Drylot System Research Articles

Performance and economics of fall grazing cover crops compared to a traditional drylot system of fall-calving cow-calf pairs

The objective of this study was to evaluate cow and calf performance while strip grazing a cover crop mix consisting of radishes, turnips, oats, and common vetch (CC) compared to a traditional, drylot management system (CON) of the Iowa State University Beef Teaching Farm fall-calving herd. The study was repeated for 3 consecutive years to account for weather variation.  Each growing season presented a unique situation. With a targeted seeding date of August 1st each year, yields ranged from 2,750 – 4,830 lbs of dry matter per acre, averaging 3,952 lbs. The greatest yield was observed in 2019 while the lowest yield occurred in 2020 with drought conditions restricting growth. Growth in 2021 was intermediate, but peak yield occurred after grazing began due to a delayed killing frost. Turnout dates ranged from early-November to mid-December, and fall pairs grazed for an average of 32 days, ranging from 17 – 45 days.  Despite fluctuation in cow body weights between treatments over the years, calves on CC had equal to or greater average daily gain and final body weights compared to calves on CON. Over the 3 years, CC calves gained an average of 0.36 lbs more per head per day than their CON counterparts. This advantage may be a reflection of CC dams producing a higher quality milk due to the high-quality forage diet and the ability of calves to graze alongside their dam.  An economic analysis of the 3-year project revealed a 29% average reduction in calf cost of gain of cow-calf pairs grazing cover crops ($1.11/lbs of gain) compared to cow-calf pairs fed in a drylot setting ($1.57/lb of gain). Compared to the standardized drylot in this scenario, this efficiency boost emphasizes the value of extending the grazing season, especially in times of high feed costs.

97 Effects of Creep Feed Duration in a Drylot System on Cow Performance and Reproduction as Well as Calf Performance Through Receiving

Abstract The objectives were to determine effects of creep feed duration in drylot-housed, cow-calf system on cow performance and reproduction as well as calf performance through receiving phase. Spring-calving, Simmental × Angus cows (5 ± 2 yr; n = 72) were stratified by calf age (83 ± 14 d), sex, and body weight (BW; 130 ± 17 kg) and allotted to 12 pens with six cow-calf pairs per pen. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: calves fed commercial, pelleted creep feed (14% CP) for 105 d (105dCF) or final 21 d (21dCF) prior to weaning. Cow-calf pairs were housed on concrete drylots with open-front buildings for the pre-weaning period. Cows were limit fed at maintenance a total mixed ration. Ultrasound measurements for carcass composition of calves were collected on d 104. Calves were abruptly weaned on d 105 and transported 263 km to a feedlot for the receiving phase. Pen assignments remained for the 6-week receiving period. Calves had ab libitum access to a receiving ration that consisted of corn silage, modified wet distillers grains, grass hay, dry corn, and supplement. Reproduction data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and all other response variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.11) in cow BW, BCS, milk production, milk composition, or reproductive data. The 105dCF calves had greater (P ≤ 0.01) ADG from d 0 to 105 and BW than 21dCF (286 vs. 258 kg, respectively). The 105dCF calves had greater (P ≤ 0.01) longissimus muscle area, rib fat, and rump fat compared with 21dCF; however, intramuscular fat was not different (P = 0.20) between treatments. During the receiving phase, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.23) in dry matter intake. In the first 4 weeks of receiving there were no differences (P ≥ 0.73) in ADG; however, in the final 2 weeks 21dCF calves had greater (P = 0.02) ADG. The 21dCF calves had greater (P = 0.01) ADG during the overall receiving period. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.86) in gain to feed (G:F) for the first four weeks of receiving. The 21dCF calves had greater (P = 0.03) G:F for the final two weeks and tended to have greater (P = 0.08) G:F during overall receiving. However, the 21dCF calves (324 kg) were still lighter (P ≤ 0.01) BW than 105dCF (340 kg) at end of receiving. In conclusion, creep feed duration did not impact cow performance or reproduction. The 105dCF calves had increased ADG and BW for the pre-weaning period. Although the 21dCF calves had increased gain and feed efficiency at the end of receiving, the 105dCF calves remained the heavier for the duration of the experiment.

