304 Effects of Supplementing Phix-up® on Productive, Physiological, and Rumen Responses of Feedlot Cattle Consuming a Corn-based Finishing Diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 162-163
Author(s):  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Kelsey Harvey ◽  
Jacob Wiegand ◽  
Ana Clara Araujo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Buffering Agent ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Feeding Systems

Abstract This experiment (d -14 to 118) compared rumen pH, productive, and physiological responses in finishing cattle supplemented or not with a rumen-buffering agent (pHix-up®; Timab, Dinard, France). Angus-influenced yearling cattle (58 heifers and 62 steers) were ranked by sex and body weight (BW) and allocated to 4 groups of 30 animals each (d -14). Groups were housed in 1 of 4 drylot pens equipped with GrowSafe automated feeding systems, and assigned to receive a corn-based diet containing monensin, and with the inclusion of pHix-up® at 0.00% (control) 0.25%, 0.50%, or 0.75% (d 0 to 118). Cattle BW was recorded twice monthly (d -14 to 118), and blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 84 and 112. Hair samples from the tail-switch were collected on d 0, 56 and 112. Cattle were slaughtered on d 119. Eight rumen-cannulated steers were also assigned to this experiment (d 42 to 98), with 2 steers housed with each group in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin Square design (4 periods of 14 d). Rumen pH was measured on d 7 and 14 of each period at 0800h, 1200h, 1600h and 2000h. No treatment effects were noted (P ≥ 0.13) for cattle BW gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. Inclusion of pHix-up® linearly increased (P < 0.01) plasma Mg concentrations and tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.09) plasma haptoglobin concentrations. Cattle receiving pHix-up® had greater (P < 0.01) mean plasma cortisol concentrations compared with non-supplemented cattle. Hair cortisol concentration linearly decreased (P < 0.01) as pHix-up® inclusion increased on d 112 (treatment × day interaction; P = 0.02). In rumen-cannulated steers, pHix-up® inclusion linearly increased (P = 0.03) mean rumen pH. Collectively, pHix-up® supplementation improved rumen pH and modulated stress-related physiological responses in finishing cattle, but without improving their productive responses.

Supplementing a blend of magnesium oxide to feedlot cattle: effects on ruminal, physiological, and productive responses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo A Colombo ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Ana Clara R Araújo ◽  
Kelsey M Harvey ◽  
Ky G Pohler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnesium Oxide ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Quadratic Effects

Abstract This experiment evaluated ruminal, physiological, and productive responses of feedlot cattle consuming a corn-based finishing diet that included different levels of a magnesium oxide (MG) blend. Yearling cattle (58 heifers and 62 steers) were ranked by sex and initial body weight (BW; 407 ± 3.1 kg), and allocated to 4 groups of 30 animals each. Groups were housed in 1 of 4 drylot pens (30 × 12 m) equipped with GrowSafe automated feeding systems (Model 6000E, 4 bunks/pen) during the experiment (d -14 to 117). On d 0, groups were randomly assigned to receive a total-mixed ration without (CON; n = 30) or with the inclusion (as-fed basis) of MG at 0.25% (MG25; n = 30), 0.50% (MG50; n = 30), or 0.75% (MG75; n = 30) until slaughter on d 118. Individual feed intake was recorded daily, and BW were recorded every 14 d and prior to slaughter (d 117). Blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 84 and 112, and hair samples were collected on d 0, 56 and 112 from the tail-switch. On d 42, 8 rumen-cannulated steers (BW = 492 ± 8.0 kg) were housed with yearling cattle (1 pair/pen). Pairs rotated among groups every 14 d, resulting in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (n = 8/treatment; d 42 to 98). Rumen pH was measured on d 7 and 14 of each period (0800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 h). Orthogonal contrasts were used to determine if inclusion of MG (0, 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75% of the diet) yielded linear or quadratic effects, and to explore overall effect of MG supplementation (CON vs. MG25 + MG50 + MG75). No treatment differences were noted (P ≥ 0.31) for BW gain, feed intake, or feed efficiency. Cattle supplemented with MG tended have less carcass marbling (P = 0.07) compared with CON. Inclusion of MG linearly increased (P < 0.01) mean plasma concentrations of magnesium, and tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.09) mean plasma concentrations of haptoglobin. Cattle supplemented with MG had greater (P < 0.01) mean plasma concentrations of cortisol compared with CON. Hair cortisol concentration did not differ between treatments on d 56 (P ≥ 0.25), and linearly decreased (P < 0.01) with MG inclusion on d 112 (treatment × day; P = 0.02). Inclusion of MG linearly increased (P = 0.03) mean rumen pH, but these outcomes were mostly noted during the last two sampling of the day (treatment × hour; P = 0.02). Collectively, supplemental MG was effective in controlling rumen pH in cattle receiving a corn-based finishing diet, but without improvements in feedlot performance and carcass merit.

