Cattle Fed Research Articles

367 Changing the conversation: Evaluating feedyard closeouts and the beef system on a carcass basis

Abstract Beef cattle genetics, management, technologies and nutritional strategies are ever evolving, and current US trends favor feeding cattle to heavier carcass endpoints and optimizing quality grade. The average number of days on feed (DOF) in the US has increased year after year, averaging 195 and 183 DOF for steers and heifers, respectively, as reported by Elanco Benchmark data in 2021. As DOF increase, cattle live performance, including average daily gain and feed efficiency decline; however, hot carcass weight (HCW) becomes significantly heavier. Although a reduction in live feed conversion occurs as cattle are fed for extended DOF, the kilograms of additional live gain that result as kilograms of gain on the carcass, termed carcass transfer, increase linearly. As DOF are extended, carcass transfer has been reported to increase up to 88 %. As a result of genetic advancements, technologies, and feeding longer, HCW has trended heavier over the last 60 yr, with 2024 USDA HCW reported for April as 11.3 and 9.5 kg heavier for steers and heifers, respectively, year after year. According to mandatory price reporting data, approximately 74 % of fat cattle marketed in the US are sold as dressed beef. As we continue to feed to heavier endpoints and longer DOF, the profitability of selling on a carcass-basis increases. With the increase in carcass transfer as DOF extend, this presentation will attempt to address that cattle live performance should be adjusted to a carcass-basis for feedyards to appropriately capture the inflection point at which cost of additional gain equals the price received for the additional gain.

Feeder and Live Cattle Markets Face Mixed Signals as Fall Approaches

As the cattle market reopened following Labor Day, feeder and live cattle futures weakened to contract low levels of resistance. The October feeder cattle contract ended on a down note at approximately $230, as the market continues to grapple with whether prices will rise this fall amid uncertainty over how many heifers will go through sale barns. A significant factor contributing to current market conditions is the deterioration of pasture conditions, which has led to expectations that some feeder cattle will be brought to market earlier. However, this impact is tempered by a large hay crop and the availability of cheap feed, both of which are already being priced into the market.

A Sustainable Approach to Managing Invasive Macroalgae: Assessment of the Nutritional Profile and the Potential for Enteric Methane Mitigation of Rugulopteryx okamurae

The expansion of the invasive Asian macroalgae Rugulopteryx okamurae along the coasts of the Azores represents a significant challenge for local marine biodiversity. A promising approach to managing the biomass produced by this alien alga is to valorize it in the context of the blue economy. This study characterizes and evaluates the potential of R. okamurae biomass for incorporation into cattle feed, with a focus on mitigating enteric methane production. The nutritional value of R. okamurae, its digestibility, and its potential as a mitigating agent for enteric methane production were analyzed in vitro. The results indicate that the inclusion of 5% R. okamurae in the diet significantly (p < 0.05) reduced accumulated methane production by 98% after 24 h of incubation. The addition of 1% algae over the same period resulted in a 38% reduction in methane production. However, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in gas production of 57.02% and 73.5% was also observed in relation to control, with the inclusion of 1% and 5%, respectively, during 96 h. Nutritionally, R. okamurae was found to have a crude protein content of 18.68% and fiber (NDF) of 55.71% of DM. It is also worth highlighting the high content of ash (31.86%) that was identified in these brown macroalgae. In conclusion, the fresh biomass of R. okamurae could serve as a functional ingredient in cattle feed to mitigate enteric methane production, provided it is used in low percentages. However, it is important to emphasize that high concentrations in the first 12 h did not produce methane, which is also not recommended for enteric fermentation. However, before including it in animal feed, in vivo tests are needed to assess its toxicity.

Diferentes sistemas de produção de bovinos de corte em pastagem, confinamento convencional e confinamento a partir do desmame sobre desempenho animal, características de carcaça e custo de produção

The beef cattle production system has shown significant evolution in the quantity and quality of meat, turning Brazil into its second largest producer and first exporter in the world. In addition to production, Brazil is experiencing significant advances in meat quality with the aim of reaching more demanding markets, both internally and externally. This review aims to update the knowledge on beef carcass production and evaluation systems after the beginning of the new millennium. The new knowledge discussed regards the evolution of production systems, starting from a pasture system, migrating to a system herein called conventional, and ending with a more intensive system that is the finishing of uncastrated cattle in feed-lots with rations of high energy and protein density. In addition to the concepts on breeding, rearing and fattening systems, the evolutions observed in slaughter and carcass dressing will also be presented.

