76 Growth and Health of Limousin Crossbred Dairy-beef Calves in an Automated Feeding System

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 115-116
Author(s):  
Brad J Heins ◽  
Kirsten Sharpe

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine growth and health of Limousin crossbred dairy-beef calves fed alternative milk allowances in an automated group feeding system. The study was conducted at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center’s, Morris, MN dairy. Forty-eight Limousin-sired crossbred calves were assigned to feeding groups by birth order during two calving seasons from September to December 2019 and March to July 2020. Calves were introduced to the Holm & Laue HL100 Programmable Calf Feeder (Holm & Laue GmbH & Co KG, Westerronfeld, Germany) at 5 d and were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Treatments for calves were 8 L/d (8L) or ad libitum (AL) milk allowance. Calves were weaned from the automated feeder at 56 d. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Independent variables for analyses were the fixed effects of season of birth, sex of calf (M or F), treatment group and sex of calf nested within season of birth was a random effect. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between 8L or AL groups for birth weight. The AL calves (109.4 kg) had higher (P < 0.01) weaning weight than 8L calves (95.3 kg). Furthermore, the AL calves had higher (P < 0.01) hip height (95.6 cm) and greater (P < 0.01) heart girth (110.2) compared with 8L calves (93.8 cm and 104.8 cm, respectively). The AL calves (1.14 kg/d) had higher average daily gain at weaning compared to 8L calves (0.91 kg/d). Males calves were not different (P = 0.39) for average daily gain compared to female calves (1.07 kg/d versus 0.98 kg/d). Drinking speeds of AL calves were lesser (P < 0.05; 1,222 mL/min) than the 8L calves (1,453 mL/min). The AL calves and 8L calves were not different for hygiene scores or health scores. The results from this study indicate advantages to feeding dairy-beef calves ad libitum whole milk during the pre-weaning period.

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipe Moriel

Calves can be preconditioned using a wide variety of supplemental feed ingredients. However, feed ingredient selection is not the only factor to consider during a preconditioning process. Increasing the protein supply to stressed, preconditioning beef steers led to greater growth performance, and increased immune response to vaccination during a 42-day preconditioning period. Producers should not reduce the frequency of concentrate supplementation during the entire preconditioning period as it might lead to poorer vaccine response and average daily gain (consequently, less calf value at sale). However, a gradual reduction of frequency of supplementation is a supplementation strategy that can overcome these negative effects on growth and immunity, and allows producers to save on feeding and labor costs without producing lighter calves that have weaker immune responses.  


Author(s):  
Angela Cividini ◽  
Dušan Terčič ◽  
Mojca Simčič

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of feeding system on the growth rate and carcass quality of crossbred Improved Jezersko-Solčava x Texel (JSRT) lambs and to evaluate the effect of sex on these traits. The trial was conducted in nature according to the traditional rearing systems. The trial included 44 crossbred lambs, which were born and reared until the slaughter in three different flocks. In the age of 10 days suckled lambs were offered with ad libitum corresponding diets according to the feeding system. All lambs were slaughtered in seven consecutive days by the same procedure. The effect of feeding system significantly affected daily gain from birth to slaughter, EUROP carcass conformation and shoulder width. Likewise, the effect of sex significantly affected daily gain from birth to slaughter and internal fatness of carcasses. According to carcass cuts the feeding system significantly affected only the proportion of neck and leg. Considering meat quality traits, feeding system had a significant effect on the pH 45 and CIE a* values. In this study, we could speculate that more than the feeding system the growth and the carcass traits as well as meat traits were affected by the amount of the supplement.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 70-71
Author(s):  
Julia P Holen ◽  
Robert D Goodband ◽  
Mike D Tokach ◽  
Jason C Woodworth ◽  
Joel M DeRouchey

