Fed Protein Supplements Research Articles

Aproximación a la epidemiología de la varroosis en apiarios de Chile Central

La varroosis es una enfermedad de las abejas causada por el ácaro Varroa destructor, cuya epidemiología está asociada a varios factores. Su control depende de aspectos ambientales o genéticos, pero también del manejo sanitario apícola. Para identificar algunos de sus aspectos epidemiológicos se estudiaron 58 apiarios ubicados en tres regiones de Chile Central. Los apiarios fueron monitoreados cinco veces en diferentes épocas. Se incorporaron factores relacionados con las prácticas de manejo por parte de los apicultores mediante una encuesta cualitativa. Se midieron las tasas de infestación por Varroa sp. y la fortaleza de la colmena en cada caso. Los resultados indicaron que las tasas de infestación por Varroa sp. son variables en relación a las prácticas de manejo, especialmente, respecto de la alimentación suplementaria (suplementos energéticos y proteicos), y respecto a las opciones de tratamiento varroicida. A pesar de los esfuerzos de los apicultores por tratar sus colonias, la prevalencia global de varroosis fue cercana al 53%. Esto indica que, para controlar eficazmente esta parasitosis se deben incluir metodologías adicionales y estandarizadas, desde un punto de vista holístico, que incluyan selección, mejoramiento genético, biotécnicas para el control de los ácaros y, en casos específicos, tratamientos territoriales coordinados.

Nutritional evaluation of Pentas schimperiana as livestock feed and potential protein supplement

Pentas schimperiana is locally available and dominantly used as a dairy cattle feed in the Dawuro zone's Maraka district, Ethiopia. There is some information about its utilization practice, however, data on its nutritional benefit is limited. This research aimed to examine the chemical content and digestibility of P. schimperiana for use as cattle feed during the dry season. For this study, a 2x2 factorial design with two agro-ecologies (midland and highland) and two seasons (wet and dry) was used for this study. P. schimperiana leaves, twigs and stems were gathered and processed for laboratory analysis from two agro-ecologies and two seasons. The chemical composition, in-vitro digestibility, and in-Sacco degradability of the samples were determined after incubation at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Effective degradability (ED) and Potential degradation (PD) were computed. The collected data were subjected to an Analysis of Variance and the means that had significant deference, the mean separation was performed by Tukey with alpha level of 0.05. In-vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) (87.41%) and crude protein (CP) (17.39%) were significantly higher in highland. Digestible crude protein (DCP) was significantly larger in dry than in the wet season with the content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) decreased. During the wet season, potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) of DM were highest in the highland with a decrease in leg time, which was related to the low content of ADF, ADL, NDF, tannin, and high CP in vegetative stages of P. schimperiana. The result indicates that P. schimperiana might be used as supplementary feeds to enhance utilization of low-quality feed resources and improve the performance of ruminants during the dry season when feed is scarce.

Обоснование перспективной конструктивно-технологической схемы многокомпонентного дозатора-смесителя

Currently, one of the main tasks facing animal husbandry is to ensure the conservation of land to provide the population with high-quality livestock products, as well as to increase the productivity and productivity of each livestock. The correct implementation of this task primarily depends on the creation of a solid feed base. This, in turn, is possible due to the improvement and introduction of feed production technologies that do not depend on natural conditions. The technology of mixed feed production is a set of operations (grinding, dosing, mixing, etc.) performed in a certain sequence. As a result of these operations, feed is obtained from the raw materials (grain components, mineral additives, vitamins, salts, etc.) with the parameters specified in accordance with its recipe. The creation of a multicomponent dispenser-mixer capable of preparing grain mixtures in a continuous flow with high uniformity of dosing and mixing requires research and development work and is caused by the need of agricultural enterprises for such dispensers-mixers. In the technological line under study, the feed components are alternately crushed and loaded into the mixing unit. The processing line is equipped with an electronic weighing system that allows you to accurately dose the components of compound feeds and accumulate data on grain consumption. The raw materials for the preparation of compound feeds are cereals, as well as protein and vitamin supplements. The system of feeding protein and vitamin supplements is carried out by an auger, which ensures their supply to the mixing zone even with their minimum amount. The fineness of the grinding is regulated by replacing the sieve in the crusher.

