Seasonal and sex differences in area preference and behavior of young cattle just after long distance transport

To determine seasonal and sex differences in behavioral motivation of cattle just after long transport, 54 Japanese Black × Holstein cattle were observed at 5 min intervals for 2 h just after 25‐h transport by road and ferry. The stocking pen (12.0 × 9.5 m) consisted of an eating area (near a feeding alley), a drinking area (near water bowls) and a resting area (all areas except for other two areas). First, the effect of season was determined with heifers in summer (n = 12: 7.9 ± 0.6 months of age; 292.0 ± 18.5 kg) and autumn (n = 19: 8.2 ± 0.6 months of age; 295.8 ± 15.5 kg). The mean temperature on the observation day was 28.5 (max: 34.5, min: 24.5)°C in summer and 20.3 (max: 26.5, min: 16.4)°C in autumn. Percentage of cattle staying in each area was different by season (χ² = 22.0; P < 0.01). In summer, the percentage of cattle staying in the drinking area (26.7%) was greater than the expected percentage (16.7%). Percentage of cattle staying in the eating area was greater in both seasons (31.3% in summer and 53.6% in autumn) than the expected percentage (16.7%). However, the mean percentage of cattle performing each behavior was not significantly different by season. Secondly, the effect of sex was determined with steers (n = 23: 7.6 ± 0.6 months of age; 301.9 ± 20.7 kg) and heifers (n = 19: same as above) in autumn. Although the percentage of cattle staying in each area was different by sex (χ² = 20.2; P < 0.01), the percentages of steers (25.5%) and heifers (53.6%) staying in the eating area were both greater than the expected percentage (16.7%). However, percentage of animals performing each behavior was not different by sex. These results recommend to stockpersons that they should install additional troughs for hay and water into a pen just after long distance transport, since the number of cattle that can eat and drink at the same time was limited.     

Ruminal degradation kinetics,intake, digestibility,and feeding behavior of beef steers offered annual or perennial grass-hay with or without supplementation

Effects of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) on ruminal fermentation, degradation kinetics, and feeding behavior of steers offered annual (Eragrostis tef; TEFF) or perennial (Bothriochloa bladhii; OWB) grass hay were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred steers (n = 6; body weight [BW] = 304 ± 11 kg) were assigned to a 4 × 6 unbalanced Latin square design with four treatments arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial: hay type (OWB or TEFF) and DDGS supplementation (0% or 0.5% BW [dry matter {DM} basis]). Steers had ad libitum access to hay. Periods consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by 7 d of collection. Residues from the in situ incubations (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h post-feeding) were fitted to a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS. The DDGS decreased (P < 0.01) TEFF DM intake (DMI) by 11.3%, while not affecting DMI of OWB. The greatest DMI was observed for steers supplemented with DDGS, regardless of forage, and least in steers consuming OWB without DDGS (hay type × DDGS; P = 0.03). Non-supplemented steers spent more (P < 0.01) time eating hay. Digestibility of DM tended (P = 0.06) to increase with DDGS supplementation. A hay type × DDGS interaction was observed (P ≤ 0.05) on ruminal effective degradable fractions. The rate of degradation, soluble fraction, and the potentially degradable fraction of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased (P ≤ 0.05), while the undegradable fraction of all components decreased (P ≤ 0.01) when steers were offered TEFF compared to OWB. Ruminal DM, OM, and ADF degradation lag-time increased (P ≤ 0.02) in steers offered OWB. Ruminal degradation kinetics were not (P ≥ 0.17) independently affected by DDGS supplementation. Average ruminal pH of steers offered TEFF (P < 0.01) and those offered DDGS (P < 0.01) were lower than OWB and non-supplemented steers. Total concentration of VFA tended (P = 0.09) to increase when DDGS was provided with OWB, while decreasing when TEFF was offered. The acetate:propionate increased (P < 0.01) with DDGS supplementation due to a decrease (P = 0.03) in propionate. Ruminal NH₃-N was greater (P = 0.03) in steers offered TEFF compared to OWB, and those supplemented with DDGS (P = 0.03). An annual, in place of a conventional, perennial hay improved intake and digestion of nutrients, without affecting feeding behavior. The supplementation with DDGS appears to affect forage intake, ruminal degradation, and feeding behavior, although not independent of forage quality.     