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing levels of soybean meal (SBM) replacing feed grade amino acids in corn or corn-dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS)-based diets on growth performance of late finishing pigs. In both experiments, there were 22 to 27 pigs per pen and 14 pens per treatment. Average length of the experiments was 35 (Exp. 1) and 29 days (Exp. 2). Diets were balanced to contain 0.70% SID Lys and 2,667 or 2,610 kcal NE/kg for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Minimum amino acid ratios relative to Lys were: Ile, 55; Met&Cys, 60; Thr, 65; Trp, 19.5, and Val, 70. Dietary crude protein ranged from 10.1 to 15.2 for Exp. 1 and 13.6 to 19.4 for Exp. 2. The statistical model considered fixed effects of treatment, linear and quadratic contrasts, and random effect of block. In Exp.1, 1,793 pigs (L337×1050, PIC; initially 104.9 ± 1.4 kg) were fed corn-based diets and pens of pigs were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with increasing SBM from 5 to 20%. Overall, average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed (G:F) increased (linear; P < 0.05) as SBM increased with the greatest improvement observed as SBM increased from 5 to 8.75%, with little improvement thereafter. In Exp. 2, 1,827 pigs (L337×1050, PIC; initially 97.9 ± 1.1 kg) were used in a similar study as Exp. 1, but all diets contained 25% DDGS and SBM levels increased from 0 to 16%. Overall, G:F and final bodyweight of pigs marginally improved (linear and quadratic, respectively; P < 0.10) as SBM increased, with the greatest performance observed when diets contained 8% SBM. These results suggest that increasing SBM up to 8% at the expense of feed grade amino acids in corn or corn-DDGS-based diets improved ADG or G:F in late-finishing pigs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 94-95
Author(s):  
Kelsie Webb ◽  
Ronald J Trotta ◽  
Phillip Bridges ◽  
James Matthews

Abstract To test the hypothesis that average daily gain (ADG) and clinical parameters of steers grazing novel non-toxic (NTE) or toxic KY-31 (TE) endophyte-infected tall fescue would be improved by ad libitum intake of vitamin-mineral mixes (V-M) that contain 27 ppm Se as a 1:1 blend of SELPLEX:sodium selenite (MIX) vs sodium selenite (ISe), 32 TE-naïve beef steers depleted of Se were randomly assigned to ad libitum consumption ISe vs MIX for 35 d and fed enough of a NTE/alfalfa/grain diet to achieve 0.57 kg BW gain/d. Within Se-form treatments, 2 steers were randomly assigned to each of 4, 2-acre NTE (ISe = 316 ± 31 kg, MIX = 315 ± 22 kg) or TE (ISe = 316 ± 37 kg, MIX = 314 ± 39 kg) paddocks for 84 d and had ad libitum access to their respective V-M. The MIXED procedure of SAS was used to assess effects of day, Se-form (ISe, MIX) and endophyte (NTE, TE) treatments, and their interactions. Whole blood Se decreased (P < 0.01) 31% from d 0 to 84 and was 6.2% greater (P < 0.01) for MIX steers. Serum prolactin decreased (P < 0.01) 18% for NTE and 48% for TE steers from d 0 to 84 and was 17% greater (P = 0.01) for MIX vs. ISe TE steers. Alkaline phosphatase activity (AP) decreased (P < 0.02) 27% from d 0 to 84 and was 15% greater (P < 0.02) for MIX steers. Serum urea nitrogen increased (P < 0.02) 8.2% from d 0 to 84 for TE but not NTE steers. Average daily gain (kg/d) was less (P < 0.01) in TE (-0.18) vs NTE (0.09) steers. We conclude that the ad libitum intake of MIX ameliorated the negative effects of consuming TE on serum prolactin and AP but not ADG.


2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 144-145
Author(s):  
Susan K Duckett ◽  
Jacob Cathcart ◽  
Austin Cathcart ◽  
Zach Dantzler ◽  
Hunter Dove ◽  
...  

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate use of the Super SmartFeeder (SSF; C-Lock, Inc.) for individual versus group supplementation of heifers grazing stockpiled, novel tall fescue. In experiment 1, Angus heifers (n = 64; 267 + 31.7 kg) had access to the SSF and were allowed 3.6 kg/d of grower supplement. Individual intake was recorded daily and analyzed to determine adoption. Twenty-four percent of the heifers did not adopt to individual SSF supplementation (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, heifers (n = 64; BW= 275 + 31.3 kg) were allotted, based on adoption to SSF, to supplementation system of group feeding (n = 2 reps/level; GRP) or SSF precision feeding (n =16/level; PRE) at two levels (0.5% or 1% of BW) for 127-d in a 2 x 2 factorial. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure. The interaction between supplementation level and feeding system tended to be significant (P = 0.10) for overall ADG. Average daily gain was greater for 1% BW than 0.5% BW (0.81 vs. 0.47 kg/d) for PRE but did not differ for GRP (0.69 kg/d). Daily supplement dry matter intake differed (P < 0.05) by supplementation level and total BW gain was greater (P < 0.05) by 24.3 kg for 1% versus 0.5% supplementation level. Ultrasound ribeye area and fat thickness measures were greater (P < 0.05) for 1% BW supplement compared to 0.5% BW at the end of the 127d study. When PRE was analyzed independently, heifer BW differed (P < 0.05) on d 91, 117 and 127 between supplement levels. The correlation between individual heifer daily supplement intake and overall ADG for PRE was 0.68 (P < 0.0001). The use of technology to precisely control intake in a grazing system created greater divergence in growth by supplementation level compared to group feeding systems.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgan E Biggs ◽  
Kellie A Kroscher ◽  
Lidan D Zhao ◽  
Zhenhe Zhang ◽  
Emma H Wall ◽  
...  

