scholarly journals Feeding strategies for improving productivity of growing steers fed grass silage

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-692
Author(s):  
D. R. Ouellet ◽  
L. Faucitano ◽  
D. Pellerin ◽  
M. D’Amours ◽  
R. Berthiaume
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Ground Corn

Two experiments were conducted to determine the relationship between corn particle size and soybean meal treatment on growth, diet digestibility, and nitrogen balance of growing steers. In the first experiment, 40 medium-frame beef steers (250 ± 11 kg) were fed individually for 140 d a diet based on grass silage offered for ad libitum consumption and supplemented with either 3.5 kg of DM d-1 of cracked corn (CC) or ground corn (GC) and with 450 g of DM d-1 of solvent extracted (SS) or lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal (Soypass™ SP). Dry matter intake was not affected by treatments and averaged 8.6 ± 0.3 kg d-1 (P > 0.10). Average daily gain was higher for animals receiving the ground corn than those fed cracked corn. Feed to gain ratio was not affected by treatments. There was an interaction between treatments for plasma urea-N concentration, with source of soybean meal having no effect with CC. When compared with SS, SP supplement reduced plasma urea-N when fed with GC. No effect of soybean meal and its interaction with corn processing was observed on growth performance. In the second experiment four additional steers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate diet digestibility and nitrogen balance. There was an interaction between treatments for starch apparent digestibility and N retained, the values being respectively, 90, 86, 93, and 92% (SEM = 1.2; P < 0.01) and 36, 42, 44 and 41 g d-1 (SEM = 2.8; P < 0.03) for CCSS, CCSP, GCSS and GCSP, respectively. Altogether, the results indicate a slight advantage to reduce particle size of corn in growing steers fed grass silage. However, soybean meal treatment resulted in limited effects on growth and digestion. Key words: Rumen carbohydrate, undegradable protein, performance, steers

Effect of corn particle size and soybean meal treatment on performance of finishing beef steers fed corn-silage-based diets

2010 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.R. Ouellet ◽  
L. Faucitano ◽  
D. Pellerin ◽  
M. D’Amours ◽  
R. Berthiaume
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Amino Acid Profile ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Apparent Digestibility ◽  
Plasma Urea

In the first experiment, 39 medium-frame beef steers (456 ± 41 kg) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effect of different feeding strategies to maximize energy and protein deposition on finishing performance and plasma amino acid profile of beef steers fed corn silage ad libitum for 99 d. To achieve this goal, steers were individually supplemented with either 6.6 kg DM d-1 of cracked corn (CC) or ground corn (GC) in combination with 540 g DM d-1 of either solvent extracted (SS) or lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal (Soypass® SP). Dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed to gain ratio were not affected by treatments or by their interaction (P > 0.10). When compared with SS, SP tended to increase (P = 0.07) grade fat (1.3 and 2.2 ± 0.5 mm, respectively). The CC diets reduced the plasma concentration of branched-chained amino acids (P = 0.03) and leucine (P = 0.01), and tended to decrease that of isoleucine (P = 0.06) compared with the GC diets. No effect of diet was observed on plasma urea-N concentration. In the second experiment, four steers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate digestibility and N balance of the diets used in exp. 1. Reducing particle size of corn increased apparent digestibility of starch (P = 0.01) and tended to reduce apparent digestibility of NDF (P = 0.07). In conclusion, formulating diets with ground or cracked corn in combination with solvent extracted or lignosulfonate-treated soybean meal does not appear to influence steer performance or digestion parameters.

