areas (24.3%), and lower (P less than .05) USDA yield grades (43.8%). Marbling degree, USDA quality grade, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat percentage, and 12th rib fat thickness were not different (P greater than .05). Calpastatin activity was higher (P less than .05) in muscle from the beta-adrenergic agonist-fed steers at 0 and 7 d postmortem. There were no differences (P greater than .05) in mu- or m-calpain or in cathepsins B or B+L or cystatin(s) between beta-adrenergic agonist-fed and control steers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

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.     

Growth, carcass and palatability traits of intact males and steers implanted with zeranol or estradiol early and throughout life

This study was conducted to assess the impact of implanting intact beef males with protein anabolic agents at varying intervals throughout life. Ninety-six intact males were assigned to three implant treatments: 1) not implanted, 2) implanted at 9 wk of age, weaning and at 56-d intervals thereafter with a 36-mg zeranol implant or 3) estradiol implant at 9 wk of age and 68 d post-weaning. During the 118-d, post-weaning growing period, eight animals per treatment (one replication) were castrated. After a 114-d finishing period, cattle were slaughtered (average age of 13 to 14 mo). Feedlot performance, carcass and palatability data were obtained. Average daily gains and feed efficiency did not differ (P greater than .05) between zeranol and estradiol-implanted intact males. Regardless of implant treatment, steers had lighter carcass weights (P less than .05) and higher (P less than .01) quality grades than intact males. Implanting either intact males or steers with zeranol or estradiol resulted in higher (P less than .05) numerical yield grades. Quality grades were higher in zeranol-implanted cattle than the non-implanted or estradiol-implanted cattle. Intact males implanted with zeranol were similar in carcass fatness to zeranol-implanted steers. No differences (P greater than .05) in tenderness or connective tissue were detected. Implanting intact males early and throughout life with zeranol made them similar to steers in fatness, while estradiol implantation had few effects on carcass and palatability traits of intact males or steers.     

Meat composition and palatability of Holstein and beef steers as influenced by forage type and protein source.

This experiment determined meat composition and palatability changes resulting from feeding Holstein (HOL) and crossbred beef (XB) steers diets containing corn silage (CS) or alfalfa haylage (AH) (forage type) and soybean meal (SM) or fish meal (FM) (protein source). Fifty-nine steers (30 HOL and 29 XB) were randomly assigned to diet combinations for a 2 x 2 x 2 (breed x forage x protein) factorial arrangement. Steers were fed to a fat-constant end point (fat depth over the longissimus muscle measured by ultrasound: 1.0 cm XB, .6 cm HOL). Proximate and fatty acid analysis and sensory evaluation were conducted on a rib eye roast and steaks, respectively, removed from the left side of each carcass at ribs 9 to 12. Proximate analysis of the longissimus muscle showed no significant difference (P greater than .05) in moisture, protein, or fat content due to breed, forage, or protein treatment. Forage type had no significant effect (P greater than .05) on amount of individual fatty acids found in longissimus muscle. However, total polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher (P greater than .05) for AH than for CS-fed animals. Longissimus muscle from steers fed FM had higher palmitoleic and lower stearic acid contents (both P less than .05) than longissimus muscle from animals fed SM. Muscle from HOL had higher palmitoleic and lower stearic acid contents than that from XB steers (both P less than .05). There was no significant interaction (P greater than .05) of breed with either diet treatment for individual fatty acid contents.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Feedlot performance of Brahman x Angus versus Angus steers during cold weather

Ten Angus and 10 Brahman x Angus F1 steers were used in a 184-d trial to compare feedlot performance during cold weather (-9 to 26 degrees C). Both groups of steers were exposed to the same environment for the same amount of time. All steers were fed for the same number of days regardless of frame score to avoid frame score x environment interactions. Brahman x Angus steers were 30.7 kg heavier (P less than .05) than Angus steers at the start of the trial. Differences in age (Brahman x Angus 40 d younger) for the two breed groups did not affect final live weight or carcass weight. Brahman x Angus steers consumed .2% less feed (P less than .05) as a percentage of BW than Angus steers; however, there was no difference in overall feed efficiency. Angus steers had a higher yield grade, more fat at the 12th rib (P less than .05), and graded 90% Choice; only 10% of the Brahman x Angus were graded Choice. Brahman x Angus steers were taller at the hip (P less than .05) and longer from first rib to aitch bone (P less than .05) and from thoracic vertebrae (T12/T13) to point of hock (P less than .05). Hide thickness determined at the neck, belly, and rump was found to be similar (7.7 mm) between the two groups. Sample hair weight and diameter did not differ between groups. Fiber, fat, protein, and DM digestibility coefficients were similar between groups but Brahman x Angus feces had a higher DM content.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Supplemental betaine and peroxide-treated feather meal for finishing cattle

