EFFECTS OF FEEDING MONENSIN TO HOLSTEIN STEERS

1980 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. McKNIGHT ◽  
L. A. DREVJANY ◽  
G. S. HOOPER

Three experiments were conducted to determine the effects of monensin on feed intake, rate of gain and feed efficiency of a total of 198 Holstein steers. In experiment I, 72 steers were fed ground ear corn and corn silage diets containing 0 (treatment 1), 22 (treatment 2) and 33 (treatment 3) g/tonne DM monensin for 112 days. Treatments 2 and 3 received 11 g/tonne DM monensin for the first 28 days. Daily gains were not significantly different (P > 0.05) throughout the trial and intake was slightly reduced (P > 0.05) with monensin addition. Feed efficiency in treatments 2 and 3 were improved 5.5 and 8.8% respectively, but only treatment 3 was significantly (P < 0.05) better than treatment 1. Rumen fluid from steers fed treatment 3 contained a higher proportion (P < 0.05) of propionic acid and a lower (P < 0.05) A:P ratio than did rumen fluid from treatment 1. Levels of acetic and butyric acid were reduced (P > 0.05) by monensin inclusion. In experiment II, 46 steers were fed hay crop silage and shelled corn diets containing 0 (treatment 1) and 33 g/tonne DM (treatment 2) monensin for 112 days. Gains were slightly (P > 0.05) higher and intake slightly (P > 0.05) lower on treatment 2. Monensin improved (P > 0.05) feed efficiency by 8.5%. In experiment III, 40 purchased and 40 station-reared steers were assigned by origin, in pairs, to 40 Calan electronic headgates. A 23 factorial experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of diet with or without monensin used separately and in combination with progesterone-estradiol implants. Steers were fed a high moisture ear corn and corn silage diet for 84 days. No 3-factor interactions (P > 0.05) were detected. Implant treatments gained significantly (P < 0.05) faster than either control or monensin alone. Intake was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in treatments fed monensin. Feed efficiency was improved (P < 0.05) 16% with both monensin and implant, 10% (P < 0.05) with monensin alone, and 6% (P > 0.05) with implant alone over control.

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 483-491
Author(s):  
L. He ◽  
H. Wu ◽  
Q. Meng ◽  
Z. Zhou

This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, rumen enzymes, and fattening earnings of beef cattle when substituting corn stalk silage with corn silage or corn grain in finishing rations. Forty-five Bohai Black steers were selected and fattened in a three-phase (4 weeks–4 weeks–16 weeks) way with one of three diets based on corn silage (CS), corn stalk silage (SS) without/with equivalent corn grain supplement (SSC), respectively. During the 24-week trial, individual feed intake and body weight were recorded every four weeks. By the end, blood and rumen fluid were sampled, and all the cattle were slaughtered to evaluate carcass performance. There were no significant differences found in the body weight gain, daily feed intake or feed efficiency among different dietary treatments over the whole finishing period except that the cattle fed CS achieved higher weight gain and feed efficiency in Phase 2 than those fed SS or SSC along with a lower feed intake than that of cattle fed SSC. No significant effect was found on the hot carcass weight, chilled carcass weight, dressing percentage, aging loss, loin eye area, and the weights of chuckeye, ribeye, striploin, and tenderloin. The cattle fed CS showed lower blood concentrations of ALT and glucose along with a higher ratio of AST and ALT than those fed SS. The cattle fed SSC also presented a higher activity of avicelase in the rumen fluid and their fattening earnings were approximately $27.50 less than those of the cattle fed CS or SS. These results suggest that substituting corn stalk silage with corn silage or corn grain could not improve animal performance and it is more economical to substitute corn stalk silage with corn silage rather than supplement equivalent corn grain in a high-concentrate finishing ration.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 382-382
Author(s):  
Obioha N Durunna ◽  
Daalkhaijav Damiran ◽  
John R Campbell ◽  
Jeffery A Carroll ◽  
Bart Lardner

