Nonimplanted Steers Research Articles

Effects of calf- and yearling-fed beef production systems and growth promotants on production and profitability

López-Campos, Ó., Aalhus, J. L., Okine, E. K., Baron, V. S. and Basarab, J. A. 2013. Effects of calf- and yearling-fed beef production systems and growth promotants on production and profitability. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 171–184. In each of 2 yr, 112 spring-born steers were used to evaluate the effect of calf-fed vs. yearling-fed with and without growth implant and β-adrenergic agonist on production parameters and economic potential. Steers were grouped into: (1) non-implanted feeders harvested at 11–14 mo of age, (2) growth implanted feeders harvested at 11–14 mo of age, (3) non-implanted feeders harvested at 19–23 mo of age, and (4) growth implanted feeders harvested at 19–23 mo of age. Production data were collected and economic evaluation was performed. Calf-fed steers grew slower (1.21 vs. 1.99±0.07 kg d−1) and had a poorer feed conversion ratio [5.32 vs. 4.99±0.34 kg dry matter intake (DMI) kg−1 gain] during the feedlot dietary adjustment period than yearling-fed. Calf-fed steers were more efficient than yearling-fed during the first 76–83 d (5.16 vs. 7.33±0.11 kg DMI kg−1 gain) and latter 48–79 d (5.69 vs. 14.28±1.50 kg DMI kg−1 gain) of the finishing period. Implanted steers were more efficient than non-implanted during the dietary feedlot adjustment period (4.80 vs. 5.52±0.15 kg DMI kg−1 gain), and during the first 76–83 d (6.05 vs. 6.44±0.11 kg DMI kg−1 gain) and latter 48–79 d of the finishing period (9.29 vs. 10.69±1.50 kg DMI kg−1 gain). Implanted steers grew 11.4–19.6% faster than non-implanted throughout the finishing period, while yearling-fed grew 11.1–12.9% faster during the first 76–83 d, but 49.1–64.4% slower during the last 48–79 d of the finishing period compared with calf-fed. Quality grade was improved for non-implanted steers, with 43.6% of yearling-fed and 35.7% calf-fed steers grading AAA. Adjusted net return was best for calf-fed implanted ($17.52 head−1), followed by calf-fed non-implanted ($−41.92 head−1), yearling-fed implanted ($−73.77 head−1), and yearling-fed non-implanted ($−99.65 head−1) production strategies. The results of the present study suggest that reducing age at slaughter combined with growth implant can increase profit and reduce risk, but growth implants can negatively affect the carcass quality.

Administration of estradiol, trenbolone acetate, and trenbolone acetate/estradiol implants alters adipogenic and myogenic gene expression in bovine skeletal muscle

Twenty crossbred yearling steers (421 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of implanting with trenbolone acetate (TBA; 120 mg), estradiol-17β (E(2); 25.7 mg), and a combination (120 mg of TBA and 24 mg of E(2)) on adipogenic and myogenic mRNA concentrations. Animals were blocked by BW and within each block were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments. Animals were housed and fed in individual pens with 5 animals per treatment. All animals were weighed weekly, and muscle biopsy samples were taken from the LM of each steer on d 0 (before implantation), 7, 14, and 28. Total RNA was isolated from each sample and real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure the quantity of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD), myogenin, and 3 isoforms of bovine myosin heavy chain (MHC) mRNA. Total BW gain from the 28-d period was adjusted to d 0 by use of covariant analysis, and steers in the implant groups tended (P = 0.09) to have increased BW gain compared with nonimplanted control steers. Analysis of the gene expression of MHC showed that neither implant nor day (P > 0.20) had a significant effect on the expression of type I or IIX MHC mRNA There was also no treatment effect (P > 0.20) on MHC-IIA and myogenin, but increasing days on feed increased (P = 0.05) the expression of MHC-IIA mRNA. Relative mRNA abundance of C/EBPβ, PPARγ, and SCD increased (P < 0.05) during days of feed but PPARγ decreased (P < 0.05) with the treatment of combined TBA/E(2) implant. Results of this study indicate that implanting with TBA, E(2), or both increased BW gain and decreased adipogenic gene expression of finishing steers without significantly affecting the concentration of type I, IIA, or IIX MHC mRNA. Increasing days on feed increased both MHC-IIA and adipogenic gene expression in bovine skeletal muscle biopsy samples. We conclude that administration of steroidal implants had no effect on the proportion of the 3 MHC mRNA isoforms but decreased C/EBPβ, PPARγ, and SCD mRNA in bovine skeletal muscle.