Differences between carcass grades in some morphological, behavioral and physiological measurements at early and middle stages of fattening in crossbred steers

The differential variables for carcass grades were identified from morphological, behavioral and physiological measurements of young steers at a commercial farm. Thirty‐five Japanese Black × Holstein steers aged 6–10 months were randomly assigned to three pens. The steers had free access to ryegrass hay and a restricted amount of concentrate diet for the first 6 months of trial. They were then given oat straw ad libitum and an additional concentrate diet until slaughter. Behavioral observations (15 categories) were carried out once every 2 weeks for 2 h after feeding. Bodyweight was measured, blood sampled (for seven metabolic hormones and five metabolites), ultrasonic scanning conducted and physical measurements taken (10 parts for each animal) in months 1, 3 and 5 (early fattening stage, EFS) and in months 7, 9 and 11 (middle fattening stage, MFS) of the trial. Temperament scores during these procedures, entry order into restraint stalls, social rank and average daily gain were also assessed. A factor analysis and one‐way anova were used to identify clusters of variables which had different factor scores between carcass grades. As for the carcass yields, a cluster of chest girth and depth, bodyweight, withers and hip height, and rump length (P < 0.01), and a cluster of the frequency of scratching the body with facilities (P < 0.05) were identified as differential variables in the EFS. In the MFS, a cluster of concentrations of cortisol and epinephrine, and the frequency of eating straw were identified (P < 0.10). As for the carcass quality grade, a cluster of social rank, triglyceride concentration and the frequencies of stand‐chewing cud and eating hay, and a cluster of the frequency of investigating facilities (both P < 0.10) were identified in the EFS. In the MFS, a cluster of hip height, bodyweight, cannon circumference, chest depth, withers height and chest girth, and a cluster of the frequencies of eating a concentrate diet and stand‐chewing the cud, and social rank (both P < 0.10) were identified. In conclusion, bodyweight, chest girth and depth, withers and hip height were identified as good differential variables for future carcass grades of young steers. Facility enrichment that encourages steers to eat hay in the EFS, and to eat a concentrate diet in and after the MFS would be effective in upgrading carcass grades. High incidence of investigating and scratching the body with facilities and stand‐chewing the cud might lead to lower carcass grades.     

Comparison of time budget of behaviors between penned and ranged young cattle focused on general and oral behaviors

To consider cattle welfare, time budget of behaviors of young cattle in pen and pasture conditions were compared. Behavioral observations of 103 steers in seven pens and 1136 steers in six ranges were performed during daylight over 3 days in each rearing condition. The pen condition had Japanese Black × Holstein cross, and the pasture conditions had assorted breeds of Angus, Murray Grey, Shorthorn, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and their crosses aged 5–15 months. The ranges varied in vegetation from extensive native pasture to intensive improved pasture. The daytime proportion of behaviors and activity patterns were compared between rearing conditions. The proportion of walking was much lower in the pen condition (1.0 ± 0.2%) compared to all pasture conditions (at least 9.4 ± 4.0%; all P < 0.05), but grooming (5.9 ± 1.2%), investigating (2.5 ± 0.2%) and tongue playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) covered the loss. Fluctuation patterns of the proportions of eating (P < 0.001) and resting (P < 0.001) were different between pen and pasture conditions, whereas the pattern of the proportion of walking was not different. The proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was not different to that in one on the farm (42.2 ± 12.6%), which had a thick improved pasture. However, the proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was lower than that in two farms (58.8 ± 5.0% and 61.6 ± 16.5%) with low pasture availability (both P < 0.05). The proportions of oral behaviors such as self‐grooming (3.9 ± 1.0%), allogrooming (2.0 ± 0.2%), licking objects (1.3 ± 0.4%) and tongue‐playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) compensated for the lack of eating. These results indicate that we can learn a well‐balanced proportion of behaviors for cattle by making comparisons of time budget of behaviors and activity pattern between various rearing conditions. In addition, it is indicated that cattle under pen conditions under a restricted feeding period might compensate for a lower time spent feeding by performing other oral behaviors.     

Approachability and contact behavior of commercial dairy calves to humans

Calves (n = 106) on four dairy farms were observed for their approachability to humans. All calves experienced similar rearing conditions: Beginning individual pen, after birth until weaning at about 2 months, where they were housed individually and fed milk and a milk replacement; Late individual pen, after weaning until grouping at about 3.5 months, where they were housed individually and fed hay, silage and concentrate feed; Beginning group pen, after grouping until 5 months, where they were housed in groups of 2–5 animals and fed hay, silage and concentrate feed; later group pen, from 5 to 7 months. The number of calves that contacted an experimenter who stood in front of their pens for 10 min was recorded on 6 separate days over 3 months. Latency to touch and time spent in activities during touching such as sucking, licking, biting and rubbing were also measured. There were no significant differences in the latency to touch and the ratio of touch to non‐touch calves between the rearing conditions and the farms. The time spent touching was significantly affected by the interaction between the rearing condition and the farm (P < 0.01). In detail, the time spent sucking (P < 0.001) and licking (P < 0.01) was different between the rearing condition × farm variables. The proportion of calves that approached and touched the experimenter tended to be higher in the farms in which a stockperson worked longer inside and outside their pens (both ρ = 0.95, P = 0.051). These results were interpreted according to the perspectives of early positive reinforcement with food and the habituation process to humans existing nearby.     

