Early-weaning and postweaning nutritional management affect feedlot performance, carcass merit, and the relationship of 12th-rib fat, marbling score, and feed efficiency among Angus and Wagyu heifers

Twelve 3/4 Angus (Angus) and 12 Wagyu-cross (1/2 Wagyu x 1/2 Angus) (Wagyu) heifers were weaned at 180 d of age and grazed on endophyte-infected tall fescue for 16 mo before entering the feedlot as 2-yr-olds. Twelve 3/4 Angus heifer calves and 12 Wagyu-cross heifer calves from the following year's calf crop were weaned at 142 +/- 4.1 d of age, immediately adjusted to an 80% concentrate diet, and finished as calves. All heifers were fed a common finishing diet until an estimated 50% of their respective group would grade USDA low Prime or better based on ultrasound predictions. Ultrasound measurements of s.c. and i.m. fat depots were recorded at 60-d intervals throughout the finishing period. Heifers finished as calves had higher (P = 0.02) marbling scores at any given fat thickness and gained more efficiently (P < or = 0.01) at any given marbling score than heifers finished as 2-yr-olds. Gain:feed decreased quadratically (P < or = 0.05) as 12th-rib fat thickness increased for Angus and Wagyu heifers. Gain:feed decreased linearly (P < or = 0.01) for Wagyu calves and quadratically (P < or = 0.01) for Angus calves as 12th-rib fat thickness increased. However, these differences in slope were not different (P = 0.34) as a result of breed among heifers finished as calves. Marbling score increased linearly (P < or = 0.01) as 12th-rib fat thickness increased for Angus and Wagyu heifers finished as 2-yrolds or as calves. However, Wagyu heifers, regardless of age at feedlot entry, had a higher marbling score (P < or = 0.05) at any given 12th-rib fat thickness than Angus heifers. Finishing early-weaned heifers as calves as opposed to 2-yr-olds results in i.m. fat deposition during a period of more efficient growth. Additionally, including Wagyu genetics into the breeding of early-weaned heifers finished as calves or as 2-yr-olds results in higher marbling scores at any 12th-rib fat thickness.     

Effect of age at feedlot entry on performance and carcass characteristics of bulls and steers

Seventy Angus x Simmental calves (BW = 166.3 +/- 4.2 kg) were used in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement to determine the effect of age at feedlot entry and castration on growth, performance, and carcass characteristics. At 82 d of age, steers were castrated. Calves were placed in the feedlot at 111 (early-weaned), 202, or 371 (yearling) d of age. Steers were implanted with Synovex-S followed 93 d later with Revalor-S. Calves were harvested on an individual basis when fat thickness was estimated to be 1.27 cm. During the feedlot phase, yearlings gained faster (P < 0.01) than calves placed in the feedlot at 202 or 111 d of age (1.88, 1.68, and 1.62 kg/d, respectively); however, from 111 d of age until harvest, ADG was greatest for early-weaned calves, intermediate for cattle placed in the feedlot at 202 d of age, and lowest for yearlings (1.62, 1.47, and 1.21 kg/d, respectively; P < 0.01). Early-weaned calves spent the most days in the feedlot, followed by calves placed in the feedlot at 202 d of age; yearlings spent the fewest days in the feedlot (221, 190, and 163 d, respectively; P < 0.01). Total DMI when in the feedlot was similar (P = 0.22) among age groups; however, daily DMI was lowest for early-weaned calves, intermediate for calves placed in the feedlot at 202 d of age, and the highest for yearlings (7.1, 8.1, 10.5 kg/ d, respectively; P < 0.01). Early-weaned calves were the most efficient, followed by calves placed in the feedlot at 202 d of age; yearlings were the least efficient (227, 207, 180 g gain/kg feed, respectively; P < 0.01). Weight at harvest (682, 582, 517 kg, respectively; P < 0.01) and hot carcass weight (413, 358, 314 kg, respectively; P < 0.01) were greatest for yearlings, intermediate for cattle placed in the feedlot at 202 d of age, and lowest for early-weaned calves. Early-weaned calves had the smallest longissimus area, followed by calves placed in the feed-lot at 202 d of age; yearlings had the largest longissimus area (77, 86, 88 cm2, respectively; P < 0.01). Calves placed in the feedlot at 111 and 202 d of age had lower yield grades (3.2, 3.1, 3.5, respectively; P < 0.04), and produced fewer select carcasses than yearlings (25, 13, 48%, respectively; P < 0.01). Bulls and implanted steers both had an ADG of 1.7 kg/d when in the feedlot; however, bulls had a greater (P < 0.09) hot carcass weight (370 vs 354 kg) and a larger (P < 0.01) longissimus area (85.8 vs 81.3 cm2) than steers. Earlier feedlot placement resulted in greater quality grades but lower carcass weights.     

