Impacts of a leptin SNP on growth performance and carcass characters in finishing steers studied over time

Abstract Mycotoxins may not be an issue every year, but the proper environmental conditions can cause a spike in contaminated grains and cause severe economic impact on pork producers. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of naturally occurring infections of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone and fumonisins (DZF) on growth performance and carcass parameters in grow/finish pigs. One hundred pigs (BW 34.0 ± 0.9 kg; L337 × Camborough, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 dietary treatments with 10 split-sex pens/treatment. The control diet (CTL) contained low levels of DZF and the CTL+DFZ diet contained high levels of DZF. Diets were fed in 4 phases over the 126-d experiment period. The CTL diet contained 1.6, 1.6, 1.8 and 1.2 mg deoxynivalenol/kg and CTL+DZF contained 9.2, 6.9, 5.8 and 3.8 mg deoxynivalenol/kg in the 4 diet phases, respectively. The CTL contained 0.30, 0.32, 0.51 and 0.32 mg zearalenone/kg and 0.7, 0.8, 0.8 and 0.9 mg total fumonisins/kg; CTL+DFZ contained 0.59, 0.72, 0.86 and 0.57 mg zearalenone/kg and 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 and 0.9 mg total fumonisins/kg for phases one through four, respectively. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS (9.4) with treatment, sex, and their interaction as fixed effects. Compared to CTL, feeding CTL+DFZ decreased final BW (130.3 vs 120.5 kg; P< 0.001), ADG (0.95 vs 0.79 kg/d; P< 0.001), ADFI (2.73 vs 2.49 kg/d; P=0.016), and G:F (0.35 vs 0.32; P=0.043). Feeding CTL+DFZ decreased HCW (92.3 vs 89.4 kg; P=0.024) and increased dressing percentage (70.9 vs 74.3%; P=0.009) and tended to reduce loin depth (7.0 vs 6.8 cm; P=0.057) compared to CTL. Diet did not affect backfat depth or lean percentage (P >0.10). In conclusion, diets naturally contaminated with multiple mycotoxins reduced growth performance and adversely affected carcass parameters; pigs did not adapt over time to the mycotoxins.

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Impact of a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, feed intake, and carcass traits of finishing steers

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txz109 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 1162-1172

Author(s):

Tassilo Brand ◽

Martin Hünerberg ◽

Tim A McAllister ◽

Maolong He ◽

Atef M Saleem ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Feed Intake ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Muscle Area ◽

Mineral Supplement ◽

Liver Abscesses ◽

Finishing Steers

Abstact: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic feed additive (Digestarom [DA]; Biomin, Getzersdorf, Austria) on growth performance, feed intake, carcass traits, fatty acid composition, and liver abscesses of finishing steers. One hundred twenty Angus × Charolais crossbred steers (488 ± 26.5 kg) were used in a 110-d feeding experiment. Steers were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to 12 pens with 10 steers per pen. Each pen was allocated to one of three diets. Each diet contained 86.5% barley, 10.0% barley silage, and 3.5% vitamin and mineral supplement on a dry matter (DM) basis. The diets contained 0, 0.05, and 0.1 g DA/kg complete diet (DM basis), to achieve average daily DA intakes of 0 (control), 0.5 (LowDA), and 1.0 g (HighDA) per steer. Diets were prepared once daily and provided ad libitum. Two pens per treatment were equipped to record individual feed intake behavior. Steers were weighed every 28 d and carcass traits and liver scores were recorded at slaughter. Dry matter intake (average: 9.34 kg/d) did not differ (P > 0.05) among diets. Average daily gain tended to increase linearly as DA increased (control: 1.82; LowDA: 1.87; and HighDA: 1.95 kg/d; P < 0.09), but gain:feed ratio was not affected. Supplementation of DA affected longissimus muscle area quadratically (P = 0.05) with the largest area observed for LowDA. However, dressing percentage decreased linearly in response to increasing level of DA (P < 0.01). Total abscessed livers were not affected, whereas proportion of severe liver abscesses was numerically lower with DA (30.8% and 42.5% for LowDA and HighDA) compared to the control (50%).

