Conventional Feedlot Research Articles

64 Effects of alternative finishing methods on performance and carcass quality of beef feeder steers

Abstract There has been an interest in directly locally marketing finished beef end products in Arkansas; however, most beef operations do not have the infrastructure to finish cattle conventionally. The objective of this study was to evaluate two non-traditional finishing methods (pasture-based with supplement) compared with a conventional finishing method on live performance and carcass quality of feeder steers. Crossbred beef steers (n = 63; 363.9 ± 28.7 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and assigned to pens (n = 3 steers/pen) with 7 pens randomly allocated to each treatment: conventional feedlot finishing diet with roughage included in the ration (FDLT); high starch supplement fed at 2 to 2.25% of BW with ad libitum access to bermudagrass pasture (STCH); or high by-product supplement fed at 2-2.25% of BW with ad libitum access to bermudagrass pasture (BYPD). Steers were fed their respective diets once daily and weighed on d 0, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, and 161. Once cattle reached their targeted endpoint, they were transported to and harvested at a commercial slaughter facility in Arkansas City, Kansas. Carcass data were collected including hot carcass weight (HCW), preliminary yield grade (PYG), yield grade (YG), quality grade (QG), dressing percentage (DP), and final carcass value. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX and MIXED (SAS 9.4); pen was the experimental unit, treatment was a fixed effect, and block was considered a random effect. Cattle fed FDLT and BYPD had a greater BW on d 84, 112, and 140 (P ≤ 0.02) and greater overall carcass-adjusted BW (P = 0.03) compared with STCH. Average daily gain (ADG) was greater on d 84 (P = 0.03) for FDLT compared with STCH and BYPD. Overall carcass-adjusted ADG tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for FDLT and BYPD compared with STCH. As expected, cattle fed FDLT had greater dry matter intake (DMI) compared with STCH and BYPD for the entire study (P ≤ 0.0005). Both STCH and BYPD had a more efficient feed-only feed conversion on d 28, 56, 112, 140, and 0-161 (P ≤ 0.05) and were more economical (P < 0.0001) than FDLT. In this study, cattle fed BYPD were more profitable (P ≤ 0.04) compared with STCH and FDLT. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.13) to be greater and final carcass value (P = 0.01) was greater for BYPD and FDLT compared with STCH. No differences (P ≤ 0.78) were noted for PYG, YG, QG, or DP. Data from this study suggests feeding supplemental diets to beef cattle grazing pasture could successfully be used as an alternative finishing method without affecting carcass quality.

Feeding an unsalable carrot total-mixed ration altered bacterial amino acid degradation in the rumen of lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of a total-mixed ration including unsalable carrots at 45% DM on the rumen microbiome; and the plasma, rumen and liver metabolomes. Carrots discarded at processing were investigated as an energy-dense substitute for barley grain in a conventional feedlot diet, and improved feed conversion efficiency by 25%. Here, rumen fluid was collected from 34 Merino lambs at slaughter (n = 16 control; n = 18 carrot) after a feeding period of 11-weeks. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to profile archaeal and bacterial microbe communities. Further, a comprehensive, targeted profile of known metabolites was constructed for blood plasma, rumen fluid and biopsied liver metabolites using a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) metabolomics approach. An in vitro batch culture was used to characterise ruminal fermentation including gas and methane (CH4) production. In vivo rumen microbial community structure of carrot fed lambs was dissimilar (P < 0.01; PERMANOVA), and all measures of alpha diversity were greater (P < 0.01), compared to those fed the control diet. Unclassified genera in Bacteroidales (15.9 ± 6.74% relative abundance; RA) were more abundant (P < 0.01) in the rumen fluid of carrot-fed lambs, while unclassified taxa in the Succinivibrionaceae family (11.1 ± 3.85% RA) were greater (P < 0.01) in the control. The carrot diet improved in vitro ruminal fermentation evidenced as an 8% increase (P < 0.01) in DM digestibility and a 13.8% reduction (P = 0.01) in CH4 on a mg/ g DM basis, while the control diet increased (P = 0.04) percentage of propionate within total VFA by 20%. Fourteen rumen fluid metabolites and 27 liver metabolites were influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by diet, while no effect (P ≥ 0.05) was observed in plasma metabolites. The carrot diet enriched (impact value = 0.13; P = 0.01) the tyrosine metabolism pathway (acetoacetic acid, dopamine and pyruvate), while the control diet enriched (impact value = 0.42; P ≤ 0.02) starch and sucrose metabolism (trehalose and glucose) in rumen fluid. This study demonstrated that feeding 45% DM unsalable carrots diversified bacterial communities in the rumen. These dietary changes influenced pathways of tyrosine degradation, such that previous improvements in feed conversion efficiency in lambs could be explained.

