PSIII-16 Use of soybean hulls in diets for drylot beef cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 289-290
Author(s):  
Rebecca L Moore ◽  
Wayde J Pickinpaugh ◽  
Joel Caton ◽  
Bryan W Neville
Keyword(s):  
Wheat Straw ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Soybean Hulls ◽  
Soybean Hull ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Ribeye Area

Abstract One-hundred twenty-one Red Angus beef cows were used to evaluate the effects of soybean hull inclusion in beef cow diets throughout gestation and lactation. Cows were stratified by age, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS), and were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 4 pens per treatment). Treatments included 1) control diet [CON; consisted of corn silage, modified distillers’ grains plus solubles (MDGS), and wheat straw], and 2) soybean hull diet [SBH; consisted of 26 to 27% soybean hulls (DM basis) replacing portions of corn silage, MDGS, and wheat straw]. Beef cow BW, BCS, average daily gain (ADG), and back fat (BF) measurements were evaluated. Colostrum samples were collected on a subset of randomly selected cows from each pen. Weigh-suckle-weigh technique was used to evaluate milk production. Calf birth weight, weaning weight, and ADG were evaluated. At weaning, calves were ultrasounded for BF, rump fat, and ribeye area. Dam BW, BCS, BF, and ADG were not affected (P ≥ 0.12) by treatment. Colostrum fat, somatic cell count, urea nitrogen, and other solids were not altered (P ≥ 0.13) by treatment; however, colostrum protein was greater (P ≥ 0.09) in CON cows. Milk production at d 60 was greater (P = 0.03) for SBH fed cows. Calf birth and weaning weights were unaffected by treatment (P = 0.30). Ribeye area measurements were greater (P = 0.05) in SBH calves (14.6 vs. 13.7 ± 0.76 cm2), but BF and rump fat were not different (P ≥ 0.58). The present study demonstrates that soybean hulls can be included in beef cow diets at 26 to 27 % of dietary DM. Our data and previous research indicate that soybean hulls can be fed to drylot beef cows during gestation and lactation without negative impacts on cow or calf outcomes.

Effects of housing beef cow-calf pairs on drylot or pasture in the Midwest on production parameters and calf behavior through feedlot receiving

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E Myerscough ◽  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Keifer H Sexton ◽  
Lucas S Hofer ◽  
Keela M Trennepohl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Cow Calf ◽  
Cow Performance ◽  
And Behavior

Abstract The objectives were to analyze the effects of housing cow-calf pairs in drylots (DL) or pasture (PAST) on cow performance and reproduction as well as calf performance and behavior through feedlot receiving. Simmental × Angus (2 yr; 108/yr; 81 ± 15.3 d postpartum) spring-calving cows were stratified by age, body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and calf sex and allotted to 6 groups/yr. Groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: DL or PAST. Cows in DL were limit-fed at maintenance and calves had ad libitum access to the cow diet in an adjacent pen. Pairs on PAST were rotationally grazed and calves received creep ad libitum three weeks prior to weaning. On d 110 calves were fence-line weaned and behavior was observed on d 111 and 112. On d 116 calves were transported 272 kilometers to a feedlot for a 42-d receiving period. Behavior was evaluated again on d 117 and 118. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS except reproductive data which was analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure. Cows on DL had greater (P ≤ 0.01) BW and BCS at weaning. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.42) detected in reproductive data. Cows on DL had greater (P = 0.02) milk production. Calves on DL had greater BW (P ≤ 0.01) on d 55 and at weaning and greater preweaning average daily gain (ADG). There were treatment × time effects (P = 0.01) for lying and eating on d 111 and 112. More DL calves were eating in the morning and lying in the evening. More (P < 0.01) PAST calves were walking on d 111. Pasture calves vocalized more (P ≤ 0.01) on d 112. On d 117, more (P ≤ 0.05) pasture calves were lying and eating, and DL vocalized more. On d 118, treatment × time and treatment effects were detected (P ≤ 0.02) for lying and walking. More PAST calves were lying and more DL calves were walking. Drylot calves had greater (P ≤ 0.02) BW at the beginning and end of the receiving phase. Pasture calves had greater (P < 0.01) ADG and tended (P = 0.10) to have greater gain efficiency during feedlot receiving phase. In conclusion, housing cow-calf pairs in drylots improved BW, BCS, and milk production of cows but did not affect reproductive performance. Drylot calves had increased BW and ADG during the preweaning phase. Calf behavior at weaning and receiving was influenced by preweaning housing. Pasture calves had improved receiving phase ADG and feed efficiency but were still lighter than drylot calves after 42 d receiving phase.