Analysis of the chemical composition and properties of the main and side products during the implementation of new technologies for producing ethanol

The article studied yeast composition isolated from the separation of the mash, bran separated in the grinding step, as well as a protein supplement obtained by mixing these two products. Crude fat content ranges from 4,7 to 6,2%, crude protein content is 38%, which is 20% lower than in the fodder yeast, but 14% higher than that of the bran. It is also found that the resulting protein product enriched in micro- and macro-elements, as well as readily hydrolyzable and water soluble carbohydrates. crude fiber content is 5,5%, which is almost 2,5 times lower than in the bran. The composition of the feed protein supplement obtained with the introduction at the stage of aqueous suspension of wheat powdery cellulolytic enzyme preparation Viskolaza 150 L and without it. The enzyme preparation was added in the step of preparing aqueous suspensions and wheat powdery dosage of 0,01% by weight of the feedstock. protein feed additives obtained with and without addition of cellulolytic enzyme preparation of high quality crude protein content and protein. Thus, the content of crude protein in the protein with the introduction of an additive in an aqueous suspension of powdery Viskolazy 150 L was 37% whereas 34% without the enzyme preparation. The amount of soluble polysaccharides and the mass fraction of ash were practically at the same level of from 2,4 to 5% and from 5,5 to 7,0%, respectively. fiber content of the protein supplement using Viskolazy 150 L was 4,2-6,1%, which is 2,5 times lower than in the protein supplement obtained without enzyme preparation.

Optimizing broiler diets using protein supplement

The results of the studies showed that the inclusion of compound feed protein supplement “Biobardin” in the amount of 3-5% had a positive effect on the main indicators of productivity (preservation and increase in live weight) of broiler chickens. The feed obtained using Biobardin was characterized by a higher content of protein, organic acids, bacteriocins, and also contained the biomass of lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria. It was established that the broiler chickens absorbed enriched mixed feed more efficiently than the chickens, which consumed similar mixed feed without the studied additives. The broiler chickens from the experimental groups were significantly superior to their peers from the control group: the chickens not only grow better, use feed more economically, but also effectively transform the nutrients of the diet into body weight gain. On the basis of the results of experimental feedings, near-complete preservation of young birds, rapid development and weight gain, good physical condition, absence of diseases, good food intake were noted. The introduction of 5% protein feed additive “Biobardin” into the broilers’ diet can be a real competitor to the traditional source - fish flour or alternatively be used in industrial poultry farming along with it.

Features of the infl uence of feed protein supplement Biovitel on the growth and development of steers of Hereford breed

One of the ways to increase meat resources is to improve the condition of livestock on farms in the Russian Federation. This is due to the fact that when the fatness of the animal increases, the meat yield in the carcass increases. The purpose of the researches was to establish the features of the infl uence of the feed protein additive Biovitel on the growth and development of steers of Hereford breed. In order to achieve this purpose two groups of steers-analogs of Hereford breed (control and experimental) at the age of 6 months per 10 head in each have been formed. The time of the experiment was: the preparatory period of 22 days and the main one 275 days. Steers of the control group have received the main farm ration, and steers of the experimental group have received the main ration and feed protein additive Biovitel for 30 days with 10-days interval at the dose of 100 g per head during the sixth month. The results of researches on the infl uence of the feed protein additive Biovitel on the growth and development of steers of Hereford breed have been refl ected in the article. The addition of the feed additive Biovitel to the main ration of the experimental group of steers helped them to achieve a higher live weight and higher average daily gains under the same environments of feeding and housing in all age periods. By the end of the experiment (15 months) the experimental group of steers have reached the live weight of 430,2 kg, which was higher by 19,9 kg or 4,9 % compared to the control group of steers. In order to improve the quality of beef and increase its production more intensive rearing of steers of Hereford breed with the use of feed protein additive Biovitel has been justifi ed. The recommended dose is 100 g per head. This dosage allows you to achieve the average daily gain of 967,5 g and the average live weight of 430,2 kg by 15 months of age, reduce the prime cost and increase the profi tability of beef production.