Abstract Pigs exposed to elevated ambient temperatures exhibit reduced daily gain, alterations in muscle and fat deposition, and decreased health. Negative aspects of gastrointestinal (GI) function, integrity, and permeability also occur. High-intensity sweeteners can ameliorate the negative effects of heat stress (HS) by increasing GI glucagon-like peptide-2 production while capsicum oleoresin has been shown to reduce inflammatory response. The effects of an artificial high-intensity sweetener and capsicum oleoresin (CAPS-SUC; TakTik X-Hit, Pancosma, Switzerland) on growth performance of pigs were examined. Forty-eight pigs (12 wk of age, 43.2 ± 4.3 kg) were assigned to six treatments: thermoneutral conditions (21 ± 1.1 °C; 40% to 70% relative humidity) fed ad libitum with (TN+) or without supplement (TN−), heat stress (35 ± 1 °C; 20% to 40% relative humidity) fed ad libitum with (HS+) or without supplement (HS−), and thermoneutral conditions pair-fed to HS intake with (PFTN+) or without supplement (PFTN−). Supplementation (0.1 g/kg feed) began 2 d prior to the 3-d environmental treatment period. Body weights (BWs) and blood samples were collected on days −1 and 3. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured thrice daily and the feed intake (FI) was recorded daily. Intestinal sections were collected for histology. Pigs in HS conditions exhibited increased RT (~1.2 °C) and RR (~2.7-fold) compared with TN and PFTN groups (P < 0.01). HS+ animals had increased RR when compared with HS− animals (P < 0.02). Heat stress decreased FI compared with TN. HS and PFTN decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain compared with TN. Supplement did not alter the BW gain. HS and PFTN decreased (P < 0.05) Gain:Feed compared with TN during environmental treatment. Supplementation with CAPS–SUC increased Gain:Feed by 0.12 (P < 0.05). Circulating glucose concentrations tended to decrease in CAPS–SUC vs. non-supplemented HS and PFTN animals (P ≤ 0.1). Circulating insulin concentrations as well as monocyte count increased in HS compared with PFTN (P < 0.04) but did not differ from TN and likely linked to altered FI. CAPS–SUC increased basophil count (P < 0.02), irrespective of environment. Ileal villus height tended to decrease during HS and PFTN compared with TN (P < 0.08), indicating an effect of intake. Overall, CAPS–SUC supplementation increased pig feed efficiency and may improve immune response.


1996 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
RC Malik ◽  
MA Razzaque ◽  
S Abbas ◽  
T Al-Mutawa ◽  
N Al-Khozam

The reproductive performance under intensive management of Border Leicester x Merino (BLM), Dorset x Merino (DM), and Suffolk x Merino (SM) ewes imported from Australia, and local fat-tailed Naeemi (N) ewes mated to N rams was studied. Progeny performance for birth and weaning weights, average daily gain (ADG) and preweaning survival was also evaluated. BLM ewes showed the highest reproductive performance. They produced and weaned (at 8 weeks) significantly more lambs (P<0.05) than any of the other ewe genotypes. The reproductive performance of the BLM, N, DM and SM ewes, mated twice, 8 months apart, was 127, 85, 91 and 85 respectively for percentage of lambs born to ewes joined, 109, 72, 77 and 70 respectively for percentage of lambs weaned to ewes joined, and 17.8, 13.5, 12.1 and 11.6 kg respectively of lamb weaned per ewe joined over the period of 13 months from the first joining until last lambs weaned. The effect of season on ewe reproduction was significant. Birth weight was not influenced by genotype or season but did change significantly with litter size. Genetic group, litter size, season of birth and birth weight were significant sources of variation in the ADG and weaning weight of the lamb. N x BLM lambs were weaned at significantly heavier weights than lambs of the remaining 3 groups. Season of birth and birth weight also significantly affected preweaning lamb survival. About 86% of the lambs born alive were weaned with little difference between genetic groups in survival rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 48-49
Author(s):  
Charles A Zumbaugh ◽  
Adam R Murray ◽  
Taylor A Langford ◽  
Olivia M Claire ◽  
Thomas B Wilson