Effects of feeding ratio of beet pulp to alfalfa hay or grass hay on ruminal mat characteristics and chewing activity in Holstein dry cows

The influence of the feeding ratio of a non‐forage fiber source and hay on ruminal mat characteristics and chewing activity was evaluated in dairy dry cows. Cows were fed four different diets: the ratios of alfalfa hay (AH) to beet pulp (BP) were 8:2 (dry matter basis, A8B2) and 2:8 (A2B8), and those of grass hay (GH) to BP were 8:2 (G8B2) and 2:8 (G2B8). Total eating time was decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.01). Total rumination time for AH was shorter than that for GH (P < 0.01), and it decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.01). The ruminal mat was detected by using a penetration resistance test of the rumen digesta. Penetration resistance value (PRV) of ruminal mat was highest with the G8B2 diet and PRV decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.05) and feeding AH (P < 0.05). Thickness of the ruminal mat was greater for increasing BP content (P < 0.05). Simple linear regression of ruminal mat PRV on total rumination time resulted in a high positive correlation (r = 0.744; P < 0.001; n = 16). The results demonstrated that increasing the PRV of the ruminal mat stimulated rumination activity and a ruminal mat could be formed, although it was soft even when cows were offered a large quantity of BP.     

Effects of feeding methods on eating frustration in stabled horses

Five feeding methods were tested in stabled horses: (i) cutting hay (hay was cut into 5 cm lengths), (ii) delaying feeding time (feeding was delayed until 1 h after the usual time), (iii) increasing the feeding frequency (hay was divided into two portions; one half was given at the normal time and the other 1 h later), (iv) increasing the feeding locations (hay was available at three locations), and (v) increasing the hay varieties (three species of hay were used). The behavioral durations in the 2 h after the experimental feedings were compared with those after usual feeding. In the cutting hay treatment, hay‐eating time decreased (P < 0.05), whereas bedding‐eating time and resting time tended to increase. In the delaying feeding time treatment, bedding investigation time increased (P < 0.01) and hay‐eating time tended to increase. In the increasing the feeding frequency treatment, hay‐eating time tended to increase. In the increasing the feeding locations treatment, bedding investigation time tended to decrease. In the increasing the hay varieties treatment, resting time tended to decrease and hay‐eating time tended to increase. It was suggested that the former two feeding methods might stimulate and the latter three feeding methods might suppress eating frustration in terms of increasing consummatory behavior (eating) and decreasing appetitive (investigating) and displacement behavior (resting).     

Effects of urea treatment of potato pulp and inclusion levels of potato pulp silage in supplements on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

Six Wagyu (Japanese Black) steers fitted with a ruminal cannula were used in a split‐plot design experiment comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole plot) and a randomized blocks design (subplot) to determine the effect of the treatment of potato pulp (PP) with urea and the effect of inclusion levels of PP silage in feed supplement on digestibility, ruminal in situ degradation and ruminal fermentation. The whole plot consisted of 20%, 50% and 80% PP silage (dry matter (DM) basis), with PP silage replacing formula feed. The subplot included untreated or 0.5% (on an as‐fed basis) urea‐treated PP. The treatment of PP with urea showed no effect on DM intake and digestibility. The percentage of the rapidly degradable DM fraction of the urea‐treated PP silage was higher (P < 0.01) and the percentage of its slowly degradable DM fraction was lower (P < 0.01) than for the untreated PP silage. Ruminal ammonia concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed urea‐treated PP silage than that for steers fed the untreated PP silage. The treatment of PP with urea caused a decrease in the molar proportion of acetate and an increase in the proportion of propionate in ruminal fluid after feeding. The rate of DM degradations in hay (linear, P < 0.01) and in PP silage decreased (linear, P < 0.01) as the inclusion level of PP silage increased. Increasing the inclusion level of PP silage in supplement decreased the effective degradability of DM in hay (linear, P < 0.05) and in PP silage (linear, P < 0.05). An increase in the amount of PP silage increased the molar proportion of acetate (linear, P < 0.01) and decreased the butyrate proportion (linear, P < 0.05) in ruminal fluid. The results suggest that urea treatment of PP facilitates microbial access to starch of PP silage in the rumen and that surplus level of PP silage in supplement have adverse effect on ruminal digestion.     