Salmonella Carriage in Peripheral Lymph Nodes and Feces of Cattle at Slaughter Is Affected by Cattle Type, Region, and Season

Salmonella is a significant food safety concern in commercial beef production, and some contamination is thought to occur by inclusion of Salmonella-infected peripheral lymph nodes (LN) in ground beef and through fecal contamination. Surveillance in processing plants assists packers in risk management of Salmonella by understanding seasonal trends and risks associated with different cattle types. Approximately 25 fecal samples and 20 LN were collected from animals representing each of five cattle types (cull beef cattle, cull dairy cows, conventional feedlot cattle, all-natural feedlot cattle raised without pharmaceuticals, and grass-finished cattle) and each of five climate regions (mixed-temperatures and dry, mixed-temperatures and humid, hot and humid, hot and dry, cold) during each of three seasons (summer, fall, winter) to better characterize Salmonella inputs into a commercial cattle processing facility. In total, 1,840 fecal samples and 1,550 LN samples were collected. Fecal samples and LN were cultured for Salmonella, and select isolates were serogrouped and screened for antimicrobial resistance. Conventional feedlot cattle had the highest LN Salmonella concentrations (1.17 log10 CFU/g LN) in this data set, while cull dairy cows had the highest fecal Salmonella concentrations (1.96 log10 CFU/g feces). Conventional feedlot cattle and cull dairy cows had the greatest Salmonella prevalence in both LN (32 and 18%, respectively) and feces (37 and 49%, respectively), while all-natural feedlot cattle had the lowest prevalence in the LN (3%) and feces (7%). As expected, Salmonella prevalence and concentration was lowest for all cattle types during winter compared to warmer seasons. When examined by climate region, a greater Salmonella prevalence in both feces and LN was observed in climate region 4 (hot-dry), than the other regions. Only 21 of 50 Salmonella isolates examined for antimicrobial susceptibility were identified as multidrug resistant (MDR); cull dairy cows were responsible for 48% of MDR isolates, cull beef cattle were responsible for 38%, and conventional feedlot, grass-fed, and all-natural feedlot cattle were each responsible for 4.8%. These results indicate that different production schemes, season, and climate region may influence which cattle are most likely to introduce Salmonella to the abattoir, allowing for greater risk awareness during the slaughter process.

Identification of the production system of beef cattle by the stable isotope analysis

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of the stable isotope technique to characterize beef cattle production systems in tropical conditions. For this, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were identified in non-defatted and defatted bovine muscles. A total of 45 cattle were evaluated in three production systems: pasture, conventional feedlot, and young beef bull feedlot (n = 15 per system). Samples from the Trapezius cervicis, Longissimus dorsi, and Semitendinosus muscles were collected to determine the isotopic composition of δ13C and δ15N. The isotopic data of the δ13C and δ15N of non-defatted and defatted muscles were subjected to the principal component analysis (PCA) and to the discriminant analysis (DA). The PCA allowed separating the three production systems based on the results obtained for the non-defatted and defatted muscles. A correct global classification rate of 100% and a cross-validation rate of 100% were obtained with the DA. The carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratio of non-defatted and defatted muscles allows for the precise identification of beef cattle production systems in tropical conditions.

