Effect of live weight gain of steers during winter grazing: I. Feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and body composition of beef steers

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of previous BW gain during winter grazing on subsequent growth, carcass characteristics, and change in body composition during the feedlot finishing phase. In each experiment, 48 fall-weaned Angus x Angus-Hereford steer calves were assigned randomly to one of three treatments: 1) high rate of BW gain grazing winter wheat (HGW), 2) low rate of BW gain grazing winter wheat (LGW), or 3) grazing dormant tallgrass native range (NR) supplemented with 0.91 kg/d of cottonseed meal. Winter grazing ADG (kg/d) for HGW, LGW, and NR steers were, respectively, 1.31, 0.54, 0.16 (Exp. 1) and 1.10, 0.68, 0.15 (Exp. 2). At the end of winter grazing, four steers were selected randomly from each treatment to measure initial carcass characteristics and chemical composition of carcass, offal, and empty body. All remaining steers were fed a high-concentrate diet to a common backfat end point. Six steers were selected randomly from each treatment for final chemical composition, and carcass characteristics were measured on all steers. Initial fat mass and proportion in carcass, offal, and empty body were greatest (P < 0.001) for HGW, intermediate for LGW, and least for NR steers in both experiments. Live BW ADG and gain efficiency during the finishing phase did not differ (P = 0.24) among treatments, but DMI (% of mean BW) for NR and LGW was greater (P < 0.003) than for HGW steers. Final empty-body composition did not differ (P = 0.25) among treatments in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, final carcass and empty-body fat proportion (g/kg) was greater (P < 0.03) for LGW and NR than for HGW steers. Accretion of carcass fat-free organic matter was greater (P < 0.004) for LGW than for HGW and NR steers in Exp. 1, but did not differ (P = 0.22) among treatments in Exp. 2. Fat accretion in carcass, offal, and empty body did not differ (P = 0.19) among treatments in Exp. 1, but was greater (P < 0.05) for LGW and NR than for HGW steers in Exp. 2. Heat production by NR steers during finishing was greater (P < 0.02) than by HGW steers in Exp. 1 and 2. Differences in ADG during winter grazing and initial body fat content did not affect rate of live BW gain or gain efficiency during finishing. Feeding steers to a common backfat thickness end point mitigated initial differences in carcass and empty-body fat content. However, maintenance energy requirements during finishing were increased for nutritionally restricted steers that were wintered on dormant native range.     

Corn oil supplementation to steers grazing endophyte-free tall fescue. I. Effects on in vivo digestibility, performance, and carcass traits

Eighteen Angus steers (438 +/- 4 kg of BW) were supplemented with varying levels of corn oil (0 g/kg of BW, none; 0.75 g/kg of BW, MED; or 1.5 g/kg of BW, HI) on rotationally stocked, endophyte-free tall fescue to determine the effect of supplemental oil level on in vivo digestibility, intake, performance, and carcass traits. Pelleted cottonseed hulls were used as a carrier for the oil supplements, and all supplements were offered to steers using Calan gate feeders for individual intake determination. On d 49, each steer was dosed with a controlled-release capsule containing chromium sesquioxide, and fecal samples were obtained 12 d later over a 7-d period to estimate fecal output that, with forage, supplement, and fecal indigestible NDF concentration, was used to estimate DMI and in vivo total diet digestibility. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the 116-d grazing period, and carcass data were collected at 24 h postmortem. Total fatty acid intake linearly increased with corn oil supplementation, and forage DMI, total DMI, and total DE intake were linearly decreased (P < 0.01). The decrease in total DMI was reflected in forage substitution rates greater (P < or = 0.01) than 1, with a trend (P = 0.09) for a greater substitution rate in HI than in MED. In vivo DM, OM, and NDF digestibility were linearly decreased (P < 0.01) by corn oil supplementation. Average daily gain and final BW tended (P = 0.09) to increase linearly in response to oil level. Oil conversion (0.36 kg of BW gain/kg of corn oil) was greater (P < or = 0.05) than zero and did not differ (P = 0.15) between MED and HI. Dressing percent (P = 0.09), carcass weight (P = 0.01), and carcass backfat thickness (P = 0.01) increased linearly with oil supplementation. No treatment effect was observed for carcass LM area, KPH percentage, marbling score, or yield grade (P > 0.10). Oil supplementation to grazing steers linearly reduced forage DMI intake; however, animal performance was maintained and tended to be greater for oil-supplemented cattle. Oil supplementation increased carcass fat thickness and weight without altering other carcass quality parameters.     