Effects of Trace Mineral Source and Growth Implants on Trace Mineral Status of Growing and Finishing Feedlot Steers

Three hundred and seventy-three steers (approximately 7 mo of age and 247±19.4 kg) were utilized to determine the effects of trace mineral (TM) source and growth implants on trace mineral status. Steers were blocked by ranch, post-weaning treatment within ranch, stratified by initial body weight, and randomly assigned to one of 36 pens (9-12 head/pen). Treatment consisted of: i) control (no supplemental Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co), ii) inorganic trace minerals, and iii) organic trace minerals. Six pens of steers per treatment received a growth implant at the beginning of the experiment and were re-implanted during the finishing phase. The remaining steers received no growth implants. Steers were fed a corn silage-based growing diet for 56 d then were gradually switched to a high concentrate finishing diet. Treatments during the finishing phase consisted of: i) control (no supplemental Zn); ii) inorganic Zn (30 mg of Zn/kg DM from ZnSO 4 ); and iii) organic Zn (iso-amounts of organic Zn). By the end of the growing and finishing phases, implanted steers had greater (p<0.01) plasma Cu concentrations than non-implanted steers. During the growing phase, liver Cu concentrations (p<0.01) and plasma Zn concentrations (p<0.02) were greater in steers supplemented with TM compared to control steers. Steers supplemented with inorganic minerals had greater liver Cu concentrations than steers supplemented with organic minerals at the beginning (p<0.01) and end (p = 0.02) of the growing phase. During both the growing (p = 0.02) and finishing phases (p = 0.05), non-implanted control steers had greater plasma Cu concentrations than non-implanted steers supplemented with TM, whereas, implanted control steers had similar plasma Cu concentrations than implanted steers supplemented with TM. Non-implanted steers that received inorganic TM had lower plasma Cu concentrations (p = 0.03) during the growing phase and ceruloplasmin activity (p<0.04) during the finishing phase than non-implanted steers that received organic TM, whereas, implanted steers supplemented with either organic or inorganic TM had similar plasma Cu concentrations.

Analysis of modern technologies commonly used in beef cattle production: Conventional beef production versus nonconventional production using meta-analysis

Conventional feeding systems use pharmaceutical products not allowed in natural or organic systems for finishing cattle. This review of data compares the performance effects (ADG, G:F, DMI) of technologies used in conventional feeding programs that are prohibited in organic programs, natural programs, or both. The technologies evaluated were steroid implants, monensin, tylosin, endectocides, and metaphylaxis with any antimicrobial. For inclusion in this analysis, studies were conducted in North America, reported randomization to treatment group, used beef cattle, contained an untreated control group, and were sourced from peer-reviewed journals. Forest plots were used to examine the data visually for trends toward a uniform effect of the technology on the outcomes of interest (ADG, DMI, G:F). Technologies that displayed a uniform response on the forest plot compared with negative controls were then analyzed using mixed models. Examination of forest plots for endectocides, steroid implants, monensin, and metaphylaxis technologies appeared to show performance advantages for treated cattle relative to cattle in negative control groups. An insufficient number of studies met the inclusion criteria to conduct meta-analyses comparing endectocides, monensin, or tylosin with negative controls. Average daily gain in feeder cattle given metaphylaxis on arrival was 0.11 kg/d (P < 0.01) greater relative to cattle that did not receive metaphylaxis on arrival. Implanting heifers increased ADG by 0.08 kg/d compared with nonimplanted controls (P = 0.09). Implants had no effect on G:F (P = 0.14) in heifers or on DMI (P = 0.44) relative to nonimplanted control heifers. Implanting steers was associated with greater ADG, by 0.25 kg/d (P < 0.01), and DMI, by 0.53 kg/d (P < 0.01), relative to nonimplanted control steers. Implants also improved G:F in steers relative to nonimplanted steers, by 0.02 (0.17 vs. 0.15; implanted vs. controls, P < 0.01; n = 21 studies). When average estimated differences in ADG and G:F for implanted and nonimplanted steers were incorporated into a breakeven model, implanted steers had a $77/animal lower cost of production than nonimplanted steers and a $349/animal lower cost of production than organically raised steers. These data illustrate the importance of capturing premiums when operating natural and organic production systems to maintain economic viability.

