scholarly journals Effects of a vitamin and mineral bolus on beef heifer feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and liver mineral concentrations1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 876-882
Author(s):  
Kacie L McCarthy ◽  
Sarah R Underdahl ◽  
Carl R Dahlen

Abstract Crossbred beef heifers (n = 23; initial body weight [BW] = 370 ± 12 kg) housed at the North Dakota State University Beef Cattle Research Complex in Fargo, ND, were used to evaluate the effects of a 250-d slow-release vitamin and mineral bolus on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and liver mineral concentrations. Heifers were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) received no supplemental mineral or vitamin (CON, n = 12) or 2) received two boluses on day 0 (minimum of 3,740 mg Ca, 16,456 mg Mg, 112 mg Na, 11,220 mg Cu, 2,995 mg I, 2,805 mg Mn, 505 mg Se, 48,620 mg Zn, 468 mg Co, 824,296 IU vitamin A, 173,102 IU vitamin D3, and 4,121 IU vitamin E bases on company analysis; Reloader 250 Mineral Bolus, Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, MN; MIN, n = 11). Heifers were fed a total mixed ration containing corn silage, grass hay, dried distillers grains with solubles, and dry-rolled corn (16.05% crude protein, 1.44 Mcal/kg NEg) with no added vitamin or mineral supplement. Feed intake and number and time of visits were recorded for each heifer using the Insentec feeding system (Hokofarm Group B.V., the Netherlands) during the feeding period. Liver biopsies were collected from heifers on days 0, 69, and 134 of the feeding period for analysis of mineral concentrations and analyzed as repeated measures. Heifers were slaughtered after 150 or 169 d on feed, and carcass characteristics were determined. Final BW, average daily gain, dry matter index, gain:feed, and carcass characteristics were not influenced (P > 0.19) by treatment. Control heifers visited feeders more but spent less time per visit and ate less per visit compared with MIN heifers (P < 0.03). No differences (P > 0.06) in liver mineral concentrations were observed between treatments, and concentrations of Se, Cu, Mo, Mn, and Co decreased (P < 0.05) over the feeding period. In this experiment, the slow-release vitamin and mineral bolus evaluated failed to increase liver mineral concentrations during the finishing period or influence heifer performance and carcass characteristics.

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 156-157
Author(s):  
Kacie L McCarthy ◽  
Sarah Underdahl ◽  
Carl Dahlen

Abstract Crossbred beef heifers (n = 23; initial BW= 370.0 ± 11.5 kg) housed at the Beef Cattle Research Complex (BCRC) in Fargo, ND were used to evaluate effects of a vitamin and mineral bolus on feedlot performance, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and liver mineral concentrations. Heifers were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) received no supplemental mineral or vitamin (CON, n = 12), or 2) received two mineral and vitamin boluses on d 0 (Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, I, Mn, Se, Zn, Co, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin E; Reloader 250, Cargill Inc., Minneapolis, MN; MIN, n = 11). Heifers were fed a TMR (16.05% CP, 1.44 Mcal NEg) with no added vitamin or mineral supplement. Feed intake, number and time of visits were recorded for each heifer using the Insentec feeding system (Hokofarm Group B.V., the Netherlands) over the 150 d feeding period. Liver biopsies were conducted on heifers on d 0, 69, and 134 of the feeding period to measure mineral concentrations. Carcass characteristics were determined. Data were analyzed in SAS using the GLM procedure with heifer as the experimental unit. Final BW, ADG, DMI, G:F, and carcass characteristics were similar among treatments (P > 0.19). Control heifers visited feeders more but spent less time per visit and ate less per visit compared with MIN heifers (P < 0.03). No differences (P > 0.31) were observed among treatments in d 0 or 134 liver mineral concentrations. At d 69, Co was lower (P = 0.01) in CON heifers compared to MIN heifers; however, Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Mn were not different among treatments (P > 0.34). In this experiment the vitamin and mineral bolus evaluated failed to increase liver mineral concentrations over the finishing period or impact heifer performance and carcass characteristics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 159-159
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M Messersmith ◽  
Angela Boyer ◽  
Dennis Nuzback ◽  
Stephanie L Hansen