PSV-26 The influence of breed, growing phase nutrition, and finishing system (pasture vs. feedlot) on the relative abundance of mRNA associated with lipid metabolism in longissimus muscle

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of beef cattle breed, nutritional treatment, and finishing strategy (pasture vs. feedlot) on the relative abundance of mRNA associated with lipid metabolism in longissimus muscle (LM). Eighty-three uncastrated males from three genetic groups: Nellore (N), ½ Angus x ½ Nellore (A) and ½ Senepol x ½ Nellore (S), were randomly assigned to dietary treatments supplied during the growing phase. Treatments consisted of mineral supplement or concentrate supplement (0.3% BW). Following the growing phase, two replicates within each treatment x breed group were randomly assigned to one of two finishing systems (Figure 1): Pasture grazing + concentrate (PC) and Conventional feedlot (CF), both are supplemented at 2% BW/had/d (Table 1). After 209 days the animals were slaughtered, an LM sample (5.0g) was removed between 12th and 13th ribs from each animal and frozen (liquid nitrogen). The relative abundance of mRNA associated with lipid metabolism was measured by qRT-PCR. Target genes include PPARα, PPARγ, SREBP1c, SCD1, LPL, FBP4, CPT2, ACOX and ACCα. The ∆∆ Ct was used to calculate the data and analyzed using the mixed procedures of SAS for a 3×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Mineral supplementation during the growing phase increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the relative abundance of mRNA of PPARα and PPARγ compared to concentrate. The relative abundance of PPARγ, SREBP1c, SCD1, FABP4, ACOX, was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in CF compared to PC. Angus LM muscle showed greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative abundance of SREPB1c compared to Nellore and Senepol. The muscle of Nellore and Angus had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) relative abundance of PPARα SCD1 and lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of PPARγ when compared to Senepol breed. Therefore, in this study, the conventional feedlot and Angus are more positively associated with differential expression of adipogenic genes.

PSV-27 Fat color and myoglobin of meat from young cattle fed with mineral or concentrate in growing phase and finished on pasture or feedlot

Abstract This trial aimed to evaluate the fat color and myoglobin concentration of three cattle breeds, supplemented in two nutritional plans (NP) during the growing phase and finished in the intensive system on pasture or conventional feedlot. One hundred and nineteen bulls from three genetic groups: Nellore (N), ½ Angus x ½ Nellore (A) and ½ Senepol x ½ Nellore (S), were randomly assigned in two NP on growing phase: mineral (M) or concentrate (C, energy protein 0.3% BW). Following the growing phase, two replicates within each treatment were randomly assigned to one of two finishing systems: pasture (P, n = 59) and conventional feedlot (CF, n = 60). Bulls were supplemented daily with 2% BW of concentrate (16% CP and 78% TDN) and slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Steaks from longissimus muscle (LM) between 12th and 13th ribs each animal were collected for analysis of concentration myoglobin (MYO) and subcutaneous fat were removed for color analysis (parameters: L*, a*, b*, C* and h*). The data were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC MIXED procedures in SAS 9.4, with a 3×2×2 factorial arrangement. The muscle of Nellore showed greater (P = 0.006) concentration of MYO compared to Angus, however, Senepol had values similar to Nellore and Angus (4.43, 4.03 and 4.25, Nellore, Angus, and Senepol, respectively), and the muscle of animal finished on CF had lower concentration of MYO compared to pasture (P &amp;lt; 0.0001; 4.55 and 3.93, P and CF). The subcutaneous fat of animals finished on pasture showed high (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of L*, a*, b* and C* compared to CF. Therefore, the meat quality parameters were more affected by finished systems, the meat of animals from pasture had the lighter fat and amount of yellow pigmentation, and also presented meat with greater level of myoglobin.