Abstract This experiment compared the performance response of supplementing corn gluten feed (CGF) or corn to calves grazing stockpiled tall fescue pastures over a 70-d period. Forty-four Angus x Simmental calves (238 ± 4 kg) were stratified across 6 treatments by BW and sex in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Calves were supplemented cracked corn (n = 16) or CGF (n = 18). Calves were housed in 2 pastures and supplemented individually using the SmartFeed Pro feeding system, with all treatments represented in each pasture. Supplement DMI was programmed at 0.59, 0.87, or 1.13% BW. Calves which failed to train to the feeding system (n = 10) were treated as an un-supplemented control. Weight and flesh condition score (FCS) were recorded every 14-d, and ultrasound 12th rib fat thickness (FT) was measured on d 0 and 70. Data were analyzed with PROC GLM in SAS with supplement type as a main effect, sex as a fixed effect, and group as a random effect. Individual supplement DMI was included in the model as a covariate rather than a main effect due to high variation. Significance was defined at P ≤ 0.05 and means were separated using LSD. Initial BW, FCS, and FT were similar (P ≥ 0.12) among treatments. No differences (P ≥ 0.25) were observed in supplement DMI throughout the experiment. No differences (P ≥ 0.64) were observed in ADG and supplement G:F through 14 d. Through d 28 to 70, CGF-fed calves had greater (P ≤ 0.03) ADG and supplement G:F relative to corn-fed calves. Final FCS was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for CGF-supplemented calves relative to those supplemented corn, though FT was not different (P = 0.87). These data indicate that supplementing CGF rather than corn yields a greater performance response in beef calves grazing stockpiled tall fescue.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 1297
Author(s):  
Bruna Silva Marestone ◽  
Carolina Amália Souza Dantas Muniz ◽  
Edson Luis de Azambuja Ribeiro ◽  
Sandra Maria Simonelli

We aimed to evaluate environmental effects on pre-weaning traits of Santa Gertrudis cattle. We used 213 standardized records for adjusted 205-day weight at weaning (W205), average daily gain from birth to weaning (AGD), and number of days to gain 160 kg from birth to weaning (D160), obtained from the Santa Gertrudis Breeders' Association for animals born between 1990 and 1997. The files were edited with information regarding cow age at calving (CAC) and contemporary group (CG), for which the effects of year and season of birth, animal category, herd, and sex were considered. It was observed that cow age at calving, which had linear and quadratic effects, and effect of contemporary group were significant (P < 0.0001) for the evaluated traits. Estimated averages were 198.05 ± 40.64 kg, 0.790 ± 0.198 kg day-1, and 288.05 ± 67.18 days for W205, ADG, and D160, respectively. Males were 4.67 kg heavier (197.17 kg) than females, on average. Regarding the animal category effect, the classified females were 2.3% heavier than the unclassified, on average. On average, animals born in the dry season were 1.6% lighter than those born in the rainy season (197.18 kg). Thus, environmental effects are important and should be considered in any analysis model.


1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. E. BROWN ◽  
R. R. HACKER ◽  
G. J. KING

Twenty-four 6-wk-old pigs were housed in individual metabolism cages and exposed for 6 wk to either 2 C or 20 C with ad libitum feed and water. The pigs at 20 C and 2 C had an average daily gain (ADG) of 544 g and 343 g (P < 0.01), respectively. Feed consumption was similar for both treatments, with feed:gain ratios being significantly lower in the 20 C group during the 1st and 3rd 2-wk periods. Spleen and kidney weights were a larger percent of ingesta-free body weight in pigs housed at 2 C. The percent body weight of livers, thyroids, testicles, seminal vesicles and bulbo-urethral glands were not statistically different between 20 C and 2 C housed pigs. Body protein and ash were 5 and 1.3% lower in the 2 C pigs. Differences in plasma ACTH between treatments within day were significant. Consistently lower levels of plasma ACTH were obtained from pigs housed at 2 C.


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