Influence of grazing dormant native range or winter wheat pasture on subsequent finishing cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal metabolism

A winter grazing/feedlot performance experiment repeated over 2 yr (Exp. 1) and a metabolism experiment (Exp. 2) were conducted to evaluate effects of grazing dormant native range or irrigated winter wheat pasture on subsequent intake, feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, total-tract digestion of nutrients, and ruminal digesta kinetics in beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 30 (yr 1) or 67 (yr 2) English crossbred steers that had previously grazed native range (n = 38) or winter wheat (n = 59) for approximately 180 d were allotted randomly within previous treatment to feedlot pens (yr 1 native range = three pens [seven steers/pen], winter wheat = two pens [eight steers/pen]; yr 2 native range = three pens [eight steers/pen], winter wheat = four pens [10 or 11 steers/pen]). As expected, winter wheat steers had greater (P < 0.01) ADG while grazing than did native range steers. In contrast, feedlot ADG and gain efficiency were greater (P < 0.02) for native range steers than for winter wheat steers. Hot carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, and marbling score were greater (P < 0.01) for winter wheat steers than for native range steers. In contrast, 12th-rib fat depth (P < 0.64) and yield grade (P < 0.77) did not differ among treatments. In Exp. 2, eight ruminally cannulated steers that had previously grazed winter wheat (n = 4; initial BW = 407 +/- 12 kg) or native range (n = 4; initial BW = 293 +/- 23 kg) were used to determine intake, digesta kinetics, and total-tract digestion while being adapted to a 90% concentrate diet. The adaptation and diets used in Exp. 2 were consistent with those used in Exp. 1 and consisted of 70, 75, 80, and 85% concentrate diets, each fed for 5 d. As was similar for intact steers, restricted growth of cannulated native range steers during the winter grazing phase resulted in greater (P < 0.001) DMI (% of BW) and ADG (P < 0.04) compared with winter wheat steers. In addition, ruminal fill (P < 0.01) and total-tract OM digestibility (P < 0.02) were greater for native range than for winter wheat steers across the adaptation period. Greater digestibility by native range steers early in the finishing period might account for some of the compensatory gain response. Although greater performance was achieved by native range steers in the feedlot, grazing winter wheat before finishing resulted in fewer days on feed, increased hot carcass weight, and improved carcass merit.     

The effects of grazing, liquid supplements, and implants on feedlot performance and carcass traits of Holstein steers

In each of 2 yr, 20 Holstein steers (185+/-7 kg initial BW) were allocated to each of three treatments: pastured for 4.5 mo on grass/legume pastures and then fed 80% corn diets (DM basis) until slaughter; pastured for 4.5 mo on grass/legume pastures with ad libitum access to molasses-based protein supplements and fed 80% corn diets until slaughter; and placed in a feedlot and fed only 80% corn diets until slaughter (FEEDLOT). Half of the steers in each treatment were initially implanted with Revalor-S and not reimplanted. Supplemented steers on pasture had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than unsupplemented steers, and FEEDLOT steers gained faster and were fatter (P < 0.05) after 4.5 mo. Implanted steers had greater (P < 0.05) ADG with no significant treatment x implant status effect. Supplement intake was variable and related to ambient temperature. During the feedlot phase, steers previously on pasture had greater DMI and ADG (P < 0.05) but were not more efficient than FEEDLOT steers. Percentage of USDA Choice carcasses, fat thickness, dressing percentage, yield grade, and final weight were greater (P < 0.05) for FEEDLOT steers than for steers on other treatments. Implanting increased ADG of all steers but did not affect carcass traits, carcass composition, or feedlot performance during the finishing phase. Holstein steers consuming supplemented and unsupplemented pasture before slaughter will be leaner, have lower carcass weights, and have generally lower quality grades than those fed exclusively in a feedlot when slaughtered at similar ages.     

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

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

Effects of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on ruminal in situ forage degradability, performance, and physiological responses of feeder cattle

Two experiments were conducted to compare ruminal, physiological, and performance responses of forage-fed cattle consuming grain-based supplements without (NF) or with the inclusion (10%; DM basis) of a rumen-protected PUFA (PF) or SFA source (SF). Supplements were offered and consumed at 0.6% of BW/animal daily (DM basis). In Exp. 1, DMI and ruminal in situ forage degradability were evaluated in 3 Angus × Hereford cows fitted with ruminal cannulas and allocated to a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Within each experimental period, hay was offered in amounts to ensure ad libitum access from d 1 to 13, DMI was recorded from d 8 to 13, and cows were limited to receive 90% of their average hay DMI (d 1 to 13) from d 14 to 21. On d 16, polyester bags containing 4 g of ground hay (DM basis) were incubated within the rumen of each cow for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h. Hay and total DMI were reduced (P < 0.05) in cows receiving PF compared with cows receiving SF and NF. No treatment effects were detected (P > 0.48) for ruminal disappearance rate and effective ruminal degradability of hay DM and NDF. In Exp. 2, preconditioning DMI, ADG, carcass traits, and plasma concentrations of cortisol, fatty acids, acute-phase proteins, and proinflammatory cytokines were assessed in 72 Angus × Hereford steers receiving supplement treatments during a 28-d preconditioning period. All steers were transported to a commercial growing lot after preconditioning (d 1) and were later moved to an adjacent commercial finishing yard (d 144), where they remained until slaughter. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.52) for preconditioning ADG and G:F, but DMI tended (P = 0.09) to be reduced in steers receiving PF compared with those receiving NF and SF. Plasma PUFA concentrations were greater in steers receiving PF compared with those receiving NF and SF (P = 0.01). After transportation, concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α increased for steers receiving NF, did not change for steers receiving SF, but decreased for steers receiving PF (treatment × day interaction, P < 0.01). Steers fed PF had greater (P = 0.02) ADG compared with those fed NF during the growing phase. Carcass yield grade and marbling were greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed PF compared with those fed NF. In conclusion, PUFA supplementation did not affect ruminal forage degradability but did impair DMI in beef cows. Further, PUFA supplementation to steers during preconditioning reduced plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α after transportation, and benefited growing lot ADG and carcass marbling.     