PSXII-4 Beef quality from animals in long term feeding with DDG’s in the diet

Abstract Dried distiller grains with solubles (DDG’s) represent an alternative to replace protein sources. The trial included 2 seasons: growing in pasture (Brachiaria brizantha, Marandu grass) for 5 months (wet), and finishing in the dry season (100 d). Two different feeding approaches were applied in the dry season: Express Feedlot® (EF) - high concentrate in pasture (1.5% of BW), or conventional feedlot (CF) - 70% concentrate. The pastures were divided into 9 paddocks totaling 9.9 ha (wet season). Sixty-nine Nellore bulls (12 mo; 249.03 ± 36.84 kg), were divided in 3 treatments: conventional supplement (CON) with cottonseed meal as a protein source; DDG’s replacing 50% of protein source (DDG50) or 100% of protein source (DDG100). In the dry season, the animals maintained the same protein source treatment (CON, DDG50 and DDG100) applied either on EF or CF. EF bulls (n = 33; 392 ± 33.18 kg BW) were finished on Marandu grass in 9 paddocks (3 by treatment). CF bulls (n = 36; 391 ± 35.2 kg BW) were confined in 9 collective pens (3 by treatment). Animals were slaughtered with the same age and the carcasses were refrigerated (0°C - 48 h). Samples were collected from the longissimus to determine pH, L* (lightness), a* (redness), b* (yellowness), CKL (cooking losses) and WBSF (Warner-Bratzler shear force). The pH, L*, a*, b* and WBSF were not influenced by finishing system (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, CKL was greater (P = 0.002) in beef from animals finished in EF. The use of DDGS in long-term feeding replacing the protein sources in the diets did not influence the beef quality traits (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Animals in EF produces beef with the same quality from animals finished in CF. The use of DDG’s replacing protein source in long term feeding can be used without promotes negative impact on beef quality.

PSIX-25 Meat quality of young cattle fed with different nutritional plans on growing phase and finished in pasture or feedlot.

This trial aimed to evaluate the meat quality of three cattle breeds, supplemented in two nutritional plans (NP) during the growing phase and finished in Express® (high concentrate in pasture) or conventional feedlot. 119 bulls from three genetic groups: Nellore (268.8 ± 11.63 kg), ½ Angus x ½ Nellore (287 ± 17.38 kg) and ½ Senepol x ½ Nellore (231.1 ± 18.50 kg), were randomly assigned in two NP on growing phase (140 d in wet season): mineral or supplement (energy protein 0.3% BW). Animals from each NP were splitted in two finishing systems (110 d in dry season): Express Feedlot (EF, n=59) and conventional feedlot (CF, n=60). Bulls were supplemented daily with 2% BW of concentrate (16% CP and 78% TDN). Bulls were slaughtered and the carcasses were refrigerated (0oC–24h). Steaks from Longissimus muscle (2.5 cm) and subcutaneous fat were removed between 11st to 13rd ribs. Myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) and malonaldehyde (MDA) were analyzed in 1, 7 and 14 days of aging. Sarcomere length (SL) and percentage of lipids (L) were analyzed on day 1. The results were analyzed by ANOVA using PROC MIXED procedures in SAS 9.4, with a 3 × 2×2 factorial arrangement, using 5% of significance level. The MFI and MDA was influenced by aging time (21.99, 29.69 and 31.98; P<0.001, 0.30, 0.43 and 0.48 mg/ kg of meat; P<0.001, 1, 7 and 14 days respectively). The finishing systems influenced the SL (1.42 and 1.60μm, P<0.001, PA and FE), L (1.82 and 2.34%, P<0.001, PA and FE). The genetic groups influenced the L (2.32 Nellore, 2.21 Angus and 1.96% Senepol; P=0.01). In this study, the meat quality parameters were more affected by finished systems (FE was better) and genetic group (Nellore and Angus x ½ Nellore were better than Senepol) than feeding in the growing phase.

Effects of feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation prototype on performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess prevalence of beef heifers at a commercial feedlot

ABSTRACT Animal agriculture continues to look for new, non-antibiotic feed solutions that can be used in conventional and natural feedlot systems to help improve cattle health and performance. Therefore, crossbred heifers (n = 1,495; 359 ± 10.75 kg; 20 pens total) were used in a randomized complete block design study at a commercial feedlot to determine the effects of a proprietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation prototype on performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess prevalence when monensin, tylosin, and direct-fed microbials were not included in the diet. Heifers were fed a diet containing (1) monensin, tylosin, and a direct-fed microbials (PC) or (2) a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation prototype (PRT; NaturSafe, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) at 18 g/head daily without PC. Diets were fed twice daily with heifers receiving half of the daily dose of treatment in the TMR at each feeding. Pen BW were collected on d 0 and before slaughter. Daily measurements recorded while cattle were in the feedlot included feed intake, morbidity, and mortality. Cattle were shipped to slaughter on d 125 and 146 (5 pens per treatment per day). Carcass data collected included HCW, DP, QG, YG, KPH, rib fat thickness, LM area, marbling score, and liver abscess scores. Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure (continuous) and GLIMMIX procedure (categorical) of SAS. Treatments were similar (P ≥ 0.16) for final BW (580 vs. 580 kg), ADG (1.64 vs. 1.63 kg/d), G:F (0.159 vs. 0.156 kg/kg), HCW (366 vs. 367 kg), other carcass characteristics, morbidity (0.3 vs. 0.0%), and mortality (0.77 vs. 0.70%). Heifers fed PRT had a numerically lower (P = 0.27) prevalence of liver abscesses with fewer livers having less severe (i.e., A−) abscesses. Replacing monensin, tylosin, and direct-fed microbials in conventional feedlot diets with NaturSafe resulted in similar growth performance, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess prevalence in feedlot cattle.

