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PubMed1996

Behavior of horses is affected by soy lecithin and corn oil in the diet.

To test the hypothesis that dietary fats may improve tractability of horses, the effects of four total mixed diets on behavior were compared. The control diet (CON) contained chopped hay, corn, oats, beet pulp, molasses and a mineral mix; the three test diets contained an additional 10% (by weight) corn oil (CO), soy lecithin-corn oil (SL-CO), or soy lecithin-soy oil (SL-SO). Eight horses were fed each diet in random order for four 3-wk periods. Behavior was observed during the last week of each feeding period. Spontaneous activity was evaluated using a pedometer and was less in horses fed SL-CO than in controls (P = .022). Reactivity was evaluated as responses to pressure, loud noise, and sudden visual stimuli. Compared with results for control horses, reactivity was less in horses fed SL-CO during the visual stimulus test (P = .036), in horses fed CO in the noise test, the pressure test, and the visual stimulus test (P = .093, .108, and .116 respectively), and in horses fed SL-SO during the visual stimulus test (P = .108). These results provide the first quantitative evidence that dietary fats reduce the activity and reactivity of horses.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Factors affecting dystocia in Brahman-cross heifers in subtropical southeastern United States.

This study was conducted to determine relative relationships among factors affecting dystocia in Brahman-cross heifers. Body and pelvic measurements were obtained in mid-June (when heifers were approximately 17 mo old), 45 d after a 60-d breeding season. Heifers studied were 207 Red Brangus, 209 Simbrah, and 250 Braford bred to Black Angus bulls; calving began on December 1. Heifers grazed stockpiled bahia and hemarthria grass or ryegrass supplemented with 0.9 kg of 32% protein cottonseed meal and 1.8 kg of mill-run black strap molasses daily during calving. Calvings were scored (1 = no difficulty to 4 = major difficulty). A random sample of birth weights were obtained on 131 and 210 calves in 1992 and 1993. Data were analyzed within year by SAS procedures. Breed differences in dam size and pelvic measurements were highly significant. Residual correlations between body weight and pelvic area were .20 and .35 (both P < .01) for 1991 and 1992. Dystocia incidence was 6.9% in 1992 and 10.5% in 1993, with higher incidence in males than in females (1992, 10.6 vs 3.1%, P = .08; 1993, 15.6 vs 4.2%, P < .01, male vs female, respectively). Male birth weight exceeded (P < .01) that of females (26.7 vs 24.3 kg, 1992; 28.1 vs 26.1 kg, 1993). Correlations among dam size and calf birth weight were not significant. Birth weight was significantly correlated with dystocia score (.19 and .49, 1992 and 1993). Path analyses of influences on dystocia found birth weight, dam heart girth, and body weight significant in 1992, but only birth weight significant in 1993. Regression of calving score on birth weight was curvilinear and significant in both years, with the birth weight inflection point at 22 kg. We conclude that dam body size data obtained following the breeding season were of minor value in determining dystocia, but birth weight was consistently important.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

The effects of chemical treatment of whole canola seed on lipid and protein digestion by steers.

Five Angus x Simmental steers (average BW 259 kg) cannulated in the rumen, proximal duodenum, and terminal ileum were fed five diets in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Experimental periods were 14 d in length, with 10 d of diet adaptation and 4 d of sample collection. The basal diet contained (percentage of diet DM) ammoniated corn cobs (50%), alfalfa hay (22%), cornstarch grits (13%), corn (6.7%), cane molasses (5%), and urea (1.25%). Three canola seed-containing diets and a diet containing Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids (Ca-LCFA) were formulated by replacing cornstarch grits from the basal diet with the test feedstuffs. Whole canola seed untreated, crushed, or treated with a caustic alkaline solution and an oxidant were included at 10% of diet DM. The Ca-LCFA diet contained (percentage of diet DM) canola meal (5%) and Megalac (5%). Diets containing untreated, crushed, and treated canola seed and Ca-LCFA contained, on average, 5.6% more total fatty acids than the basal diet. Steers were fed 5.3 kg DM/d (2.05% of initial BW) in 12 equal portions (every 2 h). Ruminal fermentation characteristics and digestibilities of OM, GE, N, NDF, and ADF were unaffected (P > .05) by diet. Biohydrogenation of total 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids was greater (P < .05) for steers fed the crushed canola seed-containing diet (72.0%) than for steers fed the untreated (27.9%) and treated (38.6%) canola seed-containing diets. Digestibility of total 18-carbon fatty acids in the small intestine was greater for steers fed the crushed canola seed (58.9% of duodenal flow) rather than the untreated canola seed (28.4% of duodenal flow) and intermediate for steers fed the treated canola seed (47.0% of duodenal flow). Chemical treatment of whole canola seed may be a viable method for the postruminal delivery of intestinally available unsaturated fatty acids to ruminants.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Response of lactating dairy cows to various densities of sorghum grain.