Effects of corn processing and dietary fiber source on feedlot performance, visceral organ weight, diet digestibility, and nitrogen metabolism in lambs

In Exp. 1, early-weaned Targhee and Polypay crossbred lambs (60 ewes and 66 rams; initial BW 24 +/- 1.0 kg) were used in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment to determine the effects of corn processing (whole shelled corn [WSC] or ground and pelleted corn [GC]) in combination with supplemental fiber (none [control]; soybean hulls, SBH [highly digestible]; or peanut hulls, PH [highly indigestible]) on DMI, ADG, feed efficiency, and visceral organ weight. For the total trial, WSC resulted in a 4% increase (P < .01) in ADG vs GC, and supplemental fiber resulted in increased (P < .01) DMI and ADG vs the control diet. Experiment 2 was conducted using 12 Targhee and Polypay crossbred wether lambs (initial BW 25 +/- 7 kg) to determine the effects of corn processing and fiber source in high-concentrate diets on diet digestibility and N retention using the same diets as in Exp. 1. Lambs fed WSC had greater (P < .001) apparent N digestion, true N digestion, and N retention (P < .01) than those fed GC. The apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and NDF were greater (P < .001) for WSC than for GC diets. Peanut hulls resulted in decreased (P < .01) DM, OM, and NDF apparent digestibilities compared with the control and SBH diets. Starch digestion was not affected (P > .10) by diet. Whole corn resulted in improved DM, OM, NDF, and N digestibility compared with GC. Overall, both the SBH and PH diets resulted in greater DMI and ADG than the control diet, which lacked supplemental fiber.     

Supplementation of dormant tallgrass-prairie forage: I. Influence of varying supplemental protein and(or) energy levels on forage utilization characteristics of beef steers in confinement

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of supplemental protein vs energy level on dormant forage intake and utilization. In Exp. 1, 16 ruminally cannulated steers were blocked by weight (avg wt = 242 kg) and assigned randomly to a negative control or to one of three isocaloric supplement treatments fed at .4% BW: 1) control, no supplement (NS); 2) 12% CP, low protein (LP); 3) 28% CP, moderate protein (MP); 4) 41% CP, high protein (HP). In Exp. 2 and 3, 16 ruminally cannulated steers were blocked by weight (avg wt = 332 kg, Exp. 2; 401 kg, Exp. 3) and assigned randomly to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The treatments contrasted low (LP) and high (HP) levels of supplemental protein (.66 g CP/kg BW vs 1.32 g CP/kg BW) with low (LE) and high (HE) levels of supplemental ME (9.2 kcal/kg BW vs 18.4 kcal/kg BW). In Exp. 1, forage DMI as well as ruminal DM and indigestible ADF fill at 4 h postfeeding were greater (P less than .10) with the MP and HP steers than with control and LP steers. Total DM digestibility increased (P less than .10) for supplemented steers (35.5% for control vs 47.3 for supplemented steers); however, LP depressed (P less than .10) NDF digestibility. In Exp. 2, forage DMI, indigestible ADF flow and liquid flow were depressed (P less than .10) in LP-HE supplemented steers. In Exp. 3, HP steers had greater (P less than .10) forage DMI, indigestible ADF fill values (4 h postfeeding), liquid volume and tended (P = .11) to have greater ruminal DM fill (4 h postfeeding). In summary, increased levels of supplemental protein increased intake and utilization of dormant tallgrass-prairie forage (less than 3% CP). Increasing supplemental energy without adequate protein availability was associated with depressed intake and digestibility.     