Changes in ruminal fermentation and rumen bacteria population in feedlot cattle during a high lipid diet adaptation

Abstract This study aimed to investigate changes in feed intake and ruminal environmental parameters during a high-lipid diet transition in cattle. Eight Nellore steers were fed a control diet composed of 30% hay and 70% concentrate for 21 days, followed by the inclusion of 60 g/kg dry matter of soybean oil for 21 days. The DM intake expressed as a percentage of BW 21 days after lipid inclusion was lower (1.75% BW) than that observed during the control diet feeding (1.81% BW) (P<0.01). Steers fed the control diet had a lower pH than the ruminal pH recorded on days 7, 14, and 21 after lipid inclusion (P=0.034). Lower total short-chain fatty acid production in the rumen and lower microbial nitrogen synthesis were observed on day 7 after lipid inclusion compared to values found when steers were fed the control diet and on days 14 and 21 after lipid inclusion (P=0.041). Lipid inclusion in the diet decreased the population of protozoa on days 7, 14, and 21 (P<0.001). The abundances of R. albus and F. succinogenes were higher when steers were fed the control diet than the abundance observed on days 7, 14, and 21 after lipid inclusion in the diet (P<0.05). The first seven days of lipid diet inclusion are considered the most critical for ruminal adaptation, involving reductions in fibrolytic bacteria and changes in fermentation parameters. After 14 days the rumen showed signs of recovery and adaptation.

PSV-17 Disease surveillance in feedlot cattle via interactions with a novel cotton rope

PSV-17 Disease surveillance in feedlot cattle via interactions with a novel cotton rope

Forage yield and nutritive value of plantain and chicory for livestock feed at high altitudes in Peru

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of forage resources is vital for the sustainability of livestock farming in the South American Andes, especially under conditions of low water availability for irrigation and acid soils.MethodsWe evaluated the productivity and nutritive value of two cultivars of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and one of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) in three high‐altitude sites (AL) of the northern highlands of Peru: AL‐I: 2300–2800 m.a.s.l, AL‐II: 2801–3300 m.a.s.l. and AL‐III: 3301–3800 m.a.s.l., for 1 year. The parameters evaluated were dry matter yield (DMY), plant height (PH), growth rate (GR) and nutritional value.ResultsPlantain achieved the greatest annual DMY (ADMY), PH and GR compared to the two chicory cultivars (9.34, 9.56 and 13.39 Mg ha−1 for Puna II and Sese 100 chicory and Tonic plantain, respectively; p = 0.0019). The greatest ADMY and GR occurred at AL‐I. Regarding nutritional value, differences were observed only for in vitro digestibility of dry matter and metabolisable energy with chicory cultivars higher than plantain.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the three cultivars evaluated may be used as a nutritional supplement in cattle feed, associated with grasses because they have high nutritive value suitable for milk production in the mountain regions of Peru.

Apple pomace in feeding of dairy cattle as an element of sustainable agriculture strategy - a review

Abstract This work provides an overview of the knowledge about using apple pomace as milk cattle feed. Utilization of apple pomace as livestock feed is one of the possible alternatives to reduce environmental pollution and overcome the feed deficit. Apple pomace, rich in e.g. polyphenolic compounds, holds potential to be a valuable feed additive for enhancing the antioxidative capacity and overall quality of milk. The research on apple pomace as feed additive for livestock are important due to abundance of apples in Poland, the world’s second-largest apple producer. To promote sustainability in animal feed production the use of agro-food-by products as apple pomace as animal feed component should be considered.

PSXI-8 Effects of selected feed additives on feedlot cattle performance when fed diets containing rehydrated corn grain silage during adaptation period

PSXI-8 Effects of selected feed additives on feedlot cattle performance when fed diets containing rehydrated corn grain silage during adaptation period

365 Feeding Cattle – Optimal Days on Feed: Rates of change of economically important performance and carcass characteristics

365 Feeding Cattle – Optimal Days on Feed: Rates of change of economically important performance and carcass characteristics

Biofermentation of aquatic plants: Potential novel feed ingredients for dairy cattle production

