Effects of prepartum supplementary fat and muscle hypertrophy genotype on cold tolerance in newborn calves.

Effects of feeding pregnant dams supplemental dietary fat during the last 55 d of gestation on cold tolerance of newborn crossbred calves with (Piedmontese cross, P, n = 15) or without (Hereford cross, H, n = 16) the muscle hypertrophy allele was determined. Primiparous F1 dams gestating F2 calves of the respective breeds were assigned randomly within breed to receive gestation diets containing either 2.2 (Low Fat; LF) or 5.1% fat (High Fat; HF). Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds containing 37% oil with 79% linoleic acid were the supplemental fat source in diets formulated to be isocaloric-isonitrogenous. At parturition, calves were separated from their dams, fed 38 degrees C pooled dairy cow colostrum (30 mL/kg BW), muzzled to prevent suckling, and returned to their dams in a heated (22 degrees C) room for 3.5 h. At 4 h of age (birth = 0 h), a catheter was inserted into the jugular vein. At 5 h of age, calves were placed in a 0 degrees C room for 140 min, and rectal temperatures and blood samples were obtained at 10- and 20-min intervals. Blood was assayed for cortisol and glucose. Rectal temperature was affected by diet (P<.05), time, diet x time, and breed x time (P<.01 for time and the interactions). Cortisol and glucose concentrations were not affected by diet, breed, or the diet x breed interaction, but they were affected by time, breed x time (both P<.01), and diet x time (P = .06). Calves from HF dams had higher rectal temperatures than calves from LF dams, and the HF calves maintained higher rectal temperatures throughout cold exposure. Cortisol concentrations were lower (P = .06) in calves from HF dams, and these calves had more (P = .06) glucose available for metabolic heat production than calves from LF dams. Piedmontese-cross calves maintained higher (P<.01) rectal temperatures and had higher cortisol and glucose (both P<.01) concentrations than did H-cross calves. We conclude that feeding dams supplemental fat during late gestation increased heat production in newborn calves and potentially could increase calf survival; calves with muscle hypertrophy may have a different ratio of shivering vs nonshivering thermogenesis due to differences in body composition or relationships among uncoupling proteins.     

Effects of feeding supplemental fat to beef cows on cold tolerance in newborn calves

Our objectives were to examine the effects of added fat in late-gestation cow diets on neonatal response to cold. In Exp. 1, pregnant fall-calving heifers received control (n = 5), safflower seed (n = 5), or whole cottonseed (n = 5) diets. The hay-based, isonitrogenous, and isocaloric diets, fed for 47 d prepartum, contained 1.5, 4.0, and 5.0% fat for control, safflower, and whole cottonseed diets, respectively. At calving, calf BW and vigor score, as well as fat, lactose, and IgG in colostrum were not affected (P > 0.30) by diet. Heifers fed the safflower diet tended to have greater colostral solids (P < 0.10) than heifers fed the control or whole cottonseed diets. At 6.5 h of age, calves were placed in a 5 degrees C cold room for 90 min. Calf vigor, shivering, body temperature, and blood samples were taken every 15 min. During cold stress, calf body temperature decreased 0.7 degrees C (P < 0.03). Across all diets, shivering and serum glucose concentrations increased (P < 0.05), whereas calf vigor and cortisol concentrations decreased (P < 0.02) during cold exposure. In Exp. 2, pregnant spring-calving cows (n = 98) received a control (n = 47) or whole cottonseed (n = 51) supplement. Hay-based diets fed for 68 d prepartum contained 2.0 and 5.0% fat for control and whole cottonseed diets, respectively. Calf BW, vigor, shivering, dystocia score, time to stand, time to nurse, serum glucose concentrations, and serum IgG were not affected (P > 0.50) by diet. Between 30 and 180 min, body temperature of calves from dams fed the whole cottonseed supplement decreased (P < 0.05) more than calves from dams fed the control supplement. Serum glucose concentrations in calves were not affected by diet (P > 0.30). Serum cortisol concentrations tended (P < 0.09) to be greater for calves from dams fed whole cottonseed than control calves. When ambient temperature was < 6 degrees C, calves born to dams fed whole cottonseed had greater (P < 0.05) BW, tended (P < 0.1) to stand earlier, and had greater serum IgG concentrations. We conclude that calves from dams fed high-fat diets containing safflower or whole cottonseed respond similarly to cold stress, but these responses may not be consistent with greater cold resistance. In addition, high-fat dietary supplementation of late-gestation cows may only be beneficial during calving seasons with prolonged cold weather.     

