Feed Lot Research Articles

PSXII-24 Use of a commercial blend of tannins as feed additive for feed lot cattle on large pen trial improves carcass weight and carcass feed conversion

Abstract The utilization of commercial tannin extracts as feed additives holds promise for enhancing animal performance and health within commercial feedlot settings. This study aimed to assess the impact of a commercial tannin blend, SilvaFeed BX (Indunor, Buenos Aires, Argentina), sourced from quebracho and chestnut extracts along with saponins, on the performance of beef cattle. Nelore bullocks (n = 1,198) were allocated to 12 pens in a completely randomized block design, stratified by initial date, at a commercial feedlot facility in Goias State, Brazil. Each pen served as an experimental unit, with 10 pens housing 100 animals each and 2 pens containing 99 animals each. The experimental treatments included a Control diet with monensin alone [25 ppm/kg dry matter (DM)] or treated with BX (0.7 g/kg DM) on top of the control diet. Individual body weights (BW) were recorded at processing (initial BW; IBW) and shipment (final BW; FBW), while DM intake (DMI) was averaged per pen throughout the study duration. Carcass weight (CW) was individually measured at the packing plant, and carcass gain was calculated as the discrepancy between carcass weight and the estimated initial carcass weight, set at 50% of the IBW, aligning with customary practices for negotiating feeder cattle in Brazil. Statistical analyses were conducted using Proc Glimmix in SAS, treating pens and treatments as fixed effects and blocks as random effects, with IBW considered as a covariate. Residuals were assessed for normality, identifying three outliers. Mean comparisons were facilitated using LSMEANS. The results indicated that BX-treated cattle exhibited increased FBW (502.17 vs. 493.64 kg, P = 0.0992), carcass weight (275.76 vs. 268.78 kg, P = 0.0343), total carcass gain (107.52 vs. 100.54 kg, P = 0.0343), and improved carcass feed conversion (10.46 vs. 11.45 kg DM/kg; Table). Despite numerical differences, the limited number of replications were not enough to detect significant differences between treatments in average daily gain (P = 0.2419), DMI (P = 0.5508), feed conversion (P = 0.2641), or dressing (P = 0.3757). In conclusion, BX, a blend of tannins, exhibits potential for enhancing carcass weight and feed conversion efficiency in Nelore bullocks. Further investigations employing larger sample sizes are warranted to comprehensively elucidate its effects on other performance parameters.

Evaluation of Indian white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) rearing technique at Balai Besar Perikanan Budidaya Air Payau (BBPBAP) Jepara

Abstract Indian white shrimp is one of the important fishery commodities with high economic value after banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis) in the northern coastal waters of Central Java Province. This shrimp needs to be more developed since its aquaculture technique was not quite as well-known as in other shrimps such as P. vannamei or P. monodon. This study aimed to unveil the techniques for rearing white shrimp and its influencing factors. The method in this research used active participation and descriptive methods. The data collection method used was from primary and secondary data. Both primary data were FCR (Feed Conversion Rate), ABW (Average Body Weight), ADG (Average Daily Growth), and water quality parameters while the secondary data were literature review and staff information. The results showed that the FCR values in the three pools were high (1: 5.5, 2: 24.57, 3: 10.36). For growth parameters, the ABW values for the three ponds were 29.57, 20.00, and 23.91 while the final ADG values were 0.53, 0.14, and 0.52 respectively. It can be concluded that the enlargement activity of Indian white shrimp needs to be improved due to high FCR value and fluctuating water quality. Higher FCR value would reduce the feed efficiency so that a lot of feed was given to the shrimps but their growth is less than optimal. The Enlargement activities at Jepara should use feed with a minimum protein content of 33% by the protein requirements of Indian white shrimp so that it can support gonad maturity. Additionally, it is necessary to rearrange the pond size to conform to the standard size (2000-5000 m2), as well as manage water quality through daily siphoning so that the water quality remains optimal.