These studies evaluated the effects of betaine, provided either as feed-grade betaine or as concentrated separator by-product (CSB; desugared beet molasses), on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle. In Exp. 1, 175 steers (410 kg initial BW) were fed a finishing diet based on steam-flaked and dry-rolled corn, and treatments included 10.5 and 21 g/d feed-grade betaine and 250 and 500 g/d CSB (supplying 15.5 and 31 g/d of betaine, respectively). Steers fed feed-grade betaine had greater (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.1) DMI than control steers, but ADG and gain efficiencies were not affected by treatment. Dressing percent and backfat thickness was greater (P < 0.1) for steers that received feed-grade betaine than for controls. Longissimus muscle area was lower (P < 0.1) for steers supplemented with either feed-grade betaine or CSB than for control steers. Yield grades were higher for cattle receiving feed-grade betaine (quadratic effect, P < 0.1) than for control steers. Marbling scores were not affected by supplemental betaine, but the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Select was lower (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.1) for steers fed feed-grade betaine than for control steers, predominantly due to a greater percentage grading USDA Choice. In Exp. 2, 312 heifers (343 kg initial BW) were used in a finishing study to evaluate the effects of graded levels of feed-grade betaine and peroxide-treated feather meal on performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments included two finishing diets (containing peroxide-treated or untreated feather meal) and four levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 g/d) of feed-grade betaine arranged in a 2 x 4 factorial. No significant interactions occurred between treatment of feather meal and betaine. Treatment of feather meal with hydrogen peroxide (5% wt/wt) increased in situ protein degradability but did not alter DMI, ADG, gain efficiencies, or carcass characteristics of heifers when it replaced untreated feather meal in the diet. Top-dressing feed-grade betaine to the diets had no effect on DMI, ADG, and gain efficiencies. Marbling scores were greater (cubic effect, P < 0.05) for heifers fed diets top-dressed with 4 and 12 g/d of feed-grade betaine, but other carcass characteristics were not altered significantly. Overall, feed-grade betaine and CSB did not alter growth performance, but did have minor effects on carcass characteristics.     

Performance and carcass merit of growing beef steers with chlortetracycline-modified sensitivity to pituitary releasing hormones and fed two dietary protein levels

This paper reports the effects of reduced sensitivity to growth hormone-releasing hormone and thyrotropin-releasing hormone through feeding a subtherapeutic level of chlortetracycline (CTC; 350 mg CTC/d) and two levels of dietary CP (10% and 13% of diet DM) on growth performance and carcass merit characteristics. Thirty-two steers (initial average BW, 286 kg) were adapted to a common 13% CP diet consisting primarily of grass hay, corn, and soybean meal fed to gain 1.25 kg/d. The steers were assigned to four treatments (with or without CTC and 10% or 13% dietary CP in a factorial arrangement) and fed ad libitum amounts of diet for 91 d. Feed intake was determined daily and steers were weighed weekly. Steers were killed at the end of the feeding period for carcass merit determinations. Efficiency of BW gain was greater (P < .05) for steers fed the 13% CP diet than for the 10% CP diet and tended to be less for CTC-steers when the 10% CP diet was fed and greater for the CTC-steers when the 13% CP diet was fed (CTC x dietary CP interaction, P < .10). Feeding CTC increased (P < .01) fat over the longissimus muscle and marbling. This study is interpreted to indicate that the sustained effect of subtherapeutic feeding of CTC to cattle appears to increase fat deposition consistent with a reduced growth hormone and thyroid status reported earlier for these same steers. This would tend to increase energy utilization but may not necessarily produce a measurable increase in BW gain.     

Performance, methanogenesis and nitrogen metabolism of finishing steers fed monensin and nickel