Influence of dietary protein concentrations on performance and nitrogen repletion in stressed calves

Three trials were conducted to determine the influence of dietary CP concentration on health and performance of market-transport-stressed feeder calves (Exp. 1 and 2) and on repletion of nutrients lost during a 3-d feed and water deprivation period in steers fed at maintenance energy intake (Exp. 3). In Exp. 1 (84 calves) and 2 (256 calves), feeder calves averaging 184 kg were transported from Tennessee to Texas. In Exp. 1, calves were fed receiving diets containing either 12 or 16% CP. In Exp. 2, calves were fed diets containing 12 or 16% CP and .8 or 1.3% potassium in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. In Exp. 3, four Hereford steers averaging 253 kg were used in an N balance trial. Steers were deprived of feed and water for 3 d and then were limit-fed (1 x maintenance energy requirements) diets calculated to meet 100, 120, 140 or 160% of CP maintenance requirements for 14 d in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. In Exp. 1, calves fed the 16% CP diet had faster (P less than .05) daily gains and higher (P less than .10) feed consumption than calves fed the 12% CP diet during the first 14 d. In Exp. 2, calf performance was not affected by diet CP or K content. Calves fed the 16CP-1.3K diet had lower (P less than .10) mortality than calves on the remaining treatments. In Exp. 3, N balance and serum urea N increased linearly (P less than .05) with increasing dietary CP. Results of these studies are interpreted to indicate that the CP requirement (g/d) of market-transport-stressed feeder calves is similar to requirements of nonstressed calves; however, the CP concentration of the diet of stressed calves may need to be increased when feed intakes are low.     

Effects of weaning age and diet on growth and carcass characteristics in steers

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of diet on growth of steers weaned at approximately 100 vs 205 d of age. In Exp. 1, a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment was conducted using 78 Angus crossbred cow-calf pairs. The factors examined were age at weaning (early, at 103+/-3 d [EW] vs normal, at 203+/-3 d [NW]), feeding strategy (ad libitum vs postweaning programmed intake), and dietary CP concentration (100 vs 120% of NRC [1984] recommended levels). Early-weaned calves had a greater (P < .001) ADG than NW calves from 103 to 203 d and reached market weight at 385 d vs 418 d for NW calves (P < .001). Likewise, steers offered feed for ad libitum consumption reached market weight at 394 d, compared with 409 d for programmed-intake steers (P < .05). In Exp. 2, 64 Angus crossbred steers were either weaned at 93+/-3 d and fed one of four diets, weaned at 210+/-3 d without access to creep feed, or weaned at 210+/-3 d with access to creep feed for 60 d prior to weaning. Early-weaned calves were heavier (P < .01) than NW calves at 210 d if fed either 100 or 90% concentrate diets, and they had greater (P < .001) backfat thickness at 210 d but no difference (P > .10) in longissimus muscle area compared to EW calves fed a 60% concentrate diet. At slaughter, 80 to 100% of steers on all treatments graded low Choice or higher. Feeding high-concentrate diets to EW beef calves accelerated growth rate and fat deposition early in the feeding period and may be a way to provide young cattle for a high-quality beef market.     

Effects of Feeding Supplemental Fat During Gestation to First-Calf Beef Heifers

Study 1, pregnant crossbred, first-calf heifers (n = 149; BW 493.8 ± 6.3) received gestation diets: control (CON), or added safflower seeds (SAFF), raw soybeans (SOY), or sunflower seeds (SUN). Diets were formulated isocaloric-isonitrogenous, contained 2.4, 4.7, 3.8, or 5.1% fat, and were fed for the last 65.3 ± 4.6 d precalving. Supplemental fat feeding was terminated at calving. Diet effects on dam BW or condition scores and calf birth BW, calving difficulty, and dam estrous cyclicity were generally nonsignificant (P>0.10). Fat-supplemented dams had greater pregnancy rates (P<0.05) and fall calf BW (P=0.08): CON, 79%, 182.4 kg; SAFF 94%, 194.9 kg; SOY, 90%, 197.7 kg; SUN, 91%, 196.8 kg. Study 2, pregnant crossbred, first-calf heifers (n = 83; BW 439.8 ± 7.3) received gestation diets: control (CON2) or added sunflower seeds (SUN2). Diets were formulated isocaloric-isonitrogenous, contained 2.2 and 6.5% fat, and were fed for the last 68.2 ± 5.5 d before calving. Supplemental fat feeding was terminated at calving. Blood samples were collected during the feeding period. Diet effects on dam BW, condition scores, estrous cyclicity, and pregnancy percentage were nonsignificant. Calf birth BW from SUN2 dams tended (P=0.06) to be greater. Diet effects on blood components were nonsignificant except for NEFA concentrations tending to be lower in SUN2 dams at the initial (P=0.08) and mid-gestation feeding (P=0.06) sampling. Major differences were found in forage availability between Studies 1 and 2. We conclude that dietary fat or fatty acids may be an important “reproductive fuel,” and effects of supplemental gestation fat may be masked when adequate nutrients are available in forages consumed postpartum.     