Analysis and chaotic behavior of a fish farming model with singular and non-singular kernel

Fish farming, a potential activity for the production of protein with high nutritional value, has emerged as a substantial source of income in the modern world. The degradation of natural materials uses oxygen to reduce them below the life-support stage. A huge area with an excessive amount of water swamp for oxygen exchange makes for the ideal ecosphere for fish farming, yet the mussel population may grow swiftly in a really modest water swapping farm producing a lot of feed. In this study, we examine the dynamics and chaotic behavior of a fish farm model containing populations of nutrients and mussels with different kernels insight of fractal-fractional operator. We examined the positively invariant area as well as demonstrate positive, bounded solutions of the model. We also show the equilibrium states for the occurrence and extinction of species. We prove the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions through fixed-point theorems and verified the Ulam–Hyers stability for proposed model. To study the impact of the fractional operator through computational simulations, results are generated employing a two-step Lagrange polynomial in the generalized version for the various kernels, which include the power-law and Mittag–Leffler kernel. We develop some numerical simulations to test our theoretical conclusions with chaotic behavior at different fractional-order values.

Evaluation of Rodent Diet Stability when Stored in Conditions that Diverge from Guide Parameters.

An essential aspect of animal resource programs is the storage and provision of food for a variety of species. Environmental parameters for feed storage conditions (temperature less than 70 °F; relative humidity less than 50%) are recommended in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, along with aspects of nutrition such as palatability, vermin-control measures, diet quality, and integrity of feed bags. After receiving a suggestion for improvement for environmental conditions in 2 feed storage locations during an AAALAC accreditation visit, we hypothesized that the packaging of contemporary rodent feed could sustain wider environmental variations in temperature and humidity without adverse impact on integrity and palatability. This study evaluated representative feed storage sites across campus buildings to capture the variation in environmental conditions that are inherent to large and diverse animal care programs. Each test storage location held 2 identical bags of feed (same type, lot, and expiration date) that were stored from June to September of 2021; some aspects of the project were repeated during summer 2022 with a similar rodent feed. Baseline nutrients were analyzed from feed samples collected at time 0 (control) and again after 1 and 3mo of storage. The overall nutritional values measured in feed at the end of the study were not significantly different from control values, regardless of test site and variation in environmental parameters. Retinol (as a measure of Vitamin A) was the only component that decreased significantly; however, final retinol levels were consistently above those necessary for appropriate nutrition for mice. Our animal care program stakeholders were briefed on the outcomes of this study with the intent to verify at future AAALAC site visits that our storage conditions are adequate for maintaining the nutritional quality of packaged rodent feed.

Hematological and Performance Parameters Trend in Steers and Heifers in Feed Lot and Supplemented with Palm Oil (Elaeis guineensis Jack)

This study compares the daily weight gain (ADG) and the hematological profile of cattle in feed lot and supplemented with palm oil (POil). Overall, 20 male and 24 female Holstein-Cebu (5/8-3/8) cattle with an average weight of 249±43 kg were used. Three groups of eight animals each were formed with females, which were housed and received 0, 2, and 4% POil in the diet (FSWO, FS2O, FS4O). With males, only two groups were formed, one group that kept grazing and received 2% POil (MG2O, n=8) and one group stabled and received 4% POil (MS4O, n=12). Peripheral blood was obtained to determine the hematocrit (HCT), plasma protein concentration (TPP, g/dL), and eosinophil count (EOS), and a complete blood sample was processed in an automatic analyzer to determine the erythron and platelet formula. Analysis of repeated measures over time was performed. Stabled steers showed the highest ADG (1.5kg/d), whereas females received 2 or 4% oil had similar ADG levels (1.3 to 1.4kg/d) than grazing steers. At the first sampling, EOS counts were 1.5 x 103 cells/µL of blood, but they were reduced to 0.23 x 103 cells/µL of blood at the end of the study. The lowest HCT was obtained in grazing steers (32.8%). It is concluded that in stabled steers, the red formula is improved, and the EOS count reduced. Palm oil supplementation generated the highest daily weight gain in stabled steers.