Effects of different grazing and feeding periods on performance and carcass traits of beef steers

Over three consecutive years, 180 (60/yr) fall-born steer calves were weaned in May (average initial BW = 238 kg, SD = 36.2 kg) and allocated to one of three groups: 1) calf-fed steers that entered the feedlot at weaning; 2) short yearlings that grazed irrigated pasture for another 4 mo and entered the feedlot in September; and 3) long yearlings that grazed with short yearlings during the summer, remained on annual California foothills range through the fall, winter, and spring, and entered the feedlot the following May. All steers were fed until the average group backfat (BF), determined by ultrasound, reached 11 to 12 mm. On pasture, short- and long-yearling steers gained weight in the summer; long yearlings then slightly lost weight in the fall and winter, and then gained weight again the following spring. Average days in the feedlot were 188, 158, and 94 (P < 0.10) for calves, short yearlings, and long yearlings, respectively. Feedlot DMI increased with age (and weight) at feedlot entry, with no difference among groups in gain:feed ratio. The gain of BF was nil on pasture, even when animals were gaining weight, and then increased rapidly when animals were placed on a high-energy diet. Final body weights were heaviest (P < 0.10) in long yearlings, followed by short yearlings and then calves, indicating that a prolonged growing period increases the apparent mature size of the animal. Moreover, total carcass fat contents and percentage of Choice or above were all lower (P < 0.10) in cattle that were older at feedlot entry (i.e., long yearlings) compared with the other groups. In conclusion, increasing the backgrounding period decreased time and total concentrate requirements in the feedlot of Angus-Hereford steers. Older cattle reached 10 mm of BF at heavier weights. Grazing animals gained weight without increasing BF; however, BF increased rapidly in the feedlot. Prolonged grazing may decrease quality grade, either by impairing the ability of the animal to deposit intramuscular fat or by decreasing the time during which dietary energy supply is adequate for intramuscular fat deposition to occur.     

Carcass traits and M. longissimus lumborum palatability attributes of calf- and yearling-finished steers

A 2-yr experiment was conducted to compare carcass characteristics and meat palatability attributes of steers ((3/4) British, (1/4) Continental) finished postweaning as calves or yearlings. Calves and yearlings of the same contemporary group were designated to a finishing system at weaning. Calves (n = 73) were finished in the feedlot (191 d) on a high-concentrate diet. Yearlings (n = 84) grazed crop residues after weaning, followed by spring and summer pasture grazing, and concluded with a short finishing period (91 d) in the feedlot. All steers were fed to a constant, fat thickness endpoint of 1 cm. The M. longissimus lumborum steaks from each production system were aged for 7, 14, or 21 d for Warner-Bratzler shear force determination and for 7 or 14 d for in-house sensory panel evaluation. Insoluble, percent soluble, and total collagen were determined. Yearlings produced heavier (P < 0.001) carcasses with larger (P < 0.001) LM areas and lower (P < 0.001) marbling scores and quality grades. Calves possessed greater amounts of total collagen (P < 0.001), with a significantly greater percentage of soluble collagen compared with yearlings (39.72 vs. 24.38%). Calves produced steaks with lower (P < 0.001) shear force values and greater (P < 0.001) sensory ratings for flavor. The USDA Choice steaks from the calves were more (P < 0.001) tender and more (P < 0.050) palatable than Choice steaks from yearlings, and USDA Select steaks from calves were rated more tender (P < 0.001), juicy (P = 0.012), and desirable (P < 0.001) than Select steaks from yearlings. As expected, increasing aging time from 7- to 14- to 21-d produced steaks with lower (P < 0.001) shear force values, regardless of the production system. Risk probabilities showed 1.24% of the steaks from calf-finished steers and 21.22% of steaks from yearling-finished steers to be tough. Sensory rating probabilities showed the steaks from the calves were most likely to be desirable for tenderness, whereas steaks from the yearlings were most likely to be undesirable for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability. Thus, calf-finished steers produce carcasses superior in quality and palatability compared with those from yearling-finished steers. However, yearling-finished steers can produce tender beef with extended aging.     

The effect of anabolic implants on intramuscular lipid deposition in finished beef cattle