Effects of chlortetracycline and Synovex-S® on growth rate and on plasma growth hormone and thyroid hormone concentrations following administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and GH-releasing hormone in beef steers

Twenty-four Angus steers (365 kg ± 4) were assigned randomly to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments of either 0 or 350 mg chlortetracycline d-1, with or without Synovex-S to test the effects of chlortetracycline (CTC) and estrogenic implant on release of growth hormone (GH) and thyroid hormones. Steers received ad libitum a concentrate-forage diet over a 112-d feeding study, and growth and carcass characteristics were determined. On days 30, 56, and 106, steers received an injection, via jugular catheter, of 1.0 µg kg-1 BW thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) + 0.1 µg kg-1 BW GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) and blood was collected from -30 to 360 min post-injection. Overall, compared with non-implanted steers, Synovex-S increased (P ≤ 0.009) rate and efficiency of gain, decreased (P = 0.05) time to peak for GH concentrations, whereas baseline concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were increased (P = 0.03). Additionally, the TSH response curve (P ≤ 0.05) and magnitude of triiodothyronine (T3; P = 0.01) response were greater following TRH + GHRH challenge for implanted versus nonimplanted steers. There were no main effects of CTC; however, CTC attenuated (P ≤ 0.05) the effects of implant on T3 release, slaughter weight, and carcass composition. In conclusion, Synovex-S alone increased BW gain and enhanced the response of GH, TSH, and T3 to a TRH + GHRH challenge, whereas CTC alone did not affect rate and composition of gain or release of pituitary and thyroid hormones. However, CTC appeared to mitigate the effects of implant on T3 release and carcass composition. Key words: Growth hormone, thyroid, estrogen, chlortetracycline, bovine, growth

Effects of steroidal implantation and ractopamine‐HCl on nitrogen retention, blood metabolites and skeletal muscle gene expression in Holstein steers

Six Holstein steers (231 +/- 17 kg) housed in metabolism crates were used in a randomized complete block design with three blocks of two steers based on previous serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations. One of the two steers in each block was implanted with 120 mg trenbolone acetate and 24 mg oestradiol-17beta on day 0. None of the steers was fed ractopamine-HCl in the initial 28 days, and then all steers were fed 200 mg of ractopamine-HCl per steer daily from day 28 until the end of the trial. Steers were fed a corn-based diet (62% rolled corn, 20% expeller soya bean meal and 15% alfalfa hay) twice daily with an average dry matter intake of 4.8 kg/day. Blood and M. longissimus biopsy samples were collected prior to implantation and on days 14, 28, 42 and 56. There was an implant x ractopamine interaction for retained nitrogen (p < 0.05); ractopamine feeding led to only small improvements in nitrogen retention for implanted steers (45.9 g/day vs. 44.5 g/day), whereas ractopamine led to larger increases in nitrogen retention for non-implanted steers (39.0 g/day vs. 30.4 g/day). Implantation increased (p < 0.05) and ractopamine tended to decrease (p = 0.06) serum IGF-I concentrations. Implantation tended to increase (p = 0.16) and ractopamine decreased (p < 0.05) mRNA expression of IGF-I in the M. longissimus. Ractopamine decreased mRNA expression of beta(1)- and beta(2)-receptors in M. longissimus (p </= 0.02). The steroidal implant and the feeding of ractopamine both increased nitrogen retention in steers, but the combination did not yield an additive response. The two growth promotants had opposite effects on serum concentrations of IGF-I and mRNA expression of IGF-I in M. longissimus.