Study of feed protein supplement with the properties of phytobiotics

The Russian market is oversaturated with grain raw materials in the composition of animal feed, which are characterized by protein deficiency and poor digestibility of nutrients. One of the problems of modern animal husbandry is increasing productivity, and most importantly - reducing the cost of products due to the efficient use of feed nutrients. The indiscriminate use of feed antibiotics as growth stimulants is due to the high cost of imported phytobiotics and poses an additional threat to human and animal health. Phytocompounds affect the processes of metabolism and neutralization of foreign substances, which are carcinogens and mutagens. They have the ability to bind free radicals and reactive metabolites of foreign substances, inhibit xenobiotic activating enzymes and activate detoxication enzymes. Phytobiotics have antiviral, antimicrobial, as well as immunomodelling effects. When they are included in any diet, feed intake increases, the acid-base environment normalizes. Phytobiotics are safe both for farm animals and birds, and for people, easy to use and store, and can also ensure a return on investment. The amino acid composition and antioxidant activity of the protein feed additive obtained from the leaf-stem mass of red clover plants were studied. The qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids and the value of antioxidant activity show the feasibility of introducing a feed protein supplement into the diet of farm animals and birds.

Effects of diets containing different concentrations of pollen and pollen substitutes on physiology, Nosema burden, and virus titers in the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)

Colonies of Apis mellifera provided with natural forage show decreased pathogen loads and increased overwintering success when compared with colonies provisioned with supplemental protein diets. Despite the potential benefits of a pollen-based diet, protein supplements are commonly used in colonies throughout the spring and increasingly through the fall and winter as the cost of pollen is greater than that of supplements and concerns exist over the potential for pollen to vector viruses to bee colonies. In this study, we compare virus and Nosema burden, consumption and digestion, hemolymph protein and hypopharyngeal gland size in bees fed on pure pollen diets, purely supplemental protein diets, and diets containing 90% supplement and 10% pollen to examine whether the inclusion of small amounts of pollen mitigates the negative impacts of consuming protein supplements seen in preceding studies. We found that the diets had similar concentrations of total soluble protein; however, bees consumed and digested significantly more of the pollen diet than either PS alone or mixed with pollen. In colonies, honeybees consuming pollen had lower deformed wing virus (DWV) and Nosema titers than bees fed protein supplements. The addition of 10% pollen to the supplement significantly increased digestion and hypopharyngeal gland size and decreased levels of Nosema infection over colonies fed supplement alone. These results indicate that the addition of small amounts of pollen into protein supplements may help to mitigate the differences observed between protein supplement and pollen fed bees.

MODELLING OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT FROM REGIONAL RAW MATERIAL FOR ORGANIC PIG BREEDING OF SIBERIA

The work presents modelling of feed protein supplement from regional raw material compliant with requirements for organic animal husbandry feed and zoostandard content of lysine and energy in complete feed formulas for growing and fattening organic pigs of Siberia. During the study, recommendations of Siberian Research and Technological Design Institute of Animal Husbandry were used. These included a list of regional feed raw material containing protein and determination of specifi c content of the grain component in complete combined feed for pigs. A sample feed formula for growing pigs is given. It was observed that barley, wheat and oat may be used for organic pig breeding on condition that they are cultivated in compliance with all the necessary requirements. The work substantiates the use of wheat for producing protein supplement by means of biochemical fractionation. It also presents formulas for calculation of effi cient lysine content and metabolizable energy in the protein supplement modelled from wheat in the composition of complete combined feed for growing pigs compliant with the standards of organic animal husbandry. It was determined that this content in theory amounts to 12.9 g of lysine and 11.9 MJ of metabolizable energy per 1 kg of dry matter for pigs with the live weight of 40-70 kg and 10.6 g and 14.2 MJ respectively for pigs with the live weight of 70-120 kg. This content of lysine and metabolizable energy is hypothetically achievable. The results obtained allow to predict the possibility of organic pig production by Siberian farms using their own raw material.