Abstract A 126-d study utilized 72 Angus-cross steers (411 ± 16 kg) in a 3 × 2 factorial to examine the effects of Zn source and implant strategy on performance, carcass characteristics, and tissue Zn concentrations. All steers received 70 mg Zn/kg dry matter (DM) from ZnSO4 + 30 mg Zn/kg DM from one of three sources: zinc hydroxychloride (ZnHC), zinc glycinate (ZnG), or zinc sulfate (ZnS). Implant (IMP) strategies included: no implant (NoIMP) or Component TE-IS and Component TE-200 (IS/200) on d 0 and 57, respectively. Steers were blocked by weight into pens of 6 and fed a dry rolled corn-based diet via GrowSafe bunks. Data were analyzed using ProcMixed of SAS, with fixed effects of Zn, IMP, and the interaction. Liver and muscle collected on d -5, 14, 71, and 120 were analyzed for Zn concentration and data were analyzed as repeated measures (repeated effect = day). Steer was the experimental unit (n = 12/treatment). Final body weight and overall average daily gain tended to be decreased for ZnHC compared to ZnS, with ZnG intermediate within IS/200 (Zn × IMP; P ≤ 0.07). No interaction was observed for overall G:F or DM intake (P ≥ 0.41), but both were greater for implanted steers (P ≤ 0.01), while overall G:F was improved for ZnS compared to ZnHC and ZnG (P = 0.02). Carcass characteristics were unaffected by Zn × IMP or Zn source (P ≥ 0.12), but IS/200 improved HCW, DP, and REA (P ≤ 0.01). Implant increased liver Zn (P = 0.02) concentrations. Within IS/200 ZnG tended to have greater muscle Zn than ZnS while ZnHC was intermediate (Zn × IMP; P = 0.09), potentially indicating differences in availability of Zn source to growing muscle. These data suggest Zn source and implant influence performance and tissue Zn concentrations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Julio Cezar Heker Junior ◽  
Mikael Neumann ◽  
Robson Kyoshi Ueno ◽  
Margarete Kimie Falbo ◽  
Sandra Galbeiro ◽  
...  

The objective of this study was to evaluate the associative effect of monensin sodium to virginiamycin and/or essential oils on performance, consumption of nutrients and dry matter, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics of feedlot finished steers. The experiment lasted 106 days with 10 days of adaptation and 96-day trial, and had 32 crosses angus steers, average age 12 months and average weight of 376 kg, divided into 16 stalls, the weighing took place every 21 days and at the end of the experiment. The treatments consisted of the combination of the following additives to the diet included: Monensin sodium, 200 mg day-1 (MO); Monensin sodium, a dose of 200 mg day-1 + essential oil dose of 1.5g day-1 (MO+EO); Monensin sodium, a dose of 200 mg day-1 + virginiamycin, 200 mg day-1 (MO+VI); Monensin sodium, 200 mg day-1 + essential oil dose of 1.5g day-1 + virginiamycin day, 200 mg day-1 (MO+EO+VI), each treatment had four repetitions, where each repetitions consisted of a bay with two animals. The MO+VI association in relation to MO only increase in average daily gain (ADG) of 24.44%, 22.35%, 21.10% and 17.31% in weighing 42, 63, 84 and 96 days, similar the combination of MO+EO+VI which provided an improvement of 21.94%, 13.59%, 15.45% and 14.75% respectively in the same weightings. The daily carcass gain and carcass overall gain were higher in associations MO+VI and MO+EO+VI and provided an average gain of 16.67 kg more compared to MO and MO+EO. In the parameters feed efficiency, dry matter intake and nutrient expressed in kg day-1 and percentage of live weight were not observed differences (P > 0.05) between treatments. Data on apparent digestibility, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics did not show statistical difference between treatment, except for fat thickness which was higher when associated with any of the additives to the MO, and farm weight was higher in associations containing VI. Associating MO+VI or MO+EO+VI proved to be best in this work compared to MO+EO or only MO in the diets of steers in termination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061
Author(s):  
A. L. N. Rigueiro ◽  
M. C. S. Pereira ◽  
M. M. Squizatti ◽  
M. M. Ferreira ◽  
S. C. Dondé ◽  
...  