Effects of Feeding Graded Levels of Black Spruce Needles and Branches on Beef Cow Performance and Health During Mid to Late Gestation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Lafreniere ◽  
Robert Berthiaume ◽  
Leo Giesen ◽  
Cheryl Campbell ◽  
Dale Gardner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Cow Performance

Pregnant beef cows (56; 727 ± 102 kg BW) in second trimester were used to examine black spruce (BSP) needles and branches for replacing alfalfa silage in wintering cow diets. Five dietary treatments assessed BSP inclusion rates (0, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5% in the diet) for 92 days up until 2 weeks before start of calving using a randomized complete block design (10-12 cows/treatment). There were linear decreases (P < 0.001) in total weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intakes (DMI) as amounts of dietary BSP increased. Low DMI feeding BSP may be attributed to palatability issues and lower rates of digestion. Changes in body condition score (BCS) increased(P < 0.003) as dietary BSP increased. These effects are supported by corresponding linear decreases (P < 0.001) for changes in rump fat cover and increases (P < 0.001) in serum non-esterified fatty acids as dietary BSP increased. Post-feeding of test diets, there were no dietary treatment differences (P > 0.42) for calf birth and weaning weights and cow pregnancy and culling rates. Based on this study, incorporation of BSP into gestating cow diets cannot be recommended.

scholarly journals 267 Supplementing Ca salts of soybean oil to late-gestating beef cows: Impacts on performance and physiological responses of the offspring

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 192-192
Author(s):  
Alice Brandão ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Kelsey Schubach ◽  
Bruna Rett ◽  
Osvaldo Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Oil ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Late Gestation ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Matter Basis

Abstract This experiment compared performance and physiological responses of the offspring from cows supplemented with Ca salts of soybean oil (CSSO) or prilled saturated fat (CON) during late gestation. Non-lactating, pregnant Angus × Hereford cows (n = 104) that conceived during the same fixed-time artificial insemination protocol, using semen from 2 sires, were used in this experiment. Cows were ranked by pregnancy sire, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS). On d 180 of gestation (d -15), cows were randomly assigned to receive (dry matter basis) 415 g of soybean meal per cow daily in addition to 1) 195 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 52) or 2) 170 g/cow daily of CON (n = 52). Cows were maintained in 2 pastures (26 cows/treatment per pasture), and received daily 12.7 kg/cow (dry matter basis) of grass-alfalfa hay. From d 0 until calving, cows were segregated into 1 of 24 feeding pens thrice weekly and received treatments individually. Cow BW and BCS were recorded, and blood samples were collected on d -15 of the experiment and within 12 h after calving. Calf BW was also recorded and blood sample collected within 12 h of calving. Calves were weaned on d 290 of the experiment, preconditioned for 35 d (d 291 to 325), and transferred to a feedyard where they remained until slaughter. Upon calving, CSSO cows and calves had greater (P &lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations of linoleic acid and total ω - 6 FA compared with CON cohorts. No differences in calf birth BW, weaning BW, and final preconditioning BW were noted (P ≥ 0.36) between treatments. Average daily gain and final BW in the feedlot were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in steers from CSSO cows compared with CON. The incidence of calves diagnosed with BRD that required a second antimicrobial treatment was less (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows, resulting in reduced (P = 0.05) need of treatments to regain health compared with CON (Table 5). Upon slaughter, longissimus muscle area was greater (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows compared with CON. Collectively, these results suggest that supplementing CSSO to late-gestating beef cows stimulated programming effects on postnatal offspring growth and Page 2 of 15 For Peer Review health. Therefore, supplementing late-gestating beef cows with CSSO appears to optimize offspring welfare and productivity in beef production systems.