Honey bee colonies provided with natural forage have lower pathogen loads and higher overwinter survival than those fed protein supplements

Malnutrition is a major cause of colony losses. In managed hives, bees are fed protein supplements (PS) during pollen shortages. If bees were provided with natural forage instead of PS, would they have lower pathogen levels and higher queen and colony survival? We addressed this question by either providing colonies with forage (Brassica rapa—rapini) or feeding them PS from November to February. Soluble protein concentrations in the PS were lower than the rapini pollen as were levels of most amino acids. Nurse bees digested less of the protein in PS than the pollen. Hemolymph protein titers in nurse bees and colony growth did not differ between those fed PS or foraging on rapini. However, colonies fed PS had higher levels of black queen cell virus and Nosema and greater queen losses, indicating that natural forage might improve overwintering survival.

Feeding protein supplements in alfalfa hay-based lactation diets improves nutrient utilization, lactational performance, and feed efficiency of dairy cows

Due to the increasing cost of soybean meal and concerns of excess N being excreted into the environment, new protein supplements have been developed. Two products that have shown potential in increasing N utilization efficiency are slow-release urea (SRU; Optigen; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY) and ruminal-escape protein derived from yeast (YMP; DEMP; Alltech Inc.). The objective of this study was to assess the effects of feeding these 2 supplements in alfalfa hay-based [45.7% of forage dietary dry matter (DM)] dairy diets on nutrient utilization, feed efficiency, and lactational performance of dairy cows. Twelve multiparous dairy cows were used in a triple 4 × 4 Latin square design with one square consisting of ruminally cannulated cows. Treatments included (1) control, (2) SRU-supplemented total mixed ration (SRUT), (3) YMP-supplemented total mixed ration (YMPT), and (4) SRU- and YMP-supplemented total mixed ration (SYT). The control consisted only of a mixture of soybean meal and canola meal in a 50:50 ratio. The SRU and the YMP were supplemented at 0.49 and 1.15% DM, respectively. The experiment consisted of 4 periods lasting 28 d each (21 d of adaptation and 7 d of sampling). Cows fed YMPT and SYT had decreased intake of DM, and all supplemented treatments had lower crude protein intake compared with those fed the control. Milk yield tended to have the greatest increase in YMPT compared with the control (41.1 vs. 39.7kg/d) as well as a tendency for increased milk fat and protein yields. Feed efficiencies based on yields of milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk increased at 10 to 16% due to protein supplementation. Cows fed protein supplements partitioned less energy toward body weight gain, but tended to partition more energy toward milk production. Efficiency of use of feed N to milk N increased by feeding SRUT and YMPT, and milk N-to-manure N ratio increased with YMPT. Overall results from this experiment indicate that replacing the mixture of soybean meal and canola meal with SRU and YMP in alfalfa hay-based dairy diets can be a good approach to improve nutrient utilization efficiencies in lactating dairy cows.

Effects of adding protein, condensed tannins, and polyethylene glycol to diets of sheep and goats fed one-seed juniper and low quality roughage

