143 Effect of Supplementary Selenium Source on Dairy Cow Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Apparent Absorption and Retention

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 80-80
Author(s):  
Keira M Cruickshank ◽  
Bayissa Hatew ◽  
Amanda M Gehman ◽  
Karen M Koenig ◽  
Eduardo S Ribeiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Fecal Excretion ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Apparent Absorption ◽  
Cow Performance

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine how source of selenium (Se) affects dairy cow performance, antioxidant status, and apparent absorption and retention. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 24; 597 ± 49 kg BW) were blocked by days in milk (161 ± 18) and randomly assigned to receive 0.3 mg/kg of either: 1) organic Se (selenized yeast; ORG; Sel-Plex-Alltech); or, 2) inorganic Se (sodium selenite; INO) premix, top dressed and mixed into a ration daily. After an 11-week adaptation period (blood and milk sampled monthly), cows received an intraruminal dose of Se77 (either Se77 yeast or NaSe77O3) followed by a 4-day period of blood and rumen fluid sampling, and total collection of feces, urine, and milk. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS with fixed effects of treatment, time, and their interaction, and random effect of block. Daily DMI (23 ± 0.6 kg), milk yield (35 ± 1.2 kg), plasma glutathione peroxidase (64 ± 4.2 U), and serum Se (0.11 ± 0.003 µg/g) were not different between treatments during the adaptation period. Serum Se77 maximum concentration and area under the curve (AUC) were not different between treatments for 72 hours following infusion, but rumen fluid Se77 AUC was higher (P = 0.02) for ORG cows. Apparent absorption (64 ± 1.3%) and retention (44 ± 1.5%) of the Se77 dose did not differ between treatments. The ORG cows had lower urinary excretion (13 vs. 17 ± 0.6%; P < 0.01), higher milk excretion (6 vs. 2 ± 0.3%; P < 0.01), and similar fecal excretion (36 ± 1.3%; P = 0.9) of Se77 compared to INO cows. These results indicate that ORG Se increased Se content of milk and decreased Se excretion in urine, but did not alter performance, antioxidant status, and apparent absorption and retention of Se in mid-lactation cows.

The influence of long-term dietary inclusion of the antibiotic Actaplanin on dairy cow performance

1988 ◽  
Vol 1988 ◽  
pp. 110-110
Author(s):  
M.M. Abubakar ◽  
P. Rowlinson
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Increase Milk Production ◽  
Cow Performance ◽  
A Performance

The antibiotic Actaplanin is a complex of glycopeptide compounds produced by Actinoplanes missourrensis. When included in feed as a performance enhancer it has been shown to increase milk production of dairy cows (McGuffey et al. 1983). Actaplanin is associated with reduced proportions of acetate and increased proportions of propionate in rumen fluid and a depression in milk fat proportion may result (Clapperton et al. 1987). The aim of the trial reported here was to monitor the effects of feeding 960 mg Actaplanin/head/d to dairy cows throughout two successive lactations.

Increasing magnesium intakes in relation to magnesium absorption in dry cows

2004 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surasak Jittakhot ◽  
J Thomas Schonewille ◽  
Hugo Wouterse ◽  
Anton WJ Uijttewaal ◽  
Chalermpon Yuangklang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Apparent Absorption ◽  
Post Feeding ◽  
Saturation Kinetics ◽  
Kinetics Of

Earlier studies with temporarily isolated rumen of heifers show saturation kinetics of Mg efflux across the rumen wall. Therefore, we hypothesized that high Mg intakes would not further increase the rate of Mg absorption in cows. To test our hypothesis, six ruminally fistulated non-pregnant dry cows were given diets with different Mg concentrations in a 6×6 Latin square design. Desired concentrations of Mg were attained by adding MgO to the basal diet and the Mg concentrations in the total rations were 3·8, 6·4, 9·1, 11·8, 14·1 and 17·3 g Mg/kg dry matter, which provided Mg intakes of 27·1, 44·6, 64·6, 83·5, 100·4 and 124·3 g/d, respectively. Increasing Mg intakes were associated with increased (P<0·001) faecal Mg excretion. However, apparent Mg absorption expressed as g/d was not significantly different for Mg intakes from 100·4 to 124·3 g/d while Mg absorption expressed as a proportion of intake was not significantly different for Mg intakes ranging from 64·6 to 124·3 g/d. Mg concentrations in rumen fluid after feeding increased (P<0·001) with increasing Mg intakes. Apparent absorption of Mg appeared to become saturated at a ruminal Mg concentration of 17·5 mM (Mg intake of 83·5 g/d). Group-mean post-feeding concentrations of Mg and Na in rumen fluid were significantly correlated (Pearson's r=−0·96; P=0·003, n=6). This study showed that under conditions of practical dairy cow feeding, Mg absorption was maximal at Mg intakes [ges ]84 g/d.

