蒸汽压片玉米对平凉红牛肉用性能的影响

本试验旨在研究蒸汽压片玉米对平凉红牛生长性能、屠宰性能、肉品质、常规营养成分及胴体主要部位肉块产量的影响。选取20月龄左右、体重为(403.24±5.14) kg的健康平凉红牛(阉牛)45头,随机分为3组,每组3个重复,每个重复5头牛。各组试验牛分别饲喂蒸汽压片玉米替代0 (SFC0组)、50%(SFC50组)、100%(SFC100组)粉碎玉米的试验饲粮。预试期10 d,正试期150 d。饲喂结束后屠宰并测定屠宰性能、肉品质、常规营养成分和胴体主要部位肉块产量。结果表明:1) SFC100组的平均日增重显著高于SFC50组和SFC0组(P0.05),且SFC50组显著高于SFC0组(P0.05);SFC100组的料重比显著低于SFC50组和SFC0组(P0.05),且SFC50组显著低于SFC0组(P0.05)。2) SFC100组和SFC50组的24 h空腹重显著高于SFC0组(P0.05)。各组间的屠宰率、净肉率、胴体产肉率和肉骨比均没有显著差异(P0.05)。3)SFC100组的熟肉率显著高于SFC0组和SFC50组(P0.05),SFC100组和SFC50组的失水率显著低于SFC0组(P0.05),SFC100组的蒸煮损失和水分含量显著低于SFC0组(P0.05),SFC100组的pH显著低于SFC50组和SFC0组(P0.05)。4) SFC100组的高档部位肉块产量、高档部位肉块占活体比例及优质部位肉块产量显著高于SFC50组和SFC0组(P 0.05),且SFC50组显著高于SFC0组(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中蒸汽压片玉米替代粉碎玉米可以在不影响屠宰性能的基础上,提高平凉红牛的生长性能、肉品质及胴体主要部位肉块产量。本试验条件下,在饲粮中使用蒸汽压片玉米100%替代粉碎玉米效果最佳。     

玉米的不同加工处理对瘤胃液VFA浓度的影响

选用3头装有永久瘤胃瘘管的云南黄牛,饲喂5种含不同加工处理(粉碎、粉碎蒸汽、干碾压、湿碾压、蒸汽压片)玉米的日粮,在精粗比为50:50的条件下,采用3×5不完全拉丁方设计,对瘤胃液总挥发性脂肪酸(TVFA)浓度、乙酸浓度、丙酸浓度、乙酸占TVFA比例、丙酸占TVFA比例进行测定,以研究不同处理玉米日粮对瘤胃液挥发性脂肪酸浓度的影响。结果表明,对于TVFA,湿碾压玉米日粮组显著高于粉碎蒸汽玉米日粮组(P<0.05),而与其它三组间无显著差异;湿碾压玉米日粮组乙酸浓度显著高于粉碎、粉碎蒸汽与蒸汽压片玉米日粮组(P<0.05),而与干碾压玉米日粮组无显著差异(P>0.05);各处理玉米日粮组间乙酸占TVFA比例,粉碎玉米日粮组显著低于其它四组(P<0.05),且这四组间差异不显著(P>0.05);各处理组间瘤胃内丙酸浓度及丙酸占TVFA比例差异不显著(P>0.05),但丙酸占TVFA比例存在蒸汽压片>干碾压>粉碎蒸汽>湿碾压>粉碎玉米日粮组的趋势。     

铜水平对肉牛嘌呤衍生物浓度的影响

选用4头平均体重420±20kg,年龄2.5￣3岁的中国西门答尔阉牛,采用4x4拉丁方设计,以混合精料和风干玉米秸秆为基础日粮,究竟1.3倍维持水平下,日粮中添加不同水平(0、8、16和24mg/kgDM)的铜(硫酸铜)对尿嘌呤衍生物(PD)浓度的影响。结果表明;日粮中添加铜对尿酸含量没有显著影响(P>0.05),对尿囊素和PD含量影响均显著(P<0.05),以16mg/kg组尿囊素和PD含量最高,显著高于其它处理(P<0.05),8mg/kg组显著高于24mg/kg组(P<0.05),但与0mg/kg组差异不显著(P>0.05)。综合以上研究结果,西门答尔阉牛适宜的铜添加水平为16mg/kg     