Opportunities to monitor animal welfare using the five freedoms with precision livestock management on rangelands

Advances in technology have led to precision livestock management, a developing research field. Precision livestock management has potential to improve sustainable meat production through continuous, real-time tracking which can help livestock managers remotely monitor and enhance animal welfare in extensive rangeland systems. The combination of global positioning systems (GPS) and accessible data transmission gives livestock managers the ability to locate animals in arduous weather, track animal patterns throughout the grazing season, and improve handling practices. Accelerometers fitted to ear tags or collars have the potential to identify behavioral changes through variation in the intensity of movement that can occur during grazing, the onset of disease, parturition or responses to other environmental and management stressors. The ability to remotely detect disease, parturition, or effects of stress, combined with appropriate algorithms and data analysis, can be used to notify livestock managers and expedite response times to bolster animal welfare and productivity. The “Five Freedoms” were developed to help guide the evaluation and impact of management practices on animal welfare. These freedoms and welfare concerns differ between intensive (i.e., feed lot) and extensive (i.e., rangeland) systems. The provisions of the Five Freedoms can be used as a conceptual framework to demonstrate how precision livestock management can be used to improve the welfare of livestock grazing on extensive rangeland systems.

Pathways for avian influenza virus spread: GPS reveals wild waterfowl in commercial livestock facilities and connectivity with the natural wetland landscape.

Zoonotic diseases are of considerable concern to the human population and viruses such as avian influenza (AIV) threaten food security, wildlife conservation and human health. Wild waterfowl and the natural wetlands they use are known AIV reservoirs, with birds capable of virus transmission to domestic poultry populations. While infection risk models have linked migration routes and AIV outbreaks, there is a limited understanding of wild waterfowl presence on commercial livestock facilities, and movement patterns linked to natural wetlands. We documented 11 wild waterfowl (three Anatidae species) in or near eight commercial livestock facilities in Washington and California with GPS telemetry data. Wild ducks used dairy and beef cattle feed lots and facility retention ponds during both day and night suggesting use for roosting and foraging. Two individuals (single locations) were observed inside poultry facility boundaries while using nearby wetlands. Ducks demonstrated high site fidelity, returning to the same areas of habitats (at livestock facilities and nearby wetlands), across months or years, showed strong connectivity with surrounding wetlands, and arrived from wetlands up to 1251km away in the week prior. Telemetry data provides substantial advantages over observational data, allowing assessment of individual movement behaviour and wetland connectivity that has significant implications for outbreak management. Telemetry improves our understanding of risk factors for waterfowl-livestock virus transmission and helps identify factors associated with coincident space use at the wild waterfowl-domestic livestock interface. Our research suggests that even relatively small or isolated natural and artificial water or food sources in/near facilities increases the likelihood of attracting waterfowl, which has important consequences for managers attempting to minimize or prevent AIV outbreaks. Use and interpretation of telemetry data, especially in near-real-time, could provide key information for reducing virus transmission risk between waterfowl and livestock, improving protective barriers between wild and domestic species, and abating outbreaks.

MAGRARIO: UN NUEVO GENOTIPO PARA PRODUCIR CARNE OVINA DE CALIDAD

Generally there is poor tradition to produce and to commercialize heavy lean lamb carcasses. To achieve a better product for the ovine meat market Ideal (Polwarth) breed ewes were backcrossed to Texel breed rams (breed recognized to reduce carcass fat). Ideal breed (I) is one of the most ordinary breeds in Argentina. However, when their lambs are reared in feed-lot conditions, a high fat content is found in their lamb carcasses. After three generations of backcrosses followed by a breeding program for increase male lamb weaning weight and female fertility a new genotype was obtained for the local ovine meat production systems. This new genotype registered as Magrario (M) was obtained at Villarino Field Station of UNR (Zavalla, Santa Fe, 33º S, 61º W). It was verify that M produced more lean meat than I breed under feet lot conditions. M rams were introduced in flocks of Hampshire Down (HD) breed to evaluate lamb crosses with lean meat. Genotype M was compared under feed lot conditions with HD lambs during two months in the post weaning. Also crosses (MxHD), (MxI) and (IxHD) were evaluated in the same conditions. At the end of the experiment ultrasonic methods were used to evaluate fat depot on Longissimus dorsi. The (MxHD) showed a reduction of 20% respecting to HD. These results suggested that M genotype could be a useful paternal genotype to reduce fat depots when the aim is to produce lamb crosses under feed lot conditions in a short period of time. Key words: ovine, lean meat, feed lot, crossing.