The biochemical mechanisms that limit voluntary intake of one-seed juniper by browsing ruminants are not well understood. Twelve Rambouillet ewes (78±2.3kgBW) and 12 Boer-Spanish does (54±1.4kgBW) were used in a split-plot sequence design to investigate the effects of adding protein, quebracho tannins (QTs), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) on one-seed juniper intake and preference and on ruminal VFA and plasma AA concentrations. Animals received sudangrass hay and isoenergetic basal diets (4 does and 4 ewes/diet) with either rumen degradable (RDP) or rumen undegradable (RUP) protein (12.5% CP) or no additional protein (control, 5% CP) during four 15-d periods. The control, RDP, and RUP diets were considered the main plot, whereas the four supplement treatments were analyzed as the split-plot effects. Period 1 allowed for adaptation to basal diets and served as a baseline phase. In periods 2–4, animals were offered juniper leaves and twigs (period 2), juniper plus QT (10% of basal diet; period 3), and juniper plus QT plus PEG (50g/animal; period 4). Juniper intake by sheep and goats was not affected (P>0.88) by RDP or RUP when animals were first exposed to juniper, but marginally increased (P<0.10) in period 4 (QT+PEG) regardless of the basal diet. Prior exposure to juniper did not affect (P=0.61) the preference ratio for juniper, but goats had higher preference ratio for juniper (P<0.01) when receiving PEG (period 4). Concentrations of total VFA tended to increase in sheep (P=0.10) and goats (P=0.14) fed protein supplements and molar proportions shifted toward acetate for goats fed RDP and RUP (P=0.07) and to butyrate for sheep fed RDP (P=0.01). Initial juniper exposure (period 2) elevated concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (P<0.01), but the effect was extinguished in periods 3 and 4 with addition of QT (P<0.05). Supplementation with PEG transiently mitigated the depressor effect of QT on acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentration at 12h post juniper feeding (P<0.01). RDP in goats and to a greater extent RUP in sheep increased plasma concentrations of various AA, especially the branched chained Val, Ile, and Leu (P<0.05). Plasma concentrations of several AA, including Met, Cyst, Glu, Gly, Gln, Asn, Thr, Ser, and Phe, decreased with ingestion of juniper (period 2) and juniper plus QT (period 3). Concentrations of some AA that were depressed by ingestion of juniper and QT were partially restored with supplemental PEG (P<0.05). Protein, terpenes, tannins, and PEG interacted to influence rumen VFA and plasma AA, which were related to intake of juniper and basal diets.

Effects of Brood Pheromone (SuperBoost) on Consumption of Protein Supplement and Growth of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies During Fall in a Northern Temperate Climate

Honey bee, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), nutrition is vital for colony growth and maintenance of a robust immune system. Brood rearing in honey bee colonies is highly dependent on protein availability. Beekeepers in general provide protein supplement to colonies during periods of pollen dearth. Honey bee brood pheromone is a blend of methyl and ethyl fatty acid esters extractable from cuticle of honey bee larvae that communicates the presence of larvae in a colony. Honey bee brood pheromone has been shown to increase protein supplement consumption and growth of honey bee colonies in a subtropical winter climate. Here, we tested the hypothesis that synthetic brood pheromone (SuperBoost) has the potential to increase protein supplement consumption during fall in a temperate climate and thus increase colony growth. The experiments were conducted in two locations in Oregon during September and October 2009. In both the experiments, colonies receiving brood pheromone treatment consumed significantly higher protein supplement and had greater brood area and adult bees than controls. Results from this study suggest that synthetic brood pheromone may be used to stimulate honey bee colony growth by stimulating protein supplement consumption during fall in a northern temperate climate, when majority of the beekeepers feed protein supplement to their colonies.

Terminação de novilhos mestiços leiteiros sob pastejo, no período das águas, recebendo suplementação com soja

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da utilização da soja em diferentes formas físicas em suplementos múltiplos para terminação de bovinos em pastejo sobre o ganho médio diário (GMD), o ganho de peso total (GT), o rendimento de carcaça (RC), o pH e a amônia ruminal. Os tratamentos consistiram da suplementação com grão de soja moído (GSM), grão de soja inteiro (GSI) e farelo de soja + milho moído (FSM), fornecidos três vezes/semana, e do fornecimento de mistura mineral (controle). Para avaliar o desempenho, utilizaram-se 16 novilhos mestiços Holandês-Zebu, não-castrados, com 19 meses de idade e peso médio inicial de 316 kg. Os valores de pH e as concentrações de amônia ruminal foram obtidos utilizando-se quatro novilhos mestiços Holandês-Zebu fistulados no rúmen. Os suplementos GSM, FSM e GSI proporcionaram ganhos adicionais de 143,0; 142,0 e 135,0 g/animal/dia, respectivamente, ocasionando redução no período de terminação dos bovinos em pastejo. O rendimento de carcaça e os valores de pH (média de 6,51) não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos. A concentração de amônia ruminal dos bovinos do tratamento sem suplementação foi inferior à observada nos animais sob suplementação.