Interaction of dietary magnesium level on the feeding value of supplemental fat in finishing diets for feedlot steers

A feeding trial involving 160 crossbred steers (357 kg) and a metabolism trial involving eight Holstein steers (189 kg) cannulated in the rumen and proximal duodenum were conducted to evaluate the interaction of dietary Mg level (.18 vs .32%, DM basis) and supplemental fat (0% supplemental fat vs 4% tallow [T], yellow grease [YG], or griddle grease [GG]) on growth performance and NE value of the diet. Dietary Mg level did not influence (P > .10) growth performance. Daily weight gain was lower (11%, P < .05) for steers fed GG than for those fed YG. Supplemental fat decreased (5%, P < .10) DMI and increased (P < .05) gain efficiency (7%). There was a fat x Mg level interaction (P < .01) for dietary NE. The increase in dietary NEg with T and YG supplementation was similar (8.6 vs 8.0%) for diets containing .18 and .32% Mg. In contrast, the increase in dietary NEg with GG supplementation was 8.9% with .18% dietary Mg, but the NEg value of the diet did not increase when GG was added to diets with .32% dietary Mg. Dressing percentage was lower (1.5%, P < .1) and retail yield was greater (2.2%, P < .05) for steers fed GG- than for steers fed YG-supplemented diets. Increasing dietary Mg level increased kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (5.5%, P < .05). There was a fat x Mg level interaction (P < .1) for marbling score. With diets containing no supplemental fat, increasing dietary Mg decreased (15.2%) the marbling score, and with diets containing supplemental fat, increasing dietary Mg increased (7.2%) the marbling score. Fat supplementation decreased (P < .01) ruminal and total tract digestion of OM (10 and 3.5%, respectively) and NDF (37 and 17%, respectively). Supplemental fat did not affect (P > .10) Ca digestion but decreased (41.7%, P < .01) apparent Mg digestion. Increasing dietary Mg level increased (77.7%, P < .05) apparent Mg digestion. There were no treatment effects (P > .10) on postruminal fatty acid digestion. Fat supplementation decreased (17.3%, P < .01) the acetate:propionate molar ratio. Total ruminal protozoal counts were increased (12.7%, P < .05) by increasing dietary Mg level and decreased (12.9%, P < .05) by fat supplementation. We conclude that supplemental fats may depress Mg absorption. Increasing dietary magnesium levels beyond current recommendations may increase marbling scores in cattle fed fat-supplemented diets but may not affect growth performance or dietary NE. The NE value of fat is a predictable function of level of fat intake.     

Soybean hulls as a dietary fiber source for dogs.

In Exp. 1, soybean hull samples were obtained from nine sources across the United States and analyzed for nutrient content to determine their suitability for inclusion in dog diets. Compositional data revealed variation in both the amount of total dietary fiber (TDF; 63.8 to 81.2%) in the soybean hulls and the ratio of insoluble:soluble fiber (5.0:1 to 15.4:1). Crude protein content varied widely among sources, ranging from 9.2 to 18.7%. An in vivo trial (Exp. 2) was conducted using a premium dog diet containing 3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, or 9.0% soybean hulls (DM basis). There was a negative linear effect (P < .05) of soybean hull inclusion in the diet on DM, OM, TDF, and GE total-tract digestibilities, as well as on calculated ME. Crude protein and fat digestibilities were unaffected by treatment. Based on these results, ileally cannulated dogs were fed diets containing 6.0, 7.5, or 9.0% soybean hulls (DM basis) in addition to diets containing either 0% supplemental fiber or 7.5% beet pulp (Exp. 3). Nutrient digestion at the ileum was unaffected by inclusion of supplemental fiber. Total tract digestion of DM, OM, and GE was lower ( P < .05) for diets containing supplemental fiber when compared with the diet containing 0% fiber. Crude protein and fat digestibilities were unaffected by treatment. There was no difference in nutrient digestibility between those diets containing soybean hulls and a diet containing beet pulp. Soybean hull inclusion in the diet resulted in a negative linear effect (P < .05) on calculated ME, in addition to lowering ME (P < .05) when compared with the 0% fiber control diet. Calculated ME for dogs fed a 7.5% beet pulp-containing diet was lower (P < .05) than that for dogs fed the soybean hull-containing diets. Results indicate that soybean hulls can be an effective dietary fiber source in dog diets.     

Addition of fat to the diets of lactating sows: I. Effects on milk production and composition and carcass composition of the litter at weaning.