Effects of phase feeding of protein on performance, blood urea nitrogen concentration, manure nitrogen:phosphorus ratio, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle

Two experiments with a randomized complete block design were conducted to determine the effects of phase feeding of CP on performance, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), manure N:P ratio, and carcass characteristics of steers fed in a feedlot. In Exp. 1, 45 crossbred steers (initial BW = 423 +/- 3.3 kg) were individually fed a diet formulated to contain 13.0% CP (DM basis) for 62 d. On d 63, the dietary CP was maintained at 13.0% or formulated to contain 11.5 or 10.0% CP until slaughter. Actual CP values were 12.8, 11.8, and 9.9%, respectively. Reducing the CP concentration of the diet did not affect ADG of steers from d 62 to 109 (P = 0.54) or over the 109-d feeding period (1.45, 1.50, and 1.49 kg/d for 13.0, 11.5, and 10.0% CP, respectively; P = 0.85). No differences (P > 0.12) among treatments were detected for BUN concentrations on d 0, 62, or 109. Gain:feed, DMI, and carcass characteristics did not differ among treatments (P > 0.10). In Exp. 2, 2 trials were conducted using 184 (initial BW = 406 +/- 2.6 kg) and 162 (initial BW = 342 +/- 1.9 kg) crossbred steers. Data from the 2 trials were pooled for statistical analysis, and trial effect was added to the statistical model. Steers were fed a diet formulated to contain 13.0% CP until reaching approximately 477 kg. When the average BW of the pen was 477 kg, diets were maintained at 13.0% CP or reduced to contain 11.5 or 10.0% CP. Actual CP values were 12.4, 11.5, and 9.3% CP for treatments 13.0, 11.5, and 10.0% CP, respectively. Reducing the CP content of the diet did not affect ADG after the diet changed (P = 0.16) or throughout the finishing period (P = 0.14). Immediately before slaughter, steers fed the 13.0% CP diet had greater (P < 0.001) BUN concentrations than steers fed the 11.5 and 10.0% CP diets. Carcasses from cattle fed the 11.5% CP diet had greater (P = 0.02) fat thickness than the 13.0 and 10.0% CP treatments, whereas carcasses from cattle fed 13.0% CP had greater (P = 0.004) marbling scores than steers fed the 11.5 or 10.0% CP diets. Other carcass characteristics, DMI, and G:F did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. The N:P ratio was increased with the 10.0% CP diet (P = 0.02) compared with the 11.5 or 13.5% CP treatments; however, manure composition did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. These results indicate that reduced CP concentration during the finishing period does not affect feedlot performance but can improve the N and P relationship in the manure.     

Effects of an artificial sweetener on health, performance, and dietary preference of feedlot cattle

Two experiments examined the effects of a saccharin-based artificial sweetener (Sucram) on health, performance, and dietary preference of feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, 200 steer calves (initial BW = 190.4 +/- 1.47 kg) were fed a 65% concentrate diet supplemented with or without 200 mg of Sucram/kg (DM basis) during a 56-d receiving-growing period. Feeding Sucram did not affect overall (P = 0.19) DMI; however, from d 29 to 56, there was a trend (P = 0.10) for increased DMI with Sucram (5.71 vs. 6.02 kg/d, respectively). From d 0 to 28 and d 0 to 56, there were trends (P = 0.11 and 0.12, respectively) for increased ADG and for increased d-56 BW (P = 0.07) for calves fed Sucram. No differences were detected (P = 0.82) for receiving (REC) period morbidity. During the finishing (FIN) period, 180 steers from the REC period were assigned (9 pens/treatment in a 2 x 2 factorial design) to the following treatments: 1) control REC/control FIN; 2) control REC/Sucram FIN; 3) Sucram REC/control FIN; and 4) Sucram REC/ Sucram FIN. Over the FIN period, ADG tended (P = 0.12) to be greater for Sucram; however, carcass-adjusted ADG did not differ among treatments. Daily DMI was affected by a REC x FIN interaction (P = 0.08), which was the result of greater DMI by cattle in the Sucram REC/Sucram FIN treatment and decreased DMI by cattle in the Sucram REC/control FIN treatment. In general, changes in carcass characteristics were minor. In Exp. 2, 12 steers (initial BW = 395.6 +/- 6.17 kg) were used in a simultaneously replicated 3 x 3 Latin square preference test. Each square consisted of 3 pens, with 2 steers/pen, and 3 time periods. Bunks had dividers at their midpoint, and equal quantities of diet (as-fed basis) were delivered randomly on either side of the divider daily. Treatments were: 1) control; 2) Sucram = basal diet supplemented with 200 mg of Sucram/kg of DM; and 3) choice = control and Sucram on separate sides of the divider. Dietary preference differed on d 1 (P = 0.01) and d 3 (P = 0.02) for control vs. choice and Sucram vs. choice, with the choice group consuming 0.49 and 1.72 kg of DM more of the Sucram diet than the control diet, respectively. This effect, however, was not consistent across days, and average DMI did not differ (P = 0.81) among treatments. Addition of Sucram to the diet of newly received cattle tended to increase receiving period ADG; however, its effects on morbidity, finishing performance, and dietary preference were limited.     

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.     