To examine the effects of various densities of sorghum grain resulting in graded levels of ruminally degradable starch on lactational performance, 32 lactating Holstein cows (90 d in milk [DIM]) were assigned to four treatments for 58 d. Diets contained 37% alfalfa hay, 3% cottonseed hulls, 10% whole cottonseed, 6% soybean meal, 5% of a molasses-mineral-vitamin supplement, and 39% sorghum grain. Treatments were dry-rolled sorghum (DRS) at 643 g/L or stream-flaked sorghum (SF) at 437, 360, and 283 g/L. Dry matter intake was highest for DRS followed by SF360, with the linear (P < .01) and cubic (P < .05) effects significant. The linear decrease in milk (P < .05) and 3.5% fat corrected milk (FCM, P < .025) with decreased density of sorghum was because of large decreases on SF283. Steam-flaking increased total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, starch, and ADF when compared with dry-rolling. Efficiency of conversion of feed DM to FCM and feed CP to milk protein were greater for sorghum flaked at 437 and 360 g/L than for DRS or the 283 g/L flake. The 283 g/L flake decreased DMI, milk yield, and milk fat percentage. Addition of buffer (1% NaHCO3) tended to ameliorate the decrease in DMI. These data show greater efficiency of feed utilization and conversion of feed CP to milk protein in cows fed sorghum grain flaked at 437 and 360 g/L compared with those fed dry-rolled sorghum or that flaked at 283 g/L.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Influence of dietary sulfur level on growth performance and digestive function in feedlot cattle.

Using ammonium sulfate, three levels of dietary S (.15, .20, and .25%, DM basis) were evaluated in a finishing trial with 108 yearling crossbred heifers (384 kg). The basal diet contained (DM basis) 4% alfalfa hay, 6% sudangrass hay, 74% steam-flaked corn, 4% yellow grease, 6% cane molasses, and 6% protein-mineral supplement. Increasing dietary S decreased ADG (quadratic effect, P < .10), DMI (linear effect, P < .10), feed efficiency (quadratic effect, P < .10), diet NE (quadratic effect, P < .10), and longissimus muscle area (linear effect, P < .05). Six Holstein steers (218 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of digestion. Treatment effects on ruminal and total tract digestion of OM and N were small (P > .10). However, ruminal digestion of ADF and starch was slightly lower (quadratic effect, P < .10), and postruminal digestion of ADF and starch was correspondingly greater (quadratic effect, P < .05) with supplemental S. Dietary S level did not influence (P > .10) ruminal synthesis of microbial N. Increasing dietary S did not influence (P > .10) ruminal pH or lactic acid. Increasing S decreased molar proportions of acetate (quadratic effect, P < .10) and increased molar proportions of propionate (linear effect, P < .10). We conclude that S in excess of .20% of dietary DM may have detrimental effects on growth performance and dietary NE. Excessive dietary S may also compromise carcass merit by decreasing longissimus muscle area.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Nutrient utilization by sheep and performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed crab waste-straw silage.

Crab waste preserved with .2% NaOCl was mixed with wheat straw, liquid molasses, and water (32:32:16:20, wet basis) and ensiled for a minimum of 8 wk with microbial inoculant. A reduction in pH and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and a higher concentration of lactic acid (4.9%, DM basis) were achieved. The trimethylamine (TMA) concentration in the silage was 11.2 mg N/100 g. In a digestion trial, 18 crossbred wethers (43 kg) were fed three diets: 1) basal, 2) a 50:50 mixture, DM basis, of basal and crab waste-straw silage, and 3) 100% crab waste-straw silage. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, energy, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose decreased linearly (P < .01) with increased levels of crab waste-straw silage. Nitrogen retention increased linearly (P < .05) with level of crab waste-straw silage. Apparent absorption was higher (P < .01) and retention was positive (P < .05) for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, and Fe for sheep fed the highest level of crab waste-straw silage. In a 108-d trial, 30 yearling steers were fed diets in which crab waste-straw silage was included in the diet at 0, 15, and 26%, DM basis. Average daily gain tended to be highest (linear effect, P < .15) and carcass weights were highest (linear effect, P < .05) for steers fed 26% crab waste-straw silage. Average carcass quality grade was low Choice, and yield grade averaged 2.3, with no significant differences among treatments. Consumption of crab waste-straw silage did not adversely affect the taste of the meat. Results indicate that feeding crab waste-straw silage did not adversely affect nutrient utilization or performance of ruminants.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1998

Calculation of fecal kinetics in horses fed hay or hay and concentrate.