Abstract Breeding feed-efficient cattle can reduce the environmental footprint of beef operations but assessing all replacement candidates for feed-intake is not practical due to cost implications. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate if rumen temperature (RumT), measured with wireless rumen Thermobolus® can distinguish steers with different feed-efficiency profiles and whether steers with divergent efficiency profiles have different nutrient fermentation signatures. The study also validated the relationship between rectal temperature (RecT) and RumT measured with automatic thermistors. Residual feed intake (RFI) profiles of 160 steers were measured over two years. All steers were assessed for RFI profiles using high and moderate forage diets, respectively, over two successive periods each year. Each steer was fitted with a rumen Thermobolus® throughout each ~80-d test period while half of the steers wore an automatic temperature-logger rectal device for ~30d. The devices recorded the RumT and RecT every 5 minutes, respectively. Rumen fluid samples were collected from high-RFI (n = 5) and low-RFI (n = 5) steers to assess if differences in rumen fermentation and microbial profiles exist. Circadian-adjusted RumT and RecT for each steer were used for analysis. The within-period correlations between RumT and RecT ranged between 49 and 77%. There was a trend (P = 0.08) that differences exist for rhythm-adjusted temperatures among different RFI profiles with low-RFI steers (39.72±0.01oC) having lower average RumT than those in high (39.75±0.01oC) or medium (39.74±0.01oC) classes. The correlation between the two test-periods for rhythm-adjusted RumT was 65% while the correlation between RFI from both periods was 47%. There was no difference (P &gt; 0.30) between high- and low-RFI animals for the total or individual volatile fatty acid fractions or microbial populations. The narrow temperature variation among RFI classes limits its use as screening tool but the higher across-period correlation encourages the need for further studies into alternative potential applications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 194-195
Author(s):  
Jean-Philippe Marden ◽  
Virginie Marquis ◽  
Kheira Hadjeba Medjdoub ◽  
Marine Lacombe

Abstract Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species known to be the most prevalent contaminants in feedstuffs. In ruminants, contaminated AFB1 feeds usually exhibit symptoms including reduced feed efficiency and milk production and decreased appetite. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of AFB1 on rumen fermentation parameters by using the ANKOM gas production protocol. Rumen fluid was collected from a cannulated dry dairy cow, filtered with cheese-cloth and diluted (1:1) with a standard buffer. Triplicates of 75 mL flasks were fed 0,75g of feed (79% corn silage, 15% alfalfa and 6% concentrates) and inoculated with 0 (blank), 0,2, 0,5, 1 and 2 ppm of AFB1. Flasks were placed in a rotating incubation at 39°C for 96h and connected to ANKOM GP system. After 96h of incubation, the contents of each flask were centrifuged. Supernatants were analyzed for total VFA and AFB1 while precipitates were dried at 104°C for DM disappearance. The experimentation was repeated weekly 3 times and named wk1, 2 and 3. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS using a univariate model. Results showed no significant differences on GP max at 96h among AFB1 concentrations. Only wk 1 showed that higher AFB1 concentration (2 ppm) decreased significantly (P &lt; 0,05) DM disappearance (- 8,2 pts) when compared to the blank. Total VFA contents (75,0 ± 1,6 mM) were not affected by AFB1. Wk 2 and 3 did not show any difference neither on DM disappearance nor on VFA (89,1 ± 1,6 mM; 110,2 ± 4,8 mM). It can be concluded that our in vitro model, GP did not reflect DM disappearance and it can be put forward that rumen fluid with low total VFA concentrations (≤ 75 mM) could be more sensible to AFB1 challenge.


1977 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 769-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. N. MOWAT ◽  
J. W. WILTON ◽  
J. G. BUCHANAN-SMITH

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of monensin with growing and finishing cattle. In experiment 1, 80 Hereford steer calves were fed two different silage rations. With alfalfa silage, monensin increased weight gains (+12%) and feed efficiency (P < 0.05) (+11%). When high moisture (HM) shelled corn was fed along with alfalfa silage, monensin had no effect on weight gains, but increased feed efficiency (P < 0.05) (+12%) largely by decreasing (P > 0.05) feed intake. In experiment 2, 72 steer and heifer crossbred calves were fed corn silage for 112 days followed by high levels of HM shelled corn through to marketing at a constant finish. Over an average total of 258 days on feed, monensin increased (P < 0.05) rate of gain (+9%) as well as feed efficiency (+13%). Monensin produced no effects on carcass characteristics. At least part of the improvement in feed efficiency could be attributed to altered ruminal fermentation. Molar percentage of propionic acid was increased (P < 0.05) and butyric and acetic acid decreased (P < 0.05) with monensin feeding.


1981 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 703-711 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. N. MOWAT ◽  
P. McCAUGHEY ◽  
G. K. MACLEOD