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of anabolic implants on performance, changes in ultrasound measurements, carcass quality, cellularity of i.m. and s.c. adipose depots, and mRNA expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in i.m. adipose tissue of finished beef cattle. Angus heifers (experiment 1: n = 10; 411 kg of BW) and steers (experiment 2: n = 18; 279 kg of BW) were randomly allotted as control (C) or implanted with Synovex-Plus (SP) at d 0 and midway through the finishing period. The cattle were fed a high-concentrate diet and were weighed at approximately 28-d intervals. Heifers and steers were finished for 108 and 133 d, respectively. At slaughter, a section of the LM (sixth to ninth rib) was removed, and i.m. adipose tissue was dissected for mRNA analysis. Subcutaneous and i.m. adipose tissues also were collected for determination of cellularity. At 48 h postmortem, carcass data were collected, and a steak (12th rib) was removed for analysis of lipid and fatty acid composition. Body weight did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments until after reimplanting of the heifers (d 55) or steers (d 73). Average daily gain was 36 and 16% faster (P < or = 0.01) for implanted heifers and steers, respectively, compared with their control counterparts. Implanting resulted in larger (P < or = 0.10) HCW and LM area for heifers and steers. However, implanting did not affect (P > 0.10) dressing percent, fat thickness, percentage of KPH, yield grade, or marbling score. Intramuscular lipid content and concentrations of major fatty acids did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments. Percentage of SC adipocytes was greater at larger diameters ( > 150 microm), whereas the majority of i.m. adipocytes were at small to middle diameters (50 to 150 microm). The number of i.m. adipocytes per gram of tissue was greater (P < 0.05) for SP than C and also were greater (P < 0.05) than the number of s.c. adipocytes in SP heifers. In experiment 2, adipocytes per gram of tissue tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for SP than C and were greater (P < 0.01) for i.m. than s.c. In experiment 1, average cell diameter and volume did not differ (P > 0.10) between treatments and tissues, but in experiment 2 both cellularity traits were greater (P < 0.01) for s.c. than for i.m.. Implanting did not alter mRNA expression of ACC, SCD, or LPL in i.m. adipose tissue. This study shows that anabolic implants do not appear to have direct effects on i.m. lipid deposition.     

Effects of Prenatal Androgenization and Implantation on the Performance and Carcass Composition of Lactating Heifers in the Single-Calf Heifer System

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate feedlot performance of heifers and calves and the lactational characteristics and carcass composition and quality of heifers while in the single-calf heifer (SCH) system. In Exp. 1, 24 lactating Angus × Holstein heifers were slowly adapted to an 85% concentrate diet, and one-half of the heifers were implanted with Finaplix-H®, both at 11 wk postpartum. Heifer-calf pairs were then placed in feedlot pens, equipped with pinpointer feeding devices, and fed an 85% concentrate diet for 102 d. The control (C) and implanted (I) heifers had similar (P=0.27) daily gains and similar (P=0.30) DMI; however, I heifers consumed 8.9% less (P<0.05) DM as a percentage of BW. Pair efficiency of feed conversion tended to be higher (P<0.09) for I heifers than for C heifers. Hot carcass weight tended to be higher (P<0.10) for the I heifers. Ribeye area was 13% greater (P<0.05) and marbling score was 8.7% lower (P<0.01) for the I heifers than for the C heifers. In Exp. 2, 26 lactating Angus × Simmental heifers were used in the SCH system. Heifer adaptation to a high concentrate diet began 3 to 4 wk prepartum. Two to 3 d postpartum, 16 control (C) and 10 prenatally androgenized (PA) heifer-calf pairs were weighed, and eight C and five PA heifers were implanted with Synovex-H®. They were then placed in feedlot pens equipped with pinpointer feeding devices. By 1 wk postpartum, all heifers were adapted to an 85% concentrate diet and fed until they possessed approximately 1.1 cm s.c. fat cover over the 12th and 13th ribs. Heifers were slaughtered 12 h postweaning. The PA heifers tended to consume more (P<0.11) DM than C heifers. Gain:feed (G:F) was similar (P=0.35) for the C and PA heifers; however, the C heifers tended to have an improved (P<0.08) pair G:F. Heifer G:F and pair G:F were both similar (P=0.53) for the I and nonimplanted heifers. Most carcass measurements were unaffected by treatment; however, the I heifers tended to have higher marbling scores (P<0.07).     

Leptin as a predictor of carcass composition in beef cattle

Our objective was to determine if serum concentrations of leptin could be used to predict carcass composition and merit in feedlot finished cattle. Two different groups of crossbred Bos taurus steers and heifers were managed under feedlot conditions near Miles City, MT. The first group consisted of 88 1/2 Red Angus, 1/4 Charolais, and 1/4 Tarentaise composite gene combination steers (CGC) harvested at the ConAgra processing facility in Greeley, CO. The second group (Lean Beef Project; LB) consisted of 91 F2 steers and heifers born to Limousin, Hereford, or Piedmontese by CGC F1 cows crossed to F1 bulls of similar breed composition and harvested at a local processing facility in Miles City, MT. Blood samples were collected approximately 24 h before harvest (CGC) or approximately 3 d before and at harvest (LB). No differences in serum concentrations of leptin were detected (P > 0.10) between Hereford, Limousin, or Piedmontese F2 calves nor between LB steers and heifers. Positive correlations (P < 0.01) existed between serum leptin and marbling score (r = 0.35 and 0.50), fat depth measured between the 12th and 13th rib (r = 0.34 and 0.46), kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH) (r = 0.42 and 0.46), and quality grade (r = 0.36 and 0.49) in CGC and LB cattle, respectively. Serum leptin was also positively correlated with calculated yield grade for CGC steers (r = 0. 19; P = 0. 10) and LB cattle (r = 0.52; P < 0.01). Longissimus area was not correlated with serum leptin in CGC steers (r = 0.12; P > 0.10). However, a negative correlation existed between longissimus area and serum leptin in the LB cattle (r = -0.45; P < 0.01). Serum concentrations of leptin were significantly associated with carcass composition (marbling, back fat depth, and KPH fat) and quality grade in both groups of cattle studied and may provide an additional indicator of fat content in feedlot cattle.     

