Finisher Diets Research Articles

Effect of life cycle inventory choices and nutritional variation on carbon footprint of broiler meat production

The goal of the current study is to identify the effect of life cycle inventory (LCI) specifications on carbon footprint of feed used to produce one kg of broiler meat in multi-treatment trials.A total of 384 one-day Hubbard JA787 male chicks were allocated equally to 48 pens. The pens were distributed randomly to three treatments (16 pens/treatment), high density (crude protein (ME): 23% (12.5 MJ/kg),20.4% (13 MJ/kg), 19.1% (13.7 MJ/kg) for starter grower and finisher diets, respectively), medium density (crude protein (ME): 22.3% (12.2 MJ/kg), 19.7 (12.6 MJ/kg),18.2% (13 MJ/kg) for starter grower and finisher diets, respectively) and low density (crude protein (ME): 21.6% (11.9 MJ/kg), 19 (12.1 MJ/kg),17.3% (12.4 MJ/kg) for starter grower and finisher diets, respectively). The experimental birds had free access to water and feed throughout the trial. All experimental diets were in crumb form in starter phase and in pellet form in grower and finisher phase. Two birds/pen were euthanised at the end of the trial (day 42) to obtain meat yield. Feed consumption and bird weight of each pen were recorded weekly. The carbon footprint (CF) of feed consumed by each pen was calculated and normalised for one kg meat yield. The CF of the pens was calculated using 3 open access databases (Agribalyse (ReCiPe (H) impact assessment method and mass allocation), GLFI (ReCiPe 2016 midpoint (H), mass allocation) and ECO-ALIM (CLM impact assessment method and mass allocation). The three CF datasets were combined and analysed to determine the effect of treatment, LCI database and treatment*LCI database on CF of broilers. The CF of each pen was calculated using GLFI database according to three allocation methods, mass, energy and economic. Data of the three allocation methods were combined and analysed to identify the effect of treatment, allocation method and treatment*allocation method on CF. Agribalyse dataset was used to calculated CF of each pen according to 3 impact assessment methods, ReCiPe (i), IPCC 2013 and CLM (with AI as a baseline). The three datasets were combined and analysed to determine the effect of the treatment, impact assessment method of LCA and treatment*assessment method on CF. There was significant effect of treatment, database and treatment*database on CF (P < 0.001). The CF was significantly affected by treatment, impact assessment method and the treatment*impact assessment method (P = 0.037). Treatment and treatment*allocation method significantly affected the CF (P < 0.001).In conclusion, the effect of the dietary treatment on CF depends on the LCI database, impact assessment method and method of allocation. Thus, LCI specifications should be presented in detail in broiler trials aiming at identifying of the effect dietary treatment on CF of broilers.

Lysolecithin Improves Broiler Growth Performance through Upregulating Growth-Related Genes and Nutrient Transporter Genes Expression Independent of Experimental Diet Nutrition Level.

We investigated the effect and interaction of lysolecithin (LPL) and nutrition level on growth performance, nutrient ileal digestibility, expression of growth-related genes and nutrient transporter genes in broilers. A total of 1280 one day old Ross 308 mixed sex chicks with an average body weight 42.23 ± 2.4 g were randomly allotted into 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (20 replicates per treatment and 16 chickens per replicate) with two types of diet (Normal nutrition treatments starter, grower and finisher diets with ME of 3000 kcal/kg, 3100 kcal/kg and 3200 kcal/kg, respectively, and CP level of 22%, 21%, and 20%, respectively; high nutrition treatments diets with 50 kcal/kg ME and 0.5% CP higher than normal nutrition treatment at each stage). Two levels of LPL supplementation (0 and 500 mg/kg) were also employed. From day 21 to day 35 and full stage of the experiment, the birds fed a high nutrition (HN) diet had a greater body weight gain (BWG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed a normal nutrition (NN) diet (p < 0.05). Besides, lysolecithin increased BWG significantly (p < 0.05). The birds fed a diet with LPL revealed increasing fat digestibility compared to birds fed the basal diet (p < 0.05). LPL significantly increased the ileal digestibility of amino acids, including Ile, Thr, Phe, His, Arg, Tyr, Glu, Pro, Gly, Ala (p < 0.05). No interaction was found between LPL and nutrition level in BWG, FCR and nutrient digestibility. In HN diet, the genes expression of myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1), myogenin (MYOG), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), fatty acid-binding protein (FABP1), cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1) and Y + L amino acid transporter 1 (y+, LAT1) were significantly elevated via LPL supplementation (p < 0.05). In NN diet, LPL significantly increased the genes expression of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), MYOD1 and y+, LAT1 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, upregulating the nutrients transporter gene and growth-related gene expression of the host, independent of nutrition level changes, may be the action mechanism of lysolecithin on growth promotion in animals.

