A study of hoof cracks in grazing cattle — association of age, weight and fatness

1995 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Goonewardene ◽  
R. K. Hand

The data were obtained from cow calf pairs and replacement heifers grazing summer pastures in northwest Alberta. The objectives were to study the association of age, weight, condition score, cow and calf gain on the prevalence, intensity and severity of hoof (sand) cracks and to determine if such cracks affected cow and calf average daily gain. Cows that had cracks were 1.5 yr older, 43 kg heavier and fatter than cows that showed no cracks. The prevalence of sand cracks was 20–21%. Whereas 3.4% of cows and heifers which were 1 and 2 yr old had cracks, 32.4% of the 3- to 5-yr old and 47.9% of the > 5-yr-old cows had cracks (P < 0.0001). Similarly while 8.4% of the lighter (< 522 kg) cows had cracks, 32.3% of the heavier (> 522 kg) cows had cracks (P = 0.003). Discriminant analysis showed that cows with cracks were older, heavier and fatter at the end of the grazing period. Age of cow, weight and fatness had no effect on intensity or severity of cracks. The presence or absence of cracks had no effect (P > 0.05) on cow or calf gains on pasture. Key words: Hoof cracks, prevalence, intensity, severity, age, weight, fatness

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Sarah M Montgomery ◽  
Brandi Karisch ◽  
Jane A Parish ◽  
Jesse Morrison ◽  
Brian Baldwin

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at d0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.


1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Goonewardene ◽  
P. A. Day ◽  
N. Patrick ◽  
H. D. Scheer ◽  
D. Patrick ◽  
...  

Birth weights of Boer (BO) sired kids were 9% higher than Alpine (AL) sired kids. Weaning, 160 d weight and preweaning average daily gain (ADG) were similar for the AL × AL, AL × SA and BO × AL. Breed of dam was significant (P < 0.02) for birth, weaning, 100-d weight, and preweaning ADG. Similar dressing percentage (DP) and ribeye muscle area (REA) were observed among AL × AL, AL × SP, and BO × SP crosses. Key words: Crossbreeding, Boer, Alpine, growth, carcass, ultrasound


1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (3) ◽  
pp. 665-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. JEFFRIES ◽  
R. G. PETERSON

Genetic parameters were estimated for 2403 purebred Yorkshire pigs over a 2-yr period, representing 21 sires. The traits studied included average daily gain, age adjusted to 90 kg, ultrasonic measurements of backfat at the mid-back and loin positions, total and adjusted total ultrasonic backfat and corresponding carcass backfat measurements. Least squares analyses were used to estimate and adjust for the effects of sex, year-season and sex by year-season interaction. Heritabilities and genetic correlations were calculated for all traits using both half- and full-sib estimates. Adjusted age and adjusted total ultrasonic backfat measurements were found to have the highest heritabilities of the live traits in this study. Estimates of heritability for adjusted age and adjusted total ultrasonic backfat were 0.24 ± 0.10 and 0.26 ± 0.10 based on half-sib and 0.56 ± 0.07 and 0.41 ± 0.06 from full-sib analyses. The genetic correlation between these two traits was −0.07 ± 0.28 based on the half-sib method. The total phenotypic correlation was −0.01 ± 0.02. Key words: Swine, ultrasonic backfat, heritabilities, genetic correlations


1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 967-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. ZoBell ◽  
L. A. Goonewardene ◽  
K. Ziegler

Studies were undertaken to evaluate bloodless castration (B) based on growth and carcass traits. During the first 28 d, bloodless and surgical (S) castrates showed a 51–53% and 68–73% reduction in average daily gain, respectively, compared with intact bulls (I) (P < 0.05) in two trials. Bulls grew faster than steers overall. Carcass traits and grade were similar for B, S and I (P > 0.05). Key words: Bloodless, surgical, castration, growth, carcass traits


Author(s):  
Megan E Myerscough ◽  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Keifer H Sexton ◽  
Lucas S Hofer ◽  
Keela M Trennepohl ◽  
...  

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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 170-171
Author(s):  
Edson Luis de A Ribeiro ◽  
Francisco Fernandes Jr ◽  
Camila Constantino ◽  
Fernando Augusto Grandis ◽  
Natália Albieri Koritiaki ◽  
...  

Abstract This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of castrated and intact Dorper male lambs slaughtered at three different body condition scores. Thirty-five lambs, approximately 3 months old, 21.6 ± 4.0 kg of body weight and 3.1 ± 0.5 of body condition score (BCS), were used. The BCS scale used varied from 1.0 (very thin) to 5.0 (very fat). Four weeks prior to the experiment, 17 lambs were castrated. Lambs were further divided into three groups, according to the criteria for slaughter: BCS of 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. All animals received the same diet. BCS were achieved after 27, 84 and 130 days in feedlot, respectively. There were no interactions (P > 0.05) between sexual conditions and slaughter criteria. Average daily gain of weight (ADG) was different (P < 0.05) for the three BCS (average of 0.263). However, final body weight (28.6 ± 1.7; 42.7 ± 1.8 and 56.8 ± 1.7 kg) and back fat thickness (0.5 ± 0.5; 4.2 ± 0.5 and 7.3 ± 0.5 mm) were different (P < 0.05) among BCS criteria, panelists found that meats from lambs slaughtered with greater fat content were less (P < 0.05) desirable. We can conclude by the performance and meat results that it is better to slaughter Dorper lambs with BCS with no more than 4.0, or 4.2 mm of back fat cover, and for the best acceptability of the meat the lambs should be castrated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 7-8
Author(s):  
Lucas T Neira ◽  
Ashley E Cooney ◽  
Wesley P Chapple ◽  
William T Meteer ◽  
Daniel W Shike