不同能量水平及玉米加工饲粮对瘤胃体外发酵参数的影响

利用体外产气法研究不同能量水平与不同加工方式玉米对瘤胃体外发酵参数的影响。试验以玉米秸秆为主要粗饲料来源设计精粗比为65∶35的等氮饲粮,选用玉米青贮与过瘤胃脂肪调整低、高能量水平,普通玉米与蒸汽压片玉米作为不同加工方式,采用2×2因子试验设计。结果表明,高能水平饲粮的理论最大产气量、48 h总产气量、干物质降解率均显著高于低能(P<0.05),普通玉米高能组的乙酸、丙酸含量显著高于低能组(P<0.05)。同一能量水平下,蒸汽压片处理组的48 h总产气量均显著高于普通玉米组(P<0.05);而低能条件下蒸汽压片组的总挥发酸、丙酸含量显著高于普通玉米组(P<0.05)。不同饲粮营养水平与体外产气参数相关性分析表明48 h总产气量与中性洗涤纤维(NDF)呈显著负相关(P<0.05),与中性洗涤可溶物(NDS)、非纤维性碳水化合物(NFC)和NDS/CP呈显著正相关(P<0.05)。因此,使用蒸汽压片方式处理玉米以及提高饲粮能量水平均可以显著增加体外发酵48 h总产气量;低能水平下,蒸汽压片玉米对改善瘤胃的发酵特性更为明显。     

蒸汽压片玉米、烟酸和蛋氨酸锌对泌乳早期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响

本研究选择泌乳早期的经产奶牛40头随机分成4组,其中一组作为对照组,各试验组奶牛日粮中分别添加蒸汽压片玉米(蒸汽压片组)、烟酸和蛋氨酸锌(添加剂组)、蒸汽压片玉米+烟酸和蛋氨酸锌(蒸汽压片+添加剂组)。观测其对泌乳早期奶牛产奶量及乳成分的影响。结果表明:饲喂蒸汽压片+添加剂组和蒸汽压片组的奶牛乳蛋白率和乳糖率显著高于对照组(P0.05);添加剂组奶牛乳蛋白率显著高于对照组(P0.05);各试验组的产奶量、4%FCM、乳脂率和非脂固形物都比对照组有所提高,但无显著差异(P0.05);试验组乳中体细胞数有降低的趋势,但差异不显著(P0.05)。试验结果提示,蒸汽压片玉米、烟酸及蛋氨酸锌具有提高泌乳早期奶牛的产奶量和改善乳品质的作用;各组日粮对奶牛产奶量和乳成分的影响大小为蒸汽压片+添加剂组蒸汽压片组添加剂组对照组,奶牛日粮中混合添加蒸汽压片玉米、烟酸及蛋氨酸锌效果优于分别添加蒸汽压片玉米和添加剂。     

轻度盐碱化草地混播牧草对绵羊采食量与屠宰性能的影响

试验选用24只3月龄、体重(23.1±0.62)kg的德国肉用美利奴杂交一代绵羊,随机分为4组,对照组饲喂精料补充料+玉米青贮,处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ和Ⅲ组在对照日粮基础上分别以轻度盐碱化草地混播牧草(披碱草、碱茅和沙打旺)替代1/3、2/3和3/3玉米青贮,每只羊精料补充料平均日喂600 g,粗饲料自由采食,研究轻度盐碱化草地混播牧草对绵羊采食量、日增重和屠宰性能的影响。结果表明:处理Ⅱ组的有机物、粗蛋白质、酸性洗涤纤维、中性洗涤纤维采食量显著高于对照组(P<0.05);处理Ⅱ组的日增重显著高于处理Ⅲ组(P<0.05);处理Ⅱ、Ⅲ组饲料转化率显著高于对照组和处理Ⅰ组(P<0.05);不同处理组较对照组绵羊屠宰体重、胴体重、屠宰率、净肉率、胴体出肉率显著提高(P<0.05),但是对照组和不同处理组的骨重和净肉重之间差异不显著;处理Ⅲ组的屠宰率、净肉率显著高于处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P<0.05);但是处理Ⅲ组的屠宰体重、眼肌面积显著低于处理Ⅰ、Ⅱ组(P<0.05);肉骨比随着轻度盐碱化草地混播牧草比例的增大而增大(P<0.05)。以上结果说明轻度盐碱化混播牧草和玉米青贮混合饲喂可以提高采食量和日增重,提高绵羊的屠宰性能,改善绵羊的...     