Production costs, economic viability, and risks associated with compost bedded pack, freestall, and drylot systems in dairy farms

The adoption of intensive production systems, such as compost bedded pack (CB) and freestall (FS), has increased recently in tropical regions, mainly replacing the drylot system (DL). Thus, our objectives were to compare production costs, economic outcomes, and risk of dairy operations in CB, FS, and DL systems. We collected data from 2 181 Brazilian farms over 120 consecutive months; 960 farms (144 CB, 133 FS, and 683 DL) met our selection criteria. All costs were modeled for two animal production categories: milking cows and non-milking animals. We used a regression model that included linear and quadratic parameters, and we added the production system as a fixed variable for all parameters tested with this model. Consultant, year, herd, and herd × system interaction were included in the model as random variables. Further, we simulated annual technical and economic indexes per farm. In addition, we developed a risk analysis to measure the probability of negative profit of the farms based on a 14-year historical series of milk prices. All production costs were affected by the system. Feed, medicine, sundry, and labor costs per farm per year were greater in DL farms when milk yield (MY) was greater than 3 500 L/day. The variables such as milk yield, assets per liter, asset turnover rate, return on assets, operational profit, profit per cow, and per liter of milk variables were greater in CB and FS with high MY (>3 000 L/day). Nonetheless, DL had the greatest economic indexes with a lower MY (<3 000 L/day), lower operating costs, and greater economic outcomes. The risk analysis indicated that the probability of negative profit (risk) was reduced for CB and FS as MY increased, but DL had the lowest risk with low MY levels. In conclusion, we suggest DL as the most attractive system for farms with MY between 150 and 3 000 L of milk/day as the DL had the lowest risk and the greatest profit in this production scale. Despite similar outcomes for CB and FS in most of the farms, the profit per cow ($/year), assets turnover rate (%), risk (%) and expected profit ($/L) analysis indicated that CB could be recommended for farms with MY greater than 3 200 L of milk/day, whereas based on risk (%) and expected profit ($/L), FS would be the most profitable system in dairies producing more than 8 000 L of milk/day per farm.

Production, economic viability and risks associated with switching dairy cows from drylots to compost bedded pack systems

The use of compost bedded pack systems (CBS) has increased over the past 5 years in tropical countries, and studies associating production traits with economical outcomes of this system are warranted. Our objectives were to evaluate productive traits, economic outcomes and the risks of losses of dairy farms that switched from a drylot system (DLS) to a CBS and to compare these with similar farms that did not change their system. We collected data from 18 farms over 36 consecutive months (August 2014 to July 2017). All farms started the study as DLS, and six farms switched to CBS in the second year. The other 12 farms kept their DLS during the 36 months of evaluation. Annual technical and economic indexes per farm were collected and calculated. Additionally, a risk analysis was performed based on a 10-year historical series of milk prices. The results were analysed using a regression model including year and herd as categorical variables (fixed), system and herd size as quantitative variables (fixed), and system × herd as a random variable. Furthermore, a non-metric multidimensional scaling plot was used to evaluate producers’ profiles in each year. Milk fat, milk total solids, and somatic cell count did not change when farms switched from DLS to CBS, and averaged 3.80%, 12.04%, and 256 500 cells/ml, respectively. However, milk protein (%) decreased in CBS farms. The majority of milk production variables were not affected. Nevertheless, farms that switched to CBS increased milk production per cow by 13.3% compared with DLS farms. Total operation costs (296 076.83 $/year) were not affected by the system, and neither were the costs of concentrates, roughage, labour or medicines. Net margin per litre (0.09 $/l), operating profit (14.95%), assets per litre (398.68 $/l per day) and return on assets (10.27%) did not change when farms switched from DLS to CBS. Net margin ($/l and $/cow) and asset turnover rate increased in CBS farms. Risk analysis indicated that the risk was reduced by 38% in CBS farms. Furthermore, our analysis showed that producers who switched to CBS had similar technical and economic indexes in the first year before switching their system. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CBS systems might be promising for producers in tropical countries who are looking for a more productive and less risky system. We did not observe improvements in animal health as previously reported in the literature.