In Exp. 1 two groups of 18 sows were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental dietary fat on sow and litter performance and milk production and composition. Sows were provided ad libitum access to either a corn-soybean meal (control) diet or a similar diet containing 10% tallow. Feed intake, ME intake, and milk yield did not differ (P > .10) between treatments. The percentage of solids in milk was greater (P < .05) for sows fed the tallow diet, due to an increase (P < .05) in the fat and ash content. Compared with percentages of fatty acids in milk of sows fed the control diet, the percentages of C10:0, C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, and C18:3 fatty acids were lower (P < .05) and the percentages of C18:0 and C18:1 fatty acids were higher in milk of sows fed tallow diets (P < .05). In Exp. 2, 30 sows were fed diets similar to those fed in Exp. 1, and the effects of a tallow diet on pig carcass composition at weaning were determined. Litter size was standardized to 10 pigs. There were no differences (P > .10) in ADFI of sows. Daily ME intake was greater for sows fed tallow than for control sows during wk 2 (P < .05), wk 3 (P < .10), and the entire lactation (P < .05) period. Litter weaning weight was greater (P < .05) for pigs from sows fed tallow diets than for pigs from control sows. Pigs from tallow-fed sows had greater carcass fat weight and fat percentages (P < .05) and lower water and protein percentages (P < .05). These data indicate that the increased fat content of milk from sows fed tallow diets resulted in an increased weight gain for litters nursing these sows. The composition of the increased weight gain is almost exclusively fat.     

Effects of sodium chloride and fat supplementation on finishing steers exposed to hot and cold conditions

Three studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental fat and salt (sodium chloride) on DMI, daily water intake (DWI), body temperature, and respiration rate (RR) in Bos taurus beef cattle. In Exp. 1 and 2, whole soybeans (SB) were used as the supplemental fat source. In Exp. 3, palm kernel meal and tallow were used. Experiment 1 (winter) and Exp. 2 (summer) were undertaken in an outside feedlot. Experiment 3 was conducted in a climate-controlled facility (mean ambient temperature = 29.9 degrees C). In Exp. 1, three diets, 1) control; 2) salt (control + 1% sodium chloride); and 3) salt-SB (control + 5% SB + 1% sodium chloride), were fed to 144 cattle (BW = 327.7 kg), using a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design. In Exp. 2, 168 steers (BW = 334.1 kg) were used. In Exp. 2, the same dietary treatments were used as in Exp. 1, and a 5% SB dietary treatment was included in an incomplete 3 x 4 Latin square design. In Exp. 3, three diets, 1) control; 2) salt (control + 0.92% NaCl); and 3) salt-fat (control + 3.2% added fat + 0.92% NaCl) were fed to 12 steers (BW = 602 kg) in a replicated Latin square design. In Exp. 1, cattle fed the salt-SB diet had elevated (P < 0.05) tympanic temperature (TT; 38.83 degrees C) compared with cattle fed the control (38.56 degrees C) or salt (38.50 degrees C) diet. In Exp. 2, cattle fed the salt and salt-SB diets had less (P < 0.05) DMI and greater (P < 0.05) DWI than cattle in the control and SB treatments. Cattle fed the salt-SB diet had the greatest (P < 0.05) TT (38.89 degrees C). Those fed only the salt diet or only the SB diet had the least (P < 0.05) TT, at 38.72 and 38.78 degrees C, respectively. Under hot conditions (Exp. 3), DMI of steers fed the salt and salt-fat diets declined by approximately 40% compared with only 24% for the control cattle. During hot conditions, DWI was greatest (P < 0.05) for steers on the salt-fat diet. These steers also had the greatest (P < 0.05) mean rectal temperature (40.03 +/- 0.1 degrees C) and RR (112.7 +/- 1.7 breaths/min). The RR of steers on the control diet was the least (P < 0.05; 98.3 +/- 1.7 breaths/min). Although added salt plus fat decreased DMI under hot conditions, these data suggest that switching to diets containing the combination of added salt and fat can elevate body temperature, which would be a detriment in the summer but a benefit to the animal during winter. Nevertheless, adding salt plus fat to diets resulted in increased DWI under hot conditions. Diet ingredients or the combination of ingredients that can be used to regulate DMI may be useful to limit large increases in DMI during adverse weather events.     

The effects of degradable and undegradable intake protein on the performance of lactating first-calf heifers