Effects of Trace Mineral Supplementation, Source, and Growth Implants on Immune Response of Growing and Finishing Feedlot Steers

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> To determine the effects of growth implants and trace mineral (TM) supplementation and source on immune response, 375 steers (approximately 7 mo of age and 250.0 ± 11.0 kg), stratified by initial body weight, were randomly assigned to 1 of 36 pens that were then randomly assigned to treatments. Treatments consisted of 1) control (no supplemental Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co), 2) inorganic TM (CuSO₄, ZnSO₄, MnSO₄, and CoCO₃), and 3) organic TM (iso-amounts of organic Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co). On d 28 post-arrival to the feedlot, steers from 6 pens per treatment received a growth implant containing 200mg progesterone and 20mg estradiol benzoate, whereas the other half of the steers within the same treatment (6 pens) did not receive a growth implant. Steers were fed a corn silage-based growing diet for 56 d and were then gradually switched toa high-concentrate finishing diet. At the beginning of the finishing phase, only steers receiving growth implants during the growing phase were reimplanted with 80mg of trenbolone acetate and 16mg of estradiol. During the finishing phase, all minerals excluding Zn were fed at NRC recommended concentrations in inorganic form. Treatments during the finishing phase consisted of 1) control (no supplemental Zn), 2) inorganic Zn (30mg Zn/kg DM from ZnSO₄), and 3) organic Zn (iso-amounts of organic Zn). At the end of the growing phase, steers receiving organic TM had greater (P < 0.02) total IgM concentrations than inorganic-supplemented steers, and implanted steers tended (P < 0.07) to have greater IgG antibody titer concentrations specific for pig red blood cells than nonimplanted steers. During the finishing phase, steers supplemented with organic Zn had greater (P = 0.04) ovalbumin antibody titer concentrations than steers supplemented with inorganic TM.Superoxide dismutase activity, interferon gamma concentrations, and antibody titers specific to pig red blood cells and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus were unaffectedby TM treatment or growth implants.

Effects of Implanting Beef Steers with Zeranol on Fatty Acid Composition of Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Fat

AbstractThe effect of implanting with zeranol on modulation of fatty acid composition, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, of subcutaneous (s.c.) and i.m. fat of steers was investigated, and carcasses were evaluated for quality grade and yield grade components. Forty steers were divided into 2 groups (20 steers/group); both groups were fed the same diet. Steers were fed to a constant 10mm fat thickness (measured by ultrasound). Implanting had no effect (P > 0.05) on quality or yield grade components, but the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, was greater (P < 0.05) in the s.c. fat of implanted vs. non-implanted steers. Concentration of the saturated fatty acids (SFA) was less (P < 0.05) in the s.c. fat of implanted steers than in the s.c. fat of non-implanted steers. However, the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids was greater (P < 0.05) in the s.c. fat of non-implanted steers than in the s.c. fat of implanted steers. In the i.m. fat of implanted steers, the content of PUFA, including n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, and the amount of one monounsaturated fatty acid were greater (P < 0.05) than in the i.m. fat of non-implanted steers. The concentration of SFA was less (P < 0.05) in the i.m. fat of implanted vs. non-implanted steers. Implantation with zeranol caused an increase in the unsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio and an increase in n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio. These results indicated that zeranol had no effect on carcass quality, but it had a positive effect in changing the fatty acid composition of the s.c. and the i.m. fat of steers from the saturated to unsaturated.