scholarly journals PSVII-20 Supplementing pHix-Up® to feedlot cattle consuming a corn-based finishing diet

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 294-295
Author(s):  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Rodrigo Souza ◽  
Julie Duclos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Abscess ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Buffering Agent ◽  
Humidity Index ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
To Receive

Abstract This experiment evaluated the inclusion of a rumen-buffering agent on performance and carcass traits of feedlot cattle. Angus-influenced steers and heifers (n = 64 animals/sex) were ranked by sex and body weight (BW) into 1 or 16 drylot pens. Pens were randomly assigned to receive a corn-based diet without (CON = 8 pens) or with the inclusion (SUPP = 8 pens) of pHix-Up® (magnesium-based product; Timab, Dinard, France) at 0.50% of diet dry matter. Both dietary treatments contained monensin Na (360 mg animal/daily) but did not contain tylosin. Two animals per pen were equipped with an intraruminal bolus (smaXtec Premium Bolus, smaXtec Animal Care GmbH, Graz, Austria) that recorded pH every 15 min. Cattle received treatments for 128 d until slaughter. No differences (P ≥ 0.22) between SUPP and CON cattle were noted for BW gain (0.93 vs. 0.97 kg/d, respectively), feed intake (7.51 vs. 7.78 kg/animal daily, respectively), or feed efficiency (0.121 vs. 0.125 kg/kg, respectively). Rumen pH was greater in SUPP vs. CON cattle during 33% of the time (e.g. 6 h of the day; mean pH of 5.87 vs. 5.80, respectively). No treatment differences were noted (P ≥ 0.12) for carcass merit. Incidence of cattle with liver abscess upon slaughter was greater in CON vs. SUPP (16.4 vs. 4.7%, respectively), including incidence of severe liver abscess (A+; 8.2 vs. 0.0%, respectively). These results indicate that pHix-Up® inclusion into a corn-based finishing diet improved rumen pH without benefiting cattle productive responses. It should be noted that average temperature-humidity index during this experiment was 78, which hindered feed intake and potential benefits of pHix-Up® to rumen pH and cattle performance. Nonetheless, pHix-Up® inclusion substantially reduced the incidence of liver abscess, resulting no severe diagnoses. Hence, additional research is warranted to further explore the benefits of pHix-Up® to feedlot cattle.

Strategic administration of an appeasing substance to improve performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitor G L Fonseca ◽  
Bruno I Cappellozza ◽  
Osvaldo A de Sousa ◽  
Manuella Sagawa ◽  
Bruna Rett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Bos Indicus ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Skin Area ◽  
Feeding Period ◽  
Treatment Administration ◽  
To Receive