Sixty-four Angus steers initially averaging 354 kg were allotted to a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of dietary Ni (0 or 5 mg/kg supplemental), monensin (0 or 33 mg/kg) and their possible interaction on performance, methane production and N metabolism. The basal diet was a high energy, corn-cottonseed hull based diet containing 10.2% crude protein and .30 mg/kg Ni on a dry matter basis. Monensin reduced (P less than .05) feed intake, did not affect average daily gain and improved (P less than .05) feed conversion over the 102-d study. Nickel supplementation did not significantly alter or interact with monensin to affect steer performance. However, steers fed Ni tended to have higher average daily gains and improved feed conversions. Monensin decreased (P less than .05) in vitro methane production, altered several carcass traits, increased (P less than .05) molar proportion of ruminal propionate and decreased (P less than .05) molar proportion of ruminal acetate. Nickel did not alter methane production, carcass characteristics or ruminal volatile fatty acid proportions. Both monensin and Ni increased (P less than .05) ruminal fluid urease activity when samples were obtained before feeding. A significant monensin X Ni interaction was found to affect ruminal epithelial urease activity. Monensin increased ruminal epithelial urease in steers not receiving supplemental Ni, but had no effect on ruminal epithelial urease activity in steers fed supplemental Ni. Ruminal fluid protein and ammonia-N were decreased (P less than .05) by monensin. Results of this study indicate that Ni may interact with monensin to affect ruminal epithelial urease activity but not performance or methane production in finishing steers.     

The influence of recombinant bovine somatotropin on dietary energy level-related growth of Holstein-Friesian bull calves

Our objective for this study was to assess the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in overcoming the biological effects attributed to live weight increase and age on growth and fat deposition in male cattle. Holstein-Friesian bull calves (n = 56; 182.2 +/- 14.7 d old) were allotted to four subtreatments in a randomized complete block with a factorial arrangement of two levels of rbST: 0 and 500 mg of Posilac, every 2 wk, and two dietary metabolizable energy (ME) concentrations: low metabolizable energy (LME) and high metabolizable energy (HME); 10 vs 11.3 MJ/kg DM, respectively. The effect of rbST treatment on daily gain was expressed mostly on the HME diets. The rbST treatment had no effect on the animals fed the LME diets before the age of 240 d was reached. Dry matter intake and the effect of rbST treatment on DM intake were inversely related to the energy concentration of the diet. The degree of fatness of the animals was significantly reduced by rbST treatment and significantly increased by energy concentration of the diet. The major effect of rbST, under the experimental conditions, in regards to adipose tissue deposition, was on the fat depots and not on the intramuscular fat. The concentration of bST, IGF-I, and insulin in the plasma was increased (P < .001) owing to rbST treatment. Lower metabolizable energy supply led to a higher (P < .001) plasma bST concentration, nonsignificantly lower plasma IGF-I and thyroid hormone concentrations, and lower (P < .001) plasma insulin concentration. A trend (P = .065) toward an increase in PUFA was found in the muscle of the rbST-treated and the HME diet animals. At a young age, when the natural growth potential is high, rbST treatment will be efficient only when a diet allowing a high digestible energy intake is provided.     

Sorghum grain flake density and source of roughage in feedlot cattle diets.

Feedlot performance was studied in a 262-d trial using 126 crossbred beef steers (182 kg initial BW) to determine whether source of dietary roughage influences performance and carcass characteristics by steers fed growing (112 d) and finishing (150 d) diets with various flake densities (FD) of steam-processed sorghum grain. A 3 x 3 arrangement of treatments (two pens of seven steers each) was used, with dietary roughages being chopped alfalfa hay or 50:50 mixtures (equal NDF basis) of cotton-seed hulls or chopped wheat straw with alfalfa hay; sorghum grain was steam-flaked to densities of 386, 322, and 257 g/L (SF30, SF25, and SF20, reflecting bushel weight in pounds). The effects of these same FD on nutrient digestibilities were determined in three experiments with 24 crossbred steers fed finishing diets containing each of the roughage sources. No interactions between FD and roughage type were detected in any performance or carcass measurements (P > .10). Intake of DM decreased linearly (P < .05) in response to decreased FD. Daily rate and efficiency of gain were not altered (P >.10) by FD. Decreasing FD decreased linearly (P < .05) dressing percentage and fat thickness, but not other carcass measurements. Dietary roughage did not affect (P >.10) daily gains or carcass measurements, but DM intake was lower and feed efficiencies were superior (P < .05) when alfalfa hay was the sole source of roughage. Cottonseed hulls and wheat straw were relatively less valuable in the low roughage finishing diets than in higher roughage growing diets. Digestibilities of starch increased linearly as FD was decreased (P = .02) when steers were fed diets containing wheat straw, but not for alfalfa hay or cottonseed hull diets. Digestibilities of DM did not vary with changes in FD; however, changes in CP, NDF, and ADF digestibilities due to FD seemed to differ among experiments. In conclusion, performance and carcass measurement responses by growing-finishing steers to differences in sorghum grain FD were not related to source of dietary roughage, but diets with alfalfa hay as the only source of roughage were most efficient. Decreasing FD of sorghum grain below 386 g/L (30 lb/bu) was not advantageous in improving performance or carcass merit by growing-finishing steers.     