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Effects of feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product to feedlot finishing steers on growth performance and carcass traits

Energy and protein metabolism and nutrition ◽

10.3920/978-90-8686-891-9_40 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Y.Z. Shen ◽

T. Ran ◽

I. Yoon ◽

A.M. Saleem ◽

W.Z. Yang

Keyword(s):

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Fermentation Product ◽

Finishing Steers ◽

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Fermentation Product

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A time-series effect of phytase supplementation on phosphorus utilization in growing and finishing pigs fed a low-phosphorus diet

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab350 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 100 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Olufemi Oluwaseun Babatunde ◽

Olayiwola Adeola

Keyword(s):

Time Series ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Block Design ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Growing Pigs ◽

Water Soluble ◽

Feed Ratio ◽

Finishing Pigs ◽

Over Time

Abstract Two experiments were carried out to determine a time-series effect of phytase on phosphorus (P) utilization in growing and finishing pigs using growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, P excretion, and plasma concentrations of minerals as the response criteria for evaluation. In both experiments, treatments were arranged as a 3 × 4 factorial in a randomized complete block design with 3 corn–soybean meal-based diets including a P-adequate positive control (PC), a low-P negative control (NC; no inorganic P), and NC supplemented with phytase at 1,000 FYT/kg (NC + 1,000); and 4 sampling time points at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 in experiment 1, and days 14, 26, 42, and 55 in experiment 2. In both trials, 96 growing pigs with average body weight (BW) of 19.8 ± 1.16 and 49.8 ± 3.21 kg, respectively, were allocated to the 3 diets with 8 replicates pens (4 barrows and 4 gilts) and 4 pigs per pen. In experiment 1, pigs fed the PC had higher (P < 0.01) BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) when compared with pigs fed the NC. There was an interaction (P < 0.01) between time and diet on the BW and ADG of pigs while a linear and quadratic increase (P < 0.01) was observed with the ADFI and G:F, respectively, over time. Phytase supplementation improved (P < 0.01) all growth performance responses. Pigs fed the PC had greater (P < 0.01) ATTD of P and Ca than pigs fed the NC. There was no interaction effect on the ATTD of nutrients. Phytase addition improved the ATTD of P and Ca over pigs fed the NC. There was an interaction (P < 0.01) between diet and time on the total and water-soluble P (WSP) excreted. There was a quadratic decrease (P < 0.01) in plasma concentration of Ca in pigs over time. In experiment 2, there was a quadratic increase (P < 0.01) in BW, ADG, and G:F of pigs over time. Similarly, the inclusion of phytase improved (P < 0.05) all growth performance parameters except ADFI. A linear increase (P < 0.05) in the ATTD of DM, P, and Ca occurred over time. Phytase inclusion improved (P < 0.01) the ATTD of P and Ca. Plasma concentrations of P were improved by phytase addition. Phytase supplementation of the NC reduced WSP excretion by 45%, 32%, and 35% over the growing, finishing, and entire grow-finish period, respectively. In conclusion, phytase improves the utilization of P in growing and finishing pigs; however, the magnitude of effect on responses may vary over time.

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Evaluation of hybrid rye on growth performance, carcass traits, and efficiency of net energy utilization in finishing steers

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txaa173 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Warren C Rusche ◽

Julie Ann Walker ◽

Peter Sexton ◽

Rebecca S Brattain ◽

Zachary K Smith

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Carcass Traits ◽

Energy Utilization ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Experimental Unit ◽