A 'protein bank' of Lotus uliginosus cv. Maku as an alternative to conventional protein supplements for weaned lambs grazing on natural pastures during summer and autumn

2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 27
Author(s):  
L. Piaggio ◽  
M. de J. Marichal ◽  
A. Pastorín
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Protein Supplements ◽  
Natural Pasture ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
Protein Block ◽  
Lotus Uliginosus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of restricted grazing of an improved natural pasture as an alternative to conventional protein supplements for weaned lambs grazing natural pastures during summer–autumn. Two natural pastures that differed in dry matter allowances were used as basal diets. Sixty Corriedale lambs, 3 months old, were divided into 10 homogeneous groups. For each natural pasture, one group of lambs was randomly assigned to one of the following treatments (at 10 lambs/ha): continuous grazing (control); control + protein block (150 g/lamb. day); control + soybean meal (100 g/lamb. day); control + supplemental protein obtained from grazing for 3 h/day a natural pasture improved with Lotus uliginosus cv. Maku; or same as previous, except that grazing was allowed 1 in 3 days. Performance results (final bodyweight, average daily gain, and difference between initial and final body scores) were analysed as a completely randomised block design with subsampling. Lambs grazing 3 h/day or 1 in 3 days on improved pasture or supplemented with soybean meal showed better (P < 0.05) performance than non-supplemented lambs. Lambs consuming the protein block performed similarly (P > 0.05) to control lambs. The experiment demonstrated that feeding strategies using controlled grazing of natural pastures improved with lotus Maku or soybean meal supplementation are effective to achieve target growth rates of weaned lambs grazing natural pastures in summer–autumn.

scholarly journals Rumen fill and digesta kinetics in lactating Friesian cows given two levels of concentrates with two types of grass silage ad lib

1991 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 381-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Gasa ◽  
K. Holtenius ◽  
J. D. Sutton ◽  
M. S. Dhanoa ◽  
D. J. Napper
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Rate Constant ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Fractional Rate ◽  
Fibre Degradation ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Resting Period ◽  
Friesian Cows

Four lactating Friesian cows with permanent cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were given early (EC)- or late (LC)-cut grass silage ad lib., each with either 3 or 9 kg concentrate dry matter (DM)/d in a 4 x 4 Latin square design starting about 10 weeks after calving. Feed was offered twice daily at 08.30 hours and 15.30 hours. Periods lasted 5 weeks and measurements were made in the last 15 d. The higher amount of concentrates increased total DM intake but reduced silage DM intake and the fractional rate of degradation of silage-fibre DM. Later cutting date of silage had no effect on DM intake or the fractional rate of degradation of silage-fibre DM but reduced potential degradability of silage fibre. Dilution rate of CoEDTA in rumen fluid was greater during the day (eating period) than during the night (resting period). Dilution rates measured at the duodenum were lower than those measured in the rumen, but neither was affected by diet. Silage-particle passage rates were measured by use of ytterbium-labelled silage fibre (Yb-fibre) and chromium-mordanted faecal particles (Cr-faeces) and samples were taken at the duodenum and in the faeces. Values for slower rate constant (k1) and transit time were higher and for faster rate constant (k2) were lower for Yb-fibre than for Cr-faeces, but differences in total mean retention time were inconsistent. Values for k1 for both markers and k2 for Yb-fibre only were similar at both sampling sites, but values for k2 for Cr-faeces were lower in the faeces. No diet effects were established with Yb-fibre but, with Cr-faeces, k1 was reduced by more concentrates and EC-silage. Daily mean weights of wet digesta, liquid, neutral-detergent fibre (NDF) and indigestible NDF in the rumen were greater with LC-silage but were unaffected by the amount of concentrates whereas weight of rumen DM was increased by the amount of concentrates only. Maximum rumen fill occurred at 18.00 hours with all diets. Particle-size distribution of rumen contents did not vary markedly during the day. Mean particle size was generally greater with LC-silage than EC-silage. Very small particles, passing through the 0.3 mm screen, constituted about half the rumen DM. It is concluded that rumen fill could have limited intake of LC-silage but not EC-silage. The reduced silage intake with greater concentrate intake was associated with a reduction in fibre degradation rate and an increase in rumen DM fill but no other consistent effects on weight or kinetics of rumen fractions were established.