By-products of apricot processing in quail feed: Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat physicochemical quality.

Background and Aim:The rearing of quails can have a stronger attraction for the breeders if we lower the cost prices by introducing by-products in their feed formulas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the partial substitution of soybean meal by apricot kernel cake (AKC) in the diet of quails, applied either sequentially or during all phases of rearing, on their growth performances, carcass characteristics, and meat physicochemical composition.Materials and Methods:A total of 600 one-day-old quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with equal sex ratio and weighing on average 7±0.2 g, were randomly distributed in one control group and three experimental groups, the latter being designed according to the rate of application of AKC in either sequential or non-sequential mode in different rearing phases. Each group was divided into five replicates of 30 quails, randomly distributed according to either substitution rate of soybean meal by the AKC (0%, 10%, 20%, or 30%) or farming phase.Results:The average daily gain from the 1st to 45th days (average daily gain1–45d) was found to be the highest (4.24 g/d/subject, p=0.021) for the 30% AKC-supplemented feed lot in either starter or finish incorporation (DFTAA), having an optimum final live weight of 193.4 g (p=0.028), a lowest feed conversion ratio of 3.08 (p=0.001), and a daily feed intake of 860 g (p=0.01). Carcass yield was recorded the highest (74.4%, p=0.02) with an optimum meat protein level (30.6%, p=0.024) and the lowest fat content (2.26%, p=0.001) for the same group as well.Conclusion:The partial substitution of soybean meal by AKC in the quails’ fattening feeding, during the finishing phase and for all rearing phases, led to a better growth performance, a better carcass yield, and an improved chemical composition of meat.

THE EFFECTS OF PRE-SLAUGHTER WITHHOLDING OF FEED AND WATER ON CARCASS YIELD AND MEAT QUALITY OF INDIGENOUS GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris galeata pallas)

Ninety indigenous pearl guineafowls, (Numida meleagris galeata pallas) with average weight of 1.1kg were allocated at random to one of ten treatments to assess the effects of withholding feed alone or feed together with water o carcass shrinkage and meat quality. The ten treatment were slaughter from the feed lot (control), and sampling times of 6, 12, 18 and 24hour. Weights of live and carcass were taken to monitor shrinkage along with relevant meat quality parameters. Live and carcass weights of head, liver, kidneys and heart decreased progressively as the length of fasting period increased. The progressive decrease in weight were found to be more pronounced in animals from which freed together with water were withdrawn. After 6hours of fasting decrease in weights were found to be significant (P < 0.05). ultimate pH and index of water holding capacity of the meats also increased with the increase in length of fasting period with a concomitant decrease in cooking losses. The fat ratio of the carcass component decreased with increase in length of fasting. The implications of the effect of these observation on commercial guineafowl meat production in the tropics are discussed

Brote de rabia paresiante bovina en la región libre de enfermedad en la Argentina

We report an outbreak of bovine paralytic rabies in a feed lot in a disease-free area in southern Santa Fe, Argentina. Six of 122 unvaccinated steers died after showing neurological signs (morbimortality = 4.9%) for 24-72 hours, 40-75 days after being transported to the feed lot from a farm located in Formosa. Pathologic examination of the brain in 3 steers revealed gliosis, lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis, and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in neurons, along with intralesional detection of the rabies virus antigen by immunohistochemistry in 2 cases. Rabies virus was confirmed by direct immunofluorescence in the brain, and further identified as variant 3a, typical of hematogenous bats, by inoculation in mice followed by indirect immunofluorescence. This represents the first communication of bovine paralytic rabies described in the Pampas plain in Argentina, and evidences that the transport of cattle from endemic to disease-free areas could represent a mechanism of dissemination of this communicable zoonotic disease.

A Critical Needs Assessment for Research in Companion Animals and Livestock Following the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Humans.