scholarly journals PSI-4 Effects of increasing metabolizable protein on starch digestion in lightweight beef cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 226-226
Author(s):  
Cierra Crowell ◽  
Sara Tondini ◽  
Miles Redden ◽  
Daniel W Shike ◽  
Joshua C McCann
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Beef Steers ◽  
Starch Digestion ◽  
Stomach Tube ◽  
Metabolizable Protein ◽  
D 12 ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effect of increasing MP on starch digestion in lightweight beef steers. Greater provision of metabolizable protein (MP) may increase RUP and aid in pancreatic amylase production for optimum digestion of starch in the small intestine. Twelve crossbred steers were early weaned and used in a crossover design with two 18-day periods and 4 dietary treatments. Lightweight steers (BW = 153 kg) were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence for the 2 periods. Diets provided MP at: 0.59 (MP1), 0.69 (MP2), 0.85 (MP3), and 0.91 kg/d (MP4) based on observed DMI. Additional MP was provided through greater inclusion of blood meal. Feed and total feces were collected on d 12-18 to determine total tract starch digestion. Rumen fluid was sampled prior to feeding on d 17 via stomach tube to assess in vitro starch disappearance over 8 h for each steer. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS with fixed effects of treatment and period, and a random effect of steer. Starch intake was not affected (P = 0.18) by treatment with MP1 and MP4 having similar starch intake values (3.3 kg/d and 3.1 kg/d, respectively). In vitro starch disappearance and final in vitro pH were not affected (P ≥ 0.18) by increasing MP. Similarly, fecal starch output was not different (P = 0.65) among treatments with MP1 treated steers having 0.21 kg/d of starch output and MP4 steers having 0.18 kg/d of starch output. Low fecal starch output values resulted in high total tract starch digestion ranging from 90-96% and were not affected (P = 0.52) by treatment. Overall, increasing dietary MP did not affect ruminal in vitro or total tract starch digestion.

scholarly journals 226 Influence of trace mineral source on digestion, ruminal volatile fatty acid and soluble mineral on steers fed a dairy type diet balanced to meet requirements for a high producing lactating dairy cow

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 133-134
Author(s):  
Octavio Guimaraes ◽  
John Wagner ◽  
Jerry Spears ◽  
Terry Engle
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Trace Mineral ◽  
Specific Amino Acid ◽  
Fiber Digestion ◽  
Post Feeding ◽  
Pulse Dose ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Cu And Zn

Abstract Twelve Angus steers (BW 530.9 ± 22.7kg) fitted with ruminal cannulae were used to determine the impact of trace mineral source on digestibility, ruminal VFA, and soluble concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mn. Steers were fed a dairy type diet balanced to meet requirements for a high producing lactating dairy cow (DM basis: 16.8% CP, 29.2 Mcal NEm, 30.3 Mcal NEl, 33.6% NDF) for 21 d. Treatments consisted of 10 mg Cu, 40 mg Mn, and 60 mg Zn/kg DM from either sulfate (STM), hydroxy (HTM; IntelliBond) or organic (ORG; metal specific amino acid complexes) sources (n=4 steers/treatment). Following a 21-d adaptation period, total fecal output was collected for 5 d. On d 6, rumen fluid was collected at 0, 2, and 4 h post feeding and analyzed for VFA. Steers were then fed the same diet without supplemental Cu, Zn, or Mn for 14 d. On d 15 steers received a pulse dose (cannulae) of 100 mg Cu, 400 mg Mn, and 60 mg Zn from either STM, HTM, or ORG. Ruminal samples were obtained at 2-h intervals starting at -4 and ending at 24 h post dosing and analyzed for soluble Cu, Mn, and Zn. Digestibility of NDF and ADF were lesser (P &lt; 0.05) in STM vs. HTM and ORG supplemented steers. Steers receiving HTM and ORG had greater (P &lt; 0.05) total VFA concentrations than STM supplemented steers at 2 and 4h post feeding. Ruminal soluble Cu and Zn concentrations were greater (P &lt; 0.001) post dosing in STM and ORG supplemented steers at 2, 4, and 6 h for Cu and 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h for Zn when compared to HTM supplemented steers. Results indicate that ruminal solubility of Cu and Zn differs between STM, HTM and ORG sources and trace mineral source impacts fiber digestion and ruminal VFA concentrations.