Effects of dietary calcium and phosphorus restrictions on growth performance, intestinal morphology, nutrient retention, and tibia characteristics in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. This study evaluated the effects of dietary calcium (Ca)‎ and available phosphorus (aP) restrictions on growth performance, intestinal morphology, nutrient apparent total tract retention (ATTR), and tibia characteristics.2. A total of 1296, one-day-old male Ross-308 broilers were reared for 42 d. During the ‎starter phase (1-10 d), all birds were fed a nutrient-adequate diet (C). Diets fed during the grower phase (11-24 d) included: 1. C; 2. 15% of the Ca and aP in C; 3. 30% of the Ca and aP in C. At the beginning of the finisher phase (25 d), chickens fed the C diet were divided into two subgroups including C, and C+ phytase (500 FTU/kg). Restricted treatments were divided into eight subgroups as 1. C; 2. 10% of the Ca and aP in C; 3. 20% of the Ca and aP in C; 4. 30% of the Ca and aP in C; 5. C+ phytase; 6. 10% of the Ca and aP in C+ phytase; 7. 20% of the Ca and aP in C+ phytase and 8. 30% of the Ca and aP in C+ phytase. 3. On d 24 and 42, ATTR of Ca and phytate phosphorus (pP) were linearly increased by decreasing Ca and aP levels (P < 0.05). Birds receiving phytase showed higher nutrient ATTR ‎compared to those fed non-phytase supplemented diets (P < 0.05). Tibia Ca and P were linearly decreased at 24 d (P < 0.05) and tibial ash was linearly decreased (P < 0.05) at 42 d by decreasing levels of Ca and aP in finisher diets (without phytase)‎. By decreasing the levels of Ca and aP in the finisher diets (with phytase) with a 30% reduction of Ca and aP in the grower phase, tibia ash linearly decreased (P < 0.05). Using 500 FTU/kg phytase improved tibia traits compared to non-phytase supplemented treatments (P < 0.05).4. In general, decreasing dietary Ca and aP (up to 30%) during grower and finisher phases increased ATTR of minerals and decreased Ca, P and breaking strength (BS) of tibia without any negative effect on growth performance or intestinal morphology. Reduced dietary Ca and aP decreased tibial ash content, although 500 FTU/kg phytase improved ATTR of minerals and tibia attributes.

Production and meat quality attributes of lambs fed varying levels of Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal as replacement for Triticum aestivum bran

The study evaluated the effects of substituting increasing levels of Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal (AMLM) for Triticum aestivum bran in lamb finishing diets on growth, carcass, and meat quality attributes. Forty, 3-months-old lambs with an average live weight of 25.7 ± 1.60 kg were allocated to one of the five dietary inclusion levels of AMLM (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg DM; n = 8) in a completely randomised design for 42 days. Dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed efficiency, carcass weights, dressing percentage and income over feed costs exhibited quadratic (P ≤ 0.05) responses to the addition of AMLM peaking at 100 g/kg DM inclusion level. Meat ultimate pH, moisture and lightness increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) while intramuscular fat and shear force declined linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with increasing levels of AMLM. In conclusion, AMLM can replace up to 100 g/kg DM of T. aestivum bran in lamb finisher diets without impairing meat production and quality.

Understanding variability and repeatability of enteric methane production in feedlot cattle

Breeding ruminants for low methane (CH4) emissions can be permanent and cumulative, but requires a better understanding of the variability of CH4 production among animals to accurately assess low-CH4 phenotypes. Our objectives were to: 1) investigate the variation in CH4 production among and within growing beef cattle, 2) identify low-CH4 emitters, and 3) examine relationships between CH4 production and intake, feeding behavior, growth, and rumen fermentation. Crossbred beef heifers (n=77; body weight=450 kg) were allocated to 3 pens and offered a finishing diet of 90% concentrate and 10% silage (dry matter (DM) basis). The study was conducted over 3 consecutive 6-week periods (126 days). GrowSafe bunks measured individual animal DM intake (DMI) and rumen fluid was sampled orally each period. A GreenFeed system measured individual animal emissions for 2 weeks/period. Methane production was calculated by animal within period using visits that were ≥3 min with fluxes compiled into six 4-h blocks corresponding to time of day, and averaged over blocks to obtain an average daily emission for the period. Animals with &amp;lt;12 visits and &amp;lt;5 blocks were omitted for the period and animals with ≥2 periods of complete CH4 data were used in the final analysis (n=52). Animals were ranked based on CH4 yield (g/kg DMI) from low to high, and grouped as Very-low (≤10% of animals), Low (11-25%), Intermediate (26-74%), High (75-89%), and Very high (≥90%) emitters (mean ± SD, 12.6 ± 2.16). The CH4 yield was 16% less (P&amp;lt;0.05) for Very-low compared with Intermediate animals due to lower CH4 production (g/d, P&amp;lt;0.05), with no differences in DMI (P&amp;gt;0.05). However, the period × grouping interaction (P&amp;lt;0.001) for CH4 yield indicated that the ranking of animals changed over time, although there were no extreme changes in rankings. Total VFA concentration decreased as CH4 yield decreased, but molar proportions of VFA remained unchanged, suggesting lower extent of ruminal digestion rather than a shift in fermentation. There were no differences in feeding behavior or average daily gain among groupings (P&amp;gt;0.05). The between-animal coefficient of variation in CH4 yield of 17.3% enabled identification of low CH4-emmitting finishing beef cattle. However, accurate selection of low CH4-emitting animals should be based on repeated CH4 measurements over the production cycle.