Marker methods are needed for estimating fecal output by grazing animals in studies of nutrition and environmental impact. In addition, estimates of prefecal mass and turnover time are relevant to exercise performance and certain digestive disorders. As a first step in developing marker methods for field use, a chromic oxide model of fecal kinetics was developed and tested in the context of a digestion balance experiment with stall-fed horses. The model consists of removal of feces at a constant rate from a single compartment, the prefecal mass. Four horses were fed hay, and another four were fed hay and concentrate. Balance-marker experiments were conducted for 10 d, following 7 d of adaptation. A dose of chromic oxide mixed in chopped hay and molasses was administered from a nose bag at 0700 daily for 10 d. Dry matter and Cr were measured in feeds and feces. Fecal Cr concentration (C, mg/kg DM) varied during the day, so data from total daily collections were used for model development. These fecal Cr data (Ct) at time t (days) were fitted to a single exponential, with one rate constant (k), rising to an asymptote (Ca): Ct = Ca - Ca x e(-kt). Superior fits were obtained when a delay (d) was introduced between the pulse oral dose and the entry of marker into the prefecal pool: Ct = Ca - Ca x e(-k(t-d)). Using pooled data, delays of 2.7 and 2.0 h gave best fits (highest estimates of R2) for pooled data from horses fed hay or hay plus concentrate, respectively. The model generated estimates of 3.4 and 3.8 kg/d of DM for fecal outputs (dose/Ca) of horses fed hay or hay and concentrate, respectively. The rate constants yielded turnover times (1/k) of 33 and 18 h, and prefecal masses [(dose/Ca)/k] of 4.6 and 2.9 kg of DM for hay or hay and concentrate groups, respectively. Using data from individual horses, mean estimates for each diet were similar to corresponding values for the pooled data. In balance experiments, feces collected were 3.7 and 4.4 kg/d, and Cr recoveries were 108 and 115% dose for the hay and hay plus concentrate diets, respectively. Marker estimates (M) were correlated with total collection estimates (T) of fecal output [M = T(.890 +/- .045); r = .70, P = .041]. Adjusting for recovery improved the regression coefficient to 1.009 +/- .028 (r = .87, P = .002). The findings suggest that if Cr doses are more frequent than daily and if Cr inputs other than dose can be eliminated this method should give accurate and precise estimates of fecal output.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1998

Effects of extruded corn or grain sorghum on intake, digestibility, weight gain, and carcasses of finishing steers.

We conducted two trials to evaluate the effects of extruding vs dry-rolling either corn or grain sorghum on intake, digestibility, and performance of finishing steers. In Trial 1, 92 crossbred steers (average BW 413 kg) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial design. Diets contained either dry-rolled corn (RC), extruded corn (EC), dry-rolled grain sorghum (RGS), or extruded grain sorghum (EGS). Diets were fed for 110 d and contained 78.6% of the respective grain, 9% alfalfa pellets, 8.2% molasses, and 4.2% protein-mineral supplement. Daily gain was highest (P < .049) for steers fed RC, and the ADG of steers fed RGS was higher than that of steers fed extruded diets; there was no difference in ADG between steers fed EC and those fed EGS. Steers fed dry-rolled diets consumed more DM (P = .001) than steers fed extruded diets. Feed efficiency was not affected (P = .18) by processing method, but steers fed corn utilized the diets more efficiently (P = .006) than steers fed grain sorghum. Except for carcass weight, carcass data were not affected by grain type (P > .20). Dressing percentage, quality grade, and longissimus muscle area were lower (P < .09) in steers that received extruded grain than in those that received dry-rolled grain. In Trial 2, five ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (average BW 518 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 + 1 Latin square design to evaluate the ruminal and total tract digestion characteristics of the diets used in Trial 1. Type of grain had no effect (P > .16) on intake, total tract digestibility, or ruminal pH. Extruding corn or grain sorghum decreased intake (P < .001) but increased (P < .074) DM and starch digestibility compared with dry rolling; steers fed extruded diets had lower (P < .032) ADF and NDF digestibilities. Ruminal in situ DM and starch disappearance were higher (P < .03) and ruminal pH was lower (P < .052) in steers fed extruded grains than in those fed dry-rolled grains. Data from this study indicate that extruded corn and extruded grain sorghum are highly degradable feeds; however, decreased DM intake and lower ruminal pH levels resulted in lower performance.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1999

Effect of dietary phosphorus on finishing steer performance, bone status, and carcass maturity.