Effect of feed restriction on plasma concentration of hormones and metabolites in steers fed grass silage

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 553-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Ouellet ◽  
J. R. Seoane ◽  
J. F. Bernier ◽  
H. Lapierre
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Feed Restriction ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Boot Stage ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Daily Gain

Plasma concentrations of hormones and metabolites were measured in growing steers to establish their relation with degree of feed restriction. Sixty medium frame beef steers (259 ± 29 kg) were divided in groups of five and fed during 3 mo either timothy (T) or bromegrass (B) harvested at stem elongation of the first cut or at boot stage of the aftermath. Forages were fed at one of three levels of intake: ad libitum (FF), 80% of FF, or 65% of FF. Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH), insulin, glucagon, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose and nonesterfied fatty acids (NEFA) were measured on day 1 and day 78 before the morning meal. The effect of a meal on GH, insulin, glucagon, IGF-1, glucose and NEFA concentrations was also determined in 24 steers sampled from 3 h before to 3 h after a meal. Severity of feed restriction resulted in a linear decrease (P < 0.05) of plasma glucagon (0.139, 0.130, 0.121 ± 0.005 ng mL–1) and IGF-1 (109, 98, 84 ± 7 ng mL–1). Insulin concentration tended to be affected quadratically (0.37, 0.35, 0.27 ± 0.04ng mL–1 for FF, 80% of FF and 65% of FF, respectively, P < 0.10). Ingestion of a meal resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) of GH, NEFA and glucose, and an increase of insulin concentrations (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation (r = 0.53, P < 0.05) between IGF-1 and average daily gain, and lipid percentage of carcasses suggesting that IGF-1 is related to growth rate and fat accumulation in growing steers. Key words: Feed restriction, growth hormone, insulin, IGF-I, metabolites, grass silage

Effects of sodium bentonite supplements on growth performance of feedlot steers fed direct-cut or wilted grass silage based diets

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 631-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Berthiaume ◽  
M. Ivan ◽  
C. Lafrenière
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Sodium Bentonite ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Feedlot Steers ◽  
Dietary Components ◽  
Daily Gain

Forty crossbred steers (initial liveweight: 339 ± 41 kg) were assigned to four equal groups in a 98-d feeding experiment to determine the effects of sodium bentonite supplements (2% of dietary dry matter) on their growth performance. The steers were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration based on direct-cut (two groups) or wilted (two groups) grass silage. One group of steers fed the same silage received the diet without supplementation (control), while the second group received the diet with the sodium bentonite supplement. The steers were housed in pens with electronic headgates in an unheated enclosed feedlot. Feed intake was recorded throughout the experiment and weighing conducted every 2 wk. Apparent digestibilities of dietary components were determined with four steers in a parallel 4 × 4 Latin square experiment. Feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and the efficiency of feed utilization were higher (P < 0.05) in steers fed wilted than in those fed the poorly fermented direct-cut grass silage. Bentonite increased (P = 0.04) ADG in steers fed the direct-cut grass silage, but in those fed the wilted grass silage ADG was virtually the same for both the control or the bentonite-supplemented steers. Except for energy, digestibility of nutrients was superior (P ≤ 0.05) in the wilted than in the direct-cut grass silage, but there were no effects (P > 0.05) of bentonite. It was concluded that it may be useful to supplement poorly fermented direct-cut silage diets with sodium bentonite, but not those based on wilted grass silage. Key words: Feedlot steers, sodium bentonite, grass silage, growth performance

scholarly journals Effect of carbohydrates in grass silage-based diets on in sacco ruminal degradability of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Lomerit) grain ground to different particle sizes

2009 ◽  
Vol 54 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 260-269
Author(s):  
B. Niwińska
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Particle Sizes ◽  
Rumen Degradation ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Degradation Rates ◽  
Size Interaction ◽  
In Sacco