Treatments of high moisture shelled corn were compared in diets containing approximately 60% (dry matter (DM) basis) corn silage. In an initial digestibility trial, treatments were: (1) ensiled, ground; (2) 1.5% (wt/wt) mixture of acetic: propionic acid, whole; (3) 2% (wt/wt DM basis) anhydrous ammonia, whole. Treatments were evaluated with six yearling steers in a double 3 × 3 latin square design. Urea was included in the ensiled and acid-treated corn diets to supply sufficient nitrogen. Ammoniating whole corn resulted in similar starch and energy digestibilities compared to ensiled ground corn. However, a large decrease in starch digestibility occurred with acid-treated whole corn. Digestibility of acid detergent fiber was greater (P < 0.05) with both ammoniated and acid-treated whole than ensiled ground corn. In a feedlot trial, two high moisture corn treatments compared were: (1) ensiled, ground; (2) 3.7% (wt/wt DM basis) urea, whole. Eighty Hereford yearling steers compared the two corn diets each with or without monensin. Temperatures rose steadily within bins plateauing approximately 21/2 wk after storage. The amount of urea that hydrolyzed to ammonia varied depending upon location within bins. A total of 1.4% DM loss occurred during storage. Urea-treatment tended to slightly reduce liveweight gain and feed efficiency. Monensin decreased intake (P < 0.05) and slightly improved feed efficiency (P > 0.05) with both types of corn. Effects of monensin on rumen VFA were similar with both corn diets. Type of corn had no effect on rumen VFA proportions.


1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 1169 ◽  
Author(s):  
DW Hennessy ◽  
PJ Williamson

Twenty Hereford weaner steers and heifers, 9-months-old and of mean liveweight (� s.e.) 152 � 6 kg, were stratified according to sex and liveweight into four groups and assigned to cells in an experimental design which aimed at studying the effects of an increased urea intake on their rumen ammonia concentration, their intake of a low N native pasture hay and on their liveweight change over 49 days. The cattle on the basal hay diet maintained low concentrations of ammonia in rumen fluid (8 mg N/L) during the study and lost weight (at 50 g/day). Urea (as 15, 23, 42 and 53 g head.day) increased significantly (P< 0.01) rumen ammonia concentration (to 152 t 10.9 mg N/L), hay intake in the final 7 days (from 2633 to 3738 � 72 g organic matter/head.day) and liveweight change (to 273 � 33 g/head.day). Hay intake of the cattle increased within 14 days of supplementation with urea which was sprayed onto portions of the hay. Urinary N content, but not faeces, was increased by the urea diets. Urea intakes also increased urea nitrogen concentrations in plasma and saliva which were correlated (r=0.87). Liveweight change was maximized at daily urea intakes of 23 g/head and these gains are discussed in terms of the suitability of urea for Hereford cattle which are fed only low N native pastures


1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 423-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. W. HARVEY ◽  
W. J. CROOM JR. ◽  
K. R. POND ◽  
B. W. HOGARTH ◽  
E. S. LEONARD

Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of high levels of sodium chloride in energy and (or) protein supplements on performance and digestive and metabolic parameters of growing beef cattle. In each trial, 24 Hereford steers averaging 196 kg initial weight were individually fed corn silage or fescue hay plus an energy and (or) protein supplement containing NaCl. Consumption of the low (LS) and high (HS) levels of NaCl was 22–23 g d−1 and 192–193 g d−1, respectively. In Trial 1 the high NaCl supplement tended to reduce gains and feed efficiency of steers fed silage whereas gains were similar for those fed low and high NaCl and fescue hay. In Trial 2, gains and feed efficiencies were similar for both NaCl treatments. Rumen fluid total volatile fatty acid concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) at day 70 of both trials with high NaCl. Steers fed high NaCl had lower rumen ammonia concentrations at days 56 and 70 of Trial 1, while no significant differences were noted at day 70 of Trial 2. Molar percentages of valeric acid were reduced at each sampling with high NaCl diets. Serum Na levels were similar for the two NaCl levels, whereas K levels were increased at day 70 due to high NaCl. Rumen liquid digesta flow rates were increased (P < 0.05) in animals fed the high NaCl supplements, whereas total solid digesta and soybean meal rate of passage were not affected by NaCl level in the supplement. Supplements containing high levels of NaCl do induce changes in rumen function but do not consistently affect animal performance. Key words: Sodium chloride, supplements, beef cattle, corn silage, fescue hay


1970 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 711-715 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. YOUNG ◽  
R. G. BROWN ◽  
B. A. SHARP

Two trials, involving a total of 144 pigs, were conducted to evaluate the effect of corn moisture content and preservation of corn with propionic acid on performance. Treating of corn containing approximately 76% dry matter with 1.5% w/w of propionic acid and storing in bins open to air resulted in no apparent problems in terms of heating or mold growth during storage. Pigs fed high moisture corn gained at a similar rate and had a feed efficiency equal to or better than pigs fed dry corn (90% dry matter). The addition of propionic acid to corn fed to pigs in groups improved rate of gain. A total of 13 pigs in the two trials died due to hemorrhaging the cause of which is unknown, but death did not appear related to dietary treatment.


2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Kousaku Souma ◽  
Peng Wang ◽  
Fumie Kanda ◽  
Hiroaki Igarashi ◽  
Takayoshi Masuko

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