030 Energy Requirements of Lactating Beef Cows in a Drylot System

030 Energy Requirements of Lactating Beef Cows in a Drylot System

Breeding Technologies in U.S. Meat Goat Production: Who are the Adopters and How Does Adoption Impact Productivity?

Adoption of advanced breeding technologies and management practices (BTMP) in U.S. meat goat production and their impact were examined. Adopters generally had larger-scale operations, used rotational grazing and/or dry lot systems, and sold larger percentages of animals for breeding and show purposes. Farmer demographics and farm variables also influenced adoption. Complementarity of adoption was found—adopters of one BTMP tended to adopt other BTMPs. Measures of productivity and profitability were not affected by adoption. Goat breed, farmer experience, production system used, and specialization influenced productivity, and farm size had the greatest influence on enterprise profitability.

Características da carcaça e da carne de cordeiros terminados com dietas contendo diferentes proporções de silagens de grãos de milho

The study evaluated the live weight components, objective and subjective carcass characteristics and physical-chemical characteristics of the Longissimus lumborum muscle and the proportion of tissues that constitute the loin of twenty-four intact males lambs, Hampshire Down crossbreed, fattened in a drylot system. The lambs were fed with different diets based on corn grain silage with the addition of sunflower seeds or urea. The treatments did not affect live weight and hot carcass weight at slaughter, carcass yield, blood, skin, reproductive system with bladder, respiratory system, spleen, kidneys and perineal fat, liver, heart, empty gastrointestinal tract, head or feet. There was no significant difference in cold carcass weight, body condition, conformation of carcass, fat covering, fat consistency, meat color, thickness, loin area, crude protein, or ratios of muscle, bones, fat and other tissues of the Longissimus lumborum muscle. Cooking losses, myofibril fragmentation index and colors indexes L*, a* and b*, also did not differ by treatment. The lambs can be fattened with any diets, because there is no difference for the analyzed characteristics

Influence of feeding systems on cortisol levels, fat colour and instrumental meat quality in light lambs

Forty-eight lambs were fed as follows: GR, lambs and dams grazed perennial pasture; GR+S, the same as GR except that lambs had access to concentrate; DRL-GRE, lambs in drylot and dams in rationed grazing; DRL, lambs with dams were stall-fed. DRL-GRE and DRL lambs were weaned at 45 days of age. Lambs were slaughtered when they reached 22–24 kg of live weight. Plasma cortisol concentration was determined three times before slaughter. Subcutaneous fat and meat colour, and texture were analysed. The different levels of cortisol did not affect meat quality. Both grazing systems gave yellower subcutaneous fat and redder muscles than drylot lambs. Differences between systems relating to colour and texture of the meat disappeared with ageing time, which supports the idea that grazing systems are a good alternative in order to offer similar meat to that coming from drylot systems to which consumers are accustomed. Subcutaneous fat colour was a suitable method to discriminate between grazing and drylot systems, but not within them.

Effect of feeding system on growth and carcass characteristics of Churra Tensina light lambs

Forty-eight single male lambs were used to evaluate the effect of feeding systems on carcass characteristics and fat depots of Churra Tensina light lambs. Four treatments were studied: GR, lambs and ewes were continuously grazing, no concentrate was available to them and lambs were unweaned; GR+S, as the previous one, but additionally lambs had free access to concentrate; DRL−GRE, lambs remained indoors with free access to concentrate and ewes grazed during 8 h a day, thereafter remaining with lambs; DRL, lambs and ewes were kept always in confinement, ewes had free access to dry unifeed and lambs to concentrate. In DRL−GRE and DRL lambs were weaned at 45 days old. When lambs reached 22–24 kg of live-weight they were slaughtered. Feeding system had effect on growth rates ( p < 0.05), age ( p < 0.001) and live-weight at slaughter ( p < 0.01), carcass weight ( p < 0.001), dressing percentage ( p < 0.001), fatness thickness ( p < 0.01) as well as on the subjective classification parameters, as carcass conformation score ( p < 0.001), fatness degree ( p < 0.01) and KKCF score ( p < 0.01), having the GR lambs lower values than the rest of treatments. Nevertheless, carcasses from grazing animals were classified within the normal ranges for Ternasco commercial category similar to drylot systems. Treatment had effect on pelvic ( p < 0.01) and carcass compactness ( p < 0.001) being GR carcasses less well conformed. Feeding system affected the total body fat depots ( p < 0.01), presenting GR the lowest amount. In all treatments, carcass fat depot was greater than internal fat depots (abdominal, pelvic and renal) ( p < 0.05). Grazing treatments (GR and GR+S) presented higher proportion of anterior-rib and lower proportion of breast in relation to indoor lambs (DRL−GRE and DRL). The feeding system did not affect the proportion of first category of commercial meat. It was concluded that light lamb carcass characteristics were slightly affected by the feeding systems, being carcasses from grazing lambs classified within the normal ranges for Ternasco commercial category, similarly to drylot systems. The small differences among the products of different feeding systems had no commercial constraint in the light lamb meat market.