The effect of carbohydrates included in grass silage-based diets on <I>in sacco</I> degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and cellulose (CE) of barley (<I>Hordeum vulgare</I> L. cv. Lomerit) grain ground to different particle sizes was studied using 3 ruminally cannulated cows. The measurements were carried out as a 3 × 2 Latin square design with treatments being carbohydrates in the concentrate portion of diets (starch in diet I vs. pectin in diet II vs. sucrose in diet III) and particle size of ground barley grain (1.0 vs. 5.7 mm). The diet synchronization index between N and energy supply during the day was an average of 0.8. The rumen degradability of barley grain compounds was influenced by the type of carbohydrates included in grass silage-based diets. Higher rumen degradation rates (<I>P</I> < 0.05) of barley CP, NDF and CE after 8 h of incubation and of CP and CE after 16 h of incubation were found in the rumen of cows receiving the diet containing sucrose compared with degradation rates found in the rumen of cows receiving the diet containing pectin or starch. The effective degradability of DM, CP, NDF and CE of barley grain in the rumen of cows receiving diets I, II and III was similar (77, 74, 39 and 41%, respectively). Replacing barley starch or beet pulp pectin with molasses sucrose in the grass silage-based diet resulted in the higher rate of barley CP, NDF and CE degradation after 8 h of incubation and of CP and CE after 16 h of incubation. It seems that the energy availability from carbohydrates affected the ruminal microbial activity as a consequence of the degradation rate of substrates. Higher (<I>P</I> < 0.01) rumen degradability of CP, NDF and CE after 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h of incubation was estimated for 1.0 mm particle size in comparison with that found for grain ground to 5.7 mm particle size, and the degradability of CP after 48 h of incubation was not different (<I>P</I> > 0.05). The degradability of barley grain CP, NDF and CE during incubation time was not influenced by the diet composition by particle size interaction (<I>P</I> > 0.05). The increase in barley grain particle size from 1.0 to 5.7 mm slowed down the rumen digestion of barley DM, CP, NDF and CE, probably due to restricted access to microbial digestion.

scholarly journals PSV-15 Effects of isoquinoline alkaloids on growth performance and blood characteristics of weanling pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 199-200
Author(s):  
Carly Rundle ◽  
Valeria Artuso-Ponte ◽  
Hans H Stein
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Soybean Meal ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Isoquinoline Alkaloids ◽  
Weanling Pigs ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Blood Characteristics

Abstract An experiment was conducted to determine effects of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) on growth performance and blood characteristics of weanling pigs fed corn-soybean meal-based diets. A total of 160 pigs (6.33 ± 0.61 kg) were allotted to 4 corn-soybean meal-based treatments, with 4 pigs per pen and 10 replicate pens per treatment. A 3-phase feeding program was used with d 0 to 8 as phase 1, d 8 to 21 as phase 2, and d 21 to 34 as phase 3. Within each phase, the 4 diets were identical except for the inclusion of IQ in the feed: 0, 90, 180, or 360 mg IQ/kg complete feed. Pig weights and the feed left in the feeders were recorded on the last d of each phase to calculate average daily gain and average gain:feed ratio. A blood sample was collected from 1 pig per pen on d 8, 21, and 34. Data were analyzed by linear and quadratic contrasts using the Proc MIXED of SAS with coefficients for unequally spaced treatments being generated from Proc IML. Results indicated that there were no differences among treatments in growth performance over the entire experimental period (Table 1). A quadratic increase (P < 0.05) of total protein in plasma was observed in phase 1, with the highest value in plasma of pigs fed the 180 mg/kg IQ diet, and there was a tendency for plasma urea N to increase in phases 2 and 3 (linear; P = 0.07) if IQ was added to the diet. In conclusion, although IQ supplementation did not effect overall growth performance, results indicate that absorption of amino acids was likely improved by inclusion of IQ in the diets as evidenced by the increased plasma urea nitrogen and increased total protein in plasma.

scholarly journals Effects of utilizing cotton byproducts in a finishing diet on beef cattle performance, carcass traits, fecal characteristics, and plasma metabolites

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea L Warner ◽  
Paul A Beck ◽  
Andrew P Foote ◽  
Kaitlyn N Pierce ◽  
Colton A Robison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Feed Ratio ◽  
Plasma Metabolites ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Marbling Score ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Whole Cottonseed