Nitrogen balance in lambs fed low-quality brome hay and infused with differing proportions of casein in the rumen and abomasum12

Twenty wether lambs (46 +/- 2 kg) fitted with ruminal and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effects of differing proportions of ruminal and abomasal casein infusion on N balance in lambs fed low-quality brome hay (0.8% N, DM basis) for ad libitum intake. Wethers were infused with 0 (control) or 10.7 g/d of N from casein with ratios of ruminal:abomasal infusion of 100:0 (100R:0A), 67:33 (67R:33A), 33:67 (33R:67A), or 0:100% (0R:100A), respectively, over a 12-d period. Total N supply (hay N intake + N from casein infusion) was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein infusion than in controls. Urinary N excretion (g/d) was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein infusion than in controls. Urinary N excretion decreased as casein infusion was shifted from 100R:0A to 33R:67A and then slightly increased in lambs receiving 0R:100A (quadratic, P = 0.02). Total N excretion was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein infusion than in controls and decreased linearly (P = 0.005) as casein infusion was shifted to the abomasum. Retained N (g/d, % of N intake, and % of digested N) was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein than in controls. Retained N increased as infusion was shifted from 100R:0A to 33R:67A and then slightly decreased in lambs receiving 0R: 100A (quadratic, P < 0.07). Based on regression analysis, the predicted optimum proportion of casein infusion to maximize N retention was 68% into the abomasum. The regression suggests that supplementation with undegradable intake protein had an additional benefit over supplementation with ruminally degradable intake protein (100R:0A) and that changing the percentage of ruminally undegradable intake protein in supplemental protein from 33 to 100% resulted in minimal differences in N retention. Apparent N, DM, OM, and energy digestibility (% of intake) was greater (P < 0.03) in lambs infused with casein than controls but did not differ among casein infusion groups. These data suggest that feeding protein supplements containing a portion (greater than 0%) of the crude protein as ruminally undegradable intake protein, as compared to 100% ruminally degradable intake protein, to lambs consuming low-quality forage increases N retention and the efficiency of N utilization without influencing total-tract nutrient digestion.

Effect of Feeding Protein Supplements of Differing Degradability on Omasal Flow of Microbial and Undegraded Protein

Ten ruminally cannulated lactating Holstein cows that were part of a larger trial studying the effects of feeding different proteins on milk production were used in a replicated 5×5 Latin square to quantify flows of microbial and rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) in omasal digesta. Cows were fed total mixed rations containing (dry matter basis) 44% corn silage, 22% alfalfa silage, 2% urea, and 31% concentrate. The basal diet contained 31% high-moisture corn; equal N from one of four protein supplements was added to the other diets at the expense of corn: 9% solvent soybean meal (SSBM), 10% expeller soybean meal (ESBM), 5.5% blood meal (BM), and 7% corn gluten meal (CGM). Omasal sampling was used to quantify total AA N (TAAN) and nonammonia N (NAN) flows from the rumen. Estimates of RUP were made from differences between total and microbial N flows, including a correction for RUP in the basal diet. Modifying a spectrophotometric assay improved total purine recovery from isolated bacteria and omasal samples and gave estimates of microbial TAAN and NAN flows that were similar to a standard HPLC method. Linear programming, based on AA patterns of the diet and isolated omasal bacteria and ruminal protozoa, appeared to overestimate microbial TAAN and NAN flows compared to the purine assays. Yields of microbial TAAN and NAN determined using any method was not affected by diet and averaged 32 to 35g NAN per kilogram of organic matter truly digested in the rumen. On average, National Research Council (NRC) equations underpredicted microbial N flows by 152g/d (vs. HPLC), 168g/d (vs. spectrophotometry), and 244g/d (vs. linear programming). Estimates of RUP (means from the HPLC and spectrophotometric methods) were: SSBM, 27%, ESBM, 45%, BM, 60%, and CGM, 73%. Except for CGM, RUP values averaged about 20 percentage units lower than those reported by the NRC.