The study assessed the impacts of aquatic plant silages on feeding efficiency and dairy cattle health as an alternative to conventional corn silage under high altitude conditions. Mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to treatment groups according to a randomized complete block design of parity, previous 105-d milk yield, and body weight. Cows (n = 8 per group) were fed with aquatic plant silage inoculated with Bacillus subtilis (BS), Yeast (YS), or conventional corn silage without inoculants (control) in addition to [standard grain feed] for 75 consecutive days. BS and YS had higher protein contents than control silage (111.20 ± 7.68, 112.10 ± 6.83 vs 76.94 ± 3.48 g/kg DM), while feeding efficiency was comparable between treatments (1.07, 0.99, and 0.90, respectively). In addition, the addition of aquatic plant silage in ruminant diets enhanced immunity and antioxidant capacity when compared with control group. Metagenomic analysis showed similar composition in rumen microbiota between YS and control groups, with higher enrichment for energy and nitrogen utilization pathways in YS-treated cows. This study highlights the use of aquatic plant silage as an alternative feed for dairy cattle with higher protein than corn silage. Our results suggest YS or BS could potentially boost immune and antioxidant functions, improving adaptation to high-altitudes and reducing demand for high input corn production on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

PRODUÇÃO DE SILAGEM COM RESIDUO UMIDO DE CERVEJARIA PARA ALIMENTAÇÃO DE VACAS LEITEIRAS.

Dairy farming in the State of Amazonas only exists on an industrial scale because of the high cost and lack of availability of cattle feed imported into the State. There is a concrete difficulty in establishing quality forage plantations due to the inadequate climate and soils, causing livestock farming to cause environmental degradation and being considered an activity with a high negative impact due to fires to obtain new pasture areas. At the same time, waste from the local brewery industry is discarded when it could be used to feed dairy cows. The aim was to develop a simple way to use waste from a brewery located in the city of Manaus as an alternative to the high-cost feed used in industrial dairy farming and, possibly, to make family farming (Carvalho et al., 2021) viable through a methodology that defines the specific conditions for sun drying and proper storing of the wet waste, ensuring an increase in the product’s shelf life and enabling its river distribution to the inland of the state (Salman, 2020).

The Use of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (PAP) for Improved Beef Cattle Management.

Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) determines cattle's susceptibility to High Altitude Disease (HAD), also known as Brisket Disease, High Mountain Disease, and right-sided heart failure (RHF). This non-infectious disease causes pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxia. PAP measures the resistance of blood flow through the lungs. It is estimated that 1.5 million head of cattle are raised in high-altitude environments (above 1500 m), and HAD accounts for 3-5% of calf death loss yearly. In addition, there have been increasing concerns about feedlot cattle succumbing to RHF at moderate elevations. This review focuses on the historical background, explanation of PAP measurement and scores, genetic implications, and the relationship between PAP and economically relevant traits. Specifically, traits such as gestation length, birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight may impact PAP scores. In addition, environmental effects and other factors impacting PAP score variations are discussed. Information gaps and research needs are addressed to determine where missing information could improve the understanding of PAP while also benefiting beef cattle producers in high-elevation production systems.

牛场补饲推料装置设计与试验

This paper proposed a supplemental feeding pusher based on beef cattle's auxiliary feeding needs to solve the traditional feeding mode of manual work, labor intensity, and inconsistent manual work standards. Firstly, the conveyed feed particles movement process was established as a motion model and the basis of the design parameters of the screw conveyor was explained. ANSYS static analysis module was used to ensure that the structural parameters of the discharging device were reasonable, ANSYS vibration modal analysis module was used to verify the frame strength and stability. According to the theoretical design of the trial prototype, the control system with STM32F103RE microcontroller as the core was carried out. Finally, the orthogonal test was conducted with the screw shaft speed, sweeping roller brush height, and traveling speed as test factors; different parameters were set to verify the effect of supplemental feeding and pushing, and parameter optimization of the test results was carried out using Design-Expert software. The optional combination of working parameters was determined to be the feeding screw shaft speed 188 r/min, the sweeping roller brush speed 160 r/min, and the work speed 0.26 m/s. The test demonstrated that the residual feed width was 0.73 m, and the transverse coefficient of variation was 14.9%, which could satisfy the needs of auxiliary feeding for beef cattle. This study reduced feed waste and met the cattle feeding needs to the greatest extent, and it could provide a reference for auxiliary feeding machinery.