Grazing and feedlot performance of yearling stocker cattle integrated with spring- and fall-calving beef cows in a year-round grazing system

Effects of calving season and finishing system on forage and concentrate consumption and carcass characteristics of calves were compared. In each of 3 yr, two replicates of three growing and finishing systems were compared including 1) spring calves finished on a high-grain diet in a feedlot immediately post-weaning (WF); 2) spring calves backgrounded on a hay-corn gluten diet over winter for 179 +/- 18 d after weaning, grazed for 98 +/- 9 d in cool-season grass-legume pastures, and finished on a high-grain diet in a feedlot (SGF); and 3) fall calves backgrounded on a hay-corn gluten feed diet over winter for 69 +/- 31 d after weaning, grazed for 98 +/- 9 d in cool-season grass-legume pastures, and finished on a high-grain diet in a feedlot (FGF). During the grazing phase, calves on the SGF and FGF treatments were equally stocked with spring-calving cow-calf pairs before grazing by pregnant fall-calving cows in a first-last rotational stocking system at a rate of 1.9 standard livestock units/ha. As designed, retained calves in the FGF system spent 110 fewer days in the drylot during backgrounding than retained calves in the SGF system (P = 0.01), resulting in less feed provided during winter. A greater (P < 0.01) quantity of hay was fed to SGF calves after weaning over winter (1,305 kg of DM per calf) than the quantity fed to FGF calves (305 kg of DM per calf). Quantity of grain (including commercial starter) fed to SGF calves after weaning did not differ (P = 0.28) from that fed to FGF calves (126 vs. 55 kg of DM per calf); however, calves in the FGF system required 80 and 71 kg of DM per calf more concentrate to finish to an equivalent external fat thickness compared with SGF and WF calves, respectively (P = 0.02). Average daily gains in the feedlot were greater (P < 0.01) for SGF and FGF calves than for WF calves during all 3 yr. There were no differences (P = 0.69) in carcass quality grades among calves in all groups, but SGF calves had greater (P < 0.01) hot carcass weight and LM area measurements at slaughter than FGF or WF calves. Although calves in the FGF system were 25 kg lighter than calves in the WF system at slaughter (P = 0.03), and had a lower dressing percent (P = 0.03), other carcass characteristics did not differ between these two groups. Lower stored-feed requirements and similar carcass quality characteristics made retention of a fall calf crop advantageous over retention of a spring calf crop for use as stocker animals before finishing.     

Effects of percentage Brahman and Angus breeding, age-season of feeding and slaughter end point on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics

Steers (n = 165) of known percentage Brahman (B) and Angus (A) breeding were used to study effects of breed group (A, 3/4A:1/4B, 1/2A:1/2B, 1/4A:3/4B), age-season of feeding (calves fed during the cool season vs yearlings fed during the warm season) and slaughter end point (less than .90, 1.0 to 1.15, 1.27 to 1.40, greater than or equal to 1.5 cm of adjusted fat over the ribeye) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The 1/2B and 3/4B steers had heavier (P less than .05) initial and final feedlot weights than the A and 1/4B steers and higher (P less than .05) unshrunk ADG than the A steers did. Breed types did not differ for feed efficiency. Yearling steers fed in the warm season had higher (P less than .05) unshrunk ADG than calves fed in the cool season, but ADG calculated on an empty-rumen basis did not differ between the two age-seasons of feeding. Calves fed in the cool season were more efficient (P less than .05) than yearlings fed in the warm season when efficiency was expressed on an empty-rumen basis; however, on a live weight basis there was no difference in feed efficiency. No breed group by age-season of feeding interactions on performance were detected. Slaughter end point did not significantly affect feed efficiency on an empty-rumen basis. The 1/2B and 3/4B steers had smaller ribeye areas (REA) per 100 kg hot carcass and lower marbling scores than the 1/4B and A steers. Yearlings fed in the warm season produced heavier carcasses (P less than .05) than calves fed in the cool season. As s.c. fat thickness at slaughter increased, hot carcass weight and numerical yield grade increased, whereas REA per 100 kg of hot carcass decreased. Marbling also increased as fatness increased up to about 1.5 cm subcutaneous fat.     

