scholarly journals Effects of Low-Stress Weaning on Calf Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Gubbels ◽  
R. R. Salverson ◽  
K. M. Cammack ◽  
J. K. Grubbs ◽  
K. R. Underwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Covariance Structure ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Haptoglobin Concentration ◽  
Wire Fence ◽  
Α Level

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare the influence of two low stress weaning methods with conventional weaning on post-weaning performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers.Materials and MethodsAngus × Simmental crossbred steer calves (n = 90) from a single source were stratified by body weight and dam age into three groups; one treatment was randomly assigned to each group: ABRUPT (calves isolated from dams on the day of weaning), FENCE (calves separated from dams via a barbed wire fence for 7 d prior to completely weaning), and NOSE (nose-flap inserted and calves remained with dams for 7 d prior to completely weaning). At d +7 post-weaning calves were transported to a commercial feedlot where they received standard step-up and finishing rations typical for a Northern Plains feedlot. To understand the influence of each weaning method on haptoglobin (an acute-phase protein), blood samples were collected via coccygeal venipuncture at d –7 (PreTreat), 0 (Weaning), and +7 (PostWean) from a subsample of calves (n = 10 per treatment) and analyzed using a bovine haptoglobin ELISA kit. Body weights (BW) were recorded on study d –34 (PreWean), –7 (PreTreat), 0 (Weaning), 7 (PostWean), 32 (Receiving), 175 (Ultrasound), and 253 (Final) and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated between each time period. On d 175 post-weaning BW were recorded, and ultrasound fat thickness and intramuscular fat were determined and utilized to project marketing dates. Carcass measurements were recorded at the time of harvest and included hot carcass weight, 12th rib backfat, ribeye area, USDA Yield Grade and Quality Grade, and marbling score. Haptoglobin, BW, and ADG data were analyzed as repeated measures using the ante-dependence covariance structure in the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) for effects of weaning treatment, day, and their interaction; birth weight was included as a covariate for ADG and BW. Carcass traits were analyzed for the effect of weaning treatment using the MIXED procedure. Separation of least-squares means was performed using LSD with a Tukey’s adjustment and assuming an α level of 0.05.ResultsWeaning method interacted (P < 0.0001) with time period for ADG and BW. Calf BW increased in all treatments until the PostWean period, wherein BW decreased (P < 0.0001) in ABRUPT and NOSE and was maintained (P > 0.05) in FENCE. From the Receiving to Final time periods BW increased similarly (P > 0.05) for all treatments. Calf ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in calves in the NOSE treatment at Weaning than ABRUPT or FENCE. In the PostWean period, the FENCE calves had ADG that was not different (P > 0.05) than zero but was greater (P < 0.0001) than the negative ADG of ABRUPT and NOSE calves. During the Receiving period ADG was greater (P < 0.05) for ABRUPT compared to NOSE and FENCE. Time influenced (P < 0.001) haptoglobin concentration. No difference in haptoglobin was observed between the PreTreat and Weaning or PostWean periods; however, haptoglobin concentration was greater (P < 0.001) at PostWean compared to Weaning. Weaning method did not influence (P > 0.05) carcass measurements.ConclusionCollectively these data suggest low stress weaning methods do not significantly improve post-weaning growth performance or carcass merit compared to calves weaned using conventional methods.

scholarly journals Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1173-1181
Author(s):  
Leonardo G Sitorski ◽  
Marc L Bauer ◽  
Kendall C Swanson
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Behavior ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Quadratic Effect ◽  
Metabolizable Protein ◽  
Finishing Steers ◽  
Fat Thickness ◽  
Time Eating

