Flight speed as an indicator of Zebu cattle growth performance and suitability to the feedlot environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 560
Author(s):  
Désirée Gellatly ◽  
Joslaine N. S. G. Cyrillo ◽  
Aline C. Sant'Anna ◽  
Tiago S. Valente ◽  
Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein ◽  
...  

Context Studies assessing the relationship between cattle reactivity and growth performance, as well as suitability to the feedlot, in Zebu cattle are limited. Based on previous studies using Bos Taurus cattle, it is expected that reactivity measured at weaning could be used as a predictor of feedlot performance, and that cattle with greater flight speed (FS) would have reduced average daily gain (ADG). Aims The aims of this study were to (1) determine if FS (m/s) measured before entry into the feedlot could be used as a predictor of cattle performance, (2) evaluate the consistency of FS over time, and (3) determine when FS should be measured to best predict animal suitability to the feedlot. Methods A total of 54 Nellore and 40 Guzerat calves were assessed by using FS, which was collected at the time of (FS0) and 1 week after weaning (FS1), as well as on Day 28 (FS28), 56 (FS56) and 168 (FS168) after entry into the feedlot, and a FS average was calculated using FS28, FS56 and FS168 (FS28–168). Performance using ADG (kg/calf.day) was calculated for each animal over three periods: ADG1–28, ADG28–168 and ADG1–168. Bunk attendance (min/calf.day) was recorded over a 173-day feeding period. Key results The ADG28–168 was reduced by 0.14 kg/calf.day for each unit increase in FS0 (P < 0.05). Both ADG28–168 and ADG1–168 were reduced by 0.02 kg/calf.day for each unit increase in FS1 (P ≤ 0.01), but neither FS0 nor FS1 was associated with ADG1–28 (P > 0.10). A significant increase was observed between FS1 and FS28 (P < 0.01), followed by a reduction in FS56 (P < 0.01) and FS168 (P < 0.01). Conclusion FS measured at or within 1 week of weaning has the potential to be used as an indicator of feedlot growth performance in Nellore and Guzerat cattle. Implications Although our results do not indicate the efficacy of FS as a predictor of early suitability of cattle to the feedlot, it does have the potential to support its recommendation as an indicator of overall feedlot growth performance in Nellore and Guzerat breeds.

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 53-54
Author(s):  
Tara L Felix

Abstract To increase profitably, dairy farms across the United States have rapidly adopted breeding a portion of their cows to beef sires, generating crossbred progeny. The resulting progeny have, in some cases, increased the value of the calf to the dairy, due to their perceived potential for improved growth, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics for beef production. U.S. research is behind our European counterparts in recommending the appropriate beef sires for dairy matings, and U.S. semen trends show Angus sales over many other breeds. However, Kempster et al. (1982) reported that calves sired by British breed bulls were actually at a disadvantage in growth performance compared to even purebred Holstein calves. Finnish researchers agreed, reporting that the resulting crossbreds from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford bulls were extremely variable, making them undesirable for beef production. However, resulting crossbred calves from late maturing breed types (Charolais, Limousine, and Simmental) had better average daily gain and carcass characteristics than their counterparts from early maturing breeds (Huuskonen et al., 2013). A comprehensive review of early crossbred systems similarly suggested that calves sired by Continental breeds, like Charolais, had an advantage in the feedlot and the packing house (Shank, 2003). Going a bit further, another European study examined the used of 3 beef breeds (Belgian Blue, Limousine, and Galacian Blonde) known for heavy muscling, but not common in the United States, for use as crossbreeding sires (Fouz et al., 2012). Holstein cows bred to Belgian Blue sires had the greatest difficulty calving; however, calving difficulties were reduced with increasing dam age (Fouz et al., 2012). Unfortunately, that trial did not go on to evaluate feedlot performance. Thus, there remains a dearth of scientific references for crossbred mating decisions as well as subsequent growth performance and carcass outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Giorgio de Oliveia Cécere ◽  
Vitor Luiz Molosse ◽  
Guilherme Luiz Deolindo ◽  
Vanessa Dazuk ◽  
Anielen Dutra Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Our objective was to determine whether the inclusion of pepper extract would improve health in suckling lambs, stimulating antioxidant activity, and improving performance. We used Lacaune lambs distributed in four treatments, with four repetitions per treatment and three lambs per repetition: control group (T0) and treatments T1, T2, and T3 that received 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of pepper extract, respectively. Groups T1 and T2 consumed more significant amounts of silage than group T0, and animals from group T1 consumed more concentrate and, consequently, consumed more solids. The addition of pepper extract enhanced growth performance, with the lowest dose (T1) giving rise to the most significant weight gain, average daily gain, and body weight, compared to T0. Regression analysis showed that the optimum point for pepper extract supplementation was 301.5 mg/kg. The levels of total protein and globulins were significantly higher for animals supplemented with pepper extract (day 28) than the control; the concentrations of albumin and urea increased over time but did not differ significantly among treatments. Serum glucose levels decreased significantly over time; however, the groups supplemented with pepper extract showed higher concentrations than group T0. The hematocrit was significantly higher in groups fed pepper extract; hemoglobin concentrations were also more significant, increasing over time in both groups. The groups that consumed the pepper extract had higher leukocyte counts due to greater lymphocytes and neutrophils. Levels of non-protein thiols increased significantly over time, while lipid peroxidation levels decreased significantly in all groups. The concentrations of reactive oxygen species significantly decreased in the serum of group T3 animals, those fed with pepper extract (day 28), compared to the control. In general, the addition of pepper extract in lamb feed can enhance weight gain, increase antioxidant levels, and stimulate the production of leukocytes and globulins in lambs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 470-471
Author(s):  
Catherine E Field ◽  
Maria K Chavez ◽  
Mohammed Abo-Ismail ◽  
Zach D McFarlane