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the timing of administration of the bovine appeasing substance (BAS) on performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle. Nellore bulls (n = 100) were ranked by initial body weight (BW; 341 ± 18.5 kg) and assigned to receive BAS (n = 50) or placebo (CON; n = 50) on d -2 of the experiment. Treatments (5 mL) were applied topically to the nuchal skin area of each bull. Bulls were loaded into commercial livestock trailers immediately after treatment administration, transported for 880 km, and unloaded on d -1 at a commercial feedyard. On d 0, bulls within each treatment were again assigned to receive, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, BAS or CON as previously described (25 bulls/treatment combination). Upon treatment administration on d 0, bulls were housed in 12 feedlot pens (3 pens/treatment) for a 108-d feeding period, which was divided into an adaptation (d 0 – 19), growing (d 20 – 60), and finishing (d 61 – 108) phases. Dry matter intake (DMI) was measured daily from d 0 to 108, whereas blood samples and hair from the tail switch were collected on d -2, 0, 19, 60, and 108. Administration of BAS prior to loading (d -2) improved ADG, FE, and DMI during adaptation and across the 108-d feeding period (P ≤ 0.08), resulting in greater (P = 0.03) hot carcass weight and dressing percentage upon slaughter on d 109. A treatment × day interaction was detected for serum glucose concentrations (P = 0.05), which was greater (P = 0.03) on d 60 of the feeding period in bulls receiving CON prior to loading. Administration of BAS at feedlot entry (d 0) improved DMI, ADG, and FE during adaptation (P ≤ 0.05), but it did not impact (P ≥ 0.18) performance and carcass traits during the 108-d feeding period. Bulls administered BAS prior to loading and at feedlot entry had less (P ≤ 0.05) mean serum cortisol concentrations across the 108-d feeding period (loading × feedlot entry interaction; P = 0.10), and greater (P ≤ 0.05) serum insulin concentration on d 60 (loading × feedlot entry × day interaction; P = 0.05). In summary, BAS administration prior to loading increased overall feedlot performance of Nellore bulls. These outcomes were noted in bulls that received or not a second BAS administration at feedlot entry, suggesting that the benefits of BAS are exploited when this substance is administered before transport to the feedlot.

scholarly journals PSIII-13 Preliminary assessment of the impact of liver abscess presence on stress-related physiological parameters associated with well-being in feedlot cattle

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 188-189
Author(s):  
Faith Baier ◽  
Temple Grandin ◽  
Terry Engle ◽  
Lily Edwards-Callaway
Keyword(s):  
Infrared Thermography ◽  
Liver Abscess ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Infrared Analysis ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Liver Abscesses ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Liver abscesses can affect cattle performance, though the impact on well-being is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between liver abscess presence and stress-related parameters in feedlot cattle. Three hundred and sixty-three feedlot steers (675 ± 2.3 kg) that were enrolled in a nutrition feeding experiment were allocated to one of three groups based on the liver abscess score assigned after slaughter. The liver abscess scoring groups were: no liver abscess presence (NLA; n = 316); mild liver abscess presence (MLA; n = 21) and severe liver abscess presence (SLA; n = 24). Two animals were unable to be assigned liver abscess scores. Two days prior to slaughter, at the time of weighing, hair samples were collected from the right rump of each animal and analyzed for cortisol concentrations. Additionally, during restraint, infrared thermography was used to quantify eye temperatures and a mobility score was assigned to each animal upon chute exit. During slaughter, exsanguination blood was collected from 115 of the 363 animals and analyzed for serum cortisol concentrations. Cattle were blocked by nutrition feeding treatments and data were analyzed using analyses of variance to determine differences in outcome variables between liver abscess score groups. All animals were included in the infrared analysis and 115 animals were included in the serum and hair cortisol analyses. Infrared thermography (P = 0.55), hair cortisol (P = 0.96), and serum cortisol (P = 0.21) were similar across all liver abscess scores. All animals exhibited normal mobility, thus these values were not included in the analysis. The data indicate that under the conditions of this experiment, liver abscesses did not impact measured stress-related outcomes. Additional research is necessary to understand the impact of liver abscess presence on other stress-related parameters associated with well-being in cattle.

300 Effects of Associating Feed Additives on Rumen Ph Dynamics by Feedlot Cattle Fed a High-concentrate Diet

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 163-164
Author(s):  
Maria B Niehues ◽  
Alexandre Perdigão ◽  
Victor Valério de Carvalho ◽  
Tiago S Acedo ◽  
Guilherme S F M Vasconcellos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Adaptation Period ◽  
Time Duration ◽  
Total Period ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Randomized Design