scholarly journals PSI-3 Effects of housing cow-calf pairs in drylots vs pasture during the summer on cow performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 228-228
Author(s):  
Keiffer Sexton ◽  
Megan Myerscough ◽  
Wesley Chapple ◽  
William T Meteer ◽  
Keela Trennepohl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Binary Data ◽  
Pregnancy Rates ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Beef Cow ◽  
Dried Distillers Grains ◽  
Milk Urea ◽  
Cow Performance

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of maintaining cows in drylots vs pasture on beef cow performance. Spring-calving, Simmental × Angus cows (n = 108; 84 ± 11 d postpartum) were stratified by age, BW, BCS, calving date, and sex of calves and allotted to 6 groups. Groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments for 110 d: drylot (DL) or pasture (PAST). Drylot cows were limit-fed a ration consisting of corn silage, dried distillers grains, hay, corn stalks, corn, and soybean hulls to meet protein and energy requirements. Cows on pasture were rotationally grazed and offered free-choice mineral. On d 0, cows were artificially inseminated (AI). On d 0, 53, and 110 (weaning), cow BW and BCS were measured. On d 54 milk production was estimated using the weigh-suckle-weigh technique. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. All binary data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. On d 0 and 53, cow BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.73) between DL and PAST. On d 110, DL cows had 74 kg greater (P &lt; 0.01) BW than PAST cows. The BCS did not differ (P ≥ 0.66) between treatments. There was no difference in milk production (P = 0.93); however, drylot cows tended (P = 0.10) to have reduced milk fat percentage and had reduced (P &lt; 0.01) milk urea nitrogen. There was no difference (P ≥ 0.34) in AI or overall pregnancy rates between treatments. There was no difference in foot angle or claw set (P ≥ 0.17) of cows at any time point. There was also no difference (P = 0.17) in foot treatments between DL (39%) and PAST (4%). Housing cows in drylots compared to pasture increased BW, but did not affect BCS, milk production, and pregnancy rates.

scholarly journals 158 Provision of artificial shade before weaning influences performance of Angus and Brangus cow-calf pairs

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 129-130
Author(s):  
Gleise Medeiros da Silva ◽  
Tessa M Schulmeister ◽  
Federico Podversich ◽  
Federico Tarnonsky ◽  
Maria E Zamora ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Paspalum Notatum ◽  
Gestation Length ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
The Impact

Abstract A completely randomized design study with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluated the impact of artificial shade (SHADE or NO SHADE) and breed (ANGUS vs. BRANGUS) on performance of cows, nursing calves, and subsequent offspring. Twenty-four Angus and 24 Brangus black-hided pregnant cows (579 ± 8 kg BW; 6.5 yr; approximately 85 d of gestation) and their nursing calves were randomly allocated to 12 ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass pastures (Paspalum notatum Flüggé; 1.3 ha; n = 4 pairs/pasture), with or without access to artificial shade (NO SHADE BRANGUS [NSB], NO SHADE ANGUS [NSA], SHADE BRANGUS [SB], and SHADE ANGUS [SA]) for 56 d during summer. Body condition score (BCS) of cows and BW of pairs were obtained on d -1, 0, 55, and 56 (weaning weight). Following weaning, calves were randomly allocated to 4 pens (n = 12/pen) equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks for 14 d to measure feed intake (DMI) and efficiency (G:F). A shade × breed interaction (P &lt; 0.05) was observed for average daily gain (ADG) and BCS of cows, with SB being greatest (P ≤ 0.05). Pre-weaning calf ADG tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for SHADE vs. NO SHADE. Weaning weight and BW 14-d post-weaning were lesser for NSB vs. NSA, SA, and SB, whereas no differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F were observed (P &gt; 0.11). Gestation length was greater for SHADE vs. NO SHADE cows (292 vs. 274; P = 0.02), but calf birth weight was not different. Providing artificial shade to pregnant-lactating beef cows positively impacted the growth of Brangus but not Angus cows. However, weaning BW of calves from Angus cows regardless of shade access did not differ from that of Brangus calves with shade. Further research should investigate the potential long-term effects of shade on the subsequent offspring.