scholarly journals Effect of bupivacaine liposome suspension administered as a local anesthetic block on indicators of pain and distress during and after surgical castration in dairy calves

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam S Martin ◽  
Michael D Kleinhenz ◽  
Abbie V Viscardi ◽  
Andrew K Curtis ◽  
Blaine T Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gait Analysis ◽  
Local Anesthetic ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Nerve Blocks ◽  
Liposome Suspension ◽  
Long Acting

Abstract Castration is a routine procedure performed on beef and dairy operations in the U.S. All methods of castration cause behavioral, physiologic, and neuroendocrine changes associated with pain. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners recommend that anesthesia and analgesia be administered at castration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bupivacaine liposome suspension a novel, long-acting, local anesthetic administered as a nerve block at castration. The authors chose to investigate this novel formulation as an alternative to current industry standards using lidocaine nerve blocks alone, or in combination with meloxicam. Thirty male Holstein calves, 16-20 weeks of age, were enrolled and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment groups prior to surgical castration: 1) bupivacaine liposome suspension block + oral placebo (BUP); 2) lidocaine block + oral placebo (LID); 3) lidocaine block + oral meloxicam (1 mg/kg) (LID + MEL); and 4) saline block + oral placebo (CON). Biomarkers were collected at -24 h and from 0 to 120 hours post-castration and included infrared thermography, pressure mat gait analysis, chute defense and behavior scoring (pain and activity), and blood sampling for serum cortisol and prostaglandin E2 metabolites (PGEM). Responses were analyzed using repeated measures, with calf nested in treatment as a random effect, and treatment, time, and their interaction designated as fixed effects. Results from pressure mat gait analysis show the CON had a shorter front limb stance time from baseline (-8.73%; 95% CI: -24.84 to 7.37%) compared to BUP and LID + MEL (&gt; 5.70%; 95% CI: -22.91 to 23.79%) (P &lt; 0.03). The CON tended to have an increase in front limb force from baseline (6.31%; 95% CI: -1.79 to 14.41%) compared to BUP, LID, and LID + MEL (&lt; -5.06%; 95% CI: -14.22 to 0.95%) (P &lt; 0.04). The CON displayed higher counts of hunched standing (2.00; 95% CI: 1.68 to 2.32) compared to LID + MEL (1.43; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.72) (P = 0.05). The CON had higher cortisol concentrations at 24 h (7.70 ng/mL; 95% CI: 1.52 to 13.87 ng/mL) relative to BUP (3.11 ng/mL; 95% CI: -2.56 to 8.79 ng/mL) (P = 0.002). At 4 and 24 h, LID + MEL had lower PGEM concentrations from baseline (-32.42% and -47.84%; 95% CI: -78.45 to -1.80%) compared with CON (27.86% and 47.63%; 95% CI: 7.49 to 82.98%) (P &lt; 0.02). Administration of bupivacaine liposome suspension as a local anesthetic block at the time of castration was as effective at controlling pain as a multi-modal approach of lidocaine and meloxicam.

scholarly journals 301 Effects of housing system on performance and behavior of dairy calves before and after weaning

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Shuai Liu ◽  
Gibson Alugongo ◽  
Jinghui Li ◽  
Zhijun Cao ◽  
Yajing Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Dairy Calves ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
D 63 ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
D 43

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of housing system on performance and behavior of dairy calves during pre-weaning (d 1–42), weaning (d 43–56), post-weaning (d 57–63) and mixing (d 64–70) period. Thirty-seven newborn Holstein dairy calves were allocated to individual (n = 17) or pair housing (n = 10 pairs). After that, calves remained in their pens until d 63 ± 1, and then PH group and IH group were mixed and moved to 6 group pens randomly. Starter intake, fecal consistency scores and body weight were collected. Instantaneous scan-sampling with 5-min intervals was used to collect the behavioral observations (lying, ruminating, standing, eating, drinking, walking, self-grooming, manipulating object) for 48 h beginning on d 43, 50, 57 and the second day after mixing. Data were analyzed by mixed effect model with treatment, time, and the interaction between them as fixed effects, and animal within treatment as a random effect. During post-weaning period, PH group had higher starter intake (P = 0.02) and average daily gain (P = 0.02) than IH group. PH group weighed more on d 63 (P = 0.002) and d 70 (P = 0.002). PH group had higher diarrhea frequency than IH group in week 3 (P = 0.03). PH increased lying time in week 8 (P = 0.03) and walking time during post-weaning period (P = 0.05), yet IH group spent more time standing in week 8 (P = 0.008), eating during post-weaning period (P = 0.008), self-grooming during weaning period (week 7, P = 0.007; week 8, P = 0.03). Furthermore, previous housing system had no effect on calves’ behavior after mixing. In conclusion, Pair housing during post-weaning period improved performance of calves and housing system had on effect on behavior after mixing. Figure 1. ADG (mean±SEM) for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs). PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05, † P &lt; 0.10. Figure 2. BW (mean±SEM) for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs). PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05, † P &lt; 0.10. Figure 3. Diarrhea frequency for calves housed individually (n = 17 calves) or in pairs (n = 10 pairs) before 63d. PH = calves housed in pairs; IH = calves housed individually. * P ≤ 0.05. Figure 4. Time (mean±SEM) for calves (n = 6) performing each behavior as affected by different housing system during weaning, post-weaning and mixing period.* P ≤ 0.05.