Comparison of Low-Input Pasture to High-Input Drylot Backgrounding on Performance and Profitability of Beef Calves Through Harvest

Over 3 yr, 250 calves (236kg initial BW; 133 steers and 117 heifers) were used to compare a low-input pasture backgrounding system (PAST) to a high-input drylot system (DLOT) to evaluate performance and profit during the backgrounding (BACKGRD; weaning to 42 to 45 d) and finishing (FINISH; end BACKGRD to slaughter) phases. Calves were randomly assigned to PAST or DLOT treatments during BACKGRD. The DLOT calves were fed a corn-wheat midds-based pellet plus alfalfa hay (0.68 to 1.13 kg/d), and PAST calves were supplemented with a 32% CP range cube (0.57 kg/d; 3 times/wk). During BACKGRD, DLOT calves gained more BW (P < 0.01) and had a greater final value (P = 0.03), but feed and total costs were more than 4-fold greater (P < 0.01). Net income during BACKGRD was $45 greater (P < 0.01) for PAST than DLOT. After BACKGRD, only steers were finished at a commercial feedlot where they were managed as a single group. During FINISH, PAST steers had greater ADG (P< 0.01; 1.27 vs. 1.07 kg/d) through interim weight (74 to 94 d on feed), but subsequent ADG was similar (P = 0.68). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.13) in interim BW, days on feed, total ADG, carcass characteristics, or proportion of steers treated for sickness. However, DLOT steers had greater death loss (P = 0.02; 7.6 vs. 0.0%). During FINISH, PAST steers garnered $111 more gross income (P < 0.01; $946 vs. $833 per carcass) and had a net return advantage (P < 0.01) of $103 per head.

Impact of dairy housing practices on lagoon effluent characteristics: Implications for nitrogen dynamics and salt accumulation

Increasing emphasis on maintaining environmental integrity by dairy operations warrants examination of management influence on waste characteristics. Complete profiles of anaerobic dairy lagoons for eleven operations in central Texas, distinguished by use of dry-lot and hybrid (i.e., facilities comprised of free stalls with smaller dry-lot areas) management systems, were analyzed for 15 physicochemical parameters. Although solids, pH and TKN values were similar between housing type, statistical differences in NH 4-N, P, K, Mg, Na, Mn, Cu and electrical conductivity (EC) were observed. The discrepancies were attributed to dissimilar cattle activity, where cows spend more time near flush alleys in hybrid systems than dry-lot systems, which facilitates waste transport to anaerobic lagoons. These results suggest a possible difference in N dynamics between lagoon types, which in turn would have implications for NH 3 volatilization. Potential salt-stress impact on both lagoon effectiveness and pastures receiving land-applied lagoon effluent may also be enhanced by hybrid systems. This study not only contributes data on anaerobic lagoon characteristics, but also provides additional considerations for dairy producers striving to meet more rigorous regulations while attempting to protect soil resources for crop production.

Sheep production in Spanish dry mountain areas: 3. The effect of fattening system on carcass traits, fat and muscle colour and meat texture in light lambs of Churra Tensina breed

The lambs production system in the South-European countries is characterised by producing light carcasses (&lt; 13 kg) of young animals, less than 90 days old, and fed with the ewe milk and supplemented with concentrates. However, there is an increasing concern on the study of forage production system in growing lambs as a consequence of the interest in diversifying products and producing healthy and safe meat. When forage is included in the fattening diet a reduction of average daily gain is observed and carcasses have a lower degree of fatness, in comparison to the drylot system. The modification in the traditional type of carcass must be evaluated in order to assure that the final product meets the consumer demands. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of the lambs fattening system on the carcass characteristics and meat quality especially on the instrumental analysis traits as colour and texture.