Factors affecting agonistic interactions of weanling pigs after grouping in pens with a tire

The effects on agonistic interactions of installing a tire in a pen with 24 weanling pigs allocated to six pens, with four animals in each, were determined. At the first grouping, two pigs were transferred from each pen to another pen where non‐littermates existed. Then half of the pens were equipped with a tire (Grouping 1). After one week, the pigs transferred at Grouping 1 were again transferred to other pens were non‐littermates existed (Grouping 2). At Grouping 2, any pen was not newly equipped with a tire and no pig was exposed to a tire for the first time. After another week, the pigs transferred at the previous groupings were once more transferred to other pens where non‐littermates existed (Grouping 3). At Grouping 3, the pigs in the pens with a tire were transferred to pens without a tire, and the pigs in the pens without a tire were transferred to pens with a tire. Then all pens were equipped with a tire. In Grouping 1, the effects on agonistic interactions of installing a tire were not significant. However, the injury score (less the score, less the number and damage of injury) was higher in the pens without a tire than in the pens with a tire (P < 0.05). In Grouping 2, pigs in the pens with a tire were attacked more than pigs in the pens without a tire (P < 0.05). The number of agonistic behaviors positively correlated with access to the tire (r_s = 0.31; P < 0.01). In Grouping 3, the number of attacks received by pigs with no experience in using a tire was larger on the first day after grouping than on the 4th day (P < 0.05). The injury score was higher for pigs being transferred than for pigs not being transferred (P < 0.05). In conclusion: (i) installing a tire in a pen did not reduce the agonistic interactions of pigs, but it could change the style of their attacks, and (ii) initially having pigs experienced in using a tire can be useful for reducing the damage caused by agonistic interactions.     

Hormonal and metabolic relation to restraint and human handling in growing-fattening steer

Endogenous relationship to restraint and human handling were studied with growing–fattening steers. Thirty‐five crossbred (Japanese Black × Holstein) steers aged 6–10 months were randomly assigned to three pens. They had free access to an Italian ryegrass hay and a restricted amount of high‐concentrate diets (total digestible nutrients (TDN) 70.5%, digestible crude protein (DCP) 10.0%) for the first 6 months of trial. Then they had free access to an oat hay and another vitamin A‐restricted diet (TDN 72.0%, DCP 10.0%) until slaughter. The steers were individually driven into a restraint stall, and bodyweight was recorded. Blood samples were then collected under haltered conditions. These serial handling procedures started at 2 h after the morning feeding were conducted in months 1, 3, 5 (growing stage, GS) and in months 7, 9, 11 (fattening stage, FS) of the trial. Mean peripheral blood concentrations of epinephrine (A; GS, 117.4 ± 76.4 pg/mL; FS, 64.1 ± 34.2 pg/mL), norepinephrine (NA; GS, 257.7 ± 95.0 pg/mL; FS, 125.9 ± 44.1 pg/mL), cortisol (GS, 1.6 ± 0.8 µg/dL; FS, 1.2 ± 0.4 µg/dL), glucose (GS, 83.1 ± 7.5 mg/dL; FS, 71.9 ± 6.9 mg/dL), non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA; GS, 0.13 ± 0.06 mEQ/L; FS, 0.10 ± 0.06 mEQ/L) and vitamin A (GS, 90.5 ± 24.6 IU/dL; FS, 37.2 ± 21.3 IU/dL) were higher (all P < 0.01) in the GS than in the FS, whereas those of insulin (GS, 1.06 ± 0.82 µU/mL; FS, 1.36 ± 0.61 µU/mL) and leptin (GS, 4.5 ± 1.8 ng/mL human equivalent (HE); FS, 6.8 ± 2.4 ng/mL HE) were lower (both P < 0.01). The metabolite that correlated with A and NA was glucose (A: r = 0.61, P < 0.001; NA: r = 0.53, P < 0.01) in the GS, and the metabolites correlating with A, NA and cortisol were NEFA (A: r = 0.31, P < 0.10; NA: r = 0.32, P < 0.10; cortisol: r = 0.41, P < 0.05) and triglyceride (A: r = ?0.37, P < 0.05; NA: r = ?0.39, P < 0.05) in the FS. Vitamin A was a mediator between A (r = ?0.38, P < 0.05) and NA (r = ?0.42, P < 0.05) and insulin (r = 0.31, P < 0.10) in the GS, and between NA (r = ?0.33, P < 0.10) and leptin (r = 0.38, P < 0.05) in the FS. In conclusion, when changing from the growing to the fattening stages, the stress of handling and restraint had caused the pathways to shift from carbohydrate metabolism to lipid metabolism. In addition, vitamin A seemed to be an important mediator in the endogenous pathways in both stages.     