97 Awardee Talk: Feeding Essential Fatty Acids to Late-gestating Beef Cows Optimizes Performance and Health Responses of the Offspring

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 51-52
Author(s):  
Alice Brandão
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Programming ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Essential Fatty Acids ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Antimicrobial Treatment ◽  
Longissimus Muscle ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Option 1, Fetal Programming Only: Non-lactating, pregnant, multiparous Angus × Hereford cows (n = 104) were ranked by pregnancy sire (1 of 2 sires), body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) on d -15 of the experiment (d 180 of gestation). Cows were then assigned to receive: (1) 195 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 52) or 2) 170 g/cow daily of CON (n = 52). Cows received treatments individually from d 0 to calving. Calves were weaned on d 290 of the experiment, preconditioned for 35 d, and placed in a feedyard until slaughter (d 514). Cows receiving CSSO and their calves had greater (P &lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations ω-6 PUFA compared with CON after calving. Colostrum IgG and calf plasma IgG concentrations 24 h after birth were greater (P ≤ 0.02) in CSSO vs. CON cattle. Calves from CSSO cows had greater (P ≤ 0.05) expression of adipogenic and myogenic genes in the longissimus muscle compared with CON. No treatments differences in birth BW, weaning BW, and final preconditioning BW were noted (P ≥ 0.36). Average daily gain and final BW in the feedyard were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in steers from CSSO cows compared with CON. The incidence of calves diagnosed with BRD that required a second antimicrobial treatment was less (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows, resulting in reduced (P = 0.05) need of treatments to regain health compared with CON. Upon slaughter, LM area was greater (P = 0.03) in calves from CSSO cows compared with CON. Collectively, these results are indicative of programming effects on postnatal offspring growth and health resultant from CSSO supplementation to late-gestating cows. Hence, supplementing CSSO to beef cows during pregnancy might be a feasible alternative to optimize offspring productivity and welfare. Option 2, Fetal Programming and Fat Tubs: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate: (1) effects of calcium salts of soybean oil (CSSO) supplementation to late gestating beef cows on the performance of the offspring; (2) the viability of utilizing low-moisture molasses-based blocks (LMB) as a delivery method for CSSO supplementation. In experiment 1, non-lactating, pregnant, multiparous Angus × Hereford cows were assigned to receive: (1) 195 g/cow daily of CSSO (n = 52) or (2) 170 g/cow daily of CON (n = 52) from d 195 of gestation until calving. CSSO cattle had greater (P &lt; 0.01) plasma concentrations ω-6 PUFA; greater (P ≤ 0.02) colostrum and calf plasma IgG concentrations; greater (P ≤ 0.05) expression of adipogenic and myogenic genes in the longissimus muscle (LM); required fewer microbial treatments for BRD (P = 0.05) and had greater LM area compared to CON cohorts. In experiment 2, non-lactating, non-pregnant, multiparous beef cows were allocated to 1 of 9 pens (n = 9 pens; 4 cows/pen) and each pen was assigned to receive: 1) NOSUPP, hay only diet; 2) LMB, self-fed LMB supplement containing 24.7% DM CSSO; 3) CONC, hand-fed supplement identical to LMB. The design was a replicated 3 x 2 Latin square with 2 periods of 42 d, and a 21-d washout interval. Supplement DM intake did not differ (P = 0.39) between LMB and CONC cows from d 14 to 42 as designed, despite a greater variation in daily intake of LMB vs. CONC (treatment × day interaction; P &lt; 0.01). No treatments effects were noted (P ≥ 0.40) for hay intake, BCS, and BW. From d 14 to 42, plasma concentrations of, ω-6 PUFA (P &lt; 0.01) in CONC and LMB vs. NOSUPP cows. Hence, the use of self-fed LMB appears to be a valid strategy to provide CSSO to forage-fed beef cattle.