Problem: The emergence of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, in November 2019 and a growing body of information compel inquiry regarding the transmissibility of infection between humans and certain animal species. Although there are a number of issues to be considered, the following points are most urgent: The potential for domesticated (companion) animals to serve as a reservoir of infection contributing to continued human-to-human disease, infectivity, and community spread. The ramifications to food security, economy, and trade issues should coronavirus establish itself within livestock and poultry. The disruption to national security if SARS-CoV-2 and its fairly well-established effects on smell (hyposmia/anosmia) to critical military service animals including explosive detector dog, narcotics detector dog, specialized search dog, combat tracker dog, mine detection dog, tactical explosive detector dog, improvised explosive device detector dog, patrol explosive detector dog, and patrol narcotics detector dog, as well as multipurpose canines used by special operations such as used by the U.S. customs and border protection agency (e.g., Beagle Brigade). This article presents in chronological order data that both individually (as received independently from multiple countries) and collectively urge studies that elucidate the following questions. 1.What animal species can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, the likely sources of infection, the period of infectivity, and transmissibility between these animals and to other animal species and humans? 2.What are the best diagnostic tests currently available for companion animals and livestock? 3.What expressions of illness in companion and other animal species can serve as disease markers? Although it is recognized that robust funding and methodology need to be identified to apply the best scientific investigation into these issues, there may be easily identifiable opportunities to capture information that can guide decision and study. First, it may be possible to quickly initiate a data collection strategy using in-place animal gatekeepers, such as zookeepers, veterinarians, kennel owners, feed lots, and military animal handlers. If provided a simple surveillance form, their detection of symptoms (lethargy, hyposmia, anosmia, and others) might be quickly reported to a central data collection site if one were created. Second, although current human COVID-19 disease is aligning around areas of population density and cluster events, it might be possible to overlay animal species density or veterinary reports that could signal some disease association in animals with COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, although companion animals and zoo species have repeatedly served as sentinels for emerging infectious diseases, they do not currently fall under the jurisdiction of any federal agency and are not under surveillance.

Empirical modelling the quality of pelleted feed for broilers and pigs

This study was developed to model the pellet quality to identify influential factors in an industrial pelleting process of feeds for broilers and pigs. Two independent databases were used to calibrate and to validate the models. Each column of the spreadsheet represented a descriptive variable of the manufacturing process (yield, amperage, pressure in the conditioner, and temperatures of the environment, the conditioner, and the cooler), feed characteristics (inclusion of the ingredients in the feed formula and bromatological composition of the main ingredients), and pellet quality (percentage of fines and pellet durability index - PDI). Each row of the spreadsheet represented one observation, or the equivalent of a lot of feed produced. The data were submitted to graphical analysis, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis by step-wise procedure. Three models were developed for each variable (yield, percentage of fines, and PDI): Model I, characteristics of the manufacturing process and inclusion of the ingredients in the formula; Model II, characteristics of the manufacturing process and weighted bromatological composition; and Model III, characteristics of the manufacturing process, inclusion of the ingredients in the formula, and weighted bromatological composition. The accuracy of the models (validation) was evaluated by the mean square of the predicted error (MSPE). The models obtained in this study differed from each other in the number of predictors selected in the statistical procedure. However, the main factors have been found repeatedly in the models. The amperage represented at least 22.84 % of the total variance, the cooling temperature responded by at least 2.93 %, and the inclusion of soybean oil in the feed formula accounted for at least 4.21 %. The models that considered characteristics of the manufacturing process and the inclusion of the ingredients in the formula (Models I) were the most accurate (lower MSPE) in relation to the Models II and III of each response. The pelletizing process requires constant monitoring in the feed factories and the models generated in this study are useful in the quality assurance sectors, providing a better definition of the monitoring parameters.

Controlling Endemic Neospora caninum-Related Abortions in a Dairy Herd From Argentina.