晋南牛公牛与阉牛育肥性能和肉品质的比较研究

旨在研究比较晋南牛公牛和阉牛的育肥性能、屠宰性能和肉品质。选择健康状况良好、体重相近的晋南公牛和阉牛各10头,通过300 d的强度育肥试验后屠宰测定各项指标。结果显示,公牛组的平均日增重、宰前活重、胴体重、屠宰率和眼肌面积均显著高于阉牛组(P0.05),而优质切块率组间差异不显著(P0.05)。屠宰排酸72 h后,阉牛组大理石花纹评分显著高于公牛组、剪切力显著低于公牛组(P0.05)。而pH值、失水率和肉色组间差异不显著(P0.05),阉牛组大理石纹等级平均达到三级以上,接近于生产高档牛肉的标准。因此,晋南牛可通过阉割育肥生产高档牛肉。     

复合酶对生长肥育猪生长性能、胴体性状及部分肉品质的影响

试验旨在研究日粮中添加复合酶对生长肥育猪生长、胴体性状及部分肉品质的影响。试验选择60头日龄、胎次相近,体重在60 kg左右的杜×大×长三元肉猪,随机分成对照组、复合酶Ⅰ组、复合酶Ⅱ组及阳性对照组,每组15头。试验期为58 d,在相同饲养管理条件下,对照组饲喂基础日粮,复合酶Ⅰ组饲喂基础日粮+1.0‰复合酶,复合酶Ⅱ组饲喂基础日粮+2.0‰复合酶,阳性对照组饲喂基础日粮+0.2‰酶制剂。试验表明:①生长性能方面,复合酶Ⅰ组试末均重(BW)、平均日增重(ADG)显著高于其它各组(P<0.05),料重比(F/G)显著低于其它各组(P<0.05),BW、ADG比对照组分别提高了4.9%、12.45%,F/G降低了11.2%;②胴体性状方面,各组间屠宰率、胴体重、胴体长、皮率及骨率差异不显著(P>0.05);复合酶Ⅰ组的背膘厚显著低于对照组(P<0.05)、瘦肉率显著高于对照组和阳性对照组(P<0.05),皮厚、板油重及肥肉率略低于对照组(P>0.05)),眼肌面积略高于对照组(P>0.05);③肉品质方面,各组间肉的pH值、L*值及a*值差异不显著(P>0.05),但与对照组相比,复合酶Ⅰ组有提高的趋势;复合酶Ⅰ组肉的失水率显著低于对照组(P<0.05),大理石纹评分显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结果表明,日粮中添加复合酶可改善生长肥育猪的生长性能、胴体性状和肉品质,以1.0‰添加效果最好。     

米糠和抗氧化剂对肥育猪生产性能和胴体品质的影响

为研究米糠和不同抗氧化剂对肥育猪生长性能和胴体品质的影响,试验分为饲养试验和屠宰试验,饲养试验选择体重(49.72±4.28)kg的肥育猪64头,随机分为4个处理组,分别饲喂4种不同的饲粮即(Ⅰ组)玉米-豆粕型饲粮;(Ⅱ组)含15%米糠的饲粮;(Ⅲ组)Ⅱ组+200mg/kgVE;(Ⅳ组)Ⅱ组+200mg/kg抗氧化剂。试验猪75kg左右时屠宰。结果显示:日增重Ⅱ组极显著低于Ⅰ组和Ⅳ组(P<0.01),Ⅲ组显著低于Ⅳ组(0.01相似文献   