Two 60-d experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing degradable (DIP) and(or) undegradable (UIP) intake protein on the performance of lactating first-calf heifers. Diets were formulated to meet the requirements for either DIP, metabolizable protein (MP), or both when diets contained low-quality grass hay and an efficiency of microbial protein synthesis estimate of 10%. In Exp. 1, 32 individually fed first-calf heifers (avg 395 kg) were allotted to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (main effects of DIP, MP, and DIP x MP interaction) 1 d after calving. Cows consumed a basal diet of chopped crested wheat grass hay (4.3% CP, 67% DIP) ad libitum. Supplemental DIP and UIP were supplied by varying the ratios of soybean meal (75% DIP) and a heat-treated, protected soybean meal (70% UIP). Cow weight gain was better (P < 0.01) when adequate DIP was supplied than when DIP was deficient. However, calf weight gain was not increased by supplementing the cow with DIP. Supplemental UIP did not (P > 0.40) improve cow or calf weight gain. Blood urea N levels were higher (P < 0.01) for cows receiving supplemental DIP and UIP. However, milk production estimates were similar among treatments, as were digestibilities of OM and ADF. Nitrogen digestibility was greater when supplemental DIP was fed, but providing additional UIP did not (P = 0.15) change N digestibilities. Experiment 2 evaluated similar supplements using the same experimental design to determine changes in cow and calf weight gain, body condition score, and pregnancy rate. Seventy-two first-calf heifers (avg 441 kg) were allotted to supplement treatments 1 d after calving and were fed grass hay (5% CP, 53% DIP, 10% microbial efficiency) for ad libitum consumption for 60 d. Supplements were individually fed three times/week. Varying the ratios of soybean meal, heat-treated soybean meal, and corn gluten meal provided additional DIP and UIP. Unlike in Exp. 1, supplemental UIP improved (P < 0.05) cow weight gain. Calves from dams supplemented with DIP gained 5 kg more weight after 60 d than calves from dams deficient in DIP. Pregnancy rates in the fall were similar (P = 0.90) among treatments. These data suggest that DIP was more limiting in Exp. 1 than was UIP. Supplementing UIP in Exp. 2 improved cow weight gains but did not improve calf gains. Data suggest that the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis for this forage-based diet was probably less than 10%.     

Effect of magnesium mica on performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing swine

A total of 240 crossbred pigs were used in two experiments to determine the effect of feeding magnesium mica (MM) during the growing-finishing period on animal performance and pork carcass characteristics. All pigs were blocked by weight, and treatments were assigned randomly to pens (five pigs/pen) within blocks. In each experiment, eight pens were allotted randomly to one of three treatments: 1) a negative control corn-soybean meal starter, grower, and finisher diet devoid of supplemental magnesium; 2) the control diets supplemented with 1.25% MM; and 3) the control diets supplemented with 2.50% MM. In Exp. 1, pigs were slaughtered at the University of Arkansas Red Meat Abattoir, whereas pigs in Exp. 2 were transported to a commercial pork packing plant and slaughtered according to industry-accepted procedures. In both experiments, dietary supplementation of MM had no (P > .10) effect on ADG, ADFI, or gain:feed ratio at any phase during the growing-finishing period. In Exp. 1, MM supplementation had no (P > .10) effect on carcass fatness or muscling. Moreover, Japanese color scores were not (P > .10) affected by feeding pigs MM; however, American color scores increased linearly (P < .01) with increasing levels of MM in the diet. Although MM supplementation did not (P > .10) affect L* and b* values for the longissimus muscle (LM), there was a linear increase (P < .05) in LM a* and chroma values associated with increased MM levels in swine diets. In Exp. 2, carcasses from pigs fed 1.25% MM had less (P < .05) fat opposite the LM at the 10th rib than untreated controls and pigs fed 2.50% MM and higher (P < .10) percentages of muscle than carcasses of untreated controls. Moreover, the LM from pigs fed 1.25% MM was less (P < .05) red and less (P < .05) yellow than the LM from pigs fed the control or 2.50% MM-supplemented diets. Drip loss from the LM was unaffected (P > .10) by inclusion of MM in the diet. Results from this study confirm that inclusion of MM, an inexpensive, inorganic magnesium source, in diets of growing-finishing swine has beneficial effects on pork carcass cutability and quality with no deleterious effects on live animal performance.     

Effects of dietary protein level and clinoptilolite on the weight gain and liver mineral response of growing lambs to copper supplementation

Growing male Synthetic I (1/2 Finnish Landrace x 1/4 Dorset x 1/4 Rambouillet) lambs were used in two experiments (64 lambs in Exp. 1 and 63 in Exp. 2) to test the hypothesis that dietary CP level (9 or 14% of diet as fed) and(or) clinoptilolite (clino; 0 or 2% of diet) affects growth and tissue mineral concentrations of growing lambs fed supplemental Cu. Lambs were individually fed their respective diets ad libitum and killed after 12 wk (Exp. 1) or 16 wk (Exp. 2) to obtain carcass measurements, organ weights and liver mineral concentrations. In Exp. 1, 20 ppm added Cu (as CuSO4.5H2O) increased mortality and depressed BW gain (P less than .01) and daily feed intake (P less than .05) in the presence or absence of clino and at both levels of CP. Liver Cu concentration was greater (P less than .01) in lambs fed added Cu than in those not fed Cu (408 ppm vs 110 ppm, respectively). Neither CP nor clino affected liver Cu concentration. Clinoptilolite increased daily gain of lambs fed high CP but not low CP (P less than .01). In Exp. 2, clino in the diet had no effect on daily gain or daily feed, but 20 ppm Cu addition depressed daily gain (P less than .01) and gain/feed (P less than .07). Organ weights and levels of trace elements other than Cu in the liver generally were not affected by diet in either experiment. It is concluded that high dietary CP or 2% dietary clino did not protect against toxic signs of Cu when Cu was added to the basal diet (10 ppm Cu) at 10 or 20 ppm.     