Effect of Chestnut Tannins and Vitamin E Supplementation to Linseed Oil-Enriched Diets on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

The objective of this study was to establish the effects of chestnut tannin extract or vitamin E added to linseed oil-enriched diets on growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were included in trial. 5% of cold-pressed linseed oil was included in finisher diets (21–40 days), and three feeding treatments with four replicates were formed: finisher without additives; finisher + 200 IU vitamin E/kg; finisher + 500 mg/kg of chestnut wood tannin extract. No significant influence of treatments was established on body weight or feed conversion ratio. A negative effect on feed intake (p &lt; 0.05) was found in the vitamin E group. The addition of vitamin E increased the dressing percentage (p &lt; 0.05) and increased the breast meat yield (p &lt; 0.01) compared to the control group. No significant effects were found on the water holding capacity or pH of breast meat. The highest level of AST (p &lt; 0.01) and ALT (p &lt; 0.05) was recorded in vitamin E group. The addition of chestnut tannin extract in feed increased villus height, villus height: crypt depth ratio, and villus area compared to the other two groups (p &lt; 0.05). It can be concluded that vitamin E supplementation improves carcass percentage and breast meat yield, while chestnut tannins improve the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens when added to oil-enriched diets.

Granulated Cane Sugar as a Partial Replacement for Steam-Flaked Corn in Diets for Feedlot Cattle: Ruminal Fermentation and Microbial Protein Synthesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of supplemental granulated cane sugar (GCS) levels (0, 13.3, 26.6, and 39.9% on a dry matter basis) in a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet on measures of ruminal fermentation and the site and extent of nutrient digestion. Four Holstein steers (251 ± 3.6 kg live weight) with “T” type cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment to evaluate the treatments. The experiment lasted 84 d. Replacing steam-flaked corn (SFC) with GCS linearly decreased the flow of ammonia-N (NH3-N) to the small intestine, increasing the flow of microbial nitrogen (MN; quadratic effect, p = 0.02), ruminal N efficiency (linear effect, p = 0.03) and MN efficiency (quadratic effect, p = 0.04). The ruminal digestion of starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.02) as the level of GCS increased. The postruminal digestion of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and starch were not affected by the GCS inclusion. However, postruminal N digestion decreased (linear effect, p = 0.02) as the level of GCS increased. There were no treatment effects on total tract OM digestion. However, total tract NDF and N digestion decreased (linear effect, p ≤ 0.02) as the level of GCS increased. The ruminal pH decreased (linear effect, p &lt; 0.01) as the GCS increased in the diet. The ruminal acetate molar proportion decreased (linear effect, p = 0.02) and the ruminal valerate molar proportion tended to increase (linear effect, p = 0.08) as the level of GCS increased. It is concluded that replacing as much as 13% of SFC with GCS in a finishing diet will enhance the efficiency of N utilization (g non-ammonia-N entering the small intestine/g N intake) without detrimental effects on total tract OM digestion. The inclusion of GCS decreased the ruminal proportion of acetate linearly without an effect on the acetate-to-propionate ratio or estimated methane production. Some of the effects on N utilization at a high level of GCS inclusion (27 and 40%) can be magnified by the differences in the CP content between diets. A higher level of GCS supplementation in the diet decreased the ruminal pH below 5.5, increasing the risk of ruminal acidosis.