The enteric methane emission conundrum: U.S. beef cattle producer adoption of climate-focused technology

Cattle are ruminant livestock that emit enteric methane (CH4) as part of their natural digestive process. The U.S. beef cattle industry is receiving pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including methane. The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef has set a target for the U.S. feedlot sector to reduce emissions by 10 % per pound of beef by 2030. Feed additive 3-Nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) has been developed to help mitigate methane emissions. While not yet approved for use in U.S. beef production, adoption of 3-NOP in U.S. feedlots upon approval remains unknown as no widespread economic incentive currently exists in the marketplace to spur adoption. The objectives of this study are: (1) to determine potential 3-NOP adoption by U.S. feedlot cattle producers given various marketplace incentives and (2) to explore how differing approaches to reducing emissions from beef production to achieve sector targets impact social welfare. Our study uses data from a U.S. feedlot producer survey to estimate willingness-to-adopt (WTA) measures. Regression results are used to map potential adoption of 3-NOP given various market and policy scenarios. The survey sample is then split into small producers (<2000 head sold in last 12 months) and large producers (2000+ head sold in last 12 months) to determine differences in WTA based on operation size. We find that producers prefer incentives in the form of processor premiums over government subsidies. The incentive level needed to spur adoption increases as the implementation cost of 3-NOP increases and decreases if net profit estimations are included in the messaging. On average, small producers require a higher incentive to adopt 3-NOP than large producers. Improving the emissions reduction efficacy of 3-NOP reduces the level of incentive needed to achieve aggregate emissions targets. The least expensive avenue to achieve emissions reduction targets results in greater outlays to large producers as compared to small producers. The marginal cost to society of feeding 3-NOP to an additional steer or heifer in the feedlot increases with each animal. As such, it may be that improving the efficacy of 3-NOP through increased investment in research and development is less costly than spurring more producers to adopt the additive in their feed rations. Ultimately, producers, processors, beef consumers, voting residents, taxpayers, and policymakers all have influence in shaping how the beef industry tackles the emissions reduction conundrum.

Sustainability of Lolium multiflorum L. ‘Cajamarquino Ecotype’, Associated with Trifolium repens L., at Three Cutting Frequencies in the Northern Highlands of Peru

Livestock farming feed in the northern highlands of Peru is based on the association of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) ecotype cajamarquino–white clover (Trifolium repens L.) Ladino variety, which constantly varies in its agronomic characteristics and nutritional value due to management considerations and its association with the soil and the animal. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield, plant height, growth rate, tillering, tiller number, spikelets, basal diameter in ryegrass, elongation rate, internode length and decline points in clover over one year. Nutritive value was represented by crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM) and metabolisable energy (ME) at three cutting frequencies (30, 45 and 60 days). Better yield (5588 kg DM ha) and plant height (47.1 cm) were shown by the 60-day cutting frequency; however, there was no difference (p &gt; 0.05) between the three cutting frequencies in annual yield. There were no differences between the number of tillers and basal diameter. Clover height, elongation rate and internode length were higher at 60 days. The highest CP concentration and the lowest NDF value (p &lt; 0.05) were achieved by clover at 30 and 45 days. Producers should consider the results when deciding when to use this association in dairy cattle feeding.

Feeding or pen surface application of clinoptilolite with different particle sizes: impact on nitrogen utilization and manure ammonia emissions in feedlot cattle.

This study investigated the effects of feeding clinoptilolite (CLN; 2.5% of diet dry matter) with a particle size of either 30- or 400-µm on ruminal fermentation characteristics, measures of nitrogen (N) utilization, and manure ammonia-N (NH3) emissions in feedlot cattle. The impact of directly applying 30- or 400-µm CLN to the pen surface (2,250kg/ha) on manure NH3-N emissions was also evaluated. Six beef heifers were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Dietary treatments were 1) finishing ration with no supplement (CON), 2) CON + 30-µm CLN (CLN-30), and 3) CON + 400-µm CL (CLN-400). Intake was measured daily. To evaluate fermentation characteristics, ruminal fluid was collected on day 19. Indwelling pH loggers were used to measure ruminal pH from days 15 to 21. Blood was collected 3-h post-feeding on day 21 for metabolite analysis. Fecal grab and urine spot samples were also collected from days 19 to 21 to measure nutrient digestibility, route of N excretion, and in vitro NH3 emissions. There was no diet effect (P ≥ 0.12) on nutrient intake and apparent total tract digestibility, and ruminal short-chain fatty acid profile and pH. Ruminal NH3 concentration, which was lower (P = 0.04) for CLN-30 than CON heifers, did not differ between CON and CLN-400 heifers. Although there was no diet effect (P = 0.50) on plasma urea-N (PUN) concentration, proportion of urea-N excreted in urine was lower (P = 0.01) for CLN-30 than CON and CLN-400 heifers. Urinary NH3-N excretion, which was greater (P ≤ 0.04) for CLN-400 than CON heifers, did not differ between CLN-30 and CLN-400 heifers. Feeding CLN also increased (P ≤ 0.02) fecal excretion of potassium (K) and iron (Fe) and reduced (P = 0.01) urinary excretion of calcium (Ca). There was a treatment × time interaction (P = 0.01) for NH3 emission rate, which was greatest within the first 36h of incubation and was lower for manure from CLN-400 compared to CON and CLN-30 heifers and pen surface application treatments. Cumulative NH3 emissions were lower (P < 0.01) for manure from CLN-400 compared to CON and CLN-30 heifers and the pen surface application treatments. Although surface application was ineffective, feeding 400-µm CLN to finishing cattle could result in a beneficial decrease in manure NH3 emissions. However, changes in fecal and urine excretion of minerals like K and Ca, which suggest a decrease in bioavailability, need to be considered when feeding CLN in finishing cattle diets.