Context The use of two feed additives, to maximise rumen fermentation, in finishing diets offered to feedlot cattle may positively impact performance. Aims This study, conducted at the São Paulo State University feedlot, Botucatu campus, Brazil, was designed to evaluate the effects of the combined use of monensin (MON; 30 mg/kg of dry matter; (DM)) and virginiamycin (VM; 25 mg/kg of DM) in high-concentrate diets during the adaptation and finishing periods on feedlot performance, carcass traits, feeding behaviour, blood gas profile, rumen morphometrics and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients of Nellore cattle. Methods The experiment was designed as a completely randomised block, replicated six times (3 bulls/pen), in which 72 20 months of age yearling Nellore bulls (388.0 ± 31.1 kg) were fed in 24 pens for 90 days according to the treatments: (1) MON during the entire feeding period (T1), (2) MON + VM during adaptation and only VM during the finishing period (T2), (3) MON + VM during the entire feeding period (T3), and (4) VM during the adaptation and MON + VM during the finishing period (T4). The adaptation program consisted of ad libitum feeding of three diets over the adaptation period of 19 days with concentrate level increasing from 69% to 84% of diet DM. Key results Overall, bulls fed on T2 had a greater DM intake (P < 0.01), final bodyweight (P = 0.04), average daily gain (P = 0.03), hot carcass weight (P < 0.01), final Longissimus muscle area (P = 0.05), Longissimus muscle area daily gain (P = 0.01), improved carcass G:F (P < 0.01) and increased dressing percentage (P < 0.01). Similarly, bulls fed on T2 were faster to consume 1 kg of either DM (P < 0.01) or neutral detergent fibre (P < 0.01) after 60 days on feed. Furthermore, bulls fed on T2 presented a greater (P = 0.05) cell proliferation index in the rumen papillae. Conclusions According to the results, Nellore yearling bulls should be fed high-concentrate diets containing MON and VM during adaptation, and only VM during the finishing period to improve overall feedlot performance. Implications The use of both MON and VM proved to be helpful only during the adaptation period.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
Tony C Bryant ◽  
Josh I Szasz ◽  
Lois F G Pringle ◽  
Eddie Crispe ◽  
K Shawn Blood ◽  
...  

Abstract Ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) is a β-adrenergic agonist approved for feeding during the last 28 to 42 d prior to cattle slaughter to improve feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Three thousand crossbred yearling steers (527 ± 2.4 kg; AVG ± SD) were used in two periods to evaluate the effects of various RAC withdrawal times on feedlot performance, health, and carcass characteristics. In Period 1, 6 blocks of 30 pens totaling 1,500 steers were utilized, which was repeated for Period 2. In a randomized complete block design, cattle were assigned to 1 of 5 treatments consisting of 1) No RAC fed (CON), 2) 12-h RAC withdrawal (12-hRAC), 3) 2-d RAC withdrawal (2-dRAC), 4) 4-d RAC withdrawal (4-dRAC), and 5) 7-d RAC withdrawal (7-dRAC). Cattle were fed for a total of 62 d, and applicable treatments were supplemented with 30.0 ppm (dry matter basis) of RAC (average dose = 322 mg per steer per day) for 33 d at the end of the feeding period, corresponding to their respective withdrawal times. Initial body weight (BW) displayed a quadratic curve, with 2-dRAC and 4-dRAC withdrawal periods having the greatest BW. Accordingly, dry matter intake (DMI) responded quadratically (P = 0.034), with 2-dRAC and 4-dRAC treatments demonstrating the greatest DMI. No significant treatment differences (P ≥ 0.641) were observed in final live BW, average daily gain (ADG), or feed efficiency. Alternatively, when using a common dressing percentage to calculate live BW, cattle on RAC treatments exhibited 7.6 kg additional live BW (P < 0.001) compared to CON cattle. Furthermore, carcass-adjusted ADG and feed efficiency did not differ (P > 0.10) between RAC treatments but were improved compared to the CON treatment (P ≤ 0.002). Hot carcass weight (HCW) was on average 4.9 kg greater (P < 0.001) for RAC treatments vs. CON, and no differences were detected (P > 0.10) among RAC treatments. Within RAC treatments, carcass cutability responded quadratically (P ≤ 0.005) to withdrawal period, with the 2-dRAC and 4-dRAC treatments containing more Yield Grade 4 and 5 and fewer Yield Grade 1 and 2 carcasses than the other RAC treatments. On the basis of the results of this experiment, feeding RAC improves dressing percentage, HCW, and carcass-adjusted BW, ADG, and feed efficiency. Furthermore, extending the RAC withdrawal period to 7 d does not have a significant impact on cattle performance or health and has minimal effects on carcass characteristics.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Henrique Vilela Carvalho ◽  
George A Perry ◽  
Tara L Felix