Consumer sensory evaluation and chemical composition of beef gluteus medius and triceps brachii steaks from cattle finished on forage or concentrate diets.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of cattle finishing diet and muscle type on meat quality. Consumer sensory response, proximate composition, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were assessed from the gluteus medius (GM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of cattle ( = 6 per diet) which were grain-finished (USUGrain) on conventional feedlot or 2 forage diets, a perennial legume, birdsfoot trefoil-finished (USUBFT; ), and grass-finished (USUGrass; ). Diet had an interacting effect with muscle for all sensory attributes ( ≤ 0.002), except aroma and flavor ( ≥ 0.078). In forage-finished beef, tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of GM was greater ( < 0.05) than TB, whereas for USUGrain, the tenderness, fattiness, overall liking, and WBSF tenderness of both muscles were similar ( > 0.05) but the juiciness of TB was more liked than USUGrain GM ( < 0.05). The juiciness of forage-finished beef did not differ ( > 0.05) between GM and TB. Lower ( < 0.05) intramuscular fat (IMF) percent was determined for USUGrass beef in comparison with USUGrain beef. The IMF percent of USUBFT beef was similar ( > 0.05) to both USUGrass and USUGrain beef. However, IMF percent was not impacted by muscle type ( = 0.092). The ratio of -6:-3 fatty acids was affected by muscle dependent on diet ( = 0.016). The ratio of -6:-3 fatty acids was affected by the interaction of muscle × diet ( = 0.016). Between forage diets (USUGrass and USUBFT), -6:-3 ratios were similar ( > 0.05) between GM and TB, whereas within USUGrain, the GM was greater ( < 0.05) than the TB. Cumulative MUFA was greater ( < 0.05) in USUGrain compared with both USUGrass and USUBFT, which were similar ( > 0.05). Strecker aldehydes, ketones, pyrazines, and methional were affected ( ≤ 0.036) by muscle and found to have a greater concentration in GM compared with TB. Overall, consumers determined that USUGrain GM and TB had similar ( > 0.05) quality ratings. However, within forage-finished beef, the GM was perceived more frequently ( < 0.05) to be of premium quality and the forage-finished TB was more frequently ( < 0.05) rated as having unsatisfactory quality. These findings were in agreement with ratings of tenderness and overall liking. Therefore, in the context of our consumer group grilled GM and TB steaks, grain-finished beef provided more uniform quality and eating experience compared with forage-finished beef.

Reducing mineral usage in feedlot diets for Nellore cattle: II. Impacts of calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and zinc contents on intake, performance, and liver and bone status1