scholarly journals 107 Influence of chronic melatonin supplementation on bovine testis physiology

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 42-42
Author(s):  
Brittni P Littlejohn ◽  
Kayla B Mercer ◽  
Karrigan J Bowers ◽  
Riley D Messman ◽  
Zully Contreras-Correa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Total Blood ◽  
Left And Right

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the influence of melatonin supplementation on bovine testis biometrics, thermoregulation, and blood flow in two age groups. Mature and peri-pubertal bulls received four subdermal 24 mg melatonin implants (MEL; n = 5 and n = 6, respectively) or no implants (CON; n = 5 and n = 6, respectively) every 30 ± 4 d for 120 ± 5 d. Body weight, scrotal circumference (SC), testes temperature (average temperature of left and right testes as quantified with thermal imaging), and total testicular artery blood flow (TBF; total blood flow to left and right testes as measured with Doppler ultrasonography) were evaluated on d 60, 90, and 120 ± 4. On d 120, peri-pubertal bulls were castrated and total testes weight (TTW) determined. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, time, and the interaction as fixed effects and sire (peri-pubertal only) as a random effect. On d 120, peri-pubertal bull data were analyzed using MIXED procedures of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect and sire as a random effect, and relationships of TBF, SC, TTW, testes temperature, and ambient temperature assessed using CORR procedures of SAS. Body weight, testes temperature, TBF, and TBF as a proportion of SC changed over time in peri-pubertal (P &lt; 0.05) but not mature (P &gt; 0.05) bulls. On d 120, TBF was increased (P = 0.05) and TBF as a proportion of TTW tended (P = 0.10) to be increased in MEL (95.48 ± 14.63 mL/min and 0.29 ± 0.03 mL/min*g, respectively) compared to CON (65.06 ± 15.10 mL/min and 0.21 ± 0.03 mL/min*g, respectively) peri-pubertal bulls. TBF was positively correlated with SC (r = 0.59; P = 0.04) and TTW (r = 0.66; P = 0.02). Ambient temperature was positively correlated with testes temperature (r = 0.78; P &lt; 0.01). No other differences were identified (P &gt; 0.05). Limited alterations in testis physiology were observed in melatonin-supplemented bulls.

scholarly journals PSIII-18 Standardized total tract digestibility of Ca by growing pigs in different sources of calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 173-174
Author(s):  
Su A Lee ◽  
Carrie L Walk ◽  
Hans H Stein
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Dicalcium Phosphate ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Microbial Phytase ◽  
Carbonate Source ◽  
Different Sources

Abstract The objective was to test the hypothesis that standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of Ca and the response to microbial phytase is constant among different sources of calcium carbonate and different sources of dicalcium phosphate (DCP). In Exp. 1, 80 pigs (19.0 ± 1.9 kg) were placed in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to 10 diets. Four calcium carbonate-containing diets and a Ca-free diet were formulated without or with microbial phytase (500 units/kg diet). Feces were collected for 4 d after a 5 d adaptation period. Data were analyzed using a model that included calcium carbonate source, phytase, and the interaction between source and phytase as fixed effects and replicate as random effect. There were no interactions between phytase and source. The basal endogenous loss (BEL) of Ca from pigs fed phytase was less (P = 0.037) than from pigs fed no phytase. Values for STTD of Ca in calcium carbonate differed (P < 0.05) among the 4 sources, but increased (P < 0.05) if phytase was used (Table 1). In Exp. 2, 40 pigs (14.9 ± 1.3 kg) were allotted to a basal diet where all Ca was supplied by calcium carbonate, 3 diets containing calcium carbonate and DCP, and a Ca-free diet. Pigs were placed in metabolism crates and feces were collected as in Exp. 1. Data were analyzed using a model that included DCP-source as fixed effect and replicate as random effect. Results indicated that the STTD of Ca in DCP was not different among sources. In conclusion, use of microbial phytase reduces the BEL of Ca and increases Ca digestibility in calcium carbonate, but the STTD of Ca varies among sources of calcium carbonate. However, no difference in STTD of Ca among sources of DCP were observed.