Abstract One-hundred thirty-two finishing steers (300 ± 2.7 kg body weight [BW]) predominately of Angus, Simmental, and Shorthorn breeding were used to study the effect of metabolizable protein (MP) intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior. Steers were stratified by initial BW across five pens and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments to supply an average of 626, 906, 1,209, and 1,444 g MP/d (n = 33 per treatment). Feed intake and feeding behavior were measured using radio frequency identification tags and the Insentec feeding system. For feeding behavior, a visit was defined as each time the Insentec system detected a steer at the feed bunk. A meal was defined as eating periods by intervals no longer than 7 min. Steers were fed until they reached an average BW of 598 ± 3.1 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P &lt; 0.01) with ADG increasing in steers fed 906 g MP/d and plateauing thereafter. Dry-matter intake (DMI; kg) responded quadratically (P = 0.009) with DMI increasing with MP intake up to 1,209 g/d MP and decreasing thereafter. Gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly (P = 0.04) and tended (P = 0.10) to respond quadratically, as G:F increased up to 906 g MP/d and plateaued thereafter. A quadratic response (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) was observed for marbling score and 12th rib subcutaneous fat thickness with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest marbling score and back fat thickness. A quadratic effect for visits and meals per day was observed (P &lt; 0.01) with steers fed the 1,209 g MP/d treatment having the least visits and meals per day. In addition, time eating per visit responded quadratically (P = 0.05) with time increasing from 626 to 906 g MP/d. There was a linear increase (P ≤ 0.02) in time eating per meal and per day with increasing MP intake. A quadratic effect (P &lt; 0.03) was observed for DMI per visit, meal, and minute with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest DMI. In summary, steers fed 626 g MP/d had increased visits and meals per day. However, DMI per visit, meal, and minute were greater in steers fed 1,209 g MP/d. A day × treatment interaction (P &lt; 0.001) was observed for plasma urea N as concentrations increased to a greater extent over time in the higher MP treatments than in the lower MP treatments. These data indicate that MP supply (from deficient to excess) influences growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of finishing steers.

scholarly journals The influence of shade allocation or total shade plus overhead fan on growth performance, efficiency of dietary energy utilization, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle under tropical ambient conditions

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1034-1041
Author(s):  
Beatriz I. Castro-Pérez ◽  
Alfredo Estrada-Angulo ◽  
Francisco G. Ríos-Rincón ◽  
Víctor H. Núñez-Benítez ◽  
Carlos R. Rivera-Méndez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Dietary Energy ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Quadratic Effect

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of shade allocation and shade plus fan on growth performance, dietary energy utilization and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle under tropical ambient conditionsMethods: Two trials were conducted, involving a total of 1,560 young bulls (289±22 kg BW) assigned to 24 pens (65 bulls/pen and 6 pens/treatment). Pens were 585 m<sup>2</sup> with 15 m fence line feed bunks. Shade treatments (m<sup>2</sup> shade/animal) were: i) limited shade (LS) to 1.2 m<sup>2</sup>shade/animal (LS<sub>1.2</sub>); ii) limited shade to 2.4 m<sup>2</sup> shade/animal (LS<sub>2.4</sub>); iii) total shade (TS) which correspond to 9 m<sup>2</sup>/animal, and iv) total shade equipped with fans (TS+F). Trials lasted 158 and 183 days. In both studies, the average weekly maximum temperature exceeded 34°C.Results: Increasing shade allocation tended (p = 0.08) to linearly increases average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI, quadratic effect, p = 0.03). This effect was most apparent between LS<sub>1.2</sub> and LS<sub>2.4</sub>. Shade allocation, per se, did not affect gain efficiency or estimated dietary net energy (NE). Compared with TS, TS+F increased (p<0.05) ADG, gain efficiency, and tended (p = 0.06) to increase dietary NE. There was a quadratic effect of shade on <i>longissimus</i> area and marbling score, with values being lower (p<0.01) for LS<sub>2.4</sub> than for LS<sub>1.2</sub> or TS. Likewise, marbling score was lower for TS+F than for TS. Percentage kidney, pelvic, and heart (KPH) linearly decreased with increasing shade. In contrast, KPH was greater for TS than for TS+F.Conclusion: Providing more than 2.4 m<sup>2</sup> shade/animal will not further enhance feedlot performance. The use of fans in combination with shade increases ADG and gain efficiency beyond that of shade, alone. These enhancements were not associated with increased DMI, but rather, to an amelioration of ambient temperature humidity index on maintenance energy requirement.