Influence of zeranol implants on growth, behavior and carcass traits in Angus and Limousin bulls and steers

A 2(3) factorial arrangement of treatments was utilized to determine effects of postweaning zeranol implantation, breed (Angus vs Limousin) and castration (bull vs steer) on growth, behavior and carcass traits. An initial slaughter group was used to account for breed differences in composition and to determine fat and lean growth in the 9-10-11th rib section (NTE). The remaining cattle were fed a finishing diet to a fat end point of .76 cm, as determined by a backfat probe. Control bulls outgained (P less than .01) control steers both to the first kill date and over the entire test and did not require significantly more time to reach the fat end point. The implant did not influence gain in bulls but did increase gain in steers. Angus and Limousins were similar in growth rate for the first 126 d before the first slaughter date. Limousins required more (P less than .01) time to reach the fat end point. Bulls and Limousins produced heavier (P less than .01) carcasses and larger rib eyes (P less than .05; bulls; P less than .01; Limousins). Steers and Angus had higher (P less than .01) marbling scores and lower bone maturity. Implanting decreased (P less than .05) marbling and increased carcass maturity. Small but significant shifts in carcass wholesale cut weight distribution were found between breed and sex condition groups. Bulls and Limousins had greater lean growth in the NTE. Bulls and steers were similar in fat growth, but Angus exceeded Limousin in this trait. Zeranol reduced scrotal circumference (P less than .01) and testicle weight at slaughter (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of supplemental nitrogen source on digestion of nitrogen, dry matter and organic matter and on in vivo rate of ruminal protein degradation

Seven Holstein steers (340 kg) fitted with ruminal, duodenal and ileal cannulae were used to measure the influence of supplemental N source on digestion of dietary crude protein (CP) and on ruminal rates of protein degradation. Diets used were corn-based (isonitrogenous, 12% CP on a dry matter basis, and isocaloric, 80% total digestible nutrients) with urea, soybean meal (SBM), linseed meal (LSM) or corn gluten meal (CGM) as supplemental N. Ruminal ammonia N concentrations were higher (P less than .05) in steers fed LSM than in those fed CGM, but did not differ from those in steers fed urea or SBM (11.7, 6.7, 9.1 and 9.2 mg/100 ml, respectively). Due to the high degradability of urea, ruminal digestion of dietary CP was greater (P less than .05) in steers fed urea than in those fed CGM, but intermediate in steers fed SBM and LSM (58.4, 48.8, 53.1 and 53.9%, respectively). Flow of bacterial nonammonia N to the duodenum was highest (P less than .05) in steers fed SBM or LSM, intermediate (P less than .05) for urea and lowest (P less than .05) for CGM (86.8, 86.1, 76.3 and 65.9 g/d, respectively). Efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis was lowest in steers fed CGM and differed (P less than .05) from SBM (15.6 vs 21.8 g N/kg organic matter truly digested, respectively). Rate of ruminal digestion for SBM-CP differed (P less than .05) from that of CGM-CP but not from that of LSM-CP (17.70, 5.20 and 10.13%/h, respectively). The slow rate of ruminal degradability of CGM resulted in increased amounts of dietary protein reaching the intestinal tract but lower amounts of bacterial protein, thus intestinal protein supply was not appreciably altered.     

Source and feeding level of nitrogen on growth and carcass characteristics of beef steers fed grass as hay or silage.

Sixty medium-framed Hereford steers averaging 243 kg were used in an experiment including a growing period (28 wk) and a finishing period ending when the animals had approximately 4 to 10 mm of fat thickness (Canadian grade A1). Steers were assigned randomly to a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments for 28 wk (growing period). From the end of the growing period until slaughter, all steers received the same diet to study the residual effect of treatments fed during growth. Treatments during the growing phase consisted of two types of forage conservation (silage or hay) and three levels of protein supplement (0, 200 g of fish meal plus 43 g of urea, or 400 g of fish meal). There was an interaction (P less than .05) between forage conservation and protein supplementation for BW gain during the growing phase; the greatest gain was by steers fed silage and 400 g of fish meal (.87 kg/d). There was no difference in BW gain among animals fed the hay diets, which averaged .75 kg/d. Body weight gain during the finishing phase, and for the overall experiment, was affected only by forage conservation; greater gains were made by steers fed silage during the growth phase. Protein supplementation did not affect performance in either the finishing phase or overall. Carcass composition did not differ among treatments, and time spent on the finishing phase tended to be less (P less than .08) for steers fed silage plus 400 g of fish meal during the growth phase.