Effect of reconstituting field-dried and early-harvested sorghum grain on the ensiling characteristics of the grain and on growth performance and carcass merit of feedlot heifers.

The objective of this study was to determine whether reconstituting field-dried and early-harvested sorghum grain affected the fermentation characteristics and feed value of the ensiled grain when fed to feedlot heifers. In Trial 1, sorghum grain was harvested at 14% moisture, rolled, and reconstituted to 25, 30, or 35% moisture, then ensiled in laboratory-scale silos. Lactic acid concentration increased (d 5 to 90) and pH decreased more rapidly (d 3 to 90) as moisture level increased (P < .05). Acetic acid concentration increased (P < .05) with moisture and day postfilling. Concentration of ethanol was highest (P < .05) in the 30 and 35% moisture grains from d 1 to 5, but by d 90 the ethanol concentration in the 25% moisture grain exceeded (P < .05) that of the two higher-moisture grains. Ammonia N concentration was lowest (P < .05) in the 25% moisture grain at all sampling times postfilling. In Trial 2, 288 heifers (BW = 286+/-83 kg) were used to compare the feeding value of rolled, ensiled sorghum grain harvested at 25% moisture to the same grain reconstituted to 30 or 35% moisture. A steam-flaked corn (SFC) diet served as the control. Final live weight; ADG; hot carcass weight; backfat depth; marbling score; kidney, pelvic, and heart fat; and liver abscess score were not affected by grain treatment (P > .10). Dry matter intake was highest (P < .10) for heifers fed the 25 or 30% moisture sorghum grain diets and lowest for those fed the SFC diet; DMI for heifers fed the 35% moisture sorghum grain diet was intermediate. Feeding 35% moisture sorghum grain improved gain efficiency (P < .10) compared with feeding 25 or 30% moisture sorghum grain by 9.0 and 5.7%, respectively. We conclude that reconstituting sorghum grain beyond the typical moisture levels of 25 to 30% would enhance the fermentation characteristics of the ensiled grain and improve gain efficiency in feedlot heifers.     

Effects of Metaphylactic Antibiotics on Behavior of Feedlot Calves

Three 21-d trials were conducted at a commercial feedlot near Wellton, Arizona to determine the effects of metaphylactic injectable antibiotics on feeding and watering behavior and on animal health and growth performance of feedlot calves. Newly received male calves (n = 150, 150, and 148 for Trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 1) no injectable antibiotic (control), 2) tilmicosin (TIL) subcutaneously (s.c.) 3) florfenicol i.m. (FIM), or 4) florfenicol s.c. (FSC). Throughout the 21-d trials, calves were observed and documented as morbid or healthy. Daily feeding and watering behaviors were collected for trials 2 and 3. A smaller (P=0.001) percentage of TIL, FIM, and FSC calves were identified as morbid (average, 27%) compared with control calves (47%), and ADG was greater (P=0.04) for TIL, FIM, and FSC calves (average, 0.42 kg/d) than for control calves (0.23 kg/d). Calves castrated before arrival had greater (P=0.001) ADG (0.53 vs 0.21 kg/d) and lower (P=0.05) mortality (0 vs 3.5%) during the first 21 d than did calves castrated upon arrival at the feedlot. Calves that remained healthy had greater (P=0.001) ADG than did calves that became morbid (0.78 vs−0.03 kg/d). Calves treated with TIL, FIM, or FSC had increased (P=0.02) feeding bouts per day in Trial 3 compared with control calves (average, 11 vs 9 bouts/d). Total feeding time was increased (P=0.005) for FIM calves compared with control, TIL, and FSC calves in Trial 3. No differences (P>0.10) were observed in watering behavior because of antibiotic treatment. Metaphylactic injectable antibiotics administered upon calves’ arrival at the feedlot did not reduce the total time newly received feedlot calves spent feeding, decreased the incidence of morbidity by 43%, and improved growth performance during the 21-d receiving period.     

Adiposity of calf- and yearling-fed Brangus steers raised to constant-age and constant-body weight endpoints