scholarly journals Effects of a pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) cannery by-product on growth performance and carcass characteristics in finishing Hanwoo steers

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-242
Author(s):  
Yongjun Choi ◽  
Sangrak Lee ◽  
Youngjun Na
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Amino Acid Profile ◽  
Ananas Comosus ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Feeding Group

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pineapple cannery by-product (PCB) level on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing Hanwoo steers.Methods: The feeding stage was divided into early and late finishing stages. A total of 60 castrated Hanwoo steers (13.9±0.8 months old, 418.8±36.5 kg initial body weight [BW]) were blocked by initial BW and then randomly allotted into 12 pens (five head/pen). The pens were randomly assigned to control (CONT), low PCB (LPCB), or high PCB (HPCB) treatments. These diets contained 0%, 1.5%, or 3.0% of PCB (on a dry matter [DM] basis; as-fed basis was 0%, 10.6%, or 21.2%), respectively.Results: For the early finishing stage, body weight gain (BWG) and average daily gain (ADG) of the CONT and LPCB feeding groups were greater (p<0.05) than those of the HPCB feeding group. In addition, there were linear and quadratic effects on BWG and ADG with increasing dietary PCB level (p<0.05). The gain to feed (G:F) ratio tends to quadratically decrease with an increasing PCB level in the early finishing stage (p = 0.076). Growth performances of late finishing stage were not affected by PCB level. The marbling score of the LPCB feeding group was similar to that of the CONT feeding group. However, there was a linear decrease (p< 0.05) in marbling score and quality grade among treatments as PCB was increased in the diet. In the <i>longissimus</i> muscle free amino acid profile, histidine composition increased linearly (p<0.05) with an increasing level of PCB.Conclusion: The level of PCB 1.5% DM in diet can be used for finishing steers without any adverse effects on growth and carcass performances. However, there were some negative effects on growth and carcass performance in the HPCB feeding group.

scholarly journals PSXII-9 The effects of DFM plus tannins on measures of immunity and growth performance of weaned beef calves

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 440-440
Author(s):  
Claudia DeMarco ◽  
Scott L Lake ◽  
S Richard Goodall ◽  
Hannah Cunningham ◽  
Steve Paisley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Bifidobacterium Animalis ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Haptoglobin Concentration ◽  
Categorical Response ◽  
Lactobacillus Animalis ◽  
Plasma Haptoglobin

Abstract A two-year study was conducted to determine the effects of direct-fed microbials plus tannins (DFM + TN) on weaned calf performance and indicators of innate immune response. Angus calves (n = 142 year 1; 143 year 2) were weaned at 6 months of age, transferred to a feedlot, and fed one of two diets for 42 days: a ration with added DFM + TN (2×108 Propionibacterium acidipropionici; 5×107 CFU/hd/day Lactobacillus animalis; 5×107 CFU/hd/day Bifidobacterium animalis; and tannins 15 g/hd/day) or a ration with no added DFM +TN (CON). Body weights were taken on consecutive days and averaged at the beginning and ending of the study, while single day weights were taken on d 14, and 28. Upon completion of the feeding study (year 2), calves (n = 72) were transported to Laramie, WY (204 km), where blood samples were taken on d 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9 relative to transportation to measure plasma haptoglobin. Data were compared among groups using a categorical response mixed model. The model included the fixed effect of treatment group and the data were measured repeatedly. DFM + TN calves had lower overall (P = 0.001) F:G and tended to have greater ADG (P = 0.15) and lower F:G (P = 0.12) during the first 28 days and greater overall ADG (P = 0.06) and greater (P = 0.11) total gain overall. There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for a treatment x day effect for DFM + TN calves to have lower plasma haptoglobin concentration on day 0 and 4 than CON calves. Weaned calves fed DFM + Tannins tended to have greater growth performance during the first 42 days post weaning and tended to have a reduction in plasma haptoglobin concentrations, suggesting a reduction in stress and a positive impact on calf growth.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed native grass or hay with or without concentrate on the Inner Mongolian Plateau