Effect of Particle Size of Starter Diet on Broiler Chicken Performance

Background: This study was conducted to determine the effect of particles size of starter diet on growth performance of broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 384 Arbor Acres broiler chicks were usedin a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replicates of 32 birds each.Birds were fed diets with 3 particles sizes of starter diet (T1: 1.0 mm; T2: 0.8 mm; T3: 0.7 mm) during the first week of life. At 7 d, the same starter diet was offered in a crumbled form until 10 d of age. Then, common grower and finisher diets were provided in a pelleted form. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality rate were evaluated at 7, 14 and 42 days of age. Result: The results showed thatchicks receiving diet with intermediate particles size (0.8 mm) had the higher BW at 7 and 14 d. The FCR was also improved (-6.25%; P less than 0.01) with the same diet at 7 days of age. No feed particle size effect for FIand mortality was observed throughout the 42 d trial. In conclusion, birds fed intermediate particles size (0.8 mm) diet showed better FCR and BW at starter phase. However, no significant effect was observed at slaughter age.

Effects of ginger meal supplementation on performance and meat antioxidative enzymes of broilers fed monosodium glutamate

The ameliorative effects of ginger meal (GM) on the performance, carcass, and meat qualities of broilers fed diets containing MSG were examined. A total of 360 day – old broilers were randomly allotted into four diets: Diet A (control), Diet B (basal + 1.25 g MSG/kg diet), Diet C (Diet B + 1.25 g GM/kg diet) and Diet D (diet B +&nbsp; 2.50 g GM/kg diet). The birds were fed starter and finisher diets and water ad – libitum. At 6 weeks old, growth performance, carcass and meat qualities were assessed. Broilers on Diets B to D significantly (P &lt; 0.05) recorded increased weight, feed, energy, and protein intakes with those on Diet D having the best feed conversion ratio. The dressed weight and dressing percentage of broilers on the experimental diets were better than the control diet. The inclusion of GM significantly (P &lt; 0.05) ameliorated the negative impacts of MSG on relative weights of the heart, liver, and bile. Meat catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) reduced while lipid peroxidation and meat cholesterol were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) elevated among the birds fed Diet B when compared with the control. However, the inclusions of GM played a restorative role by significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improving the meat antioxidant enzymes and reducing lipid peroxidation and cholesterol. Therefore, the inclusion of MSG at 1.25 g/kg with an inclusion of 1.25 to 2.50 g GM/kg was beneficial for feed palatability enhancement with resultant improvement on performance, carcass, and meat qualities. Keywords: Chicken, Carcass quality, Ginger, Haematology, Lipid peroxidation

The effect of corn silage hybrid and inclusion on performance of finishing steers and silage hybrid effects on digestibility and performance of growing steers.

Three experiments evaluated the effects of three corn silage hybrids, inclusion, and nutrient digestibility in growing and finishing diets. The three hybrids tested included a control (CON), a hybrid containing a brown midrib (bm3) trait (BM3), and an experimental bm3 hybrid with the soft endosperm trait (BM3-SOFT). Experiment 1 utilized 360 crossbred steers (body weight [BW] = 334; SD = 25 kg) to evaluate inclusion of silage in a finishing diet at (15% or 45% of diet dry matter [DM]) and silage hybrid (CON, BM3, or BM3-SOFT). Experiment 2 and 3 utilized 216 crossbred steers (BW = 324; SD = 10 kg) and six ruminally fistulated steers (BW = 274; SD = 27 kg), respectively, to evaluate effects of either CON, BM3, or BM3-SOFT silage hybrids on performance and nutrient digestibility in growing diets. In Exp. 1, there was a silage inclusion × hybrid interaction for average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F). All treatments with 15% silage had greater (P ≤ 0.04) ADG and G:F compared with 45% silage. Cattle fed BM3-SOFT had greater ADG and G:F than cattle fed CON or BM3 when silage was included at 15% of the diet. When silage was fed at 45% of the diet DM, ADG did not differ between cattle fed either bm3 hybrid. Cattle fed BM3 had the greatest G:F (P < 0.01), with no difference between BM3-SOFT and CON. At 15% silage inclusion, hot carcass weight (HCW) was greater (P < 0.01) for cattle fed BM3-SOFT compared with cattle fed CON and BM3 but did not differ between cattle fed BM3 and CON. At 45% silage inclusion, steers fed either bm3 hybrid did not differ in HCW but were both heavier (P < 0.01) compared with cattle fed CON. In Exp. 2, ending BW, dry matter intake (DMI), and ADG were greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed either bm3 hybrid compared to steers fed the CON, but not different between steers fed the bm3 hybrids. There were no differences (P = 0.26) in G:F between the silage hybrids. In Exp. 3, steers fed either bm3 had greater (P < 0.01) neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility than steers fed the CON. Ruminal pH was lower (P < 0.01), and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration was greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed bm3 hybrids compared to steers fed CON. Feeding silage with the bm3 trait improved fiber digestibility, which increased DMI and subsequent ADG in high-forage growing diets. Feeding corn silage with the bm3 trait improved performance compared to non-bm3 corn silage when included above typical roughage concentration.