Weaned Nellore bulls ( = 36; 274 ± 34 kg) were used in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate intake, fecal excretion, and performance with different concentrations of minerals. Experimental diets were formulated with 2 concentrations of Ca and P (macromineral factor; diet supplying 100% of Ca and P according to BR-CORTE () [CaP+] or diet without limestone and dicalcium phosphate [CaP-]) and 2 concentrations of microminerals (micromineral factor; diet with supplementation of microminerals [Zn, Mn, and Cu; CuMnZn+] or diet without supplementation of microminerals [Zn, Mn, and Cu; CuMnZn-]). The factor CaP- was formulated without the addition of limestone and dicalcium phosphate, and the factor CuMnZn- was formulated without inorganic supplementation of microminerals (premix). The diets were isonitrogenous (13.3% CP). Intake was individually monitored every day. Indigestible NDF was used as an internal marker for digestibility estimates. The bulls were slaughtered (84 or 147 d on feed), and then carcass characteristics were measured and liver and rib samples were collected. Feed, feces, rib bones, and liver samples were analyzed for DM, ash, CP, ether extract (EE), Ca, P, Zn, Mn, and Cu. There were no significant interactions ( ≥ 0.06) between macro- and micromineral supplementation for any variables in the study. Calcium, P, and micromineral concentrations did not affect ( ≥ 0.20) intake of DM, OM, NDF, EE, CP, TDN, and nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC). Calcium and P intake were affected ( < 0.01) by macromineral factor. Animals fed without Ca and P supplementation consumed less of these minerals. Dry matter and nutrient fecal excretion (OM, NDF, EE, CP, and NFC) were similar ( ≥ 0.23) among all factors. Performance and carcass characteristics were similar ( ≥ 0.09) among diets. The content of ash in rib bones was not affected by diets ( ≥ 0.06). Plasma P and phosphatase alkaline concentrations were similar ( ≥ 0.52) among diets. Supplementation of microminerals decreased ( < 0.01) plasma Ca concentration; nevertheless, all analyzed blood metabolites were within the reference values. Supplementation of Ca and P increased ( < 0.01) fecal excretion of these minerals. These results indicate that mineral supplementation (Ca, P, Zn, Mn, and Cu) of conventional feedlot diets for Nellore bulls may be not necessary. Dietary reductions in these minerals would represent a decrease in the cost of feedlot diets. Dietary reduction in Ca and P content cause a decrease in fecal excretion of these minerals, which, in turn, represents an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of feedlot operations.

Fatty acid profile of feral cattle meat

Marismeña is a feral Spanish cattle breed reared in the Doñana National Park, whose meat quality is traditionally appreciated in the area of influence. We assessed male (n = 32) and female (n = 22) Marismeña calves raised in their natural habitat (n = 30) vs. feedlot conditions (n = 24) to test differences in the lipid profiles of the m. longissimus thoracis. Meat from the feral system displayed (p < .05) lower intramuscular fat (IMF) (0.93%), higher saturated fatty acids (SFA) (18:0) proportion, and lower monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) proportion compared with feedlot meat. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) percentage was higher for feral meat compared with feedlot meat, especially the proportion of PUFA n-3, which was about 8.5 times greater. The PUFA/SFA (0.37) and PUFA n-6/n-3 (2.87) ratios showed that feral meat was presumably healthier, from a human dietary perspective, than feedlot meat (0.21 and 13.42, respectively). This study used a direct comparison of natural feral meat and conventional feedlot meat in cattle, and the results demonstrated a clear influence of natural production on the constituents of meat.

Legume finishing provides beef with positive human dietary fatty acid ratios and consumer preference comparable with grain-finished beef.

Consumer liking, proximate composition, pH, Warner-Bratzler shear force, fatty acid composition, and volatile compounds were determined from the LM (longissimus thoracis) of cattle ( = 6 per diet) finished on conventional feedlot (USUGrain), legume, and grass forage diets. Forage diets included a condensed tannin-containing perennial legume, birdsfoot trefoil (; USUBFT), and a grass, meadow brome ( Rehmann; USUGrass). Moreover, representative retail forage (USDA Certified Organic Grass-fed [OrgGrass]) and conventional beef (USDA Choice, Grain-fed; ChGrain) were investigated ( = 6 per retail type). The ChGrain had the greatest ( < 0.05) intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage followed by USUGrain, the IMF percentage of which was greater ( < 0.05) than that of USUGrass and OrgGrass. The IMF content of USUBFT was similar ( > 0.05) to that of both USUGrain and USUGrass. Both grain-finished beef treatments were rated greater ( < 0.05) for flavor, tenderness, fattiness, juiciness, and overall liking compared with USUGrass and OrgGrass. Consumer liking of USUBFT beef tenderness, fattiness, and overall liking were comparable ( > 0.05) with that of USUGrain and ChGrain. Flavor liking was rated greatest ( < 0.05) for USUGrain and ChGrain, and that of USUBFT was intermediate ( > 0.05) to those of ChGrain, USUGrass, and OrgGrass. Cumulative SFA and MUFA concentrations were greatest ( < 0.05) in ChGrain and USUGrain, whereas USUGrass and OrgGrass had lower ( < 0.05) concentrations. Concentrations of cumulative SFA and MUFA in USUBFT were intermediate and similar ( > 0.05) to those of USUGrain and USUGrass. Each forage-finished beef treatment, USUGrass, OrgGrass, and USUBFT, had lower ( < 0.001) ratios of -6:-3 fatty acids. Hexanal was the most numerically abundant volatile compound. The concentration of hexanal increased with increasing concentrations of total PUFA. Among all the lipid degradation products (aldehydes, alcohols, furans, carboxylic acids, and ketones) measured in this study, there was an overall trend toward greater quantities in grain-finished products, lower quantities in USUGrass and OrgGrass, and intermediate quantities in USUBFT. This trend was in agreement with IMF content, fatty acid concentrations, and sensory attributes. These results suggest an opportunity for a birdsfoot trefoil finishing program, which results in beef comparable in sensory quality with grain-finished beef but with reduced -6 and SFA, similar to grass-finished beef.