Effects of protein supplementation to steers consuming low-quality forages on greenhouse gas emissions

Providing supplements that enhance the efficiency of feed utilization can reduce methane (CH₄) emissions from ruminants. Protein supplementation is widely used to increase intake and digestion of low-quality forages, yet little is known about its impact on CH₄ emissions. British-cross steers (n = 23; initial body weight [BW] = 344 ± 33.9 kg) were used in a three-period crossover design to evaluate the effect of protein supplementation to beef cattle consuming low-quality forage on ruminal CH₄, metabolic carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, forage intake, and ruminal fermentation. Steers individually had ad libitum access to low-quality bluestem hay (4.6% crude protein [CP]) and were provided supplemental protein based on (dry matter basis): cottonseed meal (CSM; 0.29% of BW daily; 391 g/d CP), dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; 0.41% of BW daily 563 g/d CP), or none (CON). Urea was added to DDGS to match rumen degradable protein provided by CSM. Ruminal CH₄ and metabolic CO₂ fluxes were obtained 2.4 ± 0.4 times per steer daily using an automated open-circuit gas quantification system (GreenFeed emission monitoring system; C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD). Forage intake increased (P < 0.01) with protein supplementation; however, no difference in forage intake (P = 0.14) was observed between CSM and DDGS treatments. Flux of CO₂ (g/d) was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed CSM and DDGS than for steers fed CON. Steers supplemented with CSM had greater (P < 0.01) CH₄ emissions (211 g/d) than DDGS (197 g/d) both of which were greater (P < 0.01) than CON (175 g/d). Methane emissions as a proportion of gross energy intake (GEI) were lowest (P < 0.01) for DDGS (7.66%), intermediate for CSM (8.46%) steers, and greatest for CON (10.53%). Steers fed DDGS also had the lowest (P < 0.01) ruminal acetate:propionate ratio (3.60), whereas CSM (4.89) was intermediate, and CON (5.64) steers were greatest. This study suggests that the common practice of supplementing protein to cattle consuming low-quality forage decreases greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GEI.     

Relationships of neonatal plasma oxytocin with the behavioral characteristics of cattle introduced into a novel environment

To examine the influence of postnatal oxytocin (OXT) on behavioral development, we examined individual variations in basal OXT and suckling‐induced changes in OXT, and their relationship with emotional traits during development. Blood OXT were measured in 20 Holstein heifer calves at 1 (wk1), 2 (wk2), and 6 weeks of age (wk6). The relationships of OXT variables with principal component scores in the open‐field tests at wk2 and 2 months and the number of flinch, step and kick responses during first artificial insemination and machine milking were analyzed. The basal OXT showed individual variability and significantly correlated (wk1 vs. wk2: r = 0.753, P < 0.001; wk1 vs. wk6: r = 0.499, P < 0.05; wk2 vs. wk6: r = 0.476, P < 0.05). The personality traits reflecting a response in the form of escape from novel environments in the open‐field test at wk2 were inversely correlated with basal OXT at wk1 (r_s = ?0.640, P < 0.01) and wk2 (r_s = ?0.447, P < 0.05). However, none of the behavioral variables after 2 months correlated with OXT. These findings suggest that, postnatal OXT might be related to behavioral characteristics in novel environments only during the early stages of life.     

Effects of preshipping management on measures of stress and performance of beef steers during feedlot receiving

Over 2 yr, a total of 96 steers (approximately 7 mo of age) were allocated to 1 of 4 weaning management strategies: 1) control: weaned on the day of shipping; 2) creep-fed: allowed free-choice access to concentrate before weaning and shipping; 3) preweaned: weaned and provided supplemental concentrate on pasture before shipping; and 4) early-weaned: weaned at 70 to 90 d of age and kept on pasture. On the day of shipping, steers were loaded together onto a commercial livestock trailer and transported 1,600 km over 24 h before being received into the feedlot. At the feedlot, steers were penned by treatment (4 pens/treatment) and provided access to free-choice hay and concentrate in separate feeding spaces. Samples of blood were collected on d 0, 1, 4, 8, 15, 22, and 29 relative to shipping. Steer performance was assessed over the receiving period, including DMI of hay and concentrate, ADG, and G:F. Predetermined contrasts included control vs. early-weaned, creep-fed vs. preweaned, and control vs. creep-fed and preweaned. Overall ADG was greater (P < 0.01) for early-weaned vs. control steers (1.39 vs. 0.88 kg). In wk 1, early-weaned steers consumed more concentrate and less hay compared with control steers (P < 0.03), and preweaned steers consumed more concentrate (P < 0.01) but a similar amount of hay (P = 0.75) compared with creep-fed steers. Average DMI was greater for preweaned compared with creep-fed steers (2.84 vs. 2.50% of BW; P = 0.01) and tended to be greater for early-weaned compared with control steers (2.76 vs. 2.50% of BW; P = 0.06). Feed efficiency of early-weaned steers was greater than that of control steers (G:F = 0.17 vs. 0.12; P < 0.01) but similar for preweaned compared with creep-fed steers (P = 0.72). Plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations were less (P < 0.05) in control vs. early-weaned steers on d 0, but increased sharply after shipping and were greater in control vs. early-weaned steers on d 15 and 22 (P < 0.05). Creep-fed steers also experienced greater (P < 0.05) plasma ceruloplasmin concentrations than preweaned steers on d 29. These data suggest that early-weaned steers have improved performance in the feedlot compared with steers weaned directly before transport and feedlot entry. Differences in preshipping management appear to significantly affect measures of the acute phase protein response in steers.     