Using whole cottonseed to replace dried distillers grains plus solubles and prairie hay in finishing beef cattle rations balanced for physically effective neutral detergent fiber

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of replacing prairie hay and dried distillers grains plus solubles with whole cottonseed (WCS) in diets balanced for physically effective NDF on the growth, intake, feed efficiency, carcass characteristics, and plasma metabolites of finishing beef cattle. Crossbred heifers (n = 103) and steers (n = 104) were blocked by BW within sex and randomly allocated to pens within block (6 pens per treatment) with 17 (n = 10 pens) or 18 (n = 2 pens) animals per pen. Pens were randomly allocated to experimental treatment: either a control diet (CON; prairie hay, dried distillers grains plus solubles, dry-rolled corn, and liquid supplement) or a WCS diet (CTN; WCS, dry-rolled corn, and molasses). A common vitamin and mineral supplement and urea were included in both diets at the same rate. Animals were slaughtered in 3 groups based on BW block. Cattle fed the CTN treatment tended to have a greater final BW (P = 0.10) and had greater overall ADG and G:F (P ≤ 0.05). There was no difference in overall DMI (P = 0.23). Fecal consistency scores were greater for cattle fed the CON treatment on d 42, at the beginning of the β-agonist feeding period, and at the final collection before slaughter (P ≤ 0.03). Cattle fed the CTN treatment had a more neutral fecal pH on d 140 and at the final collection (P < 0.01). No treatment × day interactions (P ≥ 0.70) were detected for plasma glucose, lactate, urea nitrogen, or nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Cattle fed the CON treatment had greater plasma urea nitrogen concentrations (P < 0.001) and a tendency for a greater plasma lactate concentration (P = 0.06). A day effect was also observed for all plasma metabolites (P < 0.001). This experiment suggests that feeding WCS improves the growth and feed efficiency of cattle when replacing the roughage and byproduct protein and fat sources within a finishing diet.

Inclusion of Grape Pomace in Finishing Cattle Diets: Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Composition.

Simple SummaryGrape pomace, a by-product of winemaking, could be used as feed for beef cattle as it provides essential nutrients like fiber and protein. Grape pomace also contains bioactive compounds like condensed tannins, which have been shown to improve meat quality primarily in lambs. Since this information was still lacking, the present study evaluated the effects of feeding a high amount of grape pomace to finishing cattle on quality attributes (e.g., shelf life) and the fatty acid composition of beef. Feeding a high amount of grape pomace to finishing cattle reduced lipid oxidation and increased the meat content of several fatty acids linked to positive health outcomes in humans (e.g., total polyunsaturated fatty acids). These findings suggest that dietary inclusion of grape pomace in finishing cattle diets could enhance the sensory quality of beef and the health value of beef lipids.Because of its high content of polyphenolic compounds, dietary inclusion of grape pomace (GP) in finishing cattle diet could possibly enhance product quality and the health value of beef lipids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a high amount of grape pomace in finishing cattle diets on carcass traits, product quality, and fatty acid (FA) composition of beef. Jersey × Holstein crosses (n = 24) were fed either a typical finishing diet (CON) or a finishing diet containing 58% grape pomace (DM basis; HGP). Following the feeding period, animals were harvested, and carcass traits measured. Longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus (SM) muscle were then collected from each carcass for sensory quality evaluation and FA profile analysis. Hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, and preliminary and final yield grades were greater (p ≤ 0.04) for CON than HGP steers. However, there was no diet effect on rib eye area (REA), kidney, pelvic, and heart (KPH) fat, and marbling. Feeding the HGP compared to CON diet reduced lipid oxidation of LL and SM steaks over time; the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, which did not differ on d 0 and 2 of 8-d simulated retail display, was lower on d 4, 6 and 8 for HGP than CON steers (treatment × day of simulated display interaction; p < 0.01). Brightness (L* values) and redness (b*) were greater for LL steaks from HGP than CON steers on most days of simulated display (treatment × day of simulated display interaction; p < 0.01). In addition, the LL and SM muscle content of several FA linked to positive health outcomes in humans including 18:2 n-6, 18:2 c9t11, total conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was also greater (p ≤ 0.02) for steers fed the HGP compared to the CON diet. In summary, current findings suggest that although it could possibly limit growth performance, feeding a high amount of grape pomace to finishing cattle could enhance both the sensory quality and the health value of beef lipids, which are key in increasing consumer acceptability of beef.