After diagnosis of endemic abortions due to neosporosis in a commercial dairy farm, routes of Neospora caninum-transmission were evaluated in order to choose the best strategy for reducing its seroprevalence and related abortions. Fifty two dam-calf pairs were bled at parturition. Additionally, 22 female calves were also sampled at regular 3 month intervals until 18–22 months. N. caninum specific antibodies were assayed by IFAT. Serum samples were tested at a dilution 1:25 for calves before colostrum intake and heifers before mating and 1:100 for multiparous cows. Only serum samples from IFAT seropositive cattle involved in the evaluation of the routes of transmission were assessed by a commercial IgG avidity ELISA. Seropositive cows or heifers were artificially inseminated with semen from Hereford bulls. The progenies from these female animals were sent to a feed lot to produce meat. Different generalized linear models (GLM) were used to study the relationship between abortion, age category, and serostatus. Seropositive heifers were more likely to have a record of abortion (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.6–4.7). Vertical transmission frequency was 55.5% (5 seropositive calves/9 seropositive cows). Horizontal transmission was 22.7% (5 female calves seroconverted at least one time/22 females calves sampled during 24 months) and these 5 female calves had low avidity. In heifers, both seroprevalence and abortion rates decreased from 22.1 and 8.4% of 475 in 2009 to 6.1 and 4.3% of 578 in 2015, respectively (p < 0.01). Over 5 years, N. caninum-seroprevalence and the related abortions in heifers decreased after the control strategy was assessed.

PSXI-29 Assessing enteric methane emissions from Nellore and Angus-Nellore crossbred cattle in a tropical, intensive beef cattle production system

Abstract Crossbreeding has been used to improve performance in beef cattle; however, the effects of breed composition on methane production, yield and intensity from cattle in a tropical intensive system remain unknown. To assess the impact of breed composition on enteric methane emissions, Nellore (NE; yr 1: BW = 171.5 ± 19.4 kg; n = 10; yr 2: BW = 215.8 ± 32.3 kg, n = 25) and Angus-Nellore crossbred (AN; yr 1: BW = 214.2 ± 26.4 kg, n = 10; yr 2: BW = 242.5 ± 32.2 kg, n = 25) were compared. At trial onset, 10 mo old steers grazed Megathyrsus maximus ‘Mombaça’ in the grazing period (GP) and then were finished in a feedlot (FL) (35:65% corn silage:concentrate diet). Steers (n = 8) from each breed composition were randomly selected in GP and FL to measure CH4 production using a sulfur hexafluoride technique and DMI using titanium dioxide. The NE produced 19% less CH4 than AN in GP (17.21 vs 21.17 kg, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and no difference was observed in FL (22.34 vs 22.67 kg, P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, in FL, NE had greater CH4 intensity (CH4/ADG) compared to AN (122.76 vs 97.49 g/kg, P &amp;lt; 0.01). Furthermore, CH4/carcass weight was greater for NE than AN (0.079 vs 0.067 g/kg CW, P &amp;lt; 0.01). Breed composition did not influence CH4 yield (CH4/DMI) in either phase. The percentage CH4/GEI (Ym) for GP was higher for AN than NE (4.5 vs 3.8%), but lower than the IPCC recommended Ym of 6.5%. In FL, Ym was similar between breed composition (5.0%) and greater than the IPCC Ym of 3%. In our study the introduction of Angus into Nellore has potential to reduce CH4 intensity in tropical climates, resulting in less methane emission per kg beef produced.

Factors Affecting Hay Prices at Auction: A Hedonic Analysis

Core Ideas Marketing hay in small square bales was found to add significant economic value to the forage. TDN and RFV were both significant drivers of economic hay value. Quality measures had more price impact on small square bales than large round bales. An inverse relationship was found between square bale weight and sale price per metric ton. Despite hay’s significance as a driver of the agricultural economy and its role as a major input into the livestock sector, it has generally received less attention in marketing literature than many other commodities. This work examined sale results from a hay auction in Central Kentucky where information on hay weights and quality were made available to prospective buyers prior to sale. Utilizing this data, a hedonic analysis was employed to examine specific factors that impacted sale prices for individual lots of hay. This work built on existing literature by evaluating the price impact of large round bales compared to small square bales, hay quality measures of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) and Relative Feed Value (RFV), lot size, and bale weight. Hay sold in small square bales was found to net a significantly higher price than hay sold as large round bales, even when holding other factors constant. This work also confirmed the importance of hay quality measures as a price driver, even in a market environment without significant dairy influence. Finally, quantitative evidence was found to support a negative relationship between price and small square bale weight, such that price and revenue would likely decrease as small square bales become larger. This work has implications for producers and sellers of hay as they consider marketing strategies and hay buyers as they attempt to understand what drives prices of hay in their region.