scholarly journals PSI-28 Effect of supplementation with low-moisture, sugarcane molasses-based block on intake and ruminal volatile fatty acid profile on steers fed low quality forage

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 250-251
Author(s):  
Andresa L Feliciano ◽  
Sérgio A G Pereira-Junior ◽  
Yury Granja-Salcedo ◽  
Livia Maria Sampaio Ferraz Sepini de Souza Grilo ◽  
Luís Felipe Arelaro Artioli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rumen Fluid ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Sugarcane Molasses ◽  
Block Based ◽  
Protein Block ◽  
Corn Grain

Abstract We evaluated the effects of supplementation of molasses based on low moisture molasses (LMB) on steers fed low quality forage in DM intake and ruminal VFA. Six rumen cannulated Nellore steers (23 months, 350 ± 10 kg) were distributed in a 3 × 3 double Latin square design. The treatments were composed of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu ad libtum as an exclusive source of bulks (93.65% DM, 3.97% CP and 81.76% NDF) and supplements: complete mineral blend with urea [UR, (urea, salt, mineral-vitamin premix)], a commercial protein supplement [PS, (corn grain, soybean meal, urea, salt, and mineral- vitamin premix)] or protein block based on low-moisture cooked sugarcane molasses [LMB, (cane molasses, cottonseed meal, soybean oil, urea, salt and mineral-vitamin premix)]. Before subsequent feeding, samples of orts were collected to monitor the daily intake. After 14-d adaptation period, rumen fluid samples were collected in each experimental period at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 h after feeding, to evaluate concentrations of VFA, which was determined by gas chromatography. The data were analyzed using Software R, with measures repeated in time for VFA and having as fixed effect the treatments and as animal random effect, period, Latin square and error. The intake of hay (P = 0.024), total DM (g/day, P = 0.001), NDF (P = 0.027) and supplement (P &lt; 0.001) was higher for animals supplemented with PS. The total VFA and acetate ratio were not affected by the treatment (P &gt; 0.05). The propionate ratio was higher for LMB (P = 0.016). The butyrate ratio (P = 0.005), valerate (P = 0.010) and A:P ratio (P = 0.017) was higher when the animals were supplemented with PS. The results indicate that the use of LMB improves propionate ratio and decrease the acetate:propionate ratio for steers fed low quality forage.

scholarly journals PSII-3 Effect of molasses-based block supplementation on cattle fed endophyte-infected Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) seed

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 227-228
Author(s):  
Luis Felipe Barbosa Braga. Feitoza ◽  
Hans Christian Muller ◽  
Tom Williams ◽  
James Drouillard
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Doppler Ultrasound Imaging ◽  
Protein Block

Abstract Ergot-alkaloid toxicosis induces persistent vasoconstriction in cattle, interfering with efficient thermoregulation. Our objective was to evaluate impact of cooked molasses-based block supplements (MBS) on performance and physiological measurements in cattle fed ergot-containing Tall Fescue seed (TFS). Crossbred steers (n = 95; 287 ± 6.4 kg) were blocked by body weight, randomly assigned to individual indoor feeding pens and treatments consisting of: Negative Control (NC; prairie hay only); Positive Control (PC; hay plus TFS); and molasses block treatments fed hay and TFS with ad libitum access to a 38% protein block (CB); 38% protein block containing 0.3% crystalline menthol (MB); or a 38% protein block containing a proprietary blend of mannan oligosaccharide and capsaicin (AB). The TFS was mixed with molasses (9:1), and amount fed was increased gradually at 3-d intervals from 45 to 520 g/animal daily by day 42. Temperature differential between ocular conjunctiva and ear tip (ΔT) was determined weekly using thermographic imaging. Coccigeal vein diameter (CVD) was measured with Doppler ultrasound imaging (DU) on days 63 and 84. Data were analyzed as mixed models with block as a random effect and treatment, time, and treatment by time interaction as fixed effects. Block intakes did not differ among MBS treatments (P > 0.05). Cattle fed MBS had greater ADG, DMI, gain:feed (P < 0.01) compared to NC and PC. For the second half of the study MBS treatments had lower ΔT (P < 0.05). Supplementing cooked molasses-based block supplements low-moisture molasses block can improve performance and potentially enhance peripheral blood irrigation in cattle consuming ergot-infested feeds.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document