PSVII-4 Effects of Feeding Direct-fed Microbials on Performance and Carcass Traits of Finishing Bos Indicus Cattle

Abstract Feed additives, such as direct-fed microbials (DFM), are commonly included into feedlot diets to improve rumen fermentation, gastrointestinal tract health, and overall animal performance. Among the strains of interest in DFM products, yeast, lactic acid and bacilli are highlighted. Hence, we hypothesized that the supplementation of different DFM would improve performance of feedlot Bos indicus cattle receiving a finishing diet. On day -1, 240 Nellore bulls were blocked based on initial body weight (BW; 374 ± 35.3 kg) into 1 of 60 feedlot pens (4 bulls/pen) and pens within blocks were randomly assigned to: (1) Control: no DFM supplementation (n = 20), (2) EFSC: 1 gram/head per day of a DFM based on Enterococcus faecium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Probios Precise, Chr. Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark; n = 20), and (3) BLBS: 2 grams/head per day of a DFM based on Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (Bovacillus, Chr. Hansen A/S; n = 20). There were 3 adapting diets and the finishing diet (20% corn silage, 33% ground flint corn, 45% distiller’s bran plus soluble and 2% minerals and vitamins mixture) that was offered throughout the experimental period (115 days). On day 113, carcass ultrasound evaluations were performed, and carcass traits were also obtained upon slaughter on day 117. All data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts (SAS Software): (1) DFM vs. Control and (2) EFSC vs. BLBS. No effects were observed on daily DMI (P ≥ 0.18) or final BW (P ≥ 0.12). Nonetheless, DFM supplementation, regardless of type, tended to improve ADG (1.57 vs. 1.50 kg; P = 0.10) and FE (145 vs. 140 g/kg; P = 0.07). No further effects were observed on carcass traits measured via ultrasound or at slaughter (P ≥ 0.22). In summary, DFM supplementation, regardless of type, tended to benefit feedlot performance of Bos indicus bulls.

PSVII-17 Feeding Behavior of Beef Feedlot Yearling Steers Offered Finishing Diets with Direct fed Microbial Mixtures

Abstract The effects of dietary inclusion of live bacteria mixtures on feedlot beef cattle feeding behavior were evaluated. Crossbred-Angus yearling steers (n = 192; initial BW = 409 kg ± 8 kg) were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned into 48 pens (4 steers/pen; 16 pens/treatment) following a randomized complete block design. A steam-flaked corn-based fishing diet was offered ad libitum once daily containing the following treatments: 1) Control, in which no direct fed microbial (DFM) was offered (lactose as carrier only); 2 and 3) Probiotic mixtures at distinct concentrations [Mixture A and B, at 2g/animal-daily (lactose used as carrier)]. Orts DM were quantified daily and subtracted from total dietary DM offered to calculate DM intake. Feeding behavior activities (continuous 24 h) were visually assessed (d 106 and 113) by trained personnel, where time spent on each activity was recorded every 5 min. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedures of SAS and pen was considered the experimental unit. No treatment × period interactions (P ≥ 0.21) were observed. Main feeding behavior variables consisting of time spent ruminating, chewing, eating, and drinking in minutes per day were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatments, while steers in general ruminated, ate, chewed, and were more active (P ≤ 0.01) during the second behavioral assessment, regardless of treatments. Rates of intake in minutes per kg of DM, OM, fiber and digestible DM, OM, and fiber were not affected (P ≥ 0.12) by treatments; however more time spent (P &amp;lt; 0.01) ruminating, eating, and chewing in minutes per kg were observed on d113 compared to d106 regardless of treatments. Drinking time (min/d) and drinking rates (min/kg) were not affected (P ≥ 0.81) by period. The DFM mixtures did not negatively affect feeding behavior of yearling steers consuming steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets.

347 Using Whole Cottonseed to Replace Dried Distillers Grains Plus Solubles and Prairie hay in Finishing Rations Balanced for Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of replacing hay and dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) with whole cottonseed (WCS) in diets balanced for physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) on performance, carcass characteristics, and plasma metabolites of finishing cattle. Heifers (n = 103) and steers (n = 104) were blocked by sex and bodyweight (BW) and randomly allocated to pens within block (6 pens per treatment). Pens were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 experimental treatments: a control diet (CON; prairie hay, DDGS, dry-rolled corn, and liquid supplement), and a WCS diet (CTN; WCS, dry-rolled corn, and molasses). A vitamin and mineral supplement and urea were included in both diets at same rate. Data were collected on 14 d intervals through d 56, then every 28 d until harvest. Animals were harvested in 3 different groups based on BW block. Average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were greater for the CTN treatment overall (P ≤ 0.05), and the CTN treatment tended to have a greater final BW (P = 0.10). Fecal consistency score was greater for CON treatment on d 42, at beginning of the beta-agonist feeding period, and at the final collection (P ˂ 0.03). The CTN treatment had a more neutral fecal pH on d 140 and at the final collection (P ˂ 0.01). No treatment × day interaction (P ≥ 0.70) was detected for plasma glucose, lactate, or urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations. The CON treatment had greater plasma lactate and PUN concentrations (P ˂ 0.01). A day effect was observed for all analyzed plasma metabolites (P ˂ 0.01). This experiment suggests that WCS improves growth performance and feed efficiency when replacing the roughage and byproduct protein and fat source within a finishing diet.