PSXIII-17 Supplementing organic-complexed or inorganic Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn to beef cows during gestation: post-weaning responses of offspring reared as replacement heifers or feeder cattle

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 432-432
Author(s):  
Kelsey Harvey ◽  
Reinaldo F Cooke ◽  
Eduardo Colombo ◽  
Bruna Rett ◽  
Osvaldo Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Effects ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Female Progeny ◽  
Feeder Cattle ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Haptoglobin Concentration ◽  
Eden Prairie ◽  
To Receive

Abstract Beef cows and their progeny were used to evaluate the effects of supplementing organic-complexed or inorganic Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn during gestation: on offspring reared as replacement heifers or feeder cattle. Non-lactating, pregnant beef cows (n = 190) were ranked by parity, pregnancy type, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), at 117 ± 2.2 d of gestation (d 0) and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) sulfate sources of Cu, Co, Mn, and Zn (INR; n = 95) or 2) an organic complexed source of Cu, Mn, Co, and Zn (AAC; Availa®4; Zinpro Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN; n = 95). From d 0 to calving, cows were maintained in a single pasture and individually offered treatments three times a week. Calves were weaned at 6 mo of age (d 367) and preconditioned for 45-d. Heifer puberty status was verified weekly (d 437 to d 619) based on plasma progesterone concentrations. Steer calves were shipped to a commercial feedlot on d 493, where they were managed as a single group until slaughter (d 724). Plasma cortisol concentration was greater (P = 0.05) in AAC calves at weaning but tended to be less (P = 0.10) on d 370 compared with INR calves. Mean plasma haptoglobin concentration was greater (P = 0.03) in INR vs. AAC calves during preconditioning, and no treatment effects were noted (P = 0.76) for preconditioning average daily gain (ADG). Puberty attainment was hastened in AAC heifers during the experiment (treatment × day; P &lt; 0.01), despite similar (P = 0.39) ADG between treatments from d 412 to 620. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.24) for steer ADG from d 412 until slaughter, nor for carcass quality traits. Therefore, supplementing Co, Cu, Zn, and Mn as organic complexed instead of sulfate sources to beef cows during the last 5 mo of gestation did not improve performance of steer progeny until slaughter, but hastened puberty attainment in female progeny reared as replacement heifers.

Corn or soybean hull incorporation into haylage-based backgrounding beef cattle diets: Effect on growth and efficiency during the backgrounding and finishing periods

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. C. Swanson ◽  
M. Ko ◽  
C. J. Mader
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Soybean Hulls ◽  
Feedlot Performance ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Soybean Hull ◽  
Daily Gain

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of corn or soybean hull incorporation into haylage-based diets on backgrounding calf performance and subsequent feedlot performance. Crossbred steers [n = 48, initial body weight (BW) = 303 ± 3.4 kg] were individually fed dietary treatments consisting of: (1) haylage [17.5% crude protein, dry matter (DM) basis; control], (2) haylage + 20% (DM basis) cracked corn, and (3) haylage + 20% (DM basis) soybean hulls during a 112-d backgrounding period. After the backgrounding period, all steers were adapted to a common high moisture corn-based finishing diet and fed until an ultrasound estimated backfat thickness of 7 mm was obtained. During the backgrounding period, steers fed cracked corn or soybean hulls had greater (P < 0.01) average daily gain, dry matter intake and gain:feed and lower (P = 0.05) plasma urea N as compared with controls. However, when finished on a common high-concentrate diet, steers previously fed cracked corn had greater (P < 0.08) average daily gain, final body weight, and longissimus muscle area than those fed soybean hulls, suggesting that source of supplemental energy during the backgrounding period may influence subsequent feedlot performance. Key words: Beef cattle, backgrounding, energy supplementation

scholarly journals Influence of post-calving supplemental protein on calf performance and reproductive efficiency for beef cows fed silage

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Charmley ◽  
J. A. Small ◽  
K. B. McRae
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Protein Supplementation ◽  
Linear Effect ◽  
Calf Performance ◽  
Ad Libitum ◽  
Protein Milk