Estimated copper requirements of angus and simmental heifers

In Exp. 1, Simmental (n = 21) and Angus (n = 21) heifers, approximately 9 mo of age, were used in a 160-d study to determine the effect of dietary Cu on growth and Cu status. Two- or three-yr-old first-calf heifers (21 Angus and 21 Simmental) entering into their last trimester of pregnancy were used in Exp. 2 to estimate Cu requirements of the two breeds during gestation and early lactation. Treatments in both studies consisted of 0 (control), 7, or 14 mg of supplemental Cu (as CuSO4)/kg of DM. The control corn silage-based diets contained 6.4 and 4.4 mg of Cu/kg of DM in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively, and 1.2 mg of Mo/kg. Dietary Cu did not affect performance in either breed in Exp. 1. Copper supplementation generally did not affect plasma Cu concentrations in Angus heifers, but increased (P < 0.05) plasma Cu in Simmental heifers from d 37 until the end of Exp. 1. Final liver Cu concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) than initial concentrations in control Angus and Simmental heifers; however, liver Cu increased (P < 0.01) in Cu-supplemented heifers. In Exp. 2, Cu supplementation of the control diet increased (P < 0.05) plasma Cu during gestation and greatly increased (P < 0.01) liver Cu in both breeds. Calves born to cows not supplemented with Cu also had lower plasma Cu concentrations than Cu-supplemented calves by 73 d of age. In both studies, control Simmental heifers had lower (P < 0.05) plasma Cu concentrations than Angus on most sampling dates. When Cu was supplemented at 7 or 14 mg/kg of DM,few differences in plasma Cu concentrations were observed between breeds. Results suggest that Angus heifers have a lower minimal Cu requirement than Simmental. Based on liver Cu, the control diets containing 4.4 or 6.4 mg of Cu/kg of DM did not meet the Cu requirement of either breed during gestation and lactation or growth. Addition of 7 mg of Cu/kg of DM to the control diets met Cu requirements of both breeds.     

Nutritional value of quality protein maize for starter and finisher swine.

Growth trials with starter (n = 120, 6.8 kg initially, 28 d of age, Exp. 1) and finisher (n = 70, 59 kg initially, Exp. 2) pigs were conducted to compare quality protein maize (QPM, .40% lysine) and normal corn (.31% lysine) in simple corn-based diets containing the same levels of soybean meal. In Exp. 1, pig performance was similar (P greater than .10) on all diets, regardless of the level of soybean meal, suggesting that QPM and normal corn have similar feeding value in lysine-adequate (.99 to 1.11%) diets. In Exp. 2, less soybean meal was needed in QPM than in normal corn diets to maximize performance; increasing soybean meal from 10.8 to 13.8% improved rate (P less than .05) and efficiency (P less than .01) of gain of pigs fed normal corn diets but had no effect on performance of pigs fed QPM diets. A QPM-based diet containing 6% soybean meal and supplemental lysine and tryptophan failed to maximize feed efficiency, but growth rate was equal to that obtained on the normal corn diet with 13.8% soybean meal. The apparent fecal digestibility of GE and ileal digestibility of N were similar for QPM and normal corn, but apparent ileal digestibility of most essential amino acids was slightly higher for QPM (Exp. 3). Experiment 4 compared apparent digestibilities of QPM, conventional opaque-2 corn and two high-protein corns. Digestibilities differed (P less than .05) among the corns, but the absolute differences were small and were likely due to differences in amino acid content of the corns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of ruminal biohydrogenation on the feeding value of fat in finishing diets for feedlot cattle

Four Holstein steers (212 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment to study the influence of degree of ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) on the feeding value of supplemental fat. Treatments consisted of an 88% concentrate finishing diet supplemented with 1) 2% yellow grease (control); 2) 4% formaldehyde-protected fat (Rumentek), 2% yellow grease (LBH); 3) 2% Rumentek, 4% yellow grease (MBH); or 4) 6% yellow grease (HBH). Ruminal BH of HBH, MBH, and LBH diets was 74, 68, and 54%, respectively. High-fat supplementation decreased (7%, P < .05) intestinal digestibility of 18:0 but increased intestinal digestibility of 18:1 (3%, P < .10), 18:2 (14%, P < .01), and 18:3 (23%, P < .05). Increases in intestinal digestibility of 18:0 (quadratic effect, P < .05), 18:1 (linear effect, P < .01), 18:2 (linear effect, P < .01), 18:3 (linear effect, P < .05), and total fatty acids (linear effect, P < .05) were inversely related to BH. For every 1% increase in the proportion of 18:1 fat entering the small intestine, the digestibility of 18:0 increased 1%. High-fat supplementation depressed ruminal digestion of OM (11%, P < .05), NDF (16%, P < .05), starch (6%, P < .05), and feed N (12%, P < .01). Formaldehyde-protein protection of fat diminished its depressing effects on ruminal digestion of NDF (quadratic effect, P < .10) and enhanced ruminal escape of feed N (linear effect, P < .10). Postruminal digestion of OM was greater (4.6%, P < .10) for high-fat diets. High-fat diets decreased (P < .05) total tract digestion of OM (1.9%), NDF (7.4%), and starch (.5%). Postruminal and total tract digestibility of OM, NDF, N, and starch was not affected (P > .10) by BH. In a 125-d finishing trial, 100 yearling steers (362 kg) were used to evaluate treatment effects on growth performance. High-fat diets did not affect (P > .10) ADG but increased (P < .10) feed efficiency (9%, P < .10), dietary NEm (7.6%, P < .05), and dressing percentage (9%, P < .05). The magnitude of the increase in dressing percentage was inversely related (linear effect, P < .10) to BH. We conclude that decreasing ruminal BH will increase postruminal digestibility of fat, and hence the NE value of dietary fat. The synergistic effect of increasing the proportion of 18:1 on intestinal digestion of fat enables higher levels of fat supplementation. Protecting fat from BH minimizes the detrimental effects of supplemental fat on fiber digestion.     