富铜酵母对西门塔尔牛阉牛瘤胃发酵及尿嘌呤衍生物的影响

本文旨在研究富铜酵母对瘤胃发酵和尿嘌呤衍生物浓度的影响.选用4头体重(420±15.2)kg、年龄2.5岁、装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的中国西门塔尔牛阉牛,采用4×4拉丁方设计,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理1,2、3组分别在基础日粮干物质基础七添加富铜酵母(含铜10%)80、160和240 mg/kg.结果表明:瘤胃pH和挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)无显著差异(P>0.05);160和240 mg/kg组氨态氮(NH3-N)浓度显著低于对照组和80 mg/kg组(P<0.05),240 mg/kg组乙酸/丙酸比例低于对照组和80 mg/kg组(P<0.05).玉米秸秆和豆粕的干物质(DM)以及有机物(OM)有效降解率无显著差异,240 mg/kg组玉米秸秆中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)有效降解率显著降低(P<0.05),160和240 mg/kg组豆粕粗蛋白质(CP)有效降解率显著降低(P＜0.05).尿酸含量无显著变化,80和160 mg/kg组尿囊素和尿嘌呤衍生物含量显著高于对照组和240 mg/kg组(P<0.05).在本试验条件下,富铜酵母添加量在每千克干物质80～160 mg时效果较好;考虑在不同生产条件下,基础日粮中的铜水平有所不同,建议在以富铜酵母为日粮铜源时,日粮铜水平不可超过每千克干物质13.87 mg.     

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

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

Effects of grain processing and dietary lipid source on performance, carcass characteristics, plasma fatty acids, and sensory properties of steaks from finishing cattle

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of grain processing and lipid addition to finishing diets on cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Eighty Hereford x Angus steers (384 kg +/- 17 kg of BW) were fed diets containing steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC) with and without the addition of tallow (SFC/Fat and DRC/Fat) or steam-flaked corn with ground flaxseed (SFC/Flax). Ribeye steaks from steers fed SFC, SFC/Fat, or SFC/ Flax were used to evaluate the effects of fat source on meat quality. Cattle fed SFC and SFC/Fat tended to have greater ADG, G:F, HCW, and USDA yield grade, compared with those fed DRC and DRC/Fat (P < 0.10). Steaks from steers fed SFC/Flax developed a detectable off-flavor (P < 0.05) compared with steaks from steers fed SFC and SFC/Fat, and steaks from steers fed SFC retained desirable color longer than those from steers fed SFC/Flax (P < 0.05). Feeding SFC/Flax increased deposition of alpha-linolenic acid in muscle tissue compared with feeding SFC or SFC/Fat (P < 0.01). Dietary treatment did not cause differences in tenderness, juiciness, or flavor intensity. Ground flaxseed can replace tallow in finishing diets without loss in performance, but flax may affect flavor and color stability of beef. Feeding flaxseed can effectively alter composition of carcass tissues to yield beef that is high in n-3 fatty acids.     

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 feeding high-oil corn to beef steers on carcass characteristics and meat quality

To assess the effects of feeding high-oil corn on carcass characteristics and meat quality, 60 yearling steers were fed high concentrate diets containing either control corn (82% of diet), high-oil corn (82% of diet), or high-oil corn at a concentration that was isocaloric with the control diet (74% of diet). After being fed for 84 d, steers were slaughtered. At 72 h postmortem, carcass data were collected and rib sections from five steers grading U.S. Choice and five steers grading U.S. Select from each treatment were collected, vacuum packaged, and aged for 14 d. Three steaks (2.54 cm thick) were removed from each rib for Warner-Bratzler shear force measurement, sensory appraisal, and fatty acid composition analyses. Data were analyzed with treatment as the main effect for the carcass data and treatment, quality grade, and two-way interaction in the model for the longissimus data. The two-way interaction was nonsignificant (P > 0.05) for all variables tested. No differences were detected (P > 0.05) in carcass measurements except for marbling scores and quality grades, both of which were greater (P < 0.05) for carcasses from steers fed the high-oil corn. Overall, 78% of steers fed the high-oil corn graded U.S. Choice compared with 47% for the control and 67% for isocaloric group. Shear force and sensory properties of the longissimus were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Steaks from U.S. Choice carcasses rated higher (P < 0.05) for tenderness and tended to rate higher (P < 0.10) for juiciness. Feeding the isocaloric and high-oil diets increased (P < 0.05) linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and the total PUFA content of lipid extracted from the longissimus. Saturated fatty acid percentage was lowest (P < 0.05) for high-oil corn and highest (P < 0.05) for control, with isocaloric being intermediate. Feeding high-oil corn increased (P < 0.05) pentadecyclic acid, margaric acid, and total odd-chain fatty acid content. Feeding high-oil corn in finishing beef cattle diets enhanced intramuscular lipid deposition and increased unsaturation of fatty acids of the longissimus.     