Current challenges in the diagnosis of zearalenone toxicosis as illustrated by a field case of hyperestrogenism in suckling piglets

BackgroundThe mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) causes functional and morphological alterations in reproductive organs of pigs. In the field, diagnosis of ZEN-induced disorders is often challenging, as relevant feed lots are no longer available, or feed analysis results are not conclusive. Here, we report a field case of hyperestrogenism in newborn piglets. Surprisingly, more than 50 fungal metabolites were detected in hay pellets fed to gestating sows, including ZEN and its modified form zearalenone-14-sulfate (ZEN-14-S). Despite the broad contamination range in this unconventional feed component, a definite diagnosis of mycotoxicosis could not be achieved. In this context, current limitations regarding the confirmation of suspected cases of ZEN-induced disorders are discussed, covering both feed analysis and the biomarker approach.Case presentationA piglet producer with 200 sows experienced a sudden increase in suckling piglet losses up to 30% by lower vitality and crushing. Predominant clinical signs were splay legs and signs of hyperestrogenism such as swollen and reddened vulvae in newborn piglets. The first differential diagnosis was ZEN mycotoxicosis although feed batches had not been changed for months with the exception of ground hay pellets, which had been included in the diet five months before. Analysis of hay pellets resulted in a sum value of ZEN and its modified forms of more than 1000 μg/kg, with ZEN-14-S alone accounting for 530 μg/kg. Considering the inclusion rate of 7% in the diet for gestating sows, the severe impact of the additional ZEN load due to the contaminated hay pellets seemed unrealistic but could not be completely excluded either. One month after hay pellets had been removed from the diet no further clinical signs were observed.ConclusionsEnrichment materials and other fibre sources can contain significant amounts of mycotoxins and should be therefore included in feed analysis. Adequate methods for broad spectrum mycotoxin determination, including modified mycotoxins, are important. As highlighted by this field case, there is a need to establish reliable biomarkers for ZEN exposure in pigs. Currently, available biomarkers do not allow a solid prediction of the ZEN intake of pigs under field conditions, which limits their application to experimental studies.

Effect of yearling steer sequence grazing of perennial and annual forages in an integrated crop and livestock system on grazing performance, delayed feedlot entry, finishing performance, carcass measurements, and systems economics.

In a 2-yr study, spring-born yearling steers (n = 144), previously grown to gain <0.454 kg·steer-1·d-1, following weaning in the fall, were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to three retained ownership rearing systems (three replications) in early May. Systems were 1) feedlot (FLT), 2) steers that grazed perennial crested wheatgrass (CWG) and native range (NR) before FLT entry (PST), and 3) steers that grazed perennial CWG and NR, and then field pea-barley (PBLY) mix and unharvested corn (UC) before FLT entry (ANN). The PST and ANN steers grazed 181 d before FLT entry. During grazing, ADG of ANN steers (1.01 ± SE kg/d) and PST steers (0.77 ± SE kg/d) did not differ (P = 0.31). But even though grazing cost per steer was greater (P = 0.002) for ANN vs. PST, grazing cost per kg of gain did not differ (P = 0.82). The ANN forage treatment improved LM area (P = 0.03) and percent i.m. fat (P = 0.001). The length of the finishing period was greatest (P < 0.001) for FLT (142 d), intermediate for PST (91 d), and least for ANN (66 d). Steer starting (P = 0.015) and ending finishing BW (P = 0.022) of ANN and PST were greater than FLT steers. Total FLT BW gain was greater for FLT steers (P = 0.017), but there were no treatment differences for ADG, (P = 0.16), DMI (P = 0.21), G: F (P = 0.82), and feed cost per kg of gain (P = 0.61). However, feed cost per steer was greatest for FLT ($578.30), least for ANN ($276.12), and intermediate for PST ($381.18) (P = 0.043). There was a tendency for FLT steer HCW to be less than ANN and PST, which did not differ (P = 0.076). There was no difference between treatments for LM area (P = 0.094), backfat depth (P = 0.28), marbling score (P = 0.18), USDA yield grade (P = 0.44), and quality grade (P = 0.47). Grazing steer net return ranged from an ANN system high of $9.09/steer to a FLT control system net loss of -$298 and a PST system that was slightly less than the ANN system (-$30.10). Ten-year (2003 to 2012) hedging and net return sensitivity analysis revealed that the FLT treatment underperformed 7 of 10 yr and futures hedging protection against catastrophic losses were profitable 40, 30, and 20% of the time period for ANN, PST, and FLT, respectively. Retained ownership from birth through slaughter coupled with delayed FLT entry grazing perennial and annual forages has the greatest profitability potential.