Abstract Since 1956, the Cal Poly Bull Test has evaluated performance of yearling bulls in a multi-breed contemporary group in the western United States. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the consistency of the relationship between growth and ultrasound traits and between the number of bulls selling and sale price over a 19-year period from 2001–2019. Out of 3,712 bulls, a total of 2,503 Angus and 453 Hereford bulls were used in the analyses using SAS. Bulls were sold in the following pre-determined breed categories; Angus Heifer Bulls, Multi-Trait Angus Bulls, Growth Angus Bulls, and Hereford Bulls. The breed × year interaction significantly (P < 0.01) affected sale price, scrotal circumference (SC), ultrasound ribeye area (UREA), ultrasound intramuscular fat percentage (UIMF), end weight, and average daily gain (ADG). Overall, Hereford bulls had significantly (P < 0.0001) lower ADG than Angus bulls. A positive relationship between ADG and UREA (P < 0.0001; r2 = 0.10) and between UREA and SC (P < 0.0001; r2 = 0.05) was observed. A significant, positive relationship (P < 0.01; r2 = 0.24) between end weight and REA was also exhibited. A significant breed × year interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for sale price, wherein Angus heifer bulls consistently sold for the highest price. Additionally, sale price analyses indicated a moderate, negative relationship (P = 0.02; r2 = -0.584) between number of animals entered in the sale and price. Consistently, Angus bulls had higher (P < 0.0001) sale prices. Sales with higher bull numbers were those with the lowest average prices. The year and breed category explained 31 and 22.5 % of the variance in the price, respectively. Growth performance and sale price may have a biological or genetic component as indicated by breed differences consistently over the 19-year period.


Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 604
Author(s):  
Zhong-Xing Rao ◽  
Mike D. Tokach ◽  
Jason C. Woodworth ◽  
Joel M. DeRouchey ◽  
Robert D. Goodband ◽  
...  