We tested the hypothesis that fatty acid biosynthesis and adipocyte diameter and volume would be greater in s.c. and i.m. adipose tissues of calf-fed steers than in yearling-fed steers at a constant BW, due to the greater time on feed for the calf-fed steers. Conversely, we predicted that the capacity for s.c. and i.m. preadipocytes to divide, as estimated by 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA, would be greater in the less mature adipose tissues of calf-fed steers and in yearling-fed steers at 16 mo of age than in yearling-fed steers fed to 18 mo of age. Brangus steers were fed a corn-based finishing diet as calves (calf-fed; n = 9) or yearlings (n = 4) to 16 mo of age (CA yearling-fed); another group of yearlings (n = 5) was fed to a constant-BW end point of 530 kg (CW yearling-fed). Both groups of yearling-fed steers had free access to native pasture until 12 mo of age. At slaughter, the fifth to eighth thoracic rib section of the LM was removed, and fresh s.c. and i.m. adipose tissues were removed for in vitro incubations. There were no differences in the number of s.c. adipocytes/g or mean peak volumes of adipocytes across production groups (P > or = 0.14). However, s.c. adipose tissue of CA yearling-fed steers contained greater proportions of smaller adipocytes (<1,500 pL) than calffed or CW yearling-fed steers, and similar results were observed for i.m. adipose tissue. Acetate incorporation into total lipids was greater (P = 0.02) in s.c. adipose tissue of CA yearling-fed steers than in calf-fed or CW yearling-fed steers, and tended to be different (P = 0.10) across production groups in i.m. adipose tissue. The production system x cell fraction interaction was significant (P = 0.03) for s.c. adipose tissue DNA synthesis, which was greatest in adipocytes from CA yearling-fed steers, whereas there were no differences across production system in stromal vascular (SV) DNA synthesis. For i.m. adipose tissue, DNA synthesis was greatest in adipocytes and SV cells from CA yearling-fed calves, and was greater in SV cells than in adipocytes (both P = 0.01). Therefore, stage of adipose tissue development more strongly influenced fatty acid synthesis, adipocyte volume, and DNA synthesis than age at sampling, final BW, or time on the finishing diet.     

Age of calf at weaning of spring-calving beef cows and the effect on cow and calf performance and production economics

Over a 5-yr period, spring-calving cows were used in a carry-over design experiment to evaluate effects of calf age at weaning on cow and calf performance and production economics. Weaning management groups were early (n = 60, calf age 150 d, EW), traditional (n = 60, calf age 210 d, NW), and late (n = 60, calf age 270 d, LW). Cow body condition score (BCS) and weights at the last weaning date were different (P < .05) for EW (5.8, 583 kg), NW (5.5, 560 kg), and LW (5.2, 541 kg) management groups. Pregnancy rates among groups were similar. Days on feed for groups differed (P = .001) and was 247 for EW, 204 for NW, and 164 d for LW steers. Average daily gain in the feedlot differed (P = .01) among groups and averaged 1.5 kg for LW, 1.4 kg for NW, and 1.3 kg for EW steers. Dry matter intake while steers were in the feedlot was greater (P = .001) for LW than for NW and EW calves. Hot carcass weight was greater (P = .01) for EW (328 kg) and NW (332 kg) calves than for LW (321 kg) steers, and fat depth was greater (P = .05) for EW and NW steers than for LW steers. When carcass data for the NW and LW steers were adjusted to the fat depth of EW steers, carcass characteristics among groups were similar. Net income per steer at slaughter for the feedlot phase was greater (P < .001) for the EW ($75.36) and NW ($62.16) steers than for the LW ($10.09) steers. Again, when carcass data for the NW and LW steers were adjusted to the same fat depth of the EW steers, net income differences among groups were reduced. Replacement heifers were developed in a drylot and costs were higher (P < .001) for the EW than for NW and LW heifers. Annual cow costs were greater (P < .10) for the LW ($443.45) than for the EW ($410.09) and NW ($421.35) groups. Break-even for each system on a steer financial basis was not different between the NW and LW groups, and both the NW and LW groups had lower (P = .08) break-evens than the EW group. Age of the calf at weaning affects cow weight and BCS. Net income in each system is influenced by cow costs, month of the year that steer calves are purchased into the feedlot and finished steers are sold, month of the year cull cows are marketed, and replacement heifer development costs.     

Effects of Lactation and Prenatal Androgenization on the Performance,Carcass Composition,and Longissimus Muscle Sensory Characteristics of Heifers in the Single-Calf Heifer System