Characterizing Total Phosphorus in Current and Geologic Utah Lake Sediments: Implications for Water Quality Management Issues

Utah Lake is highly eutrophic with large phosphorous inflows and a large internal phosphorous reservoir in the sediment. There are debates over whether this phosphorous is from geologic or more recent anthropologic sources. This study characterizes total phosphorous in geologic and current lake sediments to attempt to address that question. The average total phosphorous concentrations in the lake sediment were 666 ppm, with most samples in the 600 to 800 ppm range with a few larger values. Concentrations in historic geologic sediments were not statistically different from lake sediments. A spatial analysis showed that phosphorous distributions appeared continuous from the lake to the shore and that high and low values could be attributed to areas of seeps and springs (low) or feed lots and waste water discharge (high). These results indicate that geologic sediments without anthropogenic impacts are not statistically different than current lake sediments. The high values indicate that internal natural phosphorous loadings could be significant and the impaired state may be relatively insensitive to external anthropogenic loadings. If this is the case, then mitigation efforts to address anthropogenic sources may have minimal impacts. This case study presents an impaired water body where non-anthropogenic nutrient sources are significant and shows that reservoir management decisions should consider these non-anthropogenic phosphorous sources relative to anthropogenic sources. This study can serve as a template for evaluating the importance of geologic phosphorous sources for management decisions.

Effect of breed and feeding strategy on the eating quality of Kenyan beef

In Kenya, most of the livestock are reared on grass using extensive pastoral systems. Nevertheless, intensive feed-lot systems to finish beef cattle have become popular among local producers. The two systems are likely to have a different impact on the eating quality of beef, because quality is determined by the combined effects of breed, nutrition and management. The effect of free-range and semi-feed lot feeding strategies on the eating quality of beef from Zebu and Sahiwal breeds was assessed. A 2 x 2 between subjects factorial design was used (two breeds fed using two feeding strategies). From each single breed and feeding strategy combination, seven cattle were selected after three months of feeding. The cattle were slaughtered and their rump steaks sampled. The samples were frozen for 24 h then thawed for 4 h prior to analysis. The steaks’ pH was measured after cooking. They were then subjected to Texture Profile Analysis (TPA), ‘Warner-Bratzler’ Shear (WBS) tests, and organoleptic evaluations. The pH did not differ significantly with feeding strategy or breed ( P ≥0.05). The result from TPA and WBS revealed that semi feed-lot Sahiwal beef was tender than free-range Sahiwal beef ( P <0.05). On the other hand, there was no difference in tenderness between feed-lot and free-range Zebu beef ( P ≥0.05). An analysis between the breeds showed that feed-lot Sahiwal beef was tender than feed-lot Zebu beef ( P <0.05), but there was no difference in tenderness between beef from free-range Sahiwal and free-range Zebu ( P ≥0.05). In the sensory analysis, there was a significant difference for each of the sensory parameters ( P <0.05, each). Steaks from semi-feed lot Sahiwal were preferred to the other beef steaks. In conclusion, a semi-feed lot feeding strategy has the potential to improve the eating quality of beef from Sahiwal breed. Nevertheless, the improvement in the eating quality observed with Zebu breed, although not statistically significant, gives an opportunity for value chain actors to explore other management systems that can be combined with those assessed in this study to improve eating quality. Keywords: Beef, rump steak, eating quality, Sahiwal, Zebu, feed lot, pastoral, Kenya