Yearling crossbred steers (n = 60; 386 kg) were individually fed in a completely randomized experimental design to determine their P requirement. Treatments were in a factorial arrangement with two levels of Ca (.35 or .70% of DM) and five concentrations of P (.14, .19, .24, .29, or .34% of DM). The finishing diet consisted of 34.5% dry-rolled corn, 22.5% brewers grits, 22.5% corn bran, 7.5% ground corncobs, 5% molasses, 3% fat, and 5% supplement. Supplemental P was provided as monosodium phosphate and Ca as limestone. Ash content was determined on the first phalanx bone from the lower front legs following slaughter, and rib bone breaking strength was determined with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Carcass maturity and shear force were also evaluated on wholesale rib cuts. Because no interactions between Ca and P levels were detected, only main effects are presented. Daily gain, DMI, and feed efficiency were not affected by dietary P concentration or P intake. Bone ash (g or g/100 kg BW) and rib bone breaking strength were also unaffected by dietary P. Feeding .7% Ca decreased (P<.06) ADG and efficiency compared with feeding .35% Ca. Neither dietary Ca nor P had a significant effect on tenderness (shear force), skeletal maturity, or overall maturity. These results indicate that the P requirement for finishing yearlings is .14% of diet DM or less and that supplementing P above levels supplied by basal ingredients in many grain-based finishing diets is not necessary.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

The effect of supplemental energy, nitrogen, and protein on feed intake, digestibility, and nitrogen flux across the gut and liver in sheep fed low-quality forage.

Our objective was to determine the impact of supplemental energy, N, and protein on feed intake and N metabolism in sheep fed low-quality forage. Six Texel x Dorset wethers (16 mo, 63+/-3.1 kg) fitted with mesenteric, portal, and hepatic venous catheters were used in a Latin square design with five sampling periods. Lambs were fed chopped bromegrass hay (4.3% CP) to appetite, and a mineral mixture was given. Treatments were 1) control (no supplement), 2) energy (cornstarch, molasses, and soybean oil), 3) energy plus urea, 4) energy plus soybean meal (SBM), and 5) energy plus ruminally undegraded protein (RUP; 50:50 mixture of blood and feather meals). Supplements were fed once daily (.3% BW). Forage DMI did not differ (P = .13), but intake of total DM, N, and energy differed (P<.01) among treatments. Apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, and energy were less (P<.01) for control than for other treatments. Apparent N digestibility was least for control and energy and greatest for urea treatments (P<.05). As a result, digested DM, OM, and energy ranked from least to greatest were control, energy, urea, SBM, and RUP, respectively. Apparently digested N was 2.44, 2.24, 11.39, 9.80, and 11.25 g/d for control, energy, urea, SBM, and RUP (P<.01; SE = .10). Hour of sampling x treatment was a significant source of variation for blood concentrations of ammonia N and urea N, net ammonia N release from portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver, and urea N release from splanchnic tissues. These results were primarily because patterns through time for the urea treatment differed from the other treatments. Net PDV release of alpha-amino N did not differ (P>.05) between control and energy treatments. Values for those treatments were about one-half of values for urea, SBM, and RUP treatments, which did not differ (P>.05). Hepatic net uptake (negative release) of alpha-amino N for control was 53% of values for the other treatments, which did not differ (P>.05). Net release of alpha-amino N from splanchnic tissues did not differ among treatments (P = .34) and did not differ from zero. The data indicate that arterial alpha-amino N concentration, hepatic alpha-amino N uptake, PDV release and hepatic uptake of ammonia N, and hepatic release of urea N were greater in energy than in control treatments. We also found that hepatic uptake of alpha-amino N was 187% of PDV release in energy-supplemented lambs. These results suggest that energy supplementation of a protein-limiting diet stimulated mobilization of body protein.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1999

Behavioral, nutritional, and toxicological responses of cattle to ensiled leafy spurge.