Análise econômica da produção de carne de cordeiros sob dois sistemas de terminação: pastagem e confinamento

Foram analisados os custos de produção e o retorno econômico do quilograma de carcaça, de 13 cordeiros Corriedale (C), 14 Bergamácia x Corriedale (BC) e 9 Hampshire Down x Corriedale (HC), em pastagem de Cynodon dactylon e 10 C, 11 BC e 8 HC em confinamento, recebendo ração completa, com 18% de proteína bruta e 72% de nutrientes digestíveis totais, idênticos ao da pastagem. A lotação utilizada foi de 20 cordeiros/ha. No confinamento, considerou-se 0,5m²/cordeiro. A despesa total para terminação dos cordeiros na pastagem foi R$2.382,40 e para terminação em confinamento foi R$2.918,40, com as respectivas receitas de R$3.686,90 e R$4.498,03. O custo de produção do kg de carcaça dos cordeiros confinados (R$2,30), em valor absoluto foi superior, porém, muito próximo dos terminados em pastagem (R$2,26). O retomo econômico para os cordeiros terminados em confinamento (R$1.579,63) foi superior ao dos terminados em pastagem (R$1.304,50), mostrando uma diferença em valores absolutos de R$275,13 a favor dos cordeiros confinados. A produção de carne de cordeiro em confinamento é economicamente viável.

Desempenho de cordeiros Corriedale, puros e mestiços, terminados em pastagem e em confinamento

O experimento teve por objetivo avaliar o desempenho de cordeiros, do nascimento ao abate com 30-32kg de peso vivo na origem, usando-se 23 cordeiros Corriedale (C), 25 Bergamácia × Corriedale (BC) e 17 Hampshire Down × Corriedale (HC), terminados em pastagem de coast cross (Cynodon dactylon) ou em confinamento. O peso ao nascimento e o ganho de peso médio diário do nascimento ao desmame não foram influenciados pelo grupo genético (P&gt;0,05). O ganho de peso médio diário do desmame ao abate (GPDA) de 0,144kg dos cordeiros confinados foi superior aos 0,106kg dos cordeiros em pastagem (P&lt;0,05). O GPDA dos cordeiros BC (0,136kg) e HC (0,130kg) foram maiores (P&lt;0,05) que o dos C (0,106kg) O sistema de terminação e de cruzamento (P&lt;0,05) influiu no ganho de peso do nascimento ao abate (GPNA), com maiores ganhos observados para cordeiros confinados (0,137kg) e cruzados (0,132kg). Os cordeiros confinados atingiram o peso de abate (219 dias) mais cedo (P&lt;0,05) que os da pastagem (258 dias). Os cordeiros terminados em confinamento, no dia do abate, apresentaram menor perda de peso da origem ao abate (3,16%), comparados aos da pastagem (5,17%) (P&lt;0,05). Os resultados indicam que pode-se recomendar o cruzamento de ovelhas Corriedale com carneiros das raças citadas, bem como a terminação dos cordeiros em confinamento, desde que se tenha preocupação de avaliar os custos de produção deste sistema.

Muscle composition and fatty acid profile in lambs fattened in drylot or pasture

The effects of two fattening systems on muscle composition and fatty acid profile were determined in an experiment using samples of the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of 24 ram lambs (slaughter weight 29–31 kg). The fattening systems were: (i) drylot (a mixture of maize, soybean, wheat and minerals) and (ii) grazing ( Cynodon dactylon). The lambs fattened in the drylot system presented higher fat levels ( p<0.01), but lower concentrations of moisture ( p<0.01) and cholesterol ( p<0.05). The lipid content presented a negative correlation with moisture and protein. In lambs fattened in the drylot system increasing levels of fatness of LD muscle were associated with a decrease ( p<0.05) in myristic and palmitic acids, but myristic, palmitic and linoleic acids increased ( p<0.05) as the cholesterol levels of the muscles increased.