PSVII-15 Evaluation of the Effects of Hormonal Implants on Efficiency, and Water Footprint of Feedlot Steers

Abstract As freshwater sources continue to deplete, federal policy will likely marginalize water distribution towards agricultural communities more harshly. This ever-limiting resource highlights the significance of proactively improving quantification and water utilization of livestock operations. The goals herein investigated the effects of long-term implants on animal performance and water footprint. Eighteen crossbred F1 Angus x Hereford steers were randomly assigned to implanted (IMP; n = 9) or non-implanted (NIMP; n = 9) groups in two pens equipped with individual feeding gates and four RFID-automated water intake and body weight scales for a period of 135d. Steers were fed the same finishing diet across groups (400 g/kg alfalfa hay, 402 g/kg ground corn, 161 g/kg ground barley, 23.4 g/kg soybean meal, 10.8 g/kg mineral mix, and 2.7 g/kg limestone). Water footprint was classified as green, blue and grey (rainwater, surface/groundwater, and waste/contaminated water, respectively). Statistical analyses were performed on R Statistical Software following a linear mixed model methodology with the implanting treatment as a fixed effect and animal as a random effect to the intercept. Overall, expected increases in feed efficiency and performance were observed on this experiment where implanted animals had greater carcass weights (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), average daily gains (p &amp;lt; 0.0001), and body weights (BW; p = 0.001) all while consuming less feed by unit of BW ( p &amp;lt; 0.0001). With regards to water, the implanted animals consumed less water per kilogram of body weight gain (p &amp;lt; 0.0001). No differences were observed for water footprint evaluations in this experiment (p &amp;gt; 0.5). These results highlight that genetic and metabolic mechanisms regulating feed efficiency on implanted animals may also regulate water efficiency directly or indirectly, and therefore, further warrants the investigation of these pathways in future research.

Effect of feeding carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp powder to broiler chicken on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, carcass traits, and meat quality

In this study, the influence of a partial substitution of corn with carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp powder on broiler performance, intestinal microbiota, carcass traits, and meat quality, was investigated. Two dietary treatments were compared: the control group received a diet containing basically corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran for all the breeding periods while the experimental group received the same starter diet as the control group and grower and finisher diets containing 3% and 7% of carob pulp powder, respectively. Growth performance (weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio), carcass traits, lactic acid bacteria, and total coliforms were determined. Physicochemical parameters, proximate composition, fatty acid profiles, lipid oxidation index, and sensory characteristics of broiler thigh and breast muscles were determined. Dietary supplementation with carob pulp powder did not show an effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance and carcass traits except for slaughter yield and breast relative weight. An increase in sum lactic acid bacteria count and a decrease in total coliforms were observed in the experimental group. No effect (P > 0.05) of dietary carob was observed on pH, cooking losses, ash, mineral, and protein contents in breast and thigh muscles from broilers. However, the experimental diet decreased (P < 0.05) moisture and fat contents in thigh muscles but not in breast muscles. Both muscles from the experimental group of birds exhibited lower palmitic and oleic acids contents, and higher linoleic and linolenic acids levels than those from the control group. Whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acid contents in broiler breast and thigh meat was increased by dietary carob, the concentration of lipid oxidation products decreased in this group. The dietary intervention had no significant effect on the sensory profile of breast and thigh muscles. Thus, carob pulp powder can be applied to broiler diet at 7% as a nonconventional feed with no negative impact on growth performance and carcass traits and to increase the degree of unsaturation with no negative impact on oxidative stability or sensory traits.

340 Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Steers Consuming Finishing Diets with an Added Nutritional Packet in a Calf-fed System