Fumonisin contamination in corn is an emerging issue in animal feed production. Fumonisin disrupts the metabolism of sphingolipids and reduces growth performance. This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding fumonisin-contaminated corn on growth performance and sphinganine (SA) to sphingosine (SO) ratios of 9 to 28 kg pigs. A total of 350 pigs, were used with 5 pigs/pen and 14 pens/treatment. Dietary treatments contained fumonisin-contaminated corn (50 mg/kg of fumonisin B1 + B2) blended with low fumonisin corn (10 mg/kg of fumonisin B1 + B2) to provide dietary fumonisin concentrations of 7.2, 14.7, 21.9, 32.7, and 35.1 mg/kg. From day 0 to 28, increasing fumonisin concentration decreased (linear, p < 0.001) average daily gain, average daily feed intake (linear, p = 0.055), and gain:feed ratio (linear, p = 0.016). Although these response criteria tested linear, the greatest reduction in performance was in pigs fed with 32.7 and 35.1 mg/kg of fumonisin (B1 + B2). Increasing fumonisin concentration increased the serum SA:SO ratio (linear, p < 0.001) on day 14 and 28. In summary, for 9 to 28 kg nursery pigs, increasing fumonisin linearly decreased average daily gain and gain:feed ratio. However, despite the linear response, diets containing up to 21.9 mg/kg of fumonisin did not have as dramatic a decrease in growth performance as those fed more than 32.7 mg/kg. Further research is warranted to determine the effect of fumonisin concentrations between 21.9 and 32.7 mg/kg.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 2030
Author(s):  
Anna Szuba-Trznadel ◽  
Anna Rząsa ◽  
Tomasz Hikawczuk ◽  
Bogusław Fuchs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation in different commercial forms on the growth performance, health status, and Zn balance of weaners in field conditions. The animals were fed pre-starter (from the 28th to 47th day of life) and starter (from the 48th to 74th day of life) mixtures differing in Zn form and concentration. Group I was given ZnSO4 at 150 mg kg−1; Group II received pre-starter zinc oxide (ZnO) at 3000 mg kg−1 and starter at 150 mg kg−1; and Group III was given 150 mg kg−1 of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO). We found that the average daily gain in Group I was significantly lower, compared to Groups II and III. A commonly accepted level of Zn (150 mg kg−1) as nZnO can be recommended, instead of therapeutic doses of Zn preparations with the same efficiency. Moreover, a lower level of Zn in the diet can prevent the excessive accumulation of this element in waste and, thus, reduce environmental damage.


2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 2096 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. Schatz

This study compares the performance of F1 Senepol × Brahman steers (F1 SEN) to Brahman (BRAH) steers in an Indonesian feedlot. The focus was to address concerns that crossbred cattle are discriminated against by live export cattle buyers due to a perception that they do not perform as well as Brahmans in Indonesian feedlots. F1 SEN (n = 54) and BRAH (n = 32) steers that had grazed together since weaning at Douglas Daly Research Farm (Northern Territory) were exported to Indonesia and fed for 121 days in a feedlot near Lampung (Sumatra, Indonesia). The average daily gain of the F1 SEN steers over the feeding period was 0.17 kg/day higher (P < 0.001) than the BRAH steers (1.71 vs 1.54 kg/day). As a result the F1 SEN put on an average of 21.6 kg more over the 121-day feeding period and they did not have a higher mortality rate. Consequently, F1 SEN steers performed better than BRAH in an Indonesian feedlot and these results should encourage live export cattle buyers to purchase this type of cattle (Brahman crossed with a tropically adapted Bos taurus breed) with confidence that they can perform at least as well as Brahmans in Indonesian feedlots, although it should be noted that growth rates are usually higher in F1 crosses than in subsequent generations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 154 (7) ◽  
pp. 1280-1290 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. F. LAGE ◽  
E. SAN VITO ◽  
R. A. REIS ◽  
E. E. DALLANTONIA ◽  
L. R. SIMONETTI ◽  
...  