Steer stress levels during long distance transport throughout the year in Japan

The objective of this study was to investigate transportation conditions and behavioral and physiological responses of beef steers to long distance commercial transport throughout the year Japan. Japanese Black × Holstein steers (7.9 ± 0.6 months of age; 320.0 ± 19.0 kg) were transported by truck in spring (n = 8), summer (n = 5), autumn (n = 8) and winter (n = 5). Transport distances (time) were 1020.6 km (25 h including lairage periods): 615.4 km (6.4 h) on expressways, 163.2 km (3.7 h) on arterial roads and 242.0 km (10.5 h) by ferry. The space allowance of the truck was about 1.6 m²/head in all seasons. Internal temperatures of the truck were 14.7 ± 4.7°C in spring, 27.9 ± 2.6°C in summer, 24.4 ± 2.8°C in autumn and 9.2 ± 4.3°C in winter. Although internal noise and airflow velocity of the truck were louder and greater while moving on expressways (101.1 ± 8.3 dB and 1.50 ± 1.50 m/s) than on arterial roads (92.0 ± 15.2 dB and 1.32 ± 1.41 m/s) (both P < 0.05), more steers lay down while moving on expressways (P < 0.001). Blood glucose, plasma cortisol, and serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations and ALT activity were higher in spring (all P < 0.05). This could be explained by that vibration acceleration (m/s²) of the truck in the longitudinal direction was greater in spring (?0.19 ± 0.43) than in the other seasons (?0.14 ± 0.09 in summer, ?0.15 ± 0.20 in autumn and ?0.15 ± 0.13 in winter) (all P < 0.05). Heart rate, serum concentrations of T₃, total cholesterol, total protein, and AST and ALT activities were higher just after transport than 1 week after transport (all P < 0.05). However, transport stress should be not severe, since no difference between before and after transport was shown on concentrations of plasma cortisol, blood lactate and serum NEFA, serum triglyceride and serum pH and liveweight.     

The effects of urea‐treated potato pulp (PP) ensiled with beet pulp or wheat bran pellets to reduce moisture of PP and flake density of corn grain supplemented with the PP silage on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

The effects of adding beet pulp or wheat bran to urea‐treated potato pulp (PP) in order to reduce moisture of PP silage and flake density of corn grain on digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers were studied in a split‐plot design experiment. The whole‐plot treatments were PP silage mixed with 0% added pellets (CON), 9% (as‐fed basis) beet pulp pellets (BP) or 9% (as‐fed basis) wheat bran pellets (WB) as water‐absorbing materials. The subplot treatments consisted of supplements formulated to contain either high‐density corn (HDC) or low‐density corn (LDC). BP steers consumed more (BP vs WB, P = 0.011) concentrate than did WB steers, whereas hay intake did not differ between the treatments. Dry matter (BP vs WB, P = 0.023) and organic matter (BP vs WB, P = 0.029) digestibility were higher for BP steers than for WB steers. Starch digestibility was higher (P = 0.006) for LDC than for HDC. There were no differences in the concentration of ruminal ammonia nitrogen among the treatments. Molar proportions of ruminal acetate were higher for BP steers than for WB steers (BP vs WB, P = 0.030). Conversely, molar proportions of propionate were lower for BP steers than for WB steers (BP vs WB, P = 0.044). Flake density of corn did not affect ruminal characteristics. In conclusion, from the viewpoint of feed intake and digestibility, BP is superior to WB as a moisture control material for urea‐treated PP silage, and flake density of corn supplemented with urea‐treated PP silage does not alter ruminal fermentation.     