Comparison of proximate composition, ph and fatty acids of beef ribeye steaks from forage and conventional feedlot finished cattle

Comparison of proximate composition, ph and fatty acids of beef ribeye steaks from forage and conventional feedlot finished cattle

Effects of the Programmed Nutrition Beef Program on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of alternative finishing strategies on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Beef steers (64 pens; 8 steers/pen) were allocated to a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Factor 1 consisted of diet, with cattle fed a conventional (CON) diet or a diet consisting of Programmed Nutrition Beef Program (PN) supplements. The PN treatment included Programmed Nutrition Beef Receiver fed from d 1 through 20 of feeding and Programmed Nutrition Beef Finisher fed from d 21 to harvest. Factor 2 evaluated the presence (EGP+) or absence (EGP-) of exogenous growth promotants (ExGP) in the production system. Steers in the EGP+ treatments were initially implanted with Component E-S, reimplanted with Component TE-IS, and fed 400 mg·animal·dof ractopamine hydrochloride for the final 28 d before harvest. Steers were harvested on d 175, and strip loins were removed from 2 carcasses selected at random from each pen for transport to Kansas State University. One 1.27-cm-thick steak was removed from the anterior face for proximate and long-chain fatty acid analysis. There were no diet × ExGP interactions ( > 0.10) for feedlot performance except for DMI ( = 0.02). Steers in the PN/EGP+ treatment consumed more feed than all other treatments ( < 0.05). Both diet and ExGP affected DMI ( < 0.05), with PN and EGP+ steers consuming more feed than their contemporaries. Gain:feed and ADG were unaffected ( > 0.10) by diet, but ExGP improved these measures ( < 0.01). There were no diet × ExGP interactions for carcass characteristics except KPH fat and percentages of yield grade 3 and 4 carcasses ( < 0.05). Diet affected total incidence of liver abscesses because PN steers had a greater ( = 0.05) incidence of liver abscesses than steers in the CON treatment. Diet did not affect the other carcass characteristics ( > 0.10). Use of ExGP increased ( < 0.05) HCW, LM area, and 12th-rib fat but did not affect ( > 0.10) marbling score. Using ExGP reduced the percentage carcasses grading Premium Choice ( < 0.05). No diet × ExGP interactions or diet effects were detected for long-chain fatty acid profiles ( > 0.10). Use of ExGP increased ( < 0.05) the ratio of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids. In summary, the alternative feeding strategy presented in this study produced similar feedlot performance and carcass characteristics compared with a conventional feedlot system.