Abstract The objectives of the study were to determine the effect of steroidal implants on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and estradiol-17β (E2) concentrations in the blood and longissimus muscle of Holstein steers fed a grain-based diet. Seventy Holstein steers (average initial BW = 275 ± 6.4 kg, 10 to 12 mo of age) were assigned to treatments: (i) implanted with 80 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 16 mg of E2 (Component TE-IS with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) at the start of the trial (day 0), and reimplanted with 120 mg of TBA and 24 mg of E2 (Component TE-S with Tylan; Elanco Animal Health) on day 84 of the experiment; or (ii) no implant. Implanted Holstein steers were heavier (P ≤ 0.01) than nonimplanted Holstein steers in the middle (day 84) and at the end of the experiment (day 186). Implanting Holstein steers increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) without affecting gain-to-feed ratio compared with nonimplanted animals. Carcasses from implanted Holstein steers had greater (P < 0.01) hot carcass weight (HCW) and longissimus muscle (LM) area than carcasses from nonimplanted steers. Implanting did not affect (P ≥ 0.21) other carcass characteristics. There was an increase (P = 0.03) of 1.3 pg of E2/g of muscle in implanted Holstein steers compared with that from nonimplanted Holstein steers. There was an implant × day interaction (P < 0.01) in serum E2 concentrations. Serum E2 concentrations were not altered in nonimplanted Holstein steers, whereas E2 concentration increased (P < 0.01) after steers were implanted, regardless of implant characteristics. Serum E2 peaked at 28 days after the first implant and then rapidly declined after day 56. In summary, steroidal implants administered on days 0 and 84 increased DMI, ADG, HCW, and LM area in Holstein steers compared with nonimplanted steers due to increased serum E2 concentrations. However, these changes did not improve feed efficiency or other carcass characteristics.


Author(s):  
Elizabeth M Messersmith ◽  
Stephanie L Hansen

Abstract Seventy-two Angus-crossbred steers (411 ± 16 kg) were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments to examine the effects of blended Zn source supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and trace mineral parameters of steers administered no implant or a two-implant program. Factors included implant (IMP) strategies and Zn supplementation. During the 126-d study steers were either not implanted (NoIMP) or implanted (IS/200; Elanco, Greenfield, IN) on d 0 (Component TE-IS; 80 mg trenbolone acetate + 16 mg estradiol) and 57 (Component TE-200; 200 mg trenbolone acetate + 20 mg estradiol). All steers were fed 70 mg Zn/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis from ZnSO4 + 30 mg Zn/kg DM from either basic ZnCl (Vistore Zn, Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ), Zn glycinate (Gemstone Zn, Phibro Animal Health), or ZnSO4 (ZnB, ZnG, or ZnS, respectively). Steers were blocked by weight into pens of 6 and fed a dry rolled corn-based diet via GrowSafe bunks (GrowSafe Systems Ltd.; Airdrie, AB, Canada). Data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS, with fixed effects of Zn, IMP, and the interaction. Steer was the experimental unit (n = 12 steers/treatment). Liver and muscle collected on d -5, 14, 71, and 120 were analyzed for Zn concentration, and data were analyzed as repeated measures (repeated effect = Day). An IMP × Zn tendency (P = 0.07) was observed for d 126 body weight with no effects of Zn within NoIMP while ZnS tended to be heavier than ZnB with ZnG intermediate within IS/200. Carcass-adjusted overall feed efficiency (G:F) was greatest for ZnS (Zn; P = 0.02). Implanted cattle had greater DM intake, G:F, and carcass-adjusted performance (P ≤ 0.01). Liver Zn concentrations were greater for IS/200 by d 120 (IMP × Day; P = 0.02). Within IS/200, ZnG tended to have greater muscle Zn than ZnS while ZnB was intermediate (Zn × IMP; P = 0.09). No Zn or IMP × Zn (P ≥ 0.12) effects were observed for carcass data. However, IS/200 had greater hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and ribeye area than NoIMP (P ≤ 0.001). These data suggest implants improve growth and influence Zn metabolism. Future work should examine Zn sources and supplementation alongside implant strategies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 1143-1152
Author(s):  
Ronald J Trotta ◽  
Kasey R Maddock Carlin ◽  
Kendall C Swanson