Effects of cyclodextrin-iodopropane complex on methane production, ruminal fermentation and microbes, digestibility and blood metabolites in steers

The effects when adding cyclodextrin‐iodopropane complex (CD‐IP) to a diet, on ruminal fermentation and microbes, digestibility, blood metabolites and methane production, were evaluated using four Holstein steers in a cross‐over design. The steers were fed Sudangrass hay plus concentrate mixture at a ratio 1.5:1, and CD‐IP (1% of dry matter) was given twice daily by mixing with concentrate mixture. Rumen and blood samples were collected at 0, 2, and 5 h after morning dosing. Ruminal pH and numbers of protozoa were unaffected by CD‐IP treatment. Ruminal molar proportion of acetate was decreased (P < 0.05), and propionate was increased (P < 0.01) at 2 h after CD‐IP dosing. Proportion of butyrate was increased (P < 0.05) and ammonia‐N was decreased (P < 0.05) at 2 and 5 h after CD‐IP dosing. Adding CD‐IP had no effect on the feed intake and digestion of nutrients. Plasma glucose was increased and urea‐N was decreased (P < 0.05) at 2 and 5 h after CD‐IP dosing. Methane production was decreased (P < 0.05) by approximately 18% in the treatment steers. Numbers of methanogenic bacteria were decreased (P < 0.05), while total viable counts, cellulolytic, sulfate reducing and acetogenic bacteria were unaffected. The present results are the first to show that CD‐IP can partially inhibit in vivo ruminal methanogenesis without adverse effects on digestion of nutrients.     

Effect of ruminal vs postruminal administration of degradable protein on utilization of low-quality forage by beef steers

An experiment was designed to determine the effects of ruminal and postruminal infusions of ruminally degradable protein (casein) on intake and digestion of low-quality hay by beef steers. Twelve ruminally fistulated Angus x Hereford steers (initial BW = 563 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to one of three treatments: control (C; hay only) or hay plus ruminal (R) or postruminal (P) infusion of 400 g/d of sodium caseinate. The trial consisted of five periods: 1) 10-d adaptation to the hay diet; 2) 7-d measurement of hay intake (without infusions); 3) 10-d adaptation to protein infusion treatments (intake measurements continued); 4) 7-d measurement of hay intake and digestibility (infusions continued); and 5) 3-d ruminal sampling period (infusions continued). Steers were given ad libitum access to tallgrass-prairie hay (3.4% CP, 76.6% NDF) throughout the study. Casein was administered once daily before feeding, either directly into the rumen or via anchored infusion lines into the abomasum. Hay intake was increased by supplementation (P < 0.01). Ruminal infusion elicited a greater (P = 0.04) increase in hay intake than postruminal infusion. Intake tended (P = 0.11) to be lower in period 4 than in period 2 for control steers but was greater in period 4 than in period 2 (P < or = 0.03) for both R and P steers. The increase in intake between periods 2 and 4 was greater for R than for P steers (P = 0.03). Supplementation improved diet OM digestion (P = 0.04) but not NDF digestion (P = 0.18); however, greater relative error for NDF digestion may have limited the ability to elucidate significant treatment effects. There were no differences in either OM digestion (P = 0.42) or NDF digestion (P = 0.35) between R and P steers. Plasma urea N at 0 and 3 h after feeding on the last day of the experiment was lower (P = 0.05) for C than for R and P steers, but no difference (P = 0.48) was evident between R and P steers. Ruminal ammonia N levels also were increased by supplementation (P < 0.01), with a much larger increase for R than for P steers (P < 0.01). Total VFA concentrations were not affected (P = 0.21) by treatment, but R steers exhibited lower proportions of acetate and higher proportions of isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate than P steers (P < 0.01). In conclusion, ruminal and postruminal infusion of a degradable protein source improved forage utilization, although the response in forage OM intake and total digestible OM intake was greater for ruminal infusion than for postruminal infusion.     

Long-duration transit and food and water deprivation alter behavioral activities and aggressive interactions at the feed bunk in beef feedlot steers