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the effects of feed additives on ruminal pH of finishing cattle fed a 90%-concentrate diet. Twenty four 18-mo Angus-Nellore crossbred bulls (IBW, 456 ± 6,5 kg) were allocated in a completely randomized design to three treatments with eight replicates each, as follows: 1) Control (MON) - Sodium Monensin (26 mg/kg DM, Rumensin, Elanco Animal Health); 2) Crina® RumistarTM (CR) - a blend of essential oils, 90 mg/kg DM + exogenous α-amylase, 560 mg/kg DM) and 3) CR + HyD® (25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 at 1 mg/animal/d, CRD, DSM Nutritional Products). The ruminal pH and temperature was monitored individually for 98 days, using a wireless bolus, (SmaXtec Animal Care, Austria). Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS and means comparison evaluated by Tukey test at P< 0.05. During adaptation period (i.e. first 14 days), bulls fed CR and CRD had increased rumen mean pH (6.40 and 6.36 vs. 6.16; P < 0.01) and minimum pH (5.89 and 5.87 vs. 5.57; P < 0.01) than bulls fed MON. In addition, rumen pH from bulls fed CR spent less time below 6.0 than bulls fed MON (256.07 vs. 452.62 min/d; P = 0.05). Regarding the total period, bulls fed MON had lower mean (6.22 vs. 6.51 and 6.42, P < 0.01) and minimum rumen pH (5.60 vs. 5.92 and 5.85, P < 0.01) than bulls fed CR and CRD. Additionally, feeding MON increased time duration of rumen pH (390.79 min/day, P < 0.01) and had a larger area below 6.0 (81.52 min x pH units/day; P < 0.01). Moreover, the addition of monensin increased pH time duration below 5.8 (161.10 vs. 121.13 and 122.56 min/day; P = 0.02) compared with CR and CRD, and increased ruminal temperature (39.60 vs. 39.51 and 39.5 °C; P < 0.01). We conclude that feeding Crina® RumistarTM and Crina® RumistarTM HyD® increased the rumen pH of bulls.

scholarly journals 200 Effects of grain processing and undegradable fiber on rumen pH and fermentation of cattle fed high grain diets

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 159-160
Author(s):  
Tao Ran ◽  
A M Saleem ◽  
Karen Beauchemin ◽  
G Penner ◽  
Wenzhu Yang
Keyword(s):  
Latin Square ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Grain Processing ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Rumen Acidosis ◽  
Barley Silage ◽  
Finishing Beef Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of processing index (PI, weight after processing/weight before processing × 100) of barley grain and dietary undegradable fiber (uNDF, 240 h of incubation in rumen) concentration on DM intake (DMI), ruminal pH and fermentation characteristics of finishing beef cattle. Six ruminally cannulated beef heifers (BW, 715 ± 29 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 3 PI (65, 75 and 85%; fine, medium, coarse, respectively) × 2 uNDF concentrations (low and high; 4.6 vs. 5.6% of DM) factorial arrangement. Heifers were fed ad libitum a diet consisting of 10% barley silage (low uNDF), or 5% silage and 5% straw (high uNDF), 87% dry-rolled barley, and 3% vitamin and mineral supplements. An interaction of PI × uNDF was observed (P < 0.01) for DMI, but not for mean or duration of rumen pH < 5.8 or < 5.6 over a 24-h period. The DMI (kg/d) was greater (P < 0.05) for high (12.7) versus low (12.1) uNDF diets with 85% PI, with no difference in DMI (average, 12.1) between low and high uNDF diets with 65 or 75% PI. The duration of pH < 5.8 (14.6 versus 13.3 h) and pH < 5.6 (10.8 versus 8.6 h) reduced (P < 0.05) for high versus low uNDF diets. The PI did not affect total volatile fatty acid (tVFA) concentration or molar proportions of individual VFA, but the tVFA was less (172 and 162 mM; P < 0.01) and acetate proportion was greater (46.0 and 48.2%; P < 0.01) with high versus low uNDF. These results indicate that increasing dietary uNDF concentration is an effective strategy to improve ruminal pH status in finishing cattle, regardless of extent of grain processing, whereas minimizing the extent of grain processing did not reduce the risk of rumen acidosis.

scholarly journals Effects of Wash Protocol and Contamination Level on Concentrations of Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in Swine Hair

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3104
Author(s):  
Darian S. Pollock ◽  
David M. Janz ◽  
Diego Moya ◽  
Yolande M. Seddon
Keyword(s):  
Cortisol Concentration ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Cortisol Ratio