Use of dried distillers grains throughout a beef production system: effects on stocker and finishing performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of beef

A 2-yr study was conducted using a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effects of feeding dried distillers grains throughout a beef production system on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile of beef. Factors were wheat pasture supplement [no supplement (CON), dry-rolled corn (DRC), and dried distillers grains (DDG)] fed at 0.5% BW daily and finishing diet [steam-flaked corn based diet containing 0 (SFC) or 35% (35DDG) DDG]. Each year, 60 preconditioned Hereford steers (initial BW = 198 kg ± 3) grazed winter wheat pasture with or without supplement. Body weight gain was 8% greater for steers consuming DDG supplement compared with CON and DRC steers (P < 0.01). After the grazing period, pastures within supplement treatment were randomly assigned to SFC or 35DDG. There was no supplement by finishing diet interaction for any performance or carcass variable of interest (P ≥ 0.41). Previous supplementation on winter wheat affected BW at feedlot entry and adjusted G:F (P ≤ 0.05) but had no effect on finishing ADG or carcass traits (P ≥ 0.12). On a carcass-adjusted basis, steers consuming 35DDG had reduced final BW, ADG, G:F, and total BW gain throughout the system (P ≤ 0.04) compared with SFC. Additionally, steers consuming 35DDG had reduced HCW, dressing percent, and fat thickness (P ≤ 0.03) compared with SFC. There was a supplement by finishing diet interaction (P = 0.02) for 18:0, in which cattle supplemented with DRC and fed the SFC finishing diet had the lowest concentration of 18:0 but DRC supplemented steers fed the 35DDG diet had the greatest concentration. The interaction was not significant (P ≥ 0.18) for other fatty acids. Main effects of supplement and finishing diet affected (P ≤ 0.05) several other fatty acids of interest, particularly 18:2, which is associated with reduced flavor-stability of beef. The use of DDG as a supplement to wheat pasture resulted in greater ADG during wheat grazing and heavier BW at feedlot entry, but final BW was not different from CON or DRC groups. Feeding DDG at 35% DM in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets reduced ADG, G:F, and HCW, and affected the fatty acid composition of beef.     

Neutral detergent fiber concentration in corn silage influences dry matter intake, diet digestibility, and performance of Angus and Holstein steers

Twelve Angus (237 +/- 13 kg) and twelve Holstein (235 +/- 15 kg) steers were used to determine whether corn silage-based diets with different NDF levels influence DMI to a similar extent in Angus and Holstein steers and as body weight of the steers increase. Steers were randomly assigned to individual slatted-floor pens and used in a crossover design consisting of six 14-d periods. Experimental diets contained corn silage from a normal hybrid (low-fiber; LF) and its male-sterile counterpart (high-fiber; HF) and were alternated each period. The LF and HF diets contained 33.8 and 50.8% NDF, respectively. The HF diet decreased (P < 0.01) overall steer mean DMI 14.0% relative to LF, with mean differences increasing as steers increased in BW (P < 0.01). Feeding the HF diet also reduced ADG by an average of 13.8% relative to the LF diet (P < 0.01). Holstein steers consumed 14.4% more DM and gained 14.3% faster (P < 0.01) than Angus steers. There was a fiber level x breed-type interaction (P = 0.08) for efficiency of gain. Angus steers receiving the HF diet had greater efficiency of gain than Angus steers consuming the LF diet; however, Holstein steers consuming the LF diet had greater efficiency of gain than those receiving the HF diet. The HF treatment reduced total-tract digestibility of DM and GE by 4.6 and 4.5%, respectively (P < 0.01), and decreased DE intake by 20.5% (P < 0.01) but increased apparent totaltract digestibility of NDF and ADF (9.4 and 8.4%, respectively; P < 0.01). Holstein steers had similar digestibility of DM and GE (P > 0.10) but had greater DE intake (P < 0.01) compared to Angus steers. There were fiber level x breed-type interactions for total-tract digestibility of NDF and ADF (P < 0.06). The difference in DM digestibility was negatively associated with the difference in DMI (r2 = 0.23; P < 0.01) for LF minus HF within Angus steers, but not within Holstein steers (P = 0.42). Total-tract digestibility of NDF and ADF was 4.1 and 3.4% lower for the HF diet but was only 1.1 and 0.6% lower for the LF diet when fed to Holstein compared to Angus steers. Results from this trial demonstrate that high-NDF corn silage-based diets reduced intake of both Angus and Holstein steers, and this reduction in DMI continued as steers increased in BW from 235 to 330 kg. Breed differences were also noted for digestible energy intake as influenced by fiber level.     

Tolerance of cattle to increased dietary sulfur and effect of dietary cation-anion balance