Abstract Ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC) is a β-adrenergic agonist that functions as a repartitioning agent to improve muscling in feedlot cattle. Many studies have investigated the effects of RAC on growth performance and carcass characteristics; however, there is minimal information about the influence of RAC on feeding behavior. Sixty-nine steers (body weight [BW] = 364 ± 3.9 kg) predominately of Angus and Simmental breeding were subjected to a 126-d (n = 46) or 154-d (n = 23) feeding period and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: supplementation to provide 0 (CON; n = 34) or 267 ± 4.9 mg/d of RAC (n = 35). Ractopamine was provided as Optaflexx 45 at 0.024% of the diet (dry matter [DM] basis; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN). Dietary treatments were fed the final 42 d in the feed yard (treatment period). Feeding behavior and growth performance were measured using radio frequency identification tags and the Insentec feeding system. Following the final day of treatment, steers were slaughtered and carcass measurements were recorded. Data were analyzed using MIXED models in SAS. There were no differences in BW, average daily gain (ADG), DM intake (DMI), gain:feed ratio (G:F), or feeding behavior during the pretreatment period (P > 0.44). Ractopamine supplementation increased G:F during the treatment period (P = 0.02) and during the total period (P = 0.03) and tended to increase ADG during the treatment and total period (P ≤ 0.08). DMI was not affected during the treatment or total period (P > 0.67). Eating time per visit, per meal, and per day were decreased (P < 0.02) in steers supplemented with RAC during the treatment period. DMI per minute was increased (P = 0.02) in steers supplemented with RAC. Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and 12th rib fat were not influenced by RAC supplementation. Ractopamine supplementation decreased marbling (P = 0.008) and kidney, pelvic, and heart percentage (P = 0.04) and increased longissimus muscle area (P = 0.01). These data demonstrate that RAC supplementation for 42 d improves feed efficiency, increases the rate of DMI without altering DMI, and increases muscling in finishing cattle.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 290-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C Eidsvik ◽  
John J McKinnon ◽  
Diego Moya Fernandez ◽  
Alexandra Blanchard

Abstract The objective was to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics for feedlot cattle fed two sources of rumen protected capsaicin at two dose rates. A total of 450 steers, stratified by BW, were assigned into 30 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 5 treatments containing (DM basis) of 86.2% barley grain, 6.0% barley silage, 6.2% canola meal, and 1.6% vitamin and mineral supplement. Treatments contained no additive (CON) or included a low or high dose of Nexulin (100 mg/d for NEXLO and 330 mg/d for NEXHI) or CapsXL (77 mg/d CAPLO or 250 mg/d for CAPHI). Steers averaged 507 kg BW at the start of the study and 686 kg at the end of the study (69 days on feed) with no differences among treatments (P > 0.28). Dry matter intake, ADG, gain:feed, dressing percentage, backfat thickness, and rib-eye area were not affected by treatment (P > 0.33). Steers fed CAPLO and NEXLO tended (P = 0.07) to have lesser marbling scores than CON, CAPHI and NEXHI. The proportion of steers in Canadian yield grades 1 and 2 did not differ among treatments, while those in yield grade 3 were greater (P = 0.03) in NEXLO (29%) than the CON (10.0%) and NEXHI (12.2%) treatments, with those fed CAPLO (20%) and CAPHI (19%) being intermediate but not different. Treatment did not affect the proportion of steers in quality grades B4, A, or prime, but tended to increase the proportion of steers grading AAA (P = 0.08) and decrease the proportion grading AA (P = 0.06). Overall, the data from this experiment suggest the potential for capsaicin to affect carcass yield grade, marbling score and quality grades without affecting DMI, ADG, or dressing percentage.


Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hung Le ◽  
Quang Nguyen ◽  
Don Nguyen ◽  
Bunmi Malau-Aduli ◽  
Peter Nichols ◽  
...  

This study investigated live animal performance and carcass characteristics of Australian prime lambs fed oil based polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched pellets in a feedlot system. The tested hypothesis was that supplementation of lambs with a variety of dietary oil based PUFA enriched pellets would enhance growth and carcass characteristics compared with the control lambs fed only with lucerne hay. Seventy-two, 6 months old White Suffolk x Corriedale first-cross prime lambs with an average liveweight (LWT) of 35.7 ± 0.9 kg were allocated to six treatment groups in a completely randomised experimental design. The treatments were: (1) control: lucerne hay only; or lucerne hay plus wheat-based pellets infused with 50 mL/kg dry matter (DM) of oils from (2) rice bran (RBO); (3) canola (CO); (4) rumen protected (RPO); (5) flaxseed (FO) and (6) safflower (SO) dietary sources. All lambs had ad libitum access to lucerne hay and clean fresh water. Supplemented lambs were fed 1 kg of pellet/head/day for 10 weeks. Feed intake, final LWT, average daily gain (ADG), body conformation and carcass characteristics of lambs in the supplemented groups were all greater than for the control group. SO lambs had the lowest ADG of 190.3 g/day. RBO and CO treatments had the lowest feed cost per unit gain of AU$3.0/kg. Supplemented lambs had similar over the hooks (OTH) incomes that were all higher than that of the control group. This empirical evidence-based data demonstrated that supplementation of lambs with RBO and CO had comparatively lower feed costs without compromising ADG, carcass characteristics and OTH income.


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