Effects of a whey protein product and spray-dried animal plasma on growth performance of weanling pigs

Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of a high-protein, whey protein product (WPP; 73% CP, 6.8% lysine, 12.8% fat, and 5% lactose) and spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) on growth performance of weanling pigs. In all experiments, pigs were fed experimental diets from d 0 to 14 after weaning in a pelleted form and then a common diet in meal form for the remainder of the experiment. Dietary treatments were established by substituting WPP or SDAP for dried skim milk (Exp. 1) or soybean meal (Exp. 2, 3, 4, and 5) in the control diet. In Exp. 1, we maintained a constant level of lactose in all diets by adjusting the amount of added crystalline lactose. The amount of lactose in diets used in Exp. 2 through 5 varied slightly by the addition of WPP. In Exp. 1 and 2, 180 weanling pigs (initially 5.8 kg and 19 +/- 1 d of age or 5.5 kg and 17 +/- 1 d of age, respectively) were used. Treatment diets contained SDAP (2.5 and 5%) or WPP (2.7 and 5.4% in Exp.1, and 2.5 or 5.0% in Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, from d 0 to 7 after weaning, ADG and ADFI increased with increasing SDAP (linear, P < .01). No other treatment effects were observed during the d 0 to 14 period. In Exp. 2, from d 0 to 14 after weaning, ADG and G:F increased (linear, P < .04) with increasing SDAP or WWP. In Exp. 3, 305 weanling pigs (initially 4.1 kg and 12 +/- 1 d of age) were used. The control diet contained 2.5% SDAP. The experimental diets were similar to the control diet but contained an additional 2.5 or 5.0% SDAP or 2.5 or 5.0% WPP. From d 0 to 14 after weaning, ADG, ADFI, and G:F increased (quadratic, P < .05) with increasing SDAP up to 5.0%. Increasing WPP increased ADG (quadratic, P < .07) and ADFI (linear, P < .09). In Exp. 4 and 5, 329 and 756 weanling pigs (initially 4.1 kg and 12 +/- 1 d of age and 5.2 kg and 18 +/- 1 d of age, respectively) were fed diets in which WPP was substituted for 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% (Exp. 4) or 0, 50, and 100% (Exp. 5) of the SDAP in the control diet. In Exp. 4 and 5, from d 0 to 14 after weaning, pigs fed a 1:1 blend of each protein source had better ADG (quadratic, P < .04) than those only fed SDAP. In conclusion, WPP can be used in combination with or as a total replacement for SDAP in diets for weanling pigs without reducing performance.     

Weekly digestibilities of diets supplemented with corn oil, lard or tallow by weanling swine

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate supplementation of diets with 8% corn oil, lard or tallow. In Exp. 1, 36 barrows weaned at 21 d of age were used to evaluate the effects of these three diets on digestibilities of fat and dry matter and subsequent N retentions from wk 1 to 4 postweaning. In Exp. 2, 147 weanling pigs in six replicates were used to evaluate weekly growth and feed performance measurements when fed these same diets for a 4-wk postweaning period. A large quantity of fat was absorbed (P less than .01) during wk 1 postweaning by pigs fed the corn oil diet, with the quantity absorbed similar for the three sources of fat from wk 2 to 4. Diets with corn oil had a higher apparent fat digestibility than diets supplemented with lard or tallow during each week postweaning (P less than .05). Apparent digestibility of fat increased (P less than .01) for each fat source each week postweaning but appeared to reach a plateau by wk 3 postweaning. Differences in apparent digestibility of fat between fat sources narrowed from wk 1 to wk 4, with digestibility of corn oil increasing from 79 to 89% and of animal fat sources increasing from 67 to 84%. Apparent digestibility of dry matter tended (P less than .10) to be highest when corn oil was provided during the initial 2-wk postweaning period. Although N retention was highest during wk 1 postweaning when the corn oil was fed, this response was attributed to the higher feed intakes of pigs fed this diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of dried whey and copper sulfate on the growth responses to organic acid in diets for weanling pigs