The objective of this study was to determine if dietary cation-anion balance (DCAB) affects the concentration of S that can be tolerated by growing and finishing cattle without adversely affecting performance. Angus cross and Bradford steers (n=114; average initial BW=252.8 kg) were blocked by BW and breed, and randomly assigned within a block to treatment. The design was a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with S (from NH(4)SO(4)) supplemented at 0, 0.15, or 0.30% of DM, and NaHCO(3) added at 0 or 1.0% of DM. Each treatment consisted of 3 pens containing 5 steers and 1 pen containing 4 steers. Steers were used in an 84-d growing study followed by a finishing study. A corn silage-based diet was fed during the growing study and a corn-based diet was fed during the finishing study. Steers were not randomized between experiments. The analyzed concentrations of S in the growing diets were 0.12, 0.30, and 0.46%, whereas the analyzed concentrations of S in the finishing diets were 0.13, 0.31, and 0.46% for treatments supplemented with 0, 0.15, and 0.30% S, respectively. Increasing DCAB by approximately 15 mEq/100 g of DM, by the addition of NaHCO(3,) did not affect (P > 0.36) performance during the growing or finishing studies. During the growing study DMI was not affected (P=0.29) by dietary S. Steers fed diets containing 0.30% S had greater ADG (P=0.02) and G:F (P=0.01) than those receiving 0.46% S, but similar (P > 0.36) performance to steers fed 0.12% S. During the finishing study, steers fed diets containing 0.46% S had less ADG than steers fed 0.13 (P=0.004) or 0.31% S (P=0.07), whereas ADG did not differ (P=0.18) among steers fed 0.13 and 0.31% S. Steers fed diets containing 0.31 (P=0.01) or 0.46% S (P=0.001) had less DMI than controls, but G:F was not affected (P=0.52) by S during the finishing study. Carcass characteristics did not differ (P > 0.18) among steers fed diets containing 0.13 and 0.31% S. Steers receiving diets containing 0.46% S had decreased HCW (P=0.001), quality (P=0.02), and yield grades (P=0.04) than steers receiving 0.13% S. Plasma Cu concentrations on d 101 of the finishing phase and liver Cu concentrations at slaughter were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in control steers compared with those fed diets containing 0.31 or 0.46% S. This study indicates that steers fed growing diets can tolerate up to 0.46% S with minimum effects on performance. Finishing steers tolerated diets containing 0.31% S without adverse affects on ADG or G:F. However, 0.46% S greatly decreased ADG and DMI, and increasing DCAB did not prevent these depressions.     

Effects of limit feeding corn or dried distillers grains with solubles at 2 intakes during the growing phase on the performance of feedlot cattle

Energy density in growing diets may affect carcass quality of cattle; however, few reports have described the impact of energy source. The objectives of this research were to determine effects of source [dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) vs. corn] and amount (limit-fed to gain 0.9 vs. 1.4 kg of BW/d) of energy during the growing phase on feedlot performance and marbling. Angus-cross steers (144 head) were blocked by BW (average initial BW = 252 ± 36 kg), allotted within each block to 8 pens (6 steers/pen, 24 pens total), and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 feeding systems in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) 65% DDGS fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d, 2) 65% DDGS fed to gain 1.4 kg of BW/d, 3) 65% corn fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d, and 4) 65% corn fed to gain 1.4 kg of BW/d. Fecal grab samples were collected on d 52 of the growing phase to determine digestibility of DM, ADF, NDF, ether extract (EE), and CP. After the 98-d growing phase, all steers were fed the same finishing diet. Steers were slaughtered by pen when average BW within the pen was 544, 522, and 499 kg for the large, medium, and small BW blocks, respectively. Average daily gain and DMI differed (P<0.01) by design during the growing phase. Compared with the corn-based diets, digestibilities of DM, NDF, and EE were decreased (P<0.02) when DDGS-based diets were fed during the growing phase, whereas the digestibility of N was increased (P<0.01). The ADG was greatest (P=0.02) during the finishing phase for steers fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d initially, but source of energy during the growing phase did not affect (P=0.24) finishing phase ADG. Steers fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d during the growing phase also had less backfat (P=0.08), decreased USDA yield grades (P=0.03), and greater LM area (P<0.01) than steers fed to gain 1.4 kg of BW/d. There was an interaction between energy source and amount for marbling scores (P=0.02). Steers fed corn-based diets to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d during the growing phase had the most marbling, whereas those fed to gain 0.9 kg of BW/d on DDGS had the least marbling; the remaining feeding systems were intermediate. Overall ADG and DMI were affected (P < 0.06) by both source and amount of energy fed during the growing phase. Feeding the DDGS-based diet to achieve greater ADG during the growing phase increased marbling, whereas feeding the corn-based diet to increase ADG during the growing phase decreased marbling.     

Brown midrib-3 corn silage improves digestion but not performance of growing beef steers