Yearling cattle (n = 25; 416.1 +/- 25.9 kg) were stratified by weight and gender across five groups. Group 1 (OAT) was offered oat/rape haylage (ORH) for ad libitum consumption during two daily feeding periods. Group 2 (SPURGE) was offered leafy spurge/grass haylage (LSGH) for ad libitum consumption during the same feeding periods. Group 3 was offered ORH in an amount equal to the average amount of LSGH consumed by SPURGE at the previous feeding. Group 4 (MIX) was offered LSGH mixed with ORH for ad libitum consumption during the two feeding periods. Group 5 (PAIR) received the equivalent amount of ORH consumed by MIX at the previous feeding. The DMI for OAT, SPURGE, and MIX were similar at the first feeding (P = .52). The SPURGE group consumed very little LSGH thereafter and was removed from the trial. The OAT and MIX groups consumed similar amounts of DM daily on d 1 to 4 when the ration offered to MIX was only 7% LSGH (P = .33). When LSGH made up > or = 21% of the mixture (d 7 to 32), the OAT group consumed more daily DM than did MIX (P < .05). The spurge/oatlage ration offered to MIX was less digestible than the oatlage-only ration offered to PAIR (P < or = .01). Even though blood chemistry did not indicate that LSGH consumption caused organ damage, its intake caused minor alterations (P < or = .05) in serum albumin, calcium, gamma glutamyltransferase, P, K, and urea nitrogen. No gross or microscopic lesions, infectious agents, or significant numbers of parasites were detected in any of the carcasses or tissues examined. The MIX group had diarrhea for much of the trial. In Trial 2, five yearling cattle were adapted to a mixture of 21% LSGH and 79% ORH. Then they were simultaneously offered three mixtures of spurge and oat haylages: 1) spurge ensiled with a microbial inoculant (LSGH); 2) spurge ensiled with the same inoculant and a cellulolytic/hemicellulolytic enzyme (ENZ); and 3) spurge ensiled with the same inoculant and molasses (MOL). The mixture with ENZ was preferred over those with MOL or LSGH (P < .001), but the amounts consumed were low and similar to those for LSGH-ORH in Trial 1 when amounts of ENZ and LSGH in the mixtures were similar. The ENZ mixture may have been more palatable than LSGH and MOL because it had less (P < .05) lactic acid, but intake of ENZ indicates that it had aversive characteristics, like LSGH. Ensiling leafy spurge did little, if anything, to improve its palatability to cattle.

Animal Husbandry↗

PubMed2001

Branched-chain amino acids for growing cattle limit-fed soybean hull-based diets.

Five ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (176 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square to evaluate the effects of branched-chain AA supplementation on N retention and plasma AA concentrations of steers. Steers were limit-fed (3.0 kg/d of DM) twice daily diets low in ruminally undegradable protein (72% soybean hulls, 19% alfalfa, 5% molasses, and 4% vitamins and minerals). Acetate (400 g/d) was continuously infused into the rumen. Treatments were continuous abomasal infusions of 1) 115 g/d of a mixture of 10 essential AA designed to exceed the steers' requirements (10AA), 2) 10AA with Leu removed, 3) 10AA with Ile removed, 4) 10AA with Val removed, and 5) 10AA with all three branched-chain AA removed. Experimental periods were 7 d, with 3 d for adaptation to treatments and 4 d for total fecal and urinary collections for N balance. Blood samples were collected 5 h after feeding on d 7. Retained N decreased in response to removal of Leu (P < 0.06), Val (P < 0.05), or all three branched-chain AA (P < 0.05). Plasma Leu concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in response to removal of Leu and all three branched-chain AA. Plasma Ile concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in response to removal of Ile and all three branched-chain AA but increased (P < 0.05) in response to removal of Leu. Plasma Val concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in response to removal of Val and all three branched-chain AA but increased (P < 0.05) in response to removal of Leu. Responses in N balance and plasma AA concentrations of growing cattle limit-fed soybean hull-based diets demonstrate limitations in the basal supply of Leu and Val but not Ile provided that supplies of all other essential AA are met.

Acetates↗

PubMed2001

Urea and(or) feather meal supplementation for yearling steers grazing limpograss (Hemarthria altissima var. 'Floralta') pasture.