The effects of cattle sex on carcass characteristics and longissimus muscle palatability1,2

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of sex on carcass traits and cooked beef steak palatability. In Exp. 1, steers (n = 99), heifers (n = 51), and intravaginally spayed heifers (n = 46) were fed a high-energy diet for 161 d. No implants were administered, and heifers were not fed melengestrol acetate to suppress estrus. In Exp. 2, 60 steers and 60 intact heifers from the same ranch source used in Exp. 1 were fed in 2 locations (sites 1 and 2). All management factors were equal across experiments except that intact heifers were fed melengestrol acetate to suppress estrus in Exp. 2. Steers in Exp. 1 were 25 kg heavier (P < 0.01) in HCW than heifers at comparable (P = 0.39) carcass fat thickness. Spayed heifers (Exp. 1) had a 5.7% smaller (P < 0.05) LM area compared with steers and intact heifers, which were similar. In Exp. 2, there was no difference (P = 0.2) in carcass weight, and heifers had greater (P < 0.01) 12th rib fat thickness compared with steers. Calculated yield grades were similar (P = 0.21) among treatments in Exp. 1 and tended (P = 0.08) to be greater for heifers compared with steers in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, USDA quality grades and marbling scores were lower (P < 0.01) for steers compared with intact and spayed heifers, which were similar. The effects of sex on tenderness were examined at a common level of fat-thickness and marbling by covariate analysis. Steaks from steers, compared with those from nonimplanted, intact heifers, in the 2 experiments combined were: (a) superior (P < 0.05) in 2 of 9 palatability assessments when subcutaneous fat thickness (at the 12th rib) was adjusted to a common level, and (b) superior (P < 0.05) in 6 of 9 palatability assessments when marbling score was adjusted to a common level. In Exp. 1, steaks from nonimplanted steers compared with those from nonimplanted spayed heifers were: (a) superior (P < 0.05) in 0 of 8 palatability assessments when subcutaneous fat thickness (at the 12th rib) was adjusted to a common level, and (b) superior (P < 0.05) in 3 of 8 palatability assessments when marbling score was adjusted to a common level. These findings suggest that sex should be added to the list of antemortem factors contributing to variation in cooked beef steak tenderness. However, more research is needed to precisely identify those factors contributing to the lower tenderness observed for steaks from heifer carcasses.

Influence of stocking rate and steroidal implants on growth rate of steers grazing toxic tall fescue and subsequent physiological responses1

An 84-d grazing experiment was conducted in 2 growing seasons to evaluate interactions of stocking rate and steroidal implants with BW gain and symptoms of toxicosis in yearling steers grazing endemic endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). A 4 x 2 factoral design was used to evaluate 4 stocking rates (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 steers/ ha) with or without steroidal implants (200 mg of progesterone + 20 mg of estradiol benzoate). Treatment combinations were randomly assigned to eight 1-ha pastures of E+ Kentucky-31 tall fescue (i.e., treatments were not replicated). Treatment effects were analyzed for ADG, total BW gain per hectare, forage availability, and hair coat ratings. At the conclusion of grazing in the second year (22 June), steers were placed on a bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture, and rectal temperatures and serum prolactin concentrations were monitored for 10 d to assess carryover effects of stocking rate and steroidal implants on recovery from toxicosis-related heat stress. Forage availability differed (P < 0.001) between years, but there were no year x treatment interactions (P > 0.10). There was an implant x stocking rate interaction (P < 0.05) on ADG. Differences between the slopes in the regression equations indicated that ADG responded to implantation when stocking rates were low, but the response diminished as stocking rate increased. Stocking rate did not influence (P = 0.89) postgraze rectal temperature, but the regression intercept for implanted steers was 0.4 degrees C greater (P < 0.05) than for nonimplanted steers, and the difference was consistent across the entire 10-d fescue-free grazing period. Concentrations of prolactin increased during the 10-d fescue-free grazing period, but trends differed due to an implantation x stocking rate interaction (P < 0.05). Results indicate that implantation with progesterone + estradiol benzoate increases ADG with lower stocking rates, but the effect diminishes with increased grazing intensity. Implantation with steroid hormones increased rectal temperatures, but during a fescue-free grazing period rectal temperatures and serum prolactins for implanted and nonimplanted steers returned to values indicative of a stable and healthy status in a 192- to 240-h (i.e., an 8- to 10-d) period. However, because the treatments used in this study were not replicated, these observations need to be confirmed with replicated studies.