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (3) ◽  
pp. 470-478
Author(s):  
Shuai Du ◽  
Sihan You ◽  
Jian Bao ◽  
Gentu Ge ◽  
Yushan Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Native Grass ◽  
Grass Hay ◽  
Similar Body

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of native grass on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Mongolian lambs fed Inner Mongolia native grass in three forms: grass, hay, and hay with concentrate (HC). Sixty Mongolian noncastrated male lambs, in good health and with the same age (6 mo) and similar body weights (mean, 28.63 ± 0.19 kg), were randomly divided into three treatments. There were four replicates in each treatment, with five lambs in one pen as a replicate. Compared with the HC group, the intake of the grass group was higher (P < 0.05) and that of the hay group was lower (P < 0.05). The hay group had a gain of −58.67 g d−1, compared with 42.33 g d−1 for the HC group and 80.00 g d−1 for the grass group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin muscle area, and fat thickness (a measure of fat tissue thickness) were greater in the grass and HC groups than in the hay group (P < 0.05). Compared with the hay group, the protein and calcium contents, marbling score, and water loss rate were greater in the grass and HC groups (P < 0.05), whereas the fat, phosphorus, cholesterol contents, and b* score were lower for the latter groups (P < 0.05). These results suggest that feeding of native grass hay with concentrate could improve the growth performance and meat quality of Mongolian lambs and achieve results similar to those observed in grass-fed lambs.

scholarly journals Fetal programming effects of early weaning on subsequent parity calf performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack L Oattes ◽  
Taoqi Shao ◽  
Parker A Henley ◽  
Daniel W Shike
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Postnatal Growth ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Early Weaning ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Feedlot Performance

Abstract Mature Simmental × Angus cows [n = 147; body weight (BW) = 590 ± 72 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of early weaning on subsequent parity calf growth performance and carcass characteristics. Cows were assigned to one of two treatments based on their previous calf’s weaning age: early wean (EW) or conventional wean (CW). Dams assigned to the EW treatment had calves previously weaned at 88 ± 6 d of age, whereas dams assigned to the CW treatment had calves previously weaned at 185 ± 6 d of age. Cow BW and body condition scores (BCS) were monitored during the experiment. All cows were managed as a common group from the onset of the experiment at breeding until final pregnancy check of their next production cycle 462 d later. All calves in the experiment were managed as one group and weaned at a single time point, then feedlot performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Initial cow BW was different (P &lt; 0.05), so it was included as a covariate for cow BW analysis. There was a treatment × date interaction (P &lt; 0.01) for cow BW and cow BCS. Cow BW was consistently greater for the EW treatment from day 39 to the end of the experiment (P &lt; 0.01). Cow BCS were not different at the onset of the experiment (P = 0.20), although after breeding and throughout lactation, BCS diverged between treatments and the EW treatment consistently had greater (P &lt; 0.01) BCS than the CW treatment throughout the entire subsequent lactation. Gestation length was not different (P = 0.21) between treatments, yet calf birth BW was greater (P = 0.05) for the EW treatment. Neither artificially inseminated pregnancy percentage nor overall pregnancy percentage was different between treatments (P ≥ 0.61). Despite the greater birth BW for the EW treatment and no difference (P = 0.25) in milk production, weaning BW was not different (P = 0.50) between treatments. Feedlot performance measures were not different (P ≥ 0.13) between treatments, including feedlot arrival weight, final BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and gain to feed. Final carcass characteristics were not different (P ≥ 0.33) between treatments, including dressing percentage, hot carcass weight, LM area, 12th rib fat thickness, kidney, pelvic, heart fat percentage, USDA yield grade, and marbling score. Thus, early weaning resulted in improved BW and BCS of cows as well as increased birth BW of subsequent calf, although that did not transpire into differences in postnatal growth performance or carcass traits.