The objective of these experiments was to assess the effects of food and water deprivation and transit duration on the behavior of beef feedlot steers. In Experiment 1, 36 Angus-cross steers (353 ± 10 kg) were stratified to 6 pens and assigned one of three treatments (n = 12 steers per treatment): control (CON; stayed in home pens with ad libitum access to feed and water), deprived (DEPR; stayed in home pens but deprived of feed and water for 18 h), or transported (TRANS; subjected to 18-h transit event and returned to home pens). In Experiment 2, 60 Angus-cross steers (398 ± 5 kg; 6 steers per pen) were transported either 8 (8H) or 18 (18H) h. Four 8H pens (n = 24 steers) and six 18H pens (n = 36 steers) were used for behavioral analysis. In both experiments, the time to eat, drink, and lay down was recorded for each steer upon return to home pens. Total pen displacements from the feed bunk were also assessed for the 2 h following feed access in both experiments. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS 9.4, with treatment as a fixed effect. Steer was the experimental unit for behavioral activities, while pen was the experimental unit for bunk displacements. Displacements were analyzed as repeated measures with the repeated variable of time. In Experiment 1, the time to eat and drink was similar across treatments (P ≥ 0.17). However, TRANS laid down in 16.5 min while DEPR did not lay down until 70.5 min post-arrival to pen (P < 0.01). Deprived steers had greater bunk displacements in the first 70 min post-feed access than CON or TRANS, though displacements among treatments from 100 to 120 min post-feed access were similar (treatment × time: P = 0.02). In Experiment 2, both 8H and 18H steers laid down approximately 25 min post-home pen arrival (P = 0.14). There was no effect of transit duration or duration by time on bunk displacements (P ≥ 0.20), though displacements were greater from 0 to 20 min than from 20 to 30 min post-feed access (time: P = 0.04). Steers that were deprived of feed and water were highly motivated to access those resources, while transported steers prioritized laying down. Producers should consider these priorities when preparing to receive cattle from a long transit event.     

Effects of growth rate during the early fattening period on growth, carcass characteristics and circulating hormones in the different growth hormone genotypes of Japanese black steers

One of the bovine growth hormone (GH) genetic variants is a substitution of leucine (Leu) to valine (Val) at amino acid position 127 of the protein. The GH genotypes of 14 Japanese black steers used in the present study were Leu/Leu (A, n = 7) and Val/Val (B, n = 7). The steers in each genotype group were divided into two groups based on intended growth rate (high, 1.0 kg/day; low, 0.6 kg/day) during 10–17 months of age. The overall mean concentration of plasma GH was higher (P < 0.05) in the A group than in the B group. The serum concentration of insulin‐like growth factor‐I was higher (P < 0.05) in the B group than in the A group. The carcass weight of the A group was greater (P < 0.01) than that of the B group. However, there was no significant difference in carcass weights between the 1.0 kg/day and 0.6 kg/day groups (P > 0.05). The rib thickness of the 1.0 kg/day group was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the 0.6 kg/day group. The crude fat content of longissimus muscle was greater (P < 0.05) for the 0.6 kg/day group compared with the 1.0 kg/day group.     

The effects of protein sources supplemented with urea-treated potato pulp (PP) silage and feeding levels of the PP silage-based concentrate on feed intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers

Six Japanese Black (Wagyu) steers (average initial weight 467 ± 45 kg) fitted with a ruminal cannula were used in a split‐plot design experiment comprising a 3 × 3 Latin square design (whole‐plot) and a randomized block design (subplot). The whole‐plot treatments were three different feeding levels of urea‐treated potato pulp (PP) silage‐based concentrate: 1.00%, 1.75% and 2.50% of body weight (BW) (on a dry matter (DM) basis). The subplot treatments consisted of the concentrate formulated to contain either soybean meal (SBM) as a rapidly rumen‐degraded protein source or corn gluten meal (CGM) as a slowly degraded protein source. Dry matter intake tended to be lower (P = 0.071) for CGM (8.9 kg/day) than for SBM (9.4 kg/day). Protein sources had no significant effect on digestibility and in situ degradation. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH₃‐N) was lower (P = 0.033) for CGM (7.5 mg/dL) than for SBM (9.5 mg/dL). Protein sources did not affect ruminal pH and the total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations. The molar proportions of ruminal acetate and valerate were higher (P = 0.032) for CGM than for SBM. The maximum daily intake of the PP silage‐based concentrate expressed as a percentage of BW was approximately 1.4% of BW. Dry matter intake was higher (P = 0.046) for steers fed at 1.0% of BW of the PP silage‐based concentrate than for steers fed at 1.75% or 2.5% of BW of the concentrate. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate had no effect on DM and nutrients digestibility, except for crude protein (CP) digestibility. CP digestibility tended to be lower (P = 0.071) for steers fed at 1.75% of BW of the PP silage‐based concentrate than for steers fed at 1.0% or 2.5% of BW of the concentrate. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate also did not affect the in situ degradation parameter of hay and PP silage. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate did not affect ruminal pH, NH₃‐N and total VFA concentrations. The molar proportion of acetate was highest for steers fed at 1.0% of BW of the concentrate. In conclusion, in the urea‐treated PP silage‐based concentrate, CGM seems to be more effective than SBM for stabilizing the ruminal NH₃‐N concentration and to be advantageous for fiber digestion in the rumen. The feeding levels of the PP silage‐based concentrate did not change the amount of VFA production in the rumen and the DM digestibility.