An investigation into the mechanisms of action of Revalor-S and Optaflexx in growing steers (2006)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the interaction between steroidal implantation and feeding ractopamine on nitrogen retention, blood metabolites, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. Six Holstein steers (initially weighing 509 lb) were implanted or not with Revalor-S (120 mg trenbolone acetate plus 24 mg estradiol-17β), and all were fed no ractopamine for the initial 28 days and then 2 grams per steer daily of Optaflexx (200 mg/day ractopamine-HCl) on days 29 through 56. Implantation increased nitrogen retention. Optaflexx increased nitrogen retention in nonimplanted steers, but did not significantly increase retained nitrogen in implanted steers. Implantation increased serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentration. Optaflexx, however, numerically decreased serum IGF-I concentrations. Implantation numerically increased IGF-I mRNA in the longissimus muscle, but expression of IGF-I mRNA was significantly decreased when Optaflexx was fed. Both growth promotants increased nitrogen retention in steers, but, despite perceived differences in their mode of action, the combination yielded a less than additive response for nitrogen retention.

The relationships among body weight, body composition, and intramuscular fat content in steers.

Angus steers of known age (265 +/- 17 d) and parentage were used in a 2-yr study (yr 1, n = 40; yr 2, n = 45) to evaluate the relationship between percentage of i.m. fat content of the longissimus dorsi at the 12th rib and carcass characteristics during growth of nonimplanted steers. Steers were sorted by age and EPD of paternal grandsire for marbling into high- and low-marbling groups so that steers with varying degrees of genetic potential for marbling were evenly distributed across slaughter groups. All steers were fed a 90% concentrate corn-based diet. Steers were allotted to five slaughter groups targeted to achieve hot carcass weights (HCW) of 204, 250, 295, 340, and 386 kg over the course of the feeding period. Data were analyzed as a completely random design with a factorial arrangement of treatments (year, marbling group, and slaughter group). Marbling group did not affect backfat, LM area, yield grade (YG), or marbling score. Regression equations were developed to quantify the change in carcass characteristics and composition over slaughter groups. Hot carcass weight increased in a linear fashion and differed (P < 0.01) among the slaughter groups as anticipated by design. Yield grade followed a quadratic upward pattern (P < 0.01) as HCW increased. Slaughter group affected the degree of marbling linearly (P < 0.01). There were no slaughter group x marbling group interactions, indicating that no differences occurred in the pattern of marbling attributable to paternal grandsire EPD. Carcasses expressed small degrees of marbling at 266 kg of HCW and obtained a YG of 3.0 at 291 kg of HCW. Fractional growth rates decelerated with increasing HCW. Greater advances in marbling relative to total carcass fatness occurred at HCW less than 300 kg. Management practices early in growth may influence final quality grade if compensatory i.m. fat content development does not occur.

Effects of flax supplementation and a combined trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant on circulating insulin-like growth factor-I and muscle insulin-like growth factor-I messenger RNA levels in beef cattle.

We evaluated effects of a 5% (dry matter basis) ground flaxseed supplement (flax) and a trenbolone acetate and estradiol-17beta implant, Revalor-S, on circulating IGF-I and muscle IGF-I messenger RNA (mRNA). Sixteen crossbred yearling steers (initial BW = 397 kg) were assigned randomly to one of four treatments: 1) flax/implant; 2) nonflax/implant; 3) flax/nonimplant; and 4) nonflax/nonimplant. Serum was harvested from blood collected on d 0 (before implant or flax addition), 14, and 28, and used in subsequent analyses of circulating IGF-I. Biopsy samples (0.5 g) were obtained from the longissimus muscle on d 0, 14, and 28. Total RNA was isolated from the muscle samples, and real-time quantitative-PCR was used to assess relative differences in IGF-I mRNA. Flax supplementation had no effect (P > 0.10) on circulating IGF-I concentrations. Following implantation, sera from implanted steers had 52 and 84% greater (P < 0.05) IGF-I concentrations than sera from nonimplanted steers on d 14 and 28, respectively. On d 28, local muscle IGF-I mRNA levels increased 2.4-fold (P < 0.01) in biopsy samples obtained from implanted compared with nonimplanted steers. Muscle biopsy samples from nonflax cattle had 4.4-fold higher (P < 0.01) levels of IGF-I mRNA than those from flax cattle on d 28. To determine whether a component of flax, alpha-linolenic acid (alphaLA), was directly responsible for IGF-I mRNA down-regulation, we incubated primary cultures of bovine satellite cells, from implanted and nonimplanted steers, in two concentrations of alphaLA (10 nM and 1 microM). An implant x dose interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for IGF-I mRNA concentrations in bovine satellite cells cultured for 72 h with alphaLA. Satellite cells from nonimplanted steers had similar (P > 0.10) IGF-I mRNA concentration regardless of the level of alphaLA exposure; however, satellite cells from implanted steers exposed to 10 nM and 1 microM alphaLA had 2.5- and 2.0-fold greater IGF-I mRNA levels, respectively, than cells from implanted steers that were not exposed to alphaLA (P < 0.05). Administration of a Revalor-S implant increased circulating IGF-I and local muscle IGF-I mRNA concentrations in finishing cattle. However, muscle IGF-I mRNA levels were decreased by flax supplementation. Muscle cell culture experiments suggested that alphaLA was not responsible for the IGF-I mRNA down-regulation.