scholarly journals Effect of oscillating feeding time and corn processing on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 974-979
Author(s):  
Alejandro E Relling ◽  
David Douglas Clevenger ◽  
Francis L Fluharty
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Feeding Time ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Similar Time ◽  
Corn Processing ◽  
Animal Growth

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effect of oscillating feeding time (OFT) and corn processing (CoP) on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. One hundred sixty-five steers (initial body weight [BW] 277.2 ± 27.80 kg) were blocked by initial BW and allotted to 24 pens. Pens within each block were randomly assigned based on a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The two factors were CoP (whole shelled corn vs. ground corn [GC]) and feeding time (FT) (constant FT vs. 2 hours OFT). Animals were fed the same diet, only changing the CoP method depending on the treatment. Feed offered and feed refusals were collected daily. Body weight was collected at starting day of the experiment (d1) and every 28 d until the end of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, animals were harvested in a commercial slaughter facility, and carcass data were collected by a USDA grader. Animal growth performance and carcass characteristics data were analyzed with the PROC Mixed procedure (SAS) using CoP, FT, and their interaction as fixed variables; and treatments × pen within each block and block were considered random variables. There was no CoP by FT interaction differences (P &gt; 0.10) on animal growth performance variables, nor on hot carcass weight, back fat, rib eye area, or the percentage of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat. There was a tendency for an interaction (P = 0.08) for marbling score, where the steers from the GC processing fed on the oscillating time had a lesser marbling score than the other three treatments. Oscillating feeding time improved (P = 0.05) average daily gain; but did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) dry matter intake (DMI), nor carcass characteristics compared with feeding at a similar time every day. There were no effects (P ≥ 0.11) of CoP on growth performance, nor carcass characteristics. In conclusion, a 2-hour oscillation in FT might not decrease steer feedlot performance. This may be due to the high degree of control of DMI with feed bunk management.

scholarly journals PSV-28 Feeding Ractopamine Improves Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of the Lard-type Mangalica Pig

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 361-361
Author(s):  
Hunter R Smith ◽  
Maegan Reeves ◽  
Ellie Amerson ◽  
Jason T Sawyer ◽  
Terry D Brandebourg
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Pork Quality ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Niche Markets ◽  
Slow Growth Rate ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Excessive Adiposity

Abstract Mangalica pigs are a popular niche breed given their reputation for superior quality pork; however, the slow growth rate, poor lean yield and excessive adiposity exhibited by this breed limits its widespread adoption. Our objective was to determine if feeding Ractopamine (RAC), a metabolic modifier that improves feed efficiency and lean yield, would improve growth performance without impairing pork quality in the Mangalica. To accomplish this, a growth trial was conducted whereby pigs (n = 28) weighing 73 kg were fed a standard grower ration supplemented with either 0 or 22 ppm RAC for 21 days during which daily feed intakes and weekly body weights were recorded for all animals. Then pigs were finished to a 105 kg harvest weight. At 24h postmortem, carcasses were ribbed at the 10th rib to facilitate pork quality and carcass composition measurements. Primal cuts were fabricated and individually weighed. As hypothesized, RAC increased ADG (P &lt; 0.04) and feed efficiency (P &lt; 0.03) 24% and 21% respectively. However, unexpectedly, RAC failed to suppress voluntary feed intake (P &gt; 0.71). Interestingly RAC increased LEA (P &lt; 0.0001) by 21% but did not impact 10th rib fat depth (P &gt; 0.90) or marbling score (P &gt; 0.77). Likewise, RAC failed to alter any primal cut weights. Feeding RAC lowered b* values (P &lt; 0.04) and tended to lower L* values (P &lt; 0.08) while not affecting a* values (P &gt; 0.30) suggesting RAC darkened loin color. Finally, RAC improved cook loss percentage (P &lt; 0.02) 11% while not impacting WBSF (P &gt; 0.31). Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that feeding RAC to the lard type Mangalica pig improves growth performance without impairing pork quality in this breed. Feeding RAC may be a viable strategy to improve the economic feasibility of utilizing this breed to target niche markets.