饲粮蛋白质水平和棉籽粕取代豆粕对肉牛育肥的影响

本试验在满足肉牛营养需要的基础上,采用棉籽粕替代饲粮中的豆粕,形成不同蛋白质水平和成本的饲粮,旨在探讨饲粮蛋白质水平和棉籽粕替代豆粕对肉牛育肥的影响,同时为降低肉牛育肥成本和提高育肥效果提供依据.试验选用年龄(平均年龄为28月龄)、体重[初始均重为(678±122)kg]相近的健康杂交一代阉牛(日本和牛♂×鲁西黄牛♀)40头,随机分成4个试验组,每组10头牛.预试期为15 d,正试期240 d.结果表明:蛋白质水平为14.8％的饲粮组试验牛的日增重比蛋白质水平为12.8％的饲粮组提高18.57％(P ＞0.05).与饲喂蛋白质水平为12.8％的饲粮相比,饲喂蛋白质水平为14.8％的饲粮可以显著或极显著提高肉牛的屠宰率、净肉率、肋部脂肪厚、背膘厚(P＜0.05或P＜0.01),而对肉牛的胴体产肉率、眼肌面积、高档肉块占活重比例、肉骨比影响不显著(P＞0.05).同等蛋白质水平下,用棉籽粕全部或部分替代豆粕对肉牛日增重及各项屠宰性能指标的影响均不显著(P＞0.05),但棉籽粕组饲粮单价、肉牛每千克增重成本都低于豆粕组.由此得出,在肉牛育肥后期可以用棉籽粕替代豆粕,以降低成本.目前我国《肉牛饲养标准》(2004)推荐的肉牛育肥所需的蛋白质水平低于本试验用杂交一代阉牛(日本和牛♂×鲁西黄牛♀)的需要.     

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.     

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

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

Effects of dried full-fat corn germ and vitamin E on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate dried full-fat corn germ (GERM) as a supplemental fat source in cattle finishing diets. In Exp. 1, 24 pens totaling 358 crossbred beef steers with an initial BW of 319 kg were allowed ad libitum access to diets containing dry-rolled corn, 35% wet corn gluten feed, and 0, 5, 10, or 15% GERM on a DM basis. Increasing GERM decreased (linear; P < 0.02) DMI and increased (quadratic; P < 0.02) ADG. Steers fed 10% GERM had the greatest ADG (quadratic; P < 0.02) and G:F (quadratic; P < 0.05). The addition of GERM increased (linear; P < 0.05) fat thickness, KPH, and the percentage of USDA Yield Grade 4 carcasses (quadratic; P < 0.03), with steers fed 15% GERM having the greatest percentage of USDA Yield Grade 4 carcasses. In Exp. 2, 48 pens totaling 888 crossbred beef heifers with an initial BW of 380 kg were allowed ad libitum access to diets containing steam-flaked corn, 35% wet corn gluten feed, and either no added fat (control), 4% tallow (TALLOW), or 10 or 15% GERM on a DM basis, with or without 224 IU of added vitamin E/kg of diet DM. No fat x vitamin E (P > or = 0.08) interactions were detected. Fat addition, regardless of source, decreased (P < 0.01) DMI, marbling score, and the number of carcasses grading USDA Choice. Among heifers fed finishing diets containing TALLOW or 10% GERM, supplemental fat source did not affect DMI (P = 0.76), ADG (P = 0.54), G:F (P = 0.62), or carcass characteristics (P > or = 0.06). Increasing GERM decreased DMI (linear; P < 0.01) and ADG (quadratic; P < 0.02), with ADG by heifers fed 10% GERM slightly greater than those fed control but least for heifers fed 15% GERM. Increasing GERM improved (quadratic; P < 0.03) G:F of heifers, with heifers fed 10% GERM having the greatest G:F. Increasing GERM decreased HCW (linear; P < 0.02), marbling score (linear; P < 0.01), and the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice (linear; P < 0.01). The addition of vitamin E increased (P < 0.04) the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Select and decreased (P < 0.01) the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Standard. These data suggest that GERM can serve as a supplemental fat source in cattle finishing diets, and that the effect of vitamin E did not depend on source or concentration of supplemental fat.     