Effects of Growth Potential and Protein Supplementation on Steers Grazing Fall Pasture in the Northern Great Plains

Cattle of varied genetic growth potential may respond differently to management strategies because of altered nutrient demands for growth. An option for postweaning calf management is use of improved pastures for grazing. A 3-yr study (1990 to 1992) was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal (SBM) on performance of Bos taurus steers (average weight 471 lb) of high-(Charolais-sired) or moderate- (Hereford-sired) genetic growth potential. Each year, 23 (Year 1 and 3) or 24 (Year 2) steers grazed pastures of a Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fischer) Nevski]-wheatgrass hybrid [Elytrigia repens (L.) Neuski] × [Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh.) Love] complex. One-half of the steers were individually fed SBM (1 lb/d, as fed) 5 d/wk in 1990 and 7 d/wk in 1991 and 1992. Crude protein of consumed forage, as determined from esophageal masticate, averaged 15.1, 14.8, and 12.6 in mid-October and 10.5, 14.5, and 7.0% of organic matter (OM) in mid-December of 1990, 1991, and 1992, respectively. Steers of high genetic growth potential gained 1.4 lb/d compared with 1.2 lb/d for moderate growth potential steers (P < 0.05) and SBM supplemented steers had greater gains (P < 0.01) than nonsupplemented steers (1.5 vs 1.1 lb/d). Forage OM intake was affected by year (P < 0.01) and genetic potential for growth (P < 0.05). Forage OM intake averaged 8.8, 9.4, and 7.5 lb/d for 1990, 1991, and 1992, respectively, and 9.0 and 8.1 lb/d for high- and moderate-growth potential steers. Supplementation with SBM was cost effective for steers grazing regrowth in irrigated Russian wildrye-wheatgrass hybrid pastures in the fall. Research Question Regrowth of harvested, irrigated hay fields in the Northern Great Plains can provide a higher quality forage for fall grazing than nonirrigated native range-land. This high quality regrowth may be suitable for young animals with high nutritional requirements for growth. However, protein needs of 6- to 9-mo-old calves may be greater than what is available from pasture alone, depending upon desired growth rates. Protein requirements of calves are affected by growth rate, and genetic potential for growth may alter responses to different management systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate soybean meal (SBM) supplementation for calves of two growth potentials grazing irrigated pastures in the fall after weaning. Literature Summary Efficiency of beef production is affected by rate and efficiency of gain during the postweaning period. Use of cattle with varied growth potentials or the use of different management schemes can alter this efficiency. Research has shown increased weight gains by cattle fed protein supplements along with moderate quality forages compared with cattle fed these forages without supplements. Protein supplementation may affect forage intake and digestion depending upon the forage quality. Study Description A 3-yr study (1990 to 1992) was conducted in the fall after weaning to evaluate supplemental SBM for steers (average weight 471 lb) of high- or moderate genetic potential for growth. Each year 23 or 24 steers grazed regrowth from pastures of a Russian wildrye-wheatgrass complex for about 80 d. Half of the steers were individually fed SBM (1 lb/d) 5 d/wk in 1990 and 7 d/wk in 1991 and 1992. The CP content of the forage consumed averaged 13.2, 12.6, and 10.6% in mid-October and 8.8, 12.3, and 6.0% in mid-December of 1990, 1991, and 1992, respectively. Applied Questions What rates of gain can be expected from weaned steer calves grazing fall pasture regrowth in the Northern Great Plains and is supplementary protein valuable? Using regrowth in Russian wildrye-wheatgrass pastures in the fall for growing cattle can result in weight gains of 0.9 to 1.5 lb/d. Gains may be increased 0.4 lb/d by supplementing with SBM at 1 lb/d. Do steers of differing genetic growth potential benefit equally from SBM supplementation? Cattle of both high- and moderate-growth potential benefit equally from added SBM. Forage needs can be determined based upon body weight (BW), with forage intake being an equal percentage of BW for steers of high- or moderate-growth potential.