The unique relationship between TDN and CP concentration (low CP relative to TDN) in the whole-plant of 'Floralta' limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) may provide an opportunity for improving cattle performance through protein supplementation. In each of three consecutive years, yearling Brahman x British crossbred steers (initial weight approximately 270 kg) grazed limpograss during the summer and fall (five steers per ha, three pasture replications per treatment) and were fed liquid cane molasses-based supplements (1.4 kg DM daily) alone, or containing urea and(or) hydrolyzed poultry feather meal. In yr 1 and 2, protein supplementation did not influence ADG. In these years, pasture availability was in excess at all times, and visual observations indicated that the upper canopy contained abundant leaf. Pasture samples collected in a manner to simulate grazing had in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD):CP ratios ranging from 6.5 to 8.1, and plasma urea nitrogen concentration in the blood of steers fed no supplemental protein was high (10.6 to 15.9 mg/dL), both not suggestive of a situation where providing a protein supplement might improve animal performance. In yr 3, ADG was improved (P < 0.05) by protein supplementation. Forage availability was in excess at the beginning of the trial but declined significantly as the trial progressed. At the end of the trial, forage IVOMD:CP ratio (11.1) and plasma urea nitrogen values of steers fed no protein supplement (6.6 mg/dL) were both suggestive of a situation where providing supplemental protein might improve animal performance. Grazing management of limpograss pasture can affect canopy composition, thereby influencing cattle response to protein supplementation. In cases where limpograss is moderately grazed resulting in abundant leaf in the grazed horizon, dietary energy:protein ratio can be balanced, and positive responses to protein supplementation may not be observed. Where limpograss is grazed more intensively resulting in greater quantities of stem in the upper pasture canopy, an imbalance of dietary protein (low) relative to energy can develop, increasing the opportunity for enhancing cattle performance through protein supplementation.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2001

Effects of supplemental alfalfa hay on the digestion of soybean hull-based diets by cattle.

We evaluated the optimal level of alfalfa inclusion in soybean hull-based diets. In Exp. 1, 20 Holstein steers (319 kg of BW) were used in a complete block design. Treatments included a soybean hull mix (95.7% soybean hulls, 3% molasses, 0.5% urea, 0.8% mineral mix; DM basis) fed alone (100:0) or with 10.4, 20.7, or 30.9% (DM basis) coarsely chopped alfalfa hay (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30, respectively) or alfalfa alone (0:100). Diets were fed once daily at 1.75% (DM basis) of BW. In some cases, orts were present, which caused DM, OM, and NDF intakes to decrease (linear, P < 0.05) as alfalfa was added to the diets. Digestibilities of DM, OM, and NDF decreased linearly (P < 0.05) as alfalfa was added to the diets, but quadratic responses (P < 0.05) indicated that positive associative effects occurred between soybean hulls and alfalfa. Liquid dilution rates increased (linear, P < 0.05) with alfalfa additions to the diets and also demonstrated positive associative effects between soybean hulls and alfalfa (quadratic, P < 0.05). Solid passage rates were similar for 100:0 and 0:100 but were increased (quadratically and cubically, P < 0.05) when combinations of soybean hulls and alfalfa were fed. In Exp. 2, in vitro NDF digestibilities were measured for soybean hulls, alfalfa, and a blend of 85% soybean hulls and 15% alfalfa, each with no N source or supplemented with casein or urea to ascertain the effects of protein from alfalfa on digestibility. Disappearances were increased (P < 0.05) by addition of urea or casein, but no interactions between substrate and N supplement were observed. Addition of 30% alfalfa to diets consisting primarily of soybean hulls led to positive associative effects on diet digestibility, but alfalfa additions led to increased liquid and solid passage rates, suggesting that the benefit was not a result of slower passage of soybean hulls from the rumen.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Effects of supplementation on intake and growth of nursing calves grazing native range in southeastern North Dakota.