Net Energy ◽

Complete Replacement ◽

Finishing Steers ◽

Hybrid Rye

Abstract Crossbred beef steers with a high percentage of Angus ancestry [n = 240, initial shrunk body weight (BW), 404 ± 18.5 kg] were used in a 117-d feedlot experiment to evaluate the effect of hybrid rye (Rye; KWS Cereals USA, LLC, Champaign, IL) as a replacement for dry-rolled corn (DRC) on growth performance, carcass traits, and comparative net energy (NE) value in diets fed to finishing steers. Rye from a single hybrid (KWS Bono) with an ergot alkaloid concentration of 392 ppb was processed with a roller mill to a processing index (PI) of 78.8 ± 2.29. Four treatments were used in a completely randomized design (n = 6 pens/treatment; 10 steers/pen), where DRC (PI = 86.9 ± 4.19) was replaced by varying proportions of Rye [DRC:Rye, dry matter (DM) basis (60:0), (40:20), (20:40), and (0:60)]. Liver abscess scores and carcass characteristics were collected at the abattoir. Carcass-adjusted performance was calculated from hot carcass weight (HCW)/0.625. Performance-adjusted NE was calculated using carcass-adjusted average daily gain (ADG), DM intake (DMI), and mean equivalent shrunk BW with the comparative NE values for rye calculated using the replacement technique. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit. Treatment effects were tested using linear and quadratic contrasts, as well as between diets with and without Rye. Replacing DRC with Rye linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.01) carcass-adjusted final BW, ADG, DMI, and gain:feed (G:F). Feeding rye linearly decreased HCW and longissimus muscle area (P ≤ 0.04). Distributions of liver scores and USDA grades for quality and yield were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.09). Estimated replacement NE for maintenance (NEm) and gain (NEg) values for rye, when included at 60% of diet DM, were 1.90 and 1.25 Mcal/kg, respectively. Rye can be a suitable feed ingredient in finishing diets for feedlot steers. Estimated replacement values of Rye when fed at 60% of diet DM closely agreed with current tabular standards but, when included at 20% of diet DM, estimated NEm and NEg values of Rye were increased 9.5% and 12.8%, respectively. Net energy value of Rye for gain is approximately 84% compared to DRC; thus, the complete replacement of DRC with Rye depressed DMI, ADG, G:F, and carcass weight.

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Effect of metabolizable protein intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior in finishing steers

Translational Animal Science ◽

10.1093/tas/txz124 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 1173-1181

Author(s):

Leonardo G Sitorski ◽

Marc L Bauer ◽

Kendall C Swanson

Keyword(s):

Feeding Behavior ◽

Growth Performance ◽

Carcass Characteristics ◽

Feed Ratio ◽

Marbling Score ◽

Quadratic Effect ◽

Metabolizable Protein ◽

Finishing Steers ◽

Fat Thickness ◽

Time Eating

Abstract One-hundred thirty-two finishing steers (300 ± 2.7 kg body weight [BW]) predominately of Angus, Simmental, and Shorthorn breeding were used to study the effect of metabolizable protein (MP) intake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior. Steers were stratified by initial BW across five pens and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments to supply an average of 626, 906, 1,209, and 1,444 g MP/d (n = 33 per treatment). Feed intake and feeding behavior were measured using radio frequency identification tags and the Insentec feeding system. For feeding behavior, a visit was defined as each time the Insentec system detected a steer at the feed bunk. A meal was defined as eating periods by intervals no longer than 7 min. Steers were fed until they reached an average BW of 598 ± 3.1 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P < 0.01) with ADG increasing in steers fed 906 g MP/d and plateauing thereafter. Dry-matter intake (DMI; kg) responded quadratically (P = 0.009) with DMI increasing with MP intake up to 1,209 g/d MP and decreasing thereafter. Gain to feed ratio (G:F) increased linearly (P = 0.04) and tended (P = 0.10) to respond quadratically, as G:F increased up to 906 g MP/d and plateaued thereafter. A quadratic response (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) was observed for marbling score and 12th rib subcutaneous fat thickness with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest marbling score and back fat thickness. A quadratic effect for visits and meals per day was observed (P < 0.01) with steers fed the 1,209 g MP/d treatment having the least visits and meals per day. In addition, time eating per visit responded quadratically (P = 0.05) with time increasing from 626 to 906 g MP/d. There was a linear increase (P ≤ 0.02) in time eating per meal and per day with increasing MP intake. A quadratic effect (P < 0.03) was observed for DMI per visit, meal, and minute with steers fed 1,209 g MP/d having the greatest DMI. In summary, steers fed 626 g MP/d had increased visits and meals per day. However, DMI per visit, meal, and minute were greater in steers fed 1,209 g MP/d. A day × treatment interaction (P < 0.001) was observed for plasma urea N as concentrations increased to a greater extent over time in the higher MP treatments than in the lower MP treatments. These data indicate that MP supply (from deficient to excess) influences growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding behavior of finishing steers.