Abstract The effects of a nutritional packet containing a direct-fed microbial combined with vitamins/electrolytes offered to beef steers in a calf-fed system on growth performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Angus crossbred steer-calves (n = 60; BW = 234 ± 4 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design (block = body weight; steer = experimental unit) and stratified into two treatments: a) control (no packet, finely-ground corn carrier only); and b) 30 g of DM/animal-daily of a nutritional packet [live-yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 8.7 Log CFU/g), Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg of Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg of Thiamine hydrochloride), and electrolytes of sodium chloride (80 g/kg) and potassium chloride (80 g/kg)]. Animals were individually offered [electronic feed-bunks (Smart-Feed/C-Lock Inc.)] a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet ad libitum, once daily for 233 d. Treatments were offered during the first (phase-1) and last (phase-2) 60 d on feed. Body weight measurements were taken every 30 d before feeding. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Steers offered the nutritional packet had 14% less (P &amp;lt; 0.01) intake and 18% greater gain efficiency during the initial 30-d on feed, while such advantage did not (P ≥ 0.26) persist when accounting for the initial 60 d for either variable. Overall intake (d0 to d233) was 6% greater (P = 0.02), while carcass-adjusted ADG (1.61 vs. 1.56), and carcass-adjusted gain efficiency (0.198 vs. 0.204) were unaffected (P ≥ 0.44) compared with control, respectively. Dressing percent of steers offered the packet was 1 percentage-unit greater (P = 0.02), while other carcass variables were unaffected (P ≥ 0.33). Calf-fed steers seem to benefit from such nutritional packet during the initial 30 d after feedlot arrival, while both superior intake and dressing percentage appears to last until cattle harvest.

PSVII-10 Effects of Supplementing a Standardized Plant-Derived Feed Additive Containing Isoquinoline Alkaloids on Rumen Lesions in Feedlot Cattle

Abstract Long-term feeding of high grain diets can lead to digestive disorders which can result in inflammation of the digestive tract, poor performance and a negative impact on animal welfare. Plant-derived feed additives are widely used in food producing animals to improve the productivity, digestibility, and health. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of supplementing a plant-derived feed additive containing standardized concentrations of isoquinoline alkaloids (IQ) on rumen lesions in finishing feedlot cattle. Crossbreed bulls from a commercial feedlot were enrolled in the present study. During the control period (CON; n = 470): from September 1st to October 12th cattle were fed the feedlot finishing diet. During the treatment period (TRT; n = 480): from October 13th to November 23rd finishing feedlot cattle were fed the same ration plus 600 g/t of a feed additive with standardized concentrations of IQ. Slaughter was performed in 2 abattoirs and the rumen of animals were examined by the same investigator. Rumen health was scored by visual observation of the rumen epithelia: 1) normal rumen; 2) mild rumenitis; 3) moderate rumenitis; 4) diffuse rumenitis 5) ulcerative rumenitis. Statistical analysis was performed with the R software. The Pearson chi-squared statistic was performed to test the independence between the variables. Results showed that TRT had greater and positive association with score 2 (P&amp;lt; 0.05; 3.2), and a negative association (P&amp;lt; 0.05) with scores 4 (-1.1) and 5 (-1.1). The CON presented greater and positive association with score 3 (P&amp;lt; 0.05; 3.3), as well as positive association (P&amp;lt; 0.05) for the scores 4 (1.1) and 5 (1.1). In conclusion, supplementing finishing feedlot cattle with a plant-derived feed additive containing IQ resulted in less severe rumen lesions in feedlot cattle receiving finishing diets indicating that IQ exerted a positive effect on rumen condition.

PSIX-5 Ruminal Papillae Morphology and Volatile Fatty Acid Profile of Beef Steers Consuming Finishing Diets with an Added Nutritional Packet in a Calf-fed System

Abstract The effects of a nutritional packet containing a direct-fed microbial combined with vitamins/electrolytes offered to beef steers in a calf-fed system on ruminal papillae morphology and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile were evaluated. Angus crossbred steer-calves (n = 60; BW = 234 ± 4 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design (block = body weight; steer = experimental unit) and stratified into two treatments: a) control (no packet, finely-ground corn carrier only); and b) 30 g of DM/animal-daily of a nutritional packet [live-yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 8.7 Log CFU/g), Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg of Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg of Thiamine hydrochloride), and electrolytes of NaCl (80 g/kg) and KCl (80 g/kg)]. Animals were individually offered [electronic feed-bunks (Smart-Feed/C-Lock Inc.)] a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet ad libitum once daily for 233 d, while treatments were offered during the first and last 60 days on feed only. Upon harvest (federally inspected facility), individual samples of ruminal cranial sac epithelium and rumen content (quickly frozen) were collected. Preserved (70% alcohol at 5oC) ruminal tissue fragments were trimmed (1 cm2), in which papillae were counted, followed by a random removal of 12 individual papillae for further area measurement using electronic scanning (ImageJ). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Steers offered to nutritional packet had a 30% increased (P = 0.02) average papillae area, which induced a tendency (P = 0.14) to improve ruminal absorptive surface area (89 vs. 93%), while not affecting ruminal papillae number (P = 0.39). Molar proportions of acetate, butyrate, and propionate were not affected (P ≥ 0.51) by treatments, while total VFA (mM) tended (P = 0.09) to increase by 8% for animals consuming the nutritional packet. The nutritional packet seemed to improve ruminal fermentation products while positively affecting ruminal papillae morphology.