scholarly journals Effect of Barley Variety on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Body Weight Gain and Carcass Characteristics in Fattening Lambs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1773
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Tilahun Keno ◽  
Taye Tolemariam ◽  
Solomon Demeke ◽  
Jane Wamatu ◽  
Ashraf Alkhtib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Barley Variety ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Twenty lambs (18 ± 0.22 kg initial weight) were blocked by weight and individually assigned into pens to evaluate the effects of barley straw variety on digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics. The following four treatments were tested: (1) a local barley straw (as control), (2) HB1963 (high grain and straw yields), (3) Traveller (high straw yielder), and (4) IBON174/03 (high grain yielder). A concentrate (50:50 wheat bran and noug seed cake) was offered constantly (300 DM g), whereas the straw was offered ad libitum. The digestibility trial lasted 22 days (15 days to adapt to dietary treatments and 7 days for sampling). The growth performance trial lasted 90 days. At the end, all of the lambs were slaughtered, and their carcasses were evaluated. The IBON174/03 variety had a higher (p < 0.05) intake of organic matter and crude protein, a higher dry matter and organic matter digestibility than the control, and a faster growth than the control. The feed-to-gain ratio was similar among treatments. The slaughter and empty body weights of lambs in the IBON174/03 group were higher than the control variety (p < 0.05). The present study showed that the feeding value of barley straw can differ substantially between varieties and therefore must be considered in the choice of a barley variety.

298 The Effects of Chromium Propionate Supplementation to Calf-fed Steers in a Commercial Feedyard on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 165-165
Author(s):  
Sara J Trojan ◽  
Jerilyn Hergenreder ◽  
Landon Canterbury ◽  
Tyler Leonhard ◽  
John M Long
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Beta Agonist ◽  
Respiratory Morbidity ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Chromium Propionate ◽  
Retreatment Rate ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Abstract Crossbred steers [British x Continental x Bos Indicus; n = 1844; initial body weight (BW) = 248 ± 28 kg] were used to evaluate the effects of chromium propionate supplementation to calf-fed steers in a commercial feedyard on growth performance, carcass characteristics and health. Steers were blocked by initial BW; pens were assigned randomly to one of two dietary treatments within block. Treatments, replicated in 15 pens/treatment with 57 to 62 head per pen, included: 1) control, 0 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary dry matter (DM) (CTL); 2) 0.50 mg supplemental Cr/kg dietary DM (chromium propionate; KemTRACE® Chromium 0.04%, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA) (CR). Due to inadvertent oversight, during the final 30 days on feed, CR cattle did not receive trace minerals, vitamins, an ionophore, antibiotic, or ractopamine-hydrochloride. Final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and DM intake did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.25). Gain efficiency was greater (P = 0.03) for CTL than CR (0.16 vs. 0.15). Hot carcass weight and dressing percentage were similar among treatments (P ≥ 0.19). Yield grade was higher for CR than CTL (2.44 vs. 2.27; P &lt; 0.01); 12th-ribfat tended to be greater for CR than CTL (P = 0.09), and longissimus area was greater for CTL vs. CR (P &lt; 0.01). Marbling score tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for CR than CTL. Steers fed CR tended (P = 0.07) to have a greater distribution of prime carcasses than CTL (1.9% vs. 0.07%), and percentage choice carcasses was higher for CR than CTL (67.34% vs. 61. 71%, P = 0.01). Respiratory morbidity (12.20%), and retreatment rate did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.20). In the absence of a beta-agonist, CR steers had higher quality carcasses, and similar ADG and HCW to CTL.

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