Time course of changes in growth factor mRNA levels in muscle of steroid-implanted and nonimplanted steers.

We used a muscle biopsy technique in conjunction with real-time PCR analysis to examine the time course of changes in muscle IGF-I, IGFBP-3, myostatin, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA in the longissimus muscles of Revalor-S-implanted and nonimplanted steers on d 0, 7, 12, and 26 after implantation (nine steers/treatment group). Administration of a Revalor-S implant increased (P < 0.01) ADG and improved (P < 0.05) feed efficiency, 36 and 34%, respectively, compared with steers that received no implant during the 26-d trial. Daily dry matter intake did not differ (P > 0.15) between nonimplanted and implanted steers. Steers receiving the Revalor-S implant had increased (P < 0.001) circulating IGF-I concentrations compared with nonimplanted steers. The longissimus muscles of steers receiving the Revalor-S implant contained increased (P < 0.001) IGF-I mRNA levels compared with longissimus muscles of nonimplanted steers over the 26-d duration of the study. Longissimus muscle IGF-I mRNA levels in implanted steers were increased (P < 0.003) relative to d-0 concentrations on d 7 and 12 (101% and 128%, respectively), and byd 26, longissimus muscle mRNA levels were more than three times (P < 0.0001) those in the longissimus muscles of the same steers on d 0. There was no treatment effect on the level of IGFBP-3, myostatin, or HGF mRNA in the longissimus muscle at any time point; however, levels of IGFBP-3, myostatin, and HGF mRNA increased with time on feed. Based on current and previous studies, we hypothesize that the increased IGF-I level in muscle of implanted steers by d 7 of implantation stimulates satellite cell proliferation and maintains a high number of proliferating satellite cells at a point in the growth curve where satellite cell numbers and activity are normally dropping off. This would prolong the period of rapid muscle growth, resulting in the observed increased rate and efficiency of muscle deposition in implanted steers.

Growth factor messenger RNA levels in muscle and liver of steroid-implanted and nonimplanted steers.

Ribonuclease protection assays were used to measure steady-state semimembranosus muscle and/or hepatic levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-5, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and myostatin messenger RNA (mRNA) in steers implanted from 32 to 38 d with Revalor-S, a combined trenbolone acetate and estradiol implant. Insulin-like growth factor-ImRNA levels were 69% higher (P < 0.01, n = 7) in the livers of implanted steers than in the livers of nonimplanted steers. Similarly, IGF-I mRNA levels were 50% higher (P < 0.05, n = 7) in the semimembranosus muscles of implanted steers than in the same muscles from nonimplanted steers. Hepatic IGFBP-3 mRNA levels were 24% higher (P < 0.07, n = 7) in implanted steers than in nonimplanted steers. Hepatic HGF and IGFBP-5 mRNA levels did not differ between implanted and nonimplanted steers. Similarly, muscle IGFBP-3, IGFBP-5, HGF, and myostatin mRNA levels were not affected by treatment. Previous data from these same steers have shown that circulating IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were 30 to 40% higher (P < 0.01, n = 7) in implanted steers than in nonimplanted, control steers. Additionally, the number of actively proliferating satellite cells that could be isolated from the semimembranosus muscle was 45% higher (P < 0.01, n = 7) for implanted steers than for nonimplanted steers. Viewed together, these data suggest that increased muscle IGF-I levels stimulate increased satellite cell proliferation, resulting in the increased muscle growth observed in Revalor-S implanted steers.