Protein supplementation for winter-calving beef cows between calving and turnout to pasture was studied in two trials. Changes in cow body weight (BW) and condition and calf BW gains were recorded from calving to weaning in the fall. Reproductive performance was monitored, and in trial 2, milk production was determined. In trial 1, multiparous silage-fed cows were allocated to one of five levels of corn gluten meal (CGM): 0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 g d−1. In the second trial, cows were allocated to either restricted or ad libitum silage feeding in combination with three protein supplements: no protein, 400 g d−1 CGM or 475 g d−1 soybean meal (SBM). In trial 1, cows gained weight during supplementation, but on pasture they lost weight (linear effect, P = 0.10). Calf gains and weights at turnout and weaning showed a quadratic response to protein supplementation (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward a linear decline in days to first service with increasing levels of CGM (P < 0.10). In trial 2, cows on restricted silage feeding lost weight (P < 0.05) and body condition (P < 0.10), whereas those fed ad libitum silage gained weight and condition. On pasture, this pattern of weight change was reversed (P < 0.05). Protein supplementation did not influence BW change but tended to cause a lower body condition score at turnout (P = 0.10). Restricting silage intake to the cow did not affect calf performance, but protein supplementation increased gains both during supplementation and on pasture, thus increasing weaning weights (P < 0.05). When silage was fed ad libitum, SBM was more effective than CGM for increasing calf gain. However, when silage was restricted, CGM was more effective. Restricting silage intake did not impair milk production, but feeding CGM increased milk production (P < 0.05). For ad libitum-fed cows, protein supplementation increased pregnancy rate; restricting feed had the opposite effect. Our data suggest that protein supplementation to silage-fed beef cows in good body condition can increase calf performance; however, the level of supplementation is critical, and possible adverse effects on breeding have to be taken into account, particularly with cows in negative energy balance after calving. Key words: Beef cow, protein, milk production, calf gains, silage

scholarly journals Influence of dietary roughage level and Megasphaera elsdenii on feedlot performance and carcass composition of thin cull beef cows fed for a lean market

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-169
Author(s):  
Jonathan C DeClerck ◽  
Nathan R Reeves ◽  
Mark F Miller ◽  
Bradley J Johnson ◽  
Gary A Ducharme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Beef Cows ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
Finishing Diets ◽  
Caloric Density ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Megasphaera Elsdenii ◽  
Compensatory Gain

Abstract One hundred forty-four cull cows (body condition score = 2.10 ± 0.61; BW = 456 ± 47 kg) were organized into a 2 × 2 factorial design (48 pens, 12 pens/treatment, and 3 cows/pen) to evaluate the effect of dietary roughage level and oral drenching of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (M. elsdenii culture; Lactipro Advance; MS Biotec Inc., Wamego, KS) on performance and carcass characteristics. Cattle were finished over a 42-day realimentation period, and aggressively stepped up over a 10-day period to either a high roughage finisher (HRF; 25% roughage) or a low roughage finisher (LRF; 10% roughage). Within diet, cattle were administered no probiotic or 100 mL of M. elsdenii culture (M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125, 2 108 cfu/mL) on day 0. No diet × probiotic interactions were detected (P ≥ 0.15), suggesting that the magnitude of the response was not influenced by the concentrate level of the diet. The main effect of diet triggered several significant responses. Decreasing roughage level tended to improve average daily gain (ADG) by 9.7% (0.26 kg, P = 0.08), while decreasing dry matter intake (DMI) by 0.9 kg (P = 0.09), provoking a 19.7% enhancement of feed efficiency (0.036 units, P &lt; 0.01). However, interim data revealed declines of performance parameters among both diets with a significant difference between treatments only documented during the final phase of the realimentation period. During the final 14 days, LRF posted a 0.68 kg increase in ADG (P = 0.05) and a 2.0 kg decrease in DMI (P = 0.01), translating to improved feed efficiency (0.054 units, P = 0.03). This suggests that increasing the caloric density of finishing diets may help offset the regression of performance typically observed following a compensatory gain. No carcass traits were impacted by either diet or M. elsdenii culture (P ≥ 0.08). Overall, oral drenching of M. elsdenii culture tended to augment ADG (0.26 kg, P = 0.08) and carcass ADG (0.20 kg, P = 0.10). Implying that M. elsdenii culture was effective at alleviating the acidosis risk prompted by the rapid step-up period employed in the trial and may help capitalize on the narrow timeline of compensatory gain in cull cow realimentation.

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