Five 21-d to 28-d experiments involving 484 pigs weaned at 28 +/- 2 d of age were conducted to evaluate the effects of addition of organic acid to a fortified, corn-soybean meal diet (CS) or to a similar diet containing 15% dried whey (CSW) on performance of pigs. The effects of an antibiotic-sulfonamide combination (110 mg chlortetracycline, 110 mg sulfamethazine, 55 mg penicillin/kg) and the interactive effects of Cu sulfate (250 ppm Cu) and acid also were evaluated. The acid was a commercial product consisting of 96% organic acid (citric acid and Na citrate, 2:1). Treatments in Exp. 1 and 2 were factorial arrangements of the CS or CSW basal diets supplemented with 0 or 1% (Exp. 1) and 0, .5 or 1% (Exp. 2) of the acid product. Pigs fed diets containing whey consumed more feed (P less than .01) and gained weight faster (P less than .05), but they had feed/gain responses similar to those of pigs fed the CS diet. Addition of 1% acid improved (P less than .01) growth rate of pigs fed the CS diet but did not improve (P greater than .25) growth rate of pigs fed the CSW diet. Feed/gain was improved (P less than .01) by acid addition to both the CS and the CSW diets. Improvements in gain and feed/gain were similar for the two levels of acid. In Exp. 3 and 4, factorial combinations of 0 and 1% acid and 0 and 250 ppm Cu were evaluated in diets containing an antibiotic-sulfonamide combination. In addition, a negative control diet (no antibiotics, acid or Cu) was included. Pigs fed diets containing antibiotics gained faster and more efficiently (P less than .01) than those fed the control diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Bioavailability of magnesium in beef cattle fed magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide

Two experiments were conducted to compare Mg bioavailability from Mg oxide (MgO) vs Mg hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) fed in either a completely mixed diet or a mineral supplement. In Exp. 1, these Mg sources were incorporated into completely mixed diets and offered to 15 steers (282 kg) allotted to three treatments: control diet containing .19% Mg, control plus .2% added Mg as MgO, or control plus .2% added Mg as Mg(OH)2. Each calf was fed 5 kg/d of the respective diet during 10-d adjustment and 7-d collection periods. Blood samples were collected on d 1, 3 and 7. Mg supplementation increased (P less than .01) fecal and urinary Mg excretions, whereas apparent Mg absorption (%) and retention were similar (P greater than .10) for all treatments. Plasma Mg concentrations were similar (P less than .10) for calves supplemented with MgO and Mg(OH)2 but were higher (P less than .05) for Mg supplemented than for control calves on d 7. In Exp. 2, these Mg sources were incorporated into mineral supplements and offered free choice to 30 spring-calving beef cows gazing tetany-inducing pastures from March 6 to May 1. Each of three groups of 10 cows was assigned to a 5.7-ha tall fescue pasture and offered either a control supplement or a supplement containing 40% MgO or Mg(OH)2. Blood samplers were collected on d 0, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 56. Plasma Mg concentrations were not different (P greater than .10) for cows offered MgO and Mg(OH)2 but were higher (P less than .01) for Mg-supplemented than for control cows on d 28, 42 and 56.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of yeast culture on feeder calves and lambs.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the influence of yeast culture on 1) the health and performance of feeder calves, 2) the response of calves to an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) infection, and 3) nutrient utilization in lambs fasted for 3 d. In Exp. 1, 108 feeder calves were transported from Tennessee to Texas (1,600 km) and fed receiving diets containing 0 or .75% yeast culture and .35 or .69% P in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. In Exp. 2, 101 calves were transported 950 kg from Austin, TX to Bushland, TX and fed receiving diets containing 0, .75, 1.125, or 1.5% yeast culture. Yeast culture did not significantly affect the health or performance of calves in either experiment, although morbid calves fed yeast culture required fewer (P less than .05) days of antibiotic therapy in Exp. 2. In Exp. 3, feeder steers were fed diets containing 0 or .75% yeast culture and challenged intranasally with IBRV. Calves fed yeast culture tended to maintain heavier weights and higher DMI during IBRV infection than did steers fed the control diet. In Exp. 4, feeder lambs were fasted for 3 d and refed diets containing 0, .75, 1.125, or 1.5% yeast culture during a N and mineral balance trial. Lambs fed yeast culture had greater (P less than .08) N balance and tended to have greater Zn and Fe balance than control lambs. Results of these studies are interpreted to suggest that supplementation of morbid calves with yeast culture can have beneficial effects (fewer sick days, higher feed intakes) and that these effects may be mediated by improved N, Zn, and Fe metabolism.