Abstract The objectives were to analyze the effects of housing cow-calf pairs in dry lots (DL) or pasture (PAST) on calf performance and behavior through the receiving phase. Simmental × Angus (n = 108; 87 ± 11.5 d postpartum) spring-calving cows were stratified by age, BW, BCS, and calf sex and allotted to six groups. Cows were limit-fed a ration consisting of corn silage, dried distillers grain, corn stalks, dry rolled corn (DRC), and soybean hulls to meet protein and energy requirements. Calves had ad libitum access to same diet in an adjacent pen. Calves on PAST were rotationally grazed with free-choice mineral. After weaning (177 ± 11.5 d of age) all calves were fed a diet consisting of corn silage, wet distiller grains, DRC, and grass hay during the receiving phase (42 d). At the age 87, 142, 177, 198, and 219 ± 11.5 d, BW was measured. Hair coat score (HCS) and dirt score (DS) were measured on d 0 and d 90. Calf behavior was observed after feedlot arrival. Average daily gain, DMI and feed efficiency were also analyzed. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Dry-lot calves had greater (P < 0.01) BW and ADG prior to weaning. Calves from PAST had lower (P < 0.01) DS and greater (P < 0.01) HCS at weaning. Upon feedlot arrival, more (P < 0.01) DL calves were walking and had increased (P < 0.01) vocalizations. Calves from PAST had greater (P < 0.01) ADG, DMI as a percent of BW, and gain:feed than DL calves during the receiving phase. Calves raised in a dry lot had greater BW and ADG prior to weaning, but PAST calves had fewer behavioral signs of stress and greater growth performance in feedlot.


1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-293
Author(s):  
S. L. Boyles ◽  
L. J. Johnson ◽  
W. D. Slanger ◽  
B. J. Kreft ◽  
J. D. Kirsch

Twenty-six of 52 heifers with an average liveweight of 318 kg were dewormed by intraruminal injection of oxfendazole and placed in drylot on 31 January. The other 26 animals served as controls. All heifers were pastured starting on 14 June and the treatment heifers were dewormed in the same manner as at the start of the experiment (31 January) on 1 July and 31 July. The groups started out with similar total worm eggs per gram of fecal sample, but the dewormed heifers had fewer counts each month thereafter. The drylot average daily gain of the treated heifers was higher (P = 0.01) and less variable (P = 0.12) and by 29 May these animals were heavier by 11.7 kg (P = 0.10). The treated animals did not gain as fast on pasture (P = 0.20), but the gain continued to be less variable (P = 0.09). Age at puberty was not different. Number of open heifers in the treated group was 4 vs. 15% for the control group (P = 0.18). Deworming by intraruminal injection resulted in faster feedlot gains, more uniform gains during both drylot and pasture, reduced parasites and no abscess at injection sites. Key words: Anthelmintics, oxfendazole, cattle, heifers


2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 529-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Munro ◽  
A. Lirette ◽  
D. M. Anderson ◽  
H. Y. Ju

Two-hundred and nine purebred Yorkshire newly weaned piglets were used to determine the effect of the sweetener Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) at 83.3, 167 or 334 mg kg−1 diet on feed consumption (FC), average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F/G) compared with treatments with 5% sucrose and no sweetener (control; C). The Stevia-containing diets did not appear to have detrimental effects on the FC and F/G ratios of the piglets when compared with C. The results indicated only a limited potential for Stevia as feed additive for piglets. Key words: Sweetener, palatability, Stevia, weaned pigs


1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. LAARVELD ◽  
R. K. CHAPLIN ◽  
D. E. KERR

Twenty cross-bred lambs were used in a replicated design to measure the growth-promoting effect of immunization against somatostatin. The lambs were immunized against human alpha-globulin (control) or against somatostatin coupled to human alpha-globulin in a 1:3.75 ratio (wt/wt) (SI). The first immunization occurred when the lambs were 27 d old, followed by three additional immunizations at 2-wk intervals. Growth was monitored from first immunization until the lambs were 103 d old. At the age of 103 d the SI lambs were heavier than the control lambs (33.2 ± 1.1 (mean ± standard error) vs. 30.1 ± 1.4 kg, P < 0.05). The average daily gain after first immunization of the SI lambs was 17% greater than that of the control lambs (310 ± 10 vs. 265 ± 10 g day−1, P < 0.05). Growth hormone and insulin secretory responses to glucose and arginine, glucose tolerance and somatomedin levels in plasma were not different between groups. Somatostatin immunization increased growth in lambs, but the mechanisms through which this occurs are not clear. Key words: Somatostatin, immunization, growth, lambs


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