Step-Up Protein Supplementation for Beef Cows Grazing Dormant, Tallgrass Prairie

Protein supplementation contributes significantly to expenses of maintaining pregnant beef cows (Bos taurus) on winter range. Two experiments evaluated winter supplementation schemes for grazing beef cows. Dehydrated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pellets (DEHY) or soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] meal/sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] grain (SS) supplements were fed during the third trimester of gestation. In Exp. 1, treatments were: (i) 5.3 lb/head/d DEHY, (ii) 3.7 lb/head/d SS; (iii) 3.8 lb/head/d DEHY, and (iv) DEHY averaging 3.7 lb/head/d across the supplementation period but fed in increasing amounts with advancing gestation (step-fed) [...]

Protein supplements for corn-silage diets and their effect on subsequent growth and carcass characteristics in beef cattle

Ninety-six Brahman crossbred steers (187 ± 3.9 kg) were used to evaluate protein supplements in corn-silage growing diets for 140 d. The following treatments were used: 1, control (7.9% crude protein (CP)); 2, urea (10.3% CP); 3, dehydrated alfalfa (10.0% CP); or 4, soybean meal (SBM) (10.6% CP). Steers were then fed a common finishing diet (80% corn) with 13.4% CP for 120 d. Steers fed the control diet had lower levels of plasma-urea nitrogen, consumed less feed, gained less weight and utilized feed less efficiently than those fed supplemented diets (P &lt; 0.05). Steers fed SBM gained weight faster than those fed urea (P &lt; 0.05), though feed/gain ratios were similar. Although control steers exhibited compensatory growth during the 120-d finishing period, re-alimentation was not complete, and their overall gain was lowest at the end of the 260-d study (P &lt; 0.05). Cattle fed the low-protein growing diet also had lighter carcasses, smaller loin eye area and less backfat and marbling than steers fed protein supplements (P &lt; 0.05). Carcass characteristics were similar for the three protein supplements. These results demonstrate that urea equalled SBM and dehydrated alfalfa as a protein source in a corn-silage growing diet as measured by overall performance and carcass characteristics at the end of 120 d re-alimentation on a finishing diet. However, the negative effects of protein deprivation during the 140-d growing period were not completely overcome after a 120-d finishing period. Key words: Compensatory growth, protein supplements, carcass, beef cattle

Effects of supplemental protein source and metabolizable energy intake on nutritional status in pregnant ewes.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of supplemental protein source and ME intake (Exp. 1) on ewe nutritional status during pregnancy. Forty-two mature Targhee ewes were allotted randomly in Exp. 1 to one of six treatments (n = 7) using a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Ewes were individually fed chopped barley straw and supplements containing either urea (U), soybean meal (SBM), or blood meal (BM) plus SBM during the 84-d experiment. Straw and supplement intakes were adjusted to meet either 80 or 100% of ME requirements. In Exp. 2, 30 pregnant Targhee ewes that were allotted randomly to one of three groups (n = 10) were individually fed protein supplements similar to those in Exp. 1 and had group access to long-stem barley straw. In Exp. 1, ewes fed BM + SBM gained more (P less than .05) weight, lost less (P less than .05) body condition, and had increased (P less than .05) wool fiber length compared with ewes fed U; SBM ewes were intermediate (P less than .05) in response. Ewes fed BW + SBM had increased (P less than .05) blood urea N and albumin concentrations compared with ewes fed U. Metabolizable energy intake did not affect (P greater than .05) ewe performance or serum metabolite concentrations. Ewes fed BM + SBM in Exp. 2 gained more (P less than .05) weight than ewes fed either SBM or U, and ewes fed SBM lost less weight (P less than .05) than ewes fed U.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)