The effect of washing procedure and contamination level on the concentrations of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in swine hair was explored over two studies. Hair shaved from finisher pigs (n = 8) and sows (n = 8, cortisol study 1 only) was split into two treatments (two hair samples/pig) to receive either three isopropanol or methanol washes, and two paired subsamples of hair were contaminated with feces and urine, mildly or severely. Samples were further subdivided and received one, three, or five methanol washes. Hormone concentrations were quantified from the hair and wash solvent, and the ratio of hormones in the solvent to that in the hair calculated. When grouping sow and grower hair together for analysis, hair cortisol concentrations were 13% greater after three isopropanol washes compared to methanol (22.84 ± 3.12 vs. 19.77 ± 2.64 pg/mg, respectively). When analyzing sow and grower hair separately, sow hair cortisol concentrations were 20% higher following three isopropanol washes compared to methanol washes (22.06 ± 5.21 vs. 27.72 ± 5.65 pg/mg), with no differences in grower pig hair concentrations. The solvent cortisol concentrations did not differ with wash solvent. No differences were seen for DHEA. Contamination level did not influence hormone concentrations. Hair cortisol concentrations were 24% higher after one wash compared to five washes (11.98 ± 1.47 vs. 9.05 ± 0.92 pg/mg,), whereas the solvent cortisol concentrations were 80% and 84% higher after one wash compared to three and five washes, respectively (21.09 ± 4.04 vs. 4.21 ± 1.62 vs. 3.36 ± 1.32 pg/mg). The solvent–hair cortisol ratio was 65% and 73% higher following one wash compared to three and five washes (1.36 ± 0.80 vs. 0.47 ± 0.12 vs. 0.37 ± 0.14). Hair DHEA concentrations were 39% higher after one wash compared to five washes (42.39 ± 6.87 vs. 26.02 ± 5.69 pg/mg). The solvent DHEA concentrations, and the solvent–hair ratio for DHEA were 94% and 98% and 92% and 98% higher going from one wash to three and five washes, respectively (solvent: 5.07 ± 0.26 vs. 0.28 ± 0.12 vs. 0.12 ± 0.09 pg/mg and solvent–hair ratio: 0.13 ± 0.006 vs. 0.010 ± 0.004 vs. 0.003 ± 0.002). Following three methanol washes, the non-contaminated hair had 46% and 48% higher hair (17.47 ± 1.12 vs. 9.35 ± 0.80 vs. 9.05 ± 1.06 pg/mg) and a 76% and 72% higher solvent (16.31 ± 8.07 vs. 3.92 ± 0.50 vs. 4.50 ± 2.31 pg/mg) cortisol concentration compared to mild and severely contaminated hair, respectively. Wash solvent influences cortisol concentrations in swine hair, but not DHEA. Contaminated swine hair should be avoided in analyses when possible.

scholarly journals 389 Interactions between zinc, copper, and growth promoting technologies in beef cattle

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 168-169
Author(s):  
Olivia N Genther-Schroeder ◽  
Remy N Carmichael ◽  
Elizabeth M Messersmith ◽  
Katherine Hochmuth ◽  
Elisabeth Lonergan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Beef Industry ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Biochemical Processes ◽  
Feedlot Steers ◽  
Current State ◽  
Animal Growth ◽  
Growth Promoting ◽  
Anabolic Implants

Abstract Trace minerals (TM) are required for many biochemical processes and support optimal animal growth. However, as animal genetics and feed technologies in the beef industry have advanced, our understanding of the TM requirements of modern cattle has lagged. Recently, Zn and Cu have emerged as potential targets for better understanding the interaction between nutrition and growth-promoting technologies like anabolic implants and β-agonists (BA). Both Zn and Cu are phosphodiesterase inhibitors, potentially maintaining cAMP concentrations, potentiating the BA signal. Zinc supplementation well above national recommendations can improve ADG or HCW in finishing cattle during the BA feeding period, and N retention is increased by both Zn and BA supplementation, suggesting a major role for Zn is in protein accretion. Interestingly, Cu status of feedlot steers appears to affect ADG during the BA period, where steers with moderate liver Cu and 10 mg Cu/kg diet DM gaining more than steers with high or low Cu status. Anabolic implants likely improve growth through altering protein deposition, degradation and satellite cell proliferation, processes that can be linked to Cu and Zn metalloproteins. Implanting cattle decreases both plasma and liver Zn, and heifers receiving a long-lasting implant had greater HCW when supplemented with 100 mg Zn/kg DM when compared with 30 mg Zn/kg DM. It is apparent Cu status and supplementation also affect the response to hormone implants. Steers supplemented with 20 mg Cu/kg DM had greater liver Cu concentrations and a lesser response to an implant than steers supplemented with 10 mg Cu/kg DM. Current state of knowledge suggests TM status and diet concentrations can impact the response to growth promoting technologies. Much remains to be learned about cattle requirements for dietary TM, and the appropriate TM concentrations to optimize feedlot cattle performance.