Effects of the degree of steam flaking of corn and concentration of dietary wet distillers grains on energy metabolism of feedlot cattle*

Effects of the degree of steam flaking of corn and concentration of dietary wet distillers grains on energy metabolism of feedlot cattle*

Complete feed of corn silage and its effect on male Bali cattle performance, feed consumption, and beef quality

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Objective: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;This study aims to observe the effect of &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="IN"&gt;feeding &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;corn silage combined with elephant grass and cheap concentrate feed on male Bali cattle performance, feed consumption, and beef quality. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Methods: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;Animal feed testing was performed in male Bali cattle weighing 150-200 kg for 90 days, and the cattle were slaughtered in a slaughterhouse to observe the beef quality. This study employed a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates. Research treatment: The proportion of 30% corn silage + 60% elephant grass + 10% concentrate feed as A1; 50% corn silage + 40% elephant grass + 10% concentrate feed as A2; 70% corn silage + 20% elephant grass + 10% concentrate feed as A3; 100% corn silage as A4. The observed parameters in include average daily gain, dry matter consumption, organic matter consumption, crude protein consumption, total digestible nutrients, tenderness, beef color, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, and aroma. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Results: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;a name="_heading=h.30j0zll"&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;The results showed that the treatments significantly affect the consumption of dry matter with the highest A4 is 2.44% of body weight, organic matter with the highest A3 is 8.43 kg/head/day, crude protein with the highest A3 is 0.82 kg/head/day, and total digestible nutrients with the highest A3 is 4.88 kg/head/day. There is a significant difference in daily average weight gain (ADG) from the three treatments (P&amp;lt;0.05).&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN"&gt;It can be concluded that A3 treatment, supplemented with 70% corn silage concentration, 20% elephant grass, and 10% concentrate feed is more effective in improving male Bali cattle performance, feed, consumption, and beef quality&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

ω-6 and ω-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Inflammation, Obesity and Foods of Animal Resources.

Obesity, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is excessive fat accumulation that can pose health risks and is a disorder of the energy homeostasis system. In typical westernized diets, ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) vastly exceed the amount of ω-3 PUFAs, with ω-6/ω-3 ratios ranging from 10:1 to 25:1. ω-6 PUFAs, such as arachidonic acid, have pro-inflammatory effects and increase obesity. On the other hand, ω-3 PUFAs, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, have anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. Linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are synthesized in almost all higher plants, algae, and some fungi. However, in humans and animals, they are essential fatty acids and must be consumed through diet or supplementation. Therefore, balancing LA/ALA ratios is essential for obesity prevention and human health. Monogastric animals such as pigs and chickens can produce meat and eggs fortified with ω-3 PUFAs by controlling dietary fatty acid (FA). Additionally, ruminant animals such as feeder cattle and lactating dairy cows can opt for feed supplementation with ω-3 PUFAs sources and rumen-protected microencapsulated FAs or pasture finishing. This method can produce ω-3 PUFAs and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) fortified meat, milk, and cheese. A high ω-6/ω-3 ratio is associated with pro-inflammation and obesity, whereas a balanced ratio reduces inflammation and obesity. Additionally, probiotics containing lactic acid bacteria are necessary, which reduces inflammation and obesity by converting ω-6 PUFAs into functional metabolites such as 10-hydroxy-cis-12-octadecenoic acid and CLA.