A 2-yr study was conducted to determine the first limiting nutrient for gain in nursing calves grazing native range in southeastern North Dakota. Thirty-two calves (20 steers, 12 heifers) in Trial 1 (169 +/- 5 kg initial BW) and 31 (16 steers, 15 heifers) in Trial 2 (214 +/- 5 kg initial BW) grazed common pastures. Calves were blocked by sex and stratified by weight. Calves were stratified by age of dam in Trial 1 and by pretrial milk intake (MI) in Trial 2. Treatments were nonsupplemented control (CON); energy supplement (ENERGY; 100% soyhulls); degradable intake protein supplement (DIP; 68% soyhulls, 32% SBM); and degradable with undegradable intake protein supplement (DIP+UIP; 80% sulfite-liquor treated SBM, 16% feather meal, 4% blood meal). In Trial 2, 5% molasses was added to all supplements with the ratios of other ingredients held constant. Supplements were formulated to be similar in NE. The DIP and DIP+UIP supplements supplied equal amounts of degradable protein. Supplemented calves were fed individually, with similar supplement DMI. Weight and MI were measured in July, August, and September. Forage intake (FI) was measured in July, August, and September of Trial 1 and July and August of Trial 2. Gain data were analyzed as a randomized complete block and MI and FI as a split-plot in time. Orthogonal contrasts were used to separate means and included CON vs supplemented, ENERGY vs protein, and DIP vs DIP+UIP. No trial effect or trial x treatment interactions (minimum P-value = 0.30) were detected for ADG. Supplemented calves gained faster than CON (P = 0.06). No other contrast differences were observed (minimum P-value = 0.50). Treatment did not affect FI (P > or = 0.55). Forage intake was lower (P < 0.001) in Trial 1 than in Trial 2. A linear increase (P = 0.0001) in FI (kg OM/d and percentage BW) occurred over time. Calves in Trial 2 consumed more (P = 0.004) fluid milk than calves in Trial 1, though no difference (P = 0.28) was observed relative to BW. No treatment or period differences were detected for fluid MI (minimum P-value = 0.23). Relative to BW, MI declined linearly (P = 0.0001) with successive periods. Energy may be limiting weight gain of nursing calves grazing native range in southeastern North Dakota.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed2002

Effects of virginiamycin and monensin plus tylosin on ruminal protein metabolism in steers fed corn-based finishing diets with or without wet corn gluten feed.

Six ruminally cannulated steers (345 +/- 20 kg initial BW) were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square to evaluate effects of diet and antibiotics on ruminal protein metabolism. Two diets and three antibiotic treatments were arranged factorially. One diet contained (DM basis) 72% dry-rolled corn, 12% soybean meal, 10% alfalfa hay, and 4% molasses (SBM), and the other contained 63% dry-rolled corn, 30% wet corn gluten feed, and 5% alfalfa hay (WCGF). Antibiotic treatments included control, virginiamycin (175 mg/d; VM), and monensin/tylosin (250 and 100 mg/d, respectively; MT). Steers were fed at 12-h intervals at a rate of 2.4% of empty BW daily. Each period included 18 d of adaptation and 3 d of ruminal fluid collections. Samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after the morning feeding on d 19 and 20. On d 21, rumens were dosed 2 h after the morning feeding with 350 g of solubilized casein to evaluate in vivo ruminal protease and deaminase activities. Ruminal fluid samples were collected 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 h after the casein dose. On d 19 and 20, antibiotics had no effect on ruminal pH or concentrations of VFA, lactate, ammonia, ciliated protozoa, alpha-amino nitrogen (AAN), or peptide N, but VM reduced (P < 0.01) the concentration of isovalerate compared to MT and control. After casein dosing (d 21), peptide N concentration was unaffected by antibiotics, but AAN were higher (P < 0.01) for VM than MT and control. Relative to MT and control, VM reduced ruminal isovalerate (P = 0.05) and increased ruminal propionate (P < 0.01) on d 21. Ruminal pH was lower (P < 0.01) in steers fed SBM than in steers fed WCGF, but lactate concentrations were unaffected by diet. Steers fed SBM had higher (P < 0.05) ruminal concentrations of total VFA and propionate. Ammonia concentrations were lower before feeding and higher after feeding for steers fed WCGF (P < 0.01). Steers fed WCGF had higher counts of total ciliated protozoa than steers fed SBM (P < 0.05) due to greater Entodinium sp. (P < 0.05). Steers fed WCGF had higher (P < 0.01) ruminal AAN and peptide N concentrations than those fed SBM on d 19 and 20. After casein dosing, ruminal peptide N concentrations were similar, but AAN were lower (P < 0.01) for WCGF than SBM. Overall, VM appeared to depress ruminal deaminase activity, and MT had minimal effects on ruminal fermentation products. The protein in WCGF appeared to be more readily degradable than that in SBM.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2002

Supplemental betaine and peroxide-treated feather meal for finishing cattle.