Performance and carcass quality of steers fed different sources of dietary fat

The hypothesis of this experiment was that increasing dietary fat through the use of whole oilseeds and altering the dietary ratio of PUFA:saturated fatty acids would alter carcass composition of finishing steers. Seventy-two steers (443.6 +/- 1.0 kg) were fed for 76 d one of four dietary treatments: a corn/ soybean meal-based diet (NOFAT); two diets containing 16% (DM basis) whole raw soybeans; and a corn/soybean meal-based diet containing choice white grease (CWG) equal to the fat addition supplied by the soybeans. Soybeans used in the diets were either a standard variety (NORM-SB) or a variety high in oleic acid content (HO-SB). The fatty acid profile of diets differed (P < 0.05) in the degree of saturation and content of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. There were no differences in ADG (1.73 kg/d), hot carcass weight (347 kg), longissimus muscle area (79.4 cm2), yield grade (3.31), or percentage of boneless retail cuts (48.8%). Contrasts revealed differences (P < 0.05) in G:F and marbling score with the addition of fat (0.126 vs. 0.137 and 4.66 vs. 4.91, respectively, for NOFAT vs. fat). The addition of fat tended (P < 0.10) to increase backfat, and feeding NORM-SB increased (P < 0.01) dressing percent compared with the HO-SB treatment. Loin samples taken from steers fed NOFAT, NORM-SB, and HO-SB did not differ in alpha-tocopherol content. Loins from the CWG treatment tended (P < 0.10) to have lower alpha-tocopherol content than did the soybean treatments (0.79 vs. 0.99 ppm, respectively). From main-effects analysis, HO-SB loin samples had the highest (F3,8 = 32.91; P < 0.01) concentration of gamma-tocopherol (0.33 ppm); this resulted in differences (P < 0.05) in gamma-tocopherol when comparing all contrasts. When comparing loin samples from NORM-SB-fed steers with those from HO-SB-fed steers, NORM-SB samples had a greater (P < 0.05) percentage oflinoleic acid and PUFA and a lower (P < 0.05) percentage of oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, loin samples from soybean-fed steers tended (P < 0.10) to have a greater concentration of conjugated linoleic acid than samples from CWG-fed steers. These data suggest that the source of added dietary fat may affect overall carcass composition. Furthermore, dietary addition of soybeans or CWG can improve feed efficiency and marbling, whereas the addition of whole raw soybeans compared with CWG may increase unsaturation and total vitamin E content of beef.     

Effects of Roughage Type and Restricted Feed Intake on Digestibility and Finishing Cattle Performance

Two-hundred sixty-four English-type crossbred cattle (mean initial BW 282 ± 6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of restricted feeding and roughage source in finishing beef cattle diets. Treatments consisted of diets with 7.5% corn silage (DM basis), fed either ad libitum or restricted, and 7.5% (DM basis) corn stalks or millet hay fed ad libitum. Total DM intake was reduced by 4, 11, and 9% by restricting corn silage, corn stalks, and millet hay treatments, respectively. Average daily gain was not affected (P>0.05) by treatment, whereas feed efficiency was improved (P<0.05) for all treatments compared with corn silage diets fed ad libitum. Total feed cost of gain was highest (P<0.05) for the corn silage treatment fed ad libitum. Hot carcass weight, quality grade, and yield grade were not affected by treatment, and cattle fed restricted corn silage had a lower (P<0.05) dressing percentage. Fecal analysis of Cr concentrations indicated no difference (P>0.05) in OM, DM, or N digestibilities. However, restricted corn silage-fed cattle and cattle fed millet hay ad libitum tended to exhibit increased (P>0.05) OM, DM, and N digestibilities compared with the cattle fed corn silage ad libitum. The cattle fed corn stalks ad libitum tended to have decreased (P>0.05) OM, DM, and N digestibilities compared with the steers fed corn silage ad libitum. Fecal output was not different (P>0.05) between treatments. Restricted corn silage rations, corn stalk rations fed ad libitum, and millet hay rations fed ad libitum tended to decrease (P>0.05) fecal output by cattle compared with cattle fed the corn silage ration ad libitum.