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Flight speed as an indicator of Zebu cattle growth performance and suitability to the feedlot environment

Animal Production Science ◽

10.1071/an18785 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (4) ◽

pp. 560

Author(s):

Désirée Gellatly ◽

Joslaine N. S. G. Cyrillo ◽

Aline C. Sant'Anna ◽

Tiago S. Valente ◽

Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Bos Taurus ◽

Average Daily Gain ◽

Flight Speed ◽

Zebu Cattle ◽

Feedlot Performance ◽

Unit Increase ◽

The Relationship ◽

Daily Gain ◽

Over Time

Context Studies assessing the relationship between cattle reactivity and growth performance, as well as suitability to the feedlot, in Zebu cattle are limited. Based on previous studies using Bos Taurus cattle, it is expected that reactivity measured at weaning could be used as a predictor of feedlot performance, and that cattle with greater flight speed (FS) would have reduced average daily gain (ADG). Aims The aims of this study were to (1) determine if FS (m/s) measured before entry into the feedlot could be used as a predictor of cattle performance, (2) evaluate the consistency of FS over time, and (3) determine when FS should be measured to best predict animal suitability to the feedlot. Methods A total of 54 Nellore and 40 Guzerat calves were assessed by using FS, which was collected at the time of (FS0) and 1 week after weaning (FS1), as well as on Day 28 (FS28), 56 (FS56) and 168 (FS168) after entry into the feedlot, and a FS average was calculated using FS28, FS56 and FS168 (FS28–168). Performance using ADG (kg/calf.day) was calculated for each animal over three periods: ADG1–28, ADG28–168 and ADG1–168. Bunk attendance (min/calf.day) was recorded over a 173-day feeding period. Key results The ADG28–168 was reduced by 0.14 kg/calf.day for each unit increase in FS0 (P < 0.05). Both ADG28–168 and ADG1–168 were reduced by 0.02 kg/calf.day for each unit increase in FS1 (P ≤ 0.01), but neither FS0 nor FS1 was associated with ADG1–28 (P > 0.10). A significant increase was observed between FS1 and FS28 (P < 0.01), followed by a reduction in FS56 (P < 0.01) and FS168 (P < 0.01). Conclusion FS measured at or within 1 week of weaning has the potential to be used as an indicator of feedlot growth performance in Nellore and Guzerat cattle. Implications Although our results do not indicate the efficacy of FS as a predictor of early suitability of cattle to the feedlot, it does have the potential to support its recommendation as an indicator of overall feedlot growth performance in Nellore and Guzerat breeds.

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Influence of Lippia citriodora verbascoside on growth performance, antioxidant status, and serum immunoglobulins content in piglets

Czech Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.17221/6006-cjas ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 57 (No. 7) ◽

pp. 312-322 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

G. Pastorelli ◽

R. Rossi ◽

C. Corino

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Plant Extract ◽

Antioxidant Status ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Feed Additives ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Feed Consumption ◽

Reactive Oxygen Metabolites ◽

Lippia Citriodora ◽

Over Time

Phytogenic feed additives are used in animal feeding to improve livestock performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether a dietary plant extract from Lippia citriodora, standardized for verbascoside, can modify various immunological, oxidative, and biochemical serum parameters in weaned piglets. A total of 144 piglets, half female and half barrows (7.99 ± 1.40 kg BW), were allocated to three dietary treatments with six replicates per treatment (pens of 8 piglets each). Piglets were supplemented with the following levels of plant extract standardized for verbascoside: 0 (CON = control group), 5 (LV = low verbascoside group), or 10 (HV = high verbascoside group) mg/kg of diet for 56 days. Body weight (BW) and feed consumption were recorded at days 0 and 56 to determine the average daily gain and gain : feed. Twelve piglets from each treatment were randomly selected, and blood was collected by anterior vena cava puncture on days 0, 14, and 56 for glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, and oxidative status, and on days 0 and 56 for IgG and IgA concentrations. The HV group grew more (P < 0.05) than the CON and LV groups. No significant differences were observed for any of the biochemical parameters between the groups; urea, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly over time. Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) showed significant time, time × treatment, and treatment effects (P < 0.001). Both serum Igs increased (P < 0.005, P < 0.001 for IgG and IgA respectively) over time in all groups; treatment (P < 0.05), and time × treatment (P = 0.056) effects were found for serum IgA concentration. The Lippia citriodora verbascoside positively influenced antioxidant status and IgA content with a tendential effect on growth performance.  

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