The brown midrib-3 (bm3) gene mutation has been incorporated into corn plants to potentially improve fiber digestibility. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of bm3 corn silage on digestion and performance of growing beef steers and to determine whether limiting intake would further enhance fiber digestibility of bm3 corn silage. A bm3 hybrid and its isogeneic normal counterpart were harvested at three-quarters kernel milk line. Neutral detergent fiber, ADF, and ADL were 4.5, 6.9, and 1.9 units lower, respectively, and DM was 5.4 units higher for bm3 than for normal silage. In Trial 1, eight ruminally fistulated Angus crossbred steers (224 +/- 24 kg) were randomly assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. Steers had ad libitum feed access or were restricted to 80% of ad libitum intake of diets containing 86% normal corn silage (Control) or bm3 corn silage (BMCS). The remainder of the diets consisted of soybean meal, urea, monensin, vitamins, and minerals. Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.01) for steers offered ad libitum access to BMCS than for those with ad libitum access to the Control diet. The BMCS treatment resulted in improved (P < 0.05) apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF. Mean concentration of total VFA and molar proportions of acetate were increased (P < 0.05) by feeding BMCS. There tended to be a DMI x hybrid interaction (P = 0.16) for apparent total-tract digestibility of NDF. When diets were offered ad libitum, BMCS increased NDF digestibility by 10.5 percentage units compared with Control, but, when DMI was limited, BMCS increased NDF digestibility by 15.8 percentage units. In Trial 2, 128 steer contemporaries of those used in Trial 1 (245 +/- 13 kg) were offered ad libitum access to BMCS or Control diets as used in Trial 1. After a 112-d treatment period, concentrate in the diet was increased, and all steers were fed a common finishing diet. During the 112-d treatment period, steers receiving BMCS consumed 0.45 kg more DM/d (P < 0.05) and had similar ADG (P > 0.10), compared with those steers receiving the Control silage. This resulted in poorer (P < 0.01) feed efficiency for steers receiving BMCS. Finishing phase and overall performance of the steers was not different (P > 0.10) due to treatment. Although feeding BMCS in growth-phase diets resulted in increased daily DMI and improved digestibility of DM and fiber, it did not result in improved steer feedlot ADG compared with Control silage.     

Effect of cattle age, forage level, and corn processing on diet digestibility and feedlot performance

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of cattle age and dietary forage level on the utilization of corn fed whole or ground to feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, 16 steers were used to investigate the effects of cattle age and corn processing on diet digestibility. Two cattle age categories were evaluated (weanling [254 +/- 20 kg BW] and yearling [477 +/- 29 kg BW]; eight steers per group), and corn was fed either ground or whole to each cattle age category. Cattle age and corn processing did not affect (P > 0.10) diet digestibility of DM, OM, starch, CP, NDF or ADF, and no interactions (P > 0.10) between these two factors were detected. In Exp. 2, the effects of forage level and corn processing on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. One hundred eighty steers (310 +/- 40 kg BW) were allotted to 24 pens, and were fed one of the following diets: high-forage (18.2% corn silage) cracked corn (HFCC); high-forage shifting corn (whole corn for the first half of the trial, then cracked corn until harvest; HFSC); high-forage whole corn (HFWC); low-forage (5.2% corn silage) cracked corn (LFCC); low-forage shifting corn (LFSC); and low-forage whole corn (LFWC). For the high-forage diets, steers fed cracked corn had 7% greater DMI than those fed whole corn, whereas for the low-forage diets, grain processing did not affect DMI (interaction; P = 0.02). No interactions (P > 0.10) between forage level and corn processing were found for ADG and G:F. Total trial ADG and G:F, and percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice, and carcass yield grade were not affected (P > 0.10) by corn processing. Cattle with fewer days on feed grew faster and more efficiently when cracked corn was fed, whereas cattle with longer days on feed had greater ADG and G:F when corn was fed whole (interaction; P < 0.10). In Exp. 3, the effects of forage level and corn processing on diet digestibility were evaluated. The high-forage cracked corn, high-forage whole corn, low-forage cracked corn, and low-forage whole corn diets used in Exp. 2 were fed to 16 steers (350 +/- 27 kg BW) in a digestion trial. No interactions (P > 0.10) between forage level and corn processing were detected for starch digestibility. Forage level and corn processing (grinding) did not affect (P > 0.10) diet DM, OM, starch, CP, and NDF digestibility. Processing corn did not provide additional benefits to feedlot cattle performance under these experimental conditions.     

Effects of Feed Intake Restriction on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Beef Steers,

Crossbred steers (n = 264, 311 ± 1.6 kg initial BW) were blocked by BW, randomly assigned to one of four treatments (28 pens, 7 pens per treatment), and fed a common 90% concentrate diet to determine the effects of the severity of caloric restriction on animal performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments were 1) ad libitum access to feed for 151 d (AL100); 2) 75% of DMI by AL100 for 65 d, 95% of DMI by AL100 for 65 d, and ad libitum access to feed for 21 d (AL85); 3) 80% of DMI by AL100 for 65 d, 100% of DMI by AL100 for 65 d, and ad libitum access to feed for 21 d (AL90); and 4) 85% of DMI by AL100 for 65 d, 105% of DMI by AL100 for 65 d, and ad libitum access to feed for 21 d (AL95). Feed was offered for AL85, AL90, and AL95 based on DMI by AL100 the previous week. All steers were fed a similar quantity of DM for 4 d prior to initial, interim, and final BW determinations to minimize gastrointestinal fill differences. Overall DMI was greater (P<0.01) for AL100 than for the average of the remaining treatments and decreased linearly (P<0.01) among AL95, AL90, and AL85. Overall ADG (carcass-adjusted) was less (P<0.01) for AL85, AL90, and AL95 than for AL100, whereas overall ADG:DMI (carcass-adjusted) did not differ (P>0.10) between AL100 and the average of the remaining treatments. Overall ADG and ADG:DMI (carcass-adjusted) responded quadratically (P<0.05) with increasing DMI restriction. Hot carcass weight, longissimus area, and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat percentage were greater (P<0.05) for AL100 than for the remaining treatments and responded quadratically (P<0.10) among AL85, AL90, and AL95. Marbling score was greater (P<0.10) for AL100 than for the average of the remaining treatments, and the number of carcasses grading Prime + Choice tended to be higher (P<0.15) for AL100 and AL95. Restricting feed intake of finishing yearling steers to an average of 85 to 95% of ad libitum for 130 d of a 151-d feeding period generally resulted in slower ADG, lesser marbling scores, and carcasses that were lighter and leaner compared with yearling steers allowed ad libitum to feed and harvested after an equal number of days on feed.     