SUMMARYA total of 70 Nellore bulls (18 ± 3 months of age) were used to determine the effects of crude glycerine (CG) replacing starch- v. fibre-based energy ingredients in low (LC; 0·40 concentrate) or high concentrate (HC; 0·60 concentrate) – on a dry matter (DM) basis – on DM intake (DMI), methane emissions and growth. Ten bulls were slaughtered (reference group) to obtain the carcass gain (CrG). The 60 remaining bulls (374 ± 24·5 kg) were allocated to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two concentrate levels, LC or HC; and three feeding regimes, FR). The FR were: CO – without CG and maize as an ingredient of concentrate; CGM – inclusion of CG (0·10 of DM) replacing maize in the concentrate; and CGSH – inclusion of CG (0·10 of DM) replacing soybean hulls (SH) in the concentrate. Bulls fed LC or HC had similar DMI (kg/d) and growth. The DMI and average daily gain (ADG) were similar among FR. Concentrate level and FR tended to interact for methane emissions (g) per kg DMI. Bulls fed CGM had a greater G : F (g CrG/kg DMI) than those fed CO or CGSH diets. Increasing dietary concentrate (0·40–0·60) did not affect intake, methane emissions, or growth. Inclusion of CG in diets to replace SH in LC diets tended to decrease methane emissions from animals. When CG replaces SH in the diets, CrG and G:F (g CrG/kg DMI) are decreased compared with bulls fed CGM.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro H V Carvalho ◽  
Mariana F Westphalen ◽  
Jonathan A Campbell ◽  
Tara L Felix

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of coated or noncoated hormone implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and serum estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet for 112 d. Seventy-nine Holstein steers [average initial body weight (BW) = 452 ± 5.5 kg] were stratified by BW and allotted to one of two treatments: 1) Holstein steers implanted with a coated implant containing 200 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 40 mg E2 (Revalor-XS (Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ)] on day 0 (XS) or 2) Holstein steers implanted two times (days 0 and 56) with a noncoated implant containing 80 mg of TBA and 16 mg of E2 [(2IS) Revalor-IS (Merck Animal Health)]. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.71) of implant strategy on initial, middle, and final BW. No effect (P ≥ 0.12) of implant strategy was observed on average daily gain, dry matter intake, or gain-to-feed ratio. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of implant strategy on carcass characteristics. There was an implant × day interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for the circulation of serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentration increased similarly 14 d after Holstein steers were implanted, regardless of implant strategy. At 28 d, after steers were implanted, steers in the XS group had less serum E2 concentration than Holstein steers in the 2IS group. However, at 56 d after the first implantation, both groups, once again, had similar serum E2 concentrations and E2 concentrations were less on day 56 than day 28 for both strategies. Holstein steers implanted with 2IS had greater serum E2 concentration on day 70 and E2 concentrations remained greater than serum E2 of Holstein steers implanted XS for the duration of the trial (day 112). In summary, there was no effect of coated or two doses of noncoated implant on growth performance or carcass characteristics of Holstein steers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 298-299
Author(s):  
Bailey L Basiel ◽  
Chad D Dechow ◽  
Tara L Felix

Abstract Objectives were to compare feedlot performance and carcass traits of F1 beef × Holstein steers and Holstein steers. Angus or Limousin × Holstein crossbred [n = 27; age = 12 ± 3 months; body weight (BW) = 435 ± 8 kg] and Holstein (n = 20; age = 11 ± 2 months; BW = 400 ± 9 kg) steers were fed at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Livestock Evaluation Center for 111 days. Feed intake was recorded using the GrowSafe Feed Intake Monitoring System (Model 4000E, GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Calgary AB, Canada). The diet contained corn silage, dried distillers grains, soybean meal, and cracked corn and was formulated to meet or exceed the requirements of beef cattle (NASEM, 2016). Growth performance variables of interest and carcass measurements were analyzed with the Mixed procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). USDA assigned quality grades (QG) and yield grades (YG) were analyzed the with GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Breed was a fixed effect in all models. There were no differences (P &gt; 0.05) between breeds in average daily gain or feed efficiency. Crossbreds exceeded Holsteins in initial (P &lt; 0.01) and final BW (P = 0.01), dry matter intake (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P &lt; 0.01), backfat (P = 0.03), and ribeye area (REA; P &lt; 0.01). Thirty-five percent (35%) of the Holsteins received a QG of Choice or above while 74% of crossbreds graded USDA Choice or above (P = 0.01). However, 75% of Holsteins were YG 2 or lower while only 45% of crossbreds achieved YG 2 or less (P = 0.05). There was no improvement in efficiency when crossbreds were compared to Holsteins; however, carcasses from crossbreds were more likely to grade USDA Choice or above while yielding greater REA and backfat than Holsteins.


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