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate feedlot performance, lactational characteristics, and carcass composition and quality of heifers and the performance of their calves in a single-calf heifer (SCH) system. In Exp. 1, 13 [10 lactating (L) and 3 nonlactating (NL)] prenatally androgenized (PA) heifers, born to cows implanted with testosterone propionate (TP) and 19 (13 L and 6 NL) control (C) heifers, born to nonimplanted cows, were used. Heifers were calved and the pairs were placed in feedlot pens to evaluate the effects of PA on feedlot performance and lactation. Heifers were fed an 85% concentrate diet and fed to a compositional endpoint of 1.1 cm of subcutaneous fat cover, at which point calves were weaned and heifers slaughtered approximately 12 h later. The NL heifers consumed 17.0% less (P<0.01) dry matter and were 30.8% more (P<0.01) efficient in feed conversion. When calf performance was included, overall feed efficiency of L heifers was 26.9% greater (P<0.05; 0.151 vs 0.119) than that of the NL feedlot heifers. Prenatal androgenization had no effect on heifer performance. Four percent fat-corrected milk yield averaged 7.79 and 5.62 kg/d for PA and C heifers, respectively. The NL heifers had 11.0% greater (P<0.01) marbling score and yield grades were 3.77 and 3.03 (P<0.05) for NL and L heifers, respectively. Livers (P<0.01) and kidneys (P<0.05) as a percentage of shrunk weight were heavier for L heifers than for NL heifers. Two carcasses were classified as hard-boned (C-maturity) and 74% received a USDA Choice grade. The L heifers tended (P<0.10) to have lower taste panel tenderness scores; however, shearforce was similar (P=0.81) for L and NL heifers. In Exp. 2, 24 Angus × Holstein heifers were utilized in the single-calf heifer system, similar to Exp. 1. Calves were weaned from their dam between d 64 and 89 postpartum. Heifers that had their calves early weaned (EW) gained 44.2% faster (P<0.01) and consumed 10.8% less (P<0.05) DM than L heifers. The EW heifers were 60.0% more (P<0.01) efficient than L heifers. However, when calf performance was included with heifer performance, L heifers were 23.7% more (P<0.05) efficient than EW heifers. The EW heifers had 18.9% heavier (P<0.01) hot carcasses than L heifers. Backfat thickness was 1.07 and 0.66 cm (P<0.01) for the EW and L heifers.     

Intake restriction strategies and sources of energy and protein during the growing period affect nutrient disappearance, feedlot performance, and carcass characteristics of crossbred heifers.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate intake restriction, energy, and protein source on the performance and carcass merit of heifers limit-fed corn gluten feed. Trial 1 crossbred heifers (n = 140) were allotted to ad libitum wet corn gluten feed (WCGF)-hay, ad libitum WCGF-corn, WCGF-corn continuously limit-fed to achieve a gain of 1.1 kg/d or WCGF-corn fed in the following sequence: 70% of ad libitum for 20 d, ad libitum for 20 d, and 2 d common intake during the 84-d growing period. One-half of these restricted-refed heifers received a rumen-undegraded protein supplement, and the other half received a rumen degraded protein supplement. Heifers were fed a common finishing diet ad libitum subsequent to the growing period. Heifers offered ad libitum WCGF-hay and WCGF-corn were slaughtered at a common compositional fat end point. Heifers limit-fed WCGF-corn were slaughtered at the same time as heifers offered ad libitum WCGF-corn, regardless of subcutaneous fat cover. Limit-feeding WCGF-corn diets to growing heifers reduced ADG (P < or = 0.01) but did not compromise feed efficiency. Method of intake restriction, continuous or ad libitum-interrupted, and supplemental protein source did not affect combined growing-finishing performance. However, when fed for a common length of time, the average of the limit-fed heifers had lighter carcass weights (P < or = 0.01) and lower (P = 0.04) marbling scores. Heifers offered ad libitum WCGF-hay gained slower (P < or = 0.01) and less efficiently (P < or = 0.01) than heifers offered WCGF-corn. Trial 2 crossbred heifers (n = 222) were allotted to dry corn gluten feed (DCGF)-corn ad libitum or restricted to 80% of ad libitum for 42, 84, or 126 d; or ad libitum corn silage or DCGF-corn silage at 80% of ad libitum for 84 d. Feed efficiency (P = 0.07) and ADG (P = 0.08) tended to behave quadratically, being poorer for heifers limit-fed for 126 d during the growing period. Heifers limit-fed DCGF-corn gained more efficiently (P = 0.05) than heifers grown on ad libitum corn silage. Limit-feeding CGF-corn to growing beef heifers can be used to achieve moderate rates of gain without compromising feed efficiency. However, limit-feeding during the growing period may result in lighter weight carcasses with lower quality grades if not fed to the same fat end point as heifers grown with free access to concentrate.     

An evaluation of production and economic efficiency of two beef systems from calving to slaughter