Comparisons of lipid oxidation products of three beef retail cuts from cattle finished on forage and conventional feedlot diets

Comparisons of lipid oxidation products of three beef retail cuts from cattle finished on forage and conventional feedlot diets

Consumer sensory evaluation of forage and conventional feedlot finished beef ribeye steaks

Consumer sensory evaluation of forage and conventional feedlot finished beef ribeye steaks

Effects of the Programmed Nutrition Beef Program on meat quality characteristics1,2

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of alternative finishing strategies on beef steak color and cooked meat characteristics. Beef steers (n = 64 pens; 8 steers/pen) were allocated to a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement and initial body weight serving as the blocking factor. Factor 1 consisted of dietary treatment with cattle either being fed a conventional feedlot diet (CON) or a diet that included Programmed Nutrition Beef Program supplements. Cattle in the Programmed Nutrition (PN) treatments were fed in two-stages: 1) the basal diet with Programmed Nutrition Beef Receiver from d 1 to 20 and the basal diet with Programmed Nutrition Beef Finisher from d 21 to harvest. Factor 2 consisted of the inclusion (EGP+) or absence (EGP-) of an exogenous growth promoting program. Steers in the EGP+ treatments were implanted initially with Component E-S, reimplanted with Component TE-IS, and fed 400 mg · d(-1) · steer(-1) of ractopamine hydrochloride for the final 28 d before harvest. Steers were harvested on d 175 of feeding and 1 strip loin was removed from 2 carcasses selected at random from each pen for transport to Kansas State University. After 14 d of aging, loins were fabricated into 2.54-cm thick steaks for objective and trained sensory panel measurement of cooked meat characteristics and objective color measurements during 7 d retail display. There were no interactions (P > 0.10) between feeding strategy and exogenous growth promotants for all objective measures of color and cooked meat characteristics. Throughout the display period, PN steaks were darker (P = 0.02) than CON steaks, but surface percentages of oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin and metmyoglobin reducing ability were unaffected by feeding strategy (P > 0.10). Loins and steaks from PN cattle possessed decreased moisture loss during aging and cooking (P < 0.01). Trained sensory panel evaluation of cooked meat revealed a dietary program × growth promotant interaction for myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue amount, and overall tenderness (P = 0.01). Compared to the CON/EGP- and PN/EGP- treatments, steaks from the CON/EGP+ and PN/EGP+ treatments were evaluated by panelists as being less myofibrillar and overall tender (P < 0.05). The alternative feeding strategies presented in this study can favorably impact water-holding capacity without negatively compromising retail display discoloration.

Comparison of conventional and Alltech Beef PN finishing programs: meat color characteristics (2014)

To maximize efficiency and profit when producing beef, American producers currently employ a multitude of production programs that use feed additives such as Rumensin or Tylan (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) and growth promotants such as implants and Optaflexx (Elanco Animal Health). Rumensin and Tylan fed in combination can improve average daily gain and feed efficiency, and utilizing growth promotants enhances feed efficiency, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, and yield grades of carcasses. Although these products improve production efficiency, they can affect meat quality characteristics such as retail shelf life, necessitating better understanding of how management decisions in the feedlot can affect retail display. The Alltech PN Beef Program (Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) consists of two products that are designed to replace components of a conventional feedlot diet. The PN Beef Receiver is intended to be fed during the step-up period of feeding, whereas PN Beef Finisher is intended to be fed during the remainder of finishing period. Because both products are new feed alternatives, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of the Alltech PN Feed Program to a conventional diet on fresh meat retail shelf life color when both diets were fed with or without implants and Optaflexx.

Comparison of conventional and Alltech Beef PN finishing programs: meat water-holding capacity and tenderness (2014)

Introduction Tenderness, juiciness, and flavor play important roles in a satisfactory beef eating experience. All three factors can be affected by management decisions made by producers during the production of beef. Beef producers currently use a multitude of production programs that utilize feed additives such as Rumensin or Tylan (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN), and growth promotants such as implants and Optaflexx (Elanco Animal Health). Rumensin and Tylan are fed in combination to improve feedlot performance, whereas growth promotants improve feed efficiency, average daily gain, hot carcass weight, and yield grades of carcasses. Although the use of feed additives and growth promotants improves production efficiency, they can affect meat characteristics such as tenderness and water-holding capacity. The Alltech PN Beef Program (Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) consists of two products that are designed to replace components of the conventional feedlot diet. The PN Beef Receiver is intended to be fed during the step-up period of feeding, whereas PN Beef Finisher is intended to be fed during the remainder of finishing period. Because both products are new feed alternatives, the objective of this study was to compare the fresh cooked meat quality of the Alltech PN Beef Program to a conventional feedlot diet when both diets are combined with or without growth promotants.