Effects of grazing residues or feeding corn from a corn rootworm-protected hybrid (MON 863) compared with reference hybrids on animal performance and carcass characteristics

One grazing and two feeding experiments were conducted to compare the feeding value of corn residue or corn grain from a genetically enhanced corn hybrid (corn rootworm-protected; event MON 863) with nontransgenic, commercially available, reference hybrids. In Exp. 1, two 13.7-ha fields, containing corn residues from either a genetically enhanced corn root-worm-protected hybrid (MON 863), or a near-isogenic, nontransgenic control hybrid (CON) were divided into four equal-sized paddocks. Sixty-four steer calves (262 +/- 15 kg) were stratified by BW and assigned randomly to paddock to achieve a stocking rate of 0.43 ha/steer for 60 d, with eight steers per paddock and 32 steers per hybrid. A protein supplement was fed at 0.45 kg/steer daily (DM basis) to ensure protein intake did not limit performance. Steer ADG did not differ (P = 0.30) between steers grazing the MON 863 (0.39 kg/d) and CON (0.34 kg/d) corn residues for 60 d. The four treatments for the feeding experiments (Exp. 2 and 3) included two separate reference hybrids, the near-isogenic control hybrid (CON), and the genetically enhanced hybrid (MON 863) resulting in two preplanned comparisons of CON vs. MON 863, and MON 863 vs. the average of the reference hybrids (REF). In Exp. 2, 200 crossbred yearling steers (365 +/- 19 kg) were fed in 20 pens, with five pens per corn hybrid. In Exp. 3, 196 crossbred yearling steers (457 +/- 33 kg) were fed in 28 pens, with seven pens per corn hybrid. In Exp. 2, DMI and G:F did not differ (P > 0.10) between MON 863 and CON; however, steers fed MON 863 had a greater (P = 0.04) ADG than steers fed CON. Gain efficiency was greater (P = 0.05) for MON 863 cattle than for REF cattle in Exp. 2, but other performance measurements (DMI and ADG) did not differ (P > 0.10) between MON 863 and REF. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed for performance (DMI, ADG, and G:F) between MON 863 and CON or MON 863 and REF in Exp. 3. In terms of carcass characteristics, no differences (P > 0.10) were observed between MON 863 and CON, as well as MON 863 and REF, for marbling score, LM area, or 12th rib fat thickness in both Exp. 2 and 3. Overall, performance was not negatively affected in the corn residue grazing or feedlot experiments, suggesting the corn rootworm-protected hybrid (event MON 863) is similar to conventional, nontransgenic corn grain and residues when utilized by beef cattle.     

Intake and digestion of wheat forage by stocker calves and lambs

Because wheat forage contains high concentrations of N, NPN, digestible DM, and water, beef cattle and sheep require an adaptation period before positive BW are seen. The objective of the present experiment was to determine the impact of length of exposure of lambs and steers to wheat forage on BW gains, N retention, and forage digestibility. Sixteen steer calves (average BW = 210 +/- 12 kg) and 20 wether lambs (average BW = 31.5 +/- 2.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Group 1 grazed a wheat pasture for 120 d during the winter, whereas group 2 was wintered on dormant warm-season grass pastures plus warm-season grass hay and plant-based protein supplements. In the spring (April 5), all lambs and steers grazed wheat pasture for 14 d and were then housed in metabolism stalls and fed freshly harvested wheat forage to determine forage digestibility and N metabolism. Data were analyzed for lambs and steers separately as a completely randomized design, using the individual animal as the experimental unit. Lambs and steers grazing wheat pasture for the first time in the spring had less ADG during the first 14 d than lambs (80 vs. 270 g, respectively; P = 0.01) and steers (1.06 vs. 1.83 kg, respectively; P = 0.09) that had grazed wheat pastures all winter. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and ADF fractions and N metabolism of freshly harvested wheat forage by lambs and steers were not different (P > 0.10) between the 2 treatment groups. Less ADG during the first 14 d of wheat pasture grazing is most likely the result of less DMI by nonadapted animals and is not due to diet digestibility or N metabolism.