Abstract Increased cotton production in the Southwestern United States has increased the availability of cotton byproducts for use in cattle diets. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the inclusion of cotton byproducts in feedlot finishing diets on the performance, carcass traits, fecal characteristics, and plasma metabolites of steers. Crossbred beef steers (n = 64; BW = 318 ± 12.3 kg) were assigned to 1 of 2 experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design (8 pens per treatment; 4 steers per pen). Treatments included a control (CON) diet, which included prairie hay, Sweet Bran, rolled corn, and a corn steep and molasses-based liquid fat supplement, and a cotton byproduct (CTN) diet, which included cotton gin trash, whole cottonseed, rolled corn, and water. Both diets contained urea and dry supplement. Over the entire feeding period, DMI (P = 0.04) was greater for CTN steers than CON steers with no difference in the gain to feed ratio (P = 0.86) between treatments. The CTN steers tended to have heavier final BW (P = 0.09) and greater overall average daily gain (P = 0.08). The CTN steers had heavier hot carcass weight (P = 0.02) and greater fat thickness (P = 0.03) than CON steers, but marbling score and rib eye area were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.64). Steers fed the CON diet tended to have a lower yield grade (P = 0.07), less kidney, pelvic and heart fat (P = 0.09), and decreased dressing percentage (P = 0.10) than CTN steers. Liver scores did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) between treatments. Fecal consistency scores were decreased for CTN steers on day 56 (P = 0.03) and fecal pH tended to be greater for the CTN steers on day 28 (P = 0.09) compared with CON steers, but neither differed during other periods (P ≥ 0.18). A treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04) was detected for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations, where PUN concentrations differed between treatments only on days 28 and 56. On both days 28 and 56, CTN steers had lower PUN concentrations (P = 0.03, P = 0.002, respectively). No treatment × day interaction was detected for plasma glucose or lactate concentrations. A day effect was observed for both metabolites (P &lt; 0.01). Results from this experiment suggest that cotton byproducts can be effectively used as a source of fiber, fat, and protein in feedlot rations without adverse effects on performance or carcass characteristics.

PSIV-8 Effect of pre-grazing herbage mass, post-grazing sward height and finishing diet on performance of late-maturing beef steers

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 296-296
Author(s):  
Peter R Doyle ◽  
Mark McGee ◽  
Aidan P Moloney ◽  
Alan K Kelly ◽  
Edward G O’Riordan
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Sward Height ◽  
Herbage Intake ◽  
Animal Growth ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Grazing sward structure can influence animal performance in forage-only and forage plus concentrate-based production systems. The objective was to determine the effects of pre-grazing herbage mass (PGHM), post-grazing sward height (PGSH) and indoor finishing diet on performance of weaned, spring-born beef steers. Steers (n = 96, ca. 12 months of age, 396 ± 20.1 kg) previously fed grass silage only over the first winter, were assigned to one of twelve grazing groups, balanced for live weight. Grazing groups were randomly assigned to a two PGHM (1500 or 2500 kg DM/ha) × two PGSH (4 or 6 cm) factorial arrangement of treatments (n = 3 groups/treatment). Steers rotationally grazed Lolium perenne-dominant swards (not mechanically topped) for 222 days. Steers were then accommodated indoors and offered grass silage only (SO) or grass silage + 3.8 kg concentrate DM/head daily (SC) for a 146 day finishing period. Data were analysed using the mixed procedure of SAS with terms for PGHM, PGSH, finishing diet and their interactions in the model. Grazed herbage intake was unaffected by PGHM but was greater for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (6.94 vs. 6.18 kg DM/day; P &lt; 0.001). Steer average daily gain at pasture was greater for PGHM-1500 than PGHM-2500 (0.65 vs. 0.60 kg; P &lt; 0.05) and for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (0.70 vs. 0.55 kg; P &lt; 0.001). After indoor finishing, carcass weight was unaffected by PGHM, but was heavier for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4 (386 vs. 367 kg; P &lt; 0.01); carcass traits were unaffected by PGHM or PGSH. Carcasses were heavier (+43 kg), fatter (P &lt; 0.001) and more conformed (P &lt; 0.01) for SC than SO. In conclusion, both PGHM-2500 and PGSH-4 restricted animal growth at pasture; however, following an indoor finishing period, carcass weight did not differ between PGHM, but was heavier for PGSH-6 than PGSH-4.

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