A 3-yr experiment was conducted with cows and their calves to evaluate resource inputs, animal performance, and carcass characteristics of two production systems. In the control system, cows (CON; n = 99/yr) grazed pasture and were fed hay during the winter, and CON steer calves were finished in the feedlot for 211 d after weaning. In the treatment system (TRT; n = 100/yr), cows grazed pasture and crop residue during the winter and were fed hay. Treatment steer calves grazed crop residue after weaning, grazed pasture in the spring and summer, and were finished in the feedlot for 90 d. Body condition scores after TRT cows returned from crop residue grazing were greater (P < 0.01) for CON than for TRT cows. Calving rates were similar for both groups (CON = 91%; TRT = 93%). In the feedlot, CON steers had lower (P < 0.05) ADG and DMI, but were more efficient (P < 0.01) than TRT steers. Treatment steers had greater (P < 0.05) final weight, hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area, and decreased marbling score. The cost per weaned calf and weaning breakeven were greater (P = 0.07) for the CON system than for the TRT system (CON = 455.12 dollars, 0.91 dollar/0.45 kg; TRT = 421.43 dollars, 0.84 dollar/0.45 kg). When steers were priced into the postweaning phase on an economic basis, slaughter breakeven was lower (P = 0.01), and profit potential tended (P = 0.14) to be greater for TRT steers when they were sold on a live basis. When steers were priced into the postweaning phase on a financial basis, slaughter breakeven was lower (P = 0.03) and profit potential from the sale of steers on a live basis was greater (P = 0.07) for TRT than for CON steers. Economic evaluation of the total system resulted in greater (P = 0.06) profit potential for the TRT system when steers were priced into the system on either an economic or a financial basis and when steers were sold on a live basis, but no differences were observed when steers were sold on a grid basis. Despite differences in cow weight and body condition, calving rates did not differ between systems. Although calves were herdmates, feedlot performance and carcass characteristics differed between systems. The TRT system had lower weaning and slaughter breakeven, lower cost per weaned calf, and greater profit potential when finished steers were sold on a live basis.     

Laminitis-like changes in the claws of feedlot cattle

The purpose of this study was to observe and quantitate changes in the claws of two groups of feedlot cattle (calves and backgrounded yearlings) fed diets that varied in energy (73.5 or 78.5% TDN) and crude protein (11, 13, 15, 16, 17, or 19%) content. At slaughter, the thickness of sole horn and the prevalence of toe and heel hemorrhages were greater in calves than in yearlings (p<0.02). Feeding the high-energy ration increased the prevalence of toe and heel hemorrhages in calves (p<0.02) and heel hemorrhages in yearlings (p<0.02). In yearlings, rotation of the distal phalanx and ridging of the dorsal wall of the claw were the most prominent pathological features. Osteopathy of the apex of the distal phalanx occurred more frequently in calves than in yearlings (p<0.01). This study suggests that intensive feeding of beef cattle before they reach 14 months of age has a deleterious effect on digital health.     

STUDIES ON DYSTOCIA AND BIRTH WEIGHT IN ANGUS HEIFERS CALVING AT TWO YEARS OF AGE

A trial is described in which groups of Angus heifers mated as yearlings were maintained on two widely differing nutritional levels during the last third of gestation in order to study effects on birth weight of calves and dystocia. The different nutritional levels produced a 5 lb difference in birth weight of calves (P < 0.01). As the calving season advanced the mean calf birth weight increased by 1.4 lb every ten days (P < 0.01). Heifers that suffered dystocia had calves 7 lb heavier and pelves 15.6 sq cm smaller than heifers calving normally (P < 0.01). Following observations on the birth process it was concluded that uncomplicated birth is complicated within two hours following the appearance of the amniotic sac.     

Effects of prenatal testosterone treatment and postnatal steroid implantation on growth performance and carcass traits of heifers and steers

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of prenatal testosterone treatment in combination with postnatal steroid implantation (Exp. 1) and to assess the effect of time of prenatal testosterone treatment in conjunction with postnatal steroid implantation (Exp. 2) on animal performance and carcass characteristics. In Exp. 1, seventy-six pregnant cows were assigned randomly to a control group or implanted with testosterone propionate (TP) silastic implants between d 40 and 80 of gestation. Half the heifer calves were selected randomly to be implanted with 200 mg TP plus 20 mg estradiol benzoate (EB); the other half of the steer calves were implanted with 200 mg progesterone plus 20 mg EB on d 1 and 85 of the feedlot trial. Daily gain of heifers was increased 10.4% (P less than .08) due to prenatal testosterone treatment (P) and 16.4% (P less than .05) by postnatal steroid implantation (I). Feed efficiency was 12.9% greater (P less than .05) due to P and 9.5% greater (P less than .05) due to I. Prenatal testosterone treatment decreased (P less than .05) kidney, pelvic and heart fat and final yield grade but increased (P less than .05) ribeye area of heifers. Heifers had greater (P less than .07) liver weights per unit of carcass weight due to P. In Exp. 2, one hundred seventy-four pregnant cows were assigned randomly to a control group or implanted with TP silastic implants on d 42, 63, 84 or 105 of gestation. Half the heifer and steer calves were selected randomly to be implanted on d 1 and 112 of the feedlot trial. Time of P caused a quadratic effect (P less than .08) on birth weight of heifers. There was a quadratic effect (P less than .05) of time of P on daily gain and final weight per day of age of heifers. Feed efficiency of heifers was improved (P less than .05) due to P. Postnatal steroid implantation increased (P less than .05) daily gain and feed efficiency of heifers by 9.6% and 8.6%, respectively. No changes were observed in growth performance of steers due to P. Results from these two trials suggest that the combination of prenatal testosterone treatment and postnatal testosterone and estradiol implantation produced an additive improvement of daily gain, feed efficiency and carcass merit of heifers.