scholarly journals 66 Overview of Different Cattle Finishing Facilities: Economic Summary and Future Innovations

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 12-12
Author(s):  
Tom Peters
Keyword(s):  
Feedlot Cattle ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Excessive Heat ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Future Improvement ◽  
Building Ventilation ◽  
Moisture Conditions ◽  
Economic Considerations ◽  
Management Issues ◽  
Cattle Performance

Abstract Environment and weather may have a significant impact on feedlot cattle growth. Most U.S. feedlot cattle are finished/fed in open-mound, dirt lots. Historic closeout data conclude that cattle performance has been optimal when finishing cattle in well groomed, dry, dirt mound lots. However, weather challenges including excessive heat, cold, or moisture conditions negatively impact cattle performance. Past attempts to provide shelter for finishing feedlot cattle with buildings/sheds have often yielded subpar finishing cattle growth expectations when compared to well-groomed dirt mounds. Improved cattle housing designs including building ventilation and flooring types are being utilized in many Northern Plains and Midwest cattle operations during the last decade. This symposium will address current designs, management issues, economic considerations and future improvement challenges for finishing cattle housing systems. Performance and economics comparing various cattle breeds and varied in-weights throughout finishing period in differing cattle facilities will be evaluated. Comparison of expected and realized performance of finishing cattle when housed in bedded barns, conventional scrape yards with sheds and cattle comfort finishing shelters will be reviewed.

scholarly journals PSIV-22 The effects of altering ruminal fermentable carbohydrate supply in finishing diets containing distillers grains on rumen fermentation characteristics and nitrogen utilization

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 220-220
Author(s):  
Cody Ream ◽  
Allison V Stevens ◽  
Gwinyai Chibisa
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Ammonia Concentration ◽  
Distillers Grains ◽  
Ruminal Fermentation ◽  
Carbohydrate Source ◽  
Finishing Cattle ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Ruminal Ph ◽  
Total Urine

Abstract This study examined the effects of altering ruminal fermentable carbohydrate (RFC) supply by feeding different amounts of corn and wheat in finishing cattle diets containing 15% corn dried distillers grains [DDGS; dry matter (DM) basis] on ruminal fermentation characteristics and nitrogen (N) utilization. Six ruminally-cannulated crossbred heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 28 d periods. Dietary treatments were either corn (73% of diet DM; CON), 53:20 corn:wheat blend (20W) or 33:40 corn:wheat blend (40W) as the major fermentable carbohydrate source. Diets were isonitrogenous (12% CP; DM basis). Feed intake was measured daily. Indwelling pH logger were used to measure ruminal pH (d 22 to 28) and ruminal fluid was collected from d 26 to 28 to determine fermentation characteristics, as were feces and urine to measure N excretion. Data was analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS. Dry matter and N intake tended to be lower (P ≤ 0.07) for heifers fed the 40W compared to the CON and 20W diets. There was no diet effect (P = 0.15) on total VFA concentration; however, the duration and area for pH < 5.5 tended to be longer (P = 0.07) and greater (P = 0.096), respectively, for heifers fed the 20W and 40W compared to the CON diet. There was no diet effect (P ≥ 0.44) on ruminal ammonia concentration and total urine N excretion (g and % of N intake). However, urine urea N (UUN) excretion as a percentage of total urine N tended to be lower (P = 0.05) in heifers fed the 20W and 40W compared to the CON diet. In summary, although altering RFC supply by feeding increasing amounts of wheat resulted in a decrease in UUN excretion, it also caused a decrease in ruminal pH that possibly compromised DM intake.

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