These studies evaluated the effects of betaine, provided either as feed-grade betaine or as concentrated separator by-product (CSB; desugared beet molasses), on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle. In Exp. 1, 175 steers (410 kg initial BW) were fed a finishing diet based on steam-flaked and dry-rolled corn, and treatments included 10.5 and 21 g/d feed-grade betaine and 250 and 500 g/d CSB (supplying 15.5 and 31 g/d of betaine, respectively). Steers fed feed-grade betaine had greater (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.1) DMI than control steers, but ADG and gain efficiencies were not affected by treatment. Dressing percent and backfat thickness was greater (P < 0.1) for steers that received feed-grade betaine than for controls. Longissimus muscle area was lower (P < 0.1) for steers supplemented with either feed-grade betaine or CSB than for control steers. Yield grades were higher for cattle receiving feed-grade betaine (quadratic effect, P < 0.1) than for control steers. Marbling scores were not affected by supplemental betaine, but the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Select was lower (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.1) for steers fed feed-grade betaine than for control steers, predominantly due to a greater percentage grading USDA Choice. In Exp. 2, 312 heifers (343 kg initial BW) were used in a finishing study to evaluate the effects of graded levels of feed-grade betaine and peroxide-treated feather meal on performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments included two finishing diets (containing peroxide-treated or untreated feather meal) and four levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 g/d) of feed-grade betaine arranged in a 2 x 4 factorial. No significant interactions occurred between treatment of feather meal and betaine. Treatment of feather meal with hydrogen peroxide (5% wt/wt) increased in situ protein degradability but did not alter DMI, ADG, gain efficiencies, or carcass characteristics of heifers when it replaced untreated feather meal in the diet. Top-dressing feed-grade betaine to the diets had no effect on DMI, ADG, and gain efficiencies. Marbling scores were greater (cubic effect, P < 0.05) for heifers fed diets top-dressed with 4 and 12 g/d of feed-grade betaine, but other carcass characteristics were not altered significantly. Overall, feed-grade betaine and CSB did not alter growth performance, but did have minor effects on carcass characteristics.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed2004

Effects of short-term early gestational exposure to endophyte-infected tall fescue diets on plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid and fetal development in mares.

Consumption of wild-type (toxic) endophyte-infected tall fescue (E+) by horses during late gestation is known to adversely affect pregnancy outcome; however, little is known of the potential disruptive consequences of E+ consumption by mares during the critical phases of placentation and fetal development in early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the detrimental effects of feeding E+ to mares during early gestation. Mares (n = 12) paired by stage of gestation (d 65 to 100) were assigned to diets (six per diet) consisting of endophyte-free (E-) or E+ tall fescue seed (50% E- or E+ tall fescue seed, 45% sweet feed, and 10% molasses fed at 1.0% of BW/d). Mares also had ad libitum access to E+ or E- annual ryegrass hay, and were fed diets for 10 d. Following removal from the tall fescue diet on d 11, mares were placed on common bermudagrass pasture and monitored until d 21. Morning and evening rectal temperatures were recorded and daily blood samples were collected for progesterone and prolactin (PRL) analyses, whereas samples for 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (a catecholamine metabolite) analysis were collected on alternate days. For clinical chemistry analysis, blood samples were collected on d 0, 5, 10 and 21. Daily urine samples were collected for ergot alkaloid analysis, and ultrasonography was performed for presence of echogenic material in fetal fluids. Rectal temperatures (E+ 37.76+/-0.03; E- 37.84+/-0.03 degrees C) and serum PRL concentrations (E+ 14.06< or =0.76; E- 12.11+/-0.76 ng/mL) did not differ (P = 0.96) between treatments. Measuring the change in basal serum concentration from d 0 over time, progesterone concentrations did not differ (-0.64 +/-1.49 and -0.55+/-1.47 ng/mL for E+ and E- mares, respectively). There was no negative pregnancy outcome, and ultrasonography indicated no increase in echogenic material in fetal fluids. Plasma 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in E+ compared with E- mares (2.1+/-0.14 and 4.4+/0.43 ng/mL, respectively). Urinary ergot alkaloid concentration was greater (P < 0.01) in mares consuming E+ compared with E- (532.12+/- 52.51 and 13.36+/-2.67 ng/mg of creatinine, respectively). Although no fetal loss was observed during the current study, elevated concentrations of urinary ergot alkaloid were consistent with depressed endogenous catecholamine activity, suggestive of an endocrine disruptive effect of hypothalamic origin.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