Effects of repetitive use of hormonal implants on beef carcass quality, tenderness, and consumer ratings of beef palatability.

Effects of repetitive use of anabolic implants on beef carcass quality, tenderness, and consumer ratings for palatability were investigated using crossbred steer calves (n = 550). Steers from five ranches were randomly allocated to one of 10 different lifetime implant strategies or to a nonimplanted control group. Cattle were implanted at some or all of five phases of production (branding, weaning, backgrounding, feedlot entry, or reimplant time). Carcasses from the control group had higher (P < 0.05) marbling scores than carcasses from steers in all other treatment groups. Implanting steers at branding, weaning, or backgrounding vs. not implanting steers at these production stages did not affect (P > 0.05) marbling scores. Steers implanted twice during their lifetime produced carcasses with higher (P < 0.05) marbling scores than did steers receiving a total of four or five implants. Steaks obtained from carcasses in the control group had lower (P < 0.05) shear force values and were rated by consumers as more desirable (P < 0.05) for tenderness like/dislike than steaks obtained from carcasses in all other treatment groups. Implanting steers at branding or weaning production stages did not affect (P > 0.05) steak shear force values, consumer ratings for like/dislike of steak tenderness, or percentage of consumers rating overall eating quality of steaks as satisfactory. Implanting steers at backgrounding vs. not implanting steers at this production stage increased (P < 0.05) steak shear force values, but did not influence (P > 0.05) consumer ratings for like/dislike of steak tenderness or percentage of consumers rating overall eating quality of steaks as satisfactory. Steaks from nonimplanted steers were rated as more desirable (P < 0.05) for overall eating quality than steaks from steers implanted two, three, four, or five times. Use of implants increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain by 11.8 to 20.5% from weaning to harvest compared with nonimplanted controls. Implant strategies increased (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight of steers by 8.9 to 13.8% compared with the control group. Use of implants also increased (P < 0.05) longissimus muscle area and decreased (P < 0.05) estimated percentages of kidney/pelvic/heart fat, but did not affect (P > 0.05) dressing percentage or adjusted fat thickness. Our findings suggest that beef quality, palatability, and production characteristics are influenced by lifetime implant protocols.

Effects of flax supplementation and a Revalor-S implant on circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and muscle IGF-1 mRNA levels in finishing cattle (2003)

Sixteen crossbred steers weighing 875 lb were used to evaluate the effects of a 5% ground flaxseed supplement and a combined trenbolone acetate/estradiol (TBA/E2) growth promoting implant, Revalor-S®, on both circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and local muscle IGF-1 mRNA concentrations. Steers were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: . 1) Flax/Implant, 2) No Flax/ Implant, 3) Flax/No Implant, 4) No Flax/No Implant. Serum was harvested from blood collected via jugular venipuncture on day 0 (before implantation or flax addition), 14, and 28. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the longissimus muscle on days 0, 14, and 28. Implanted steers had 52 and 84% higher (P<0.05) circulating IGF-1 levels than non-implanted steers on days 14 and 28, respectively. Cattle fed diets without flax had higher levels of muscle IGF-1 mRNA than cattle fed diets with flax on day 28 (4.4-fold, P<0.01). Our data support that the administration of a combined TBA/E2 growth promotant increases circulating IGF-1 and local muscle IGF-1 mRNA concentrations in finishing cattle. However, this increase in muscle IGF-1 mRNA appears to be attenuated by the addition of a dietary flax supplement.

Effect of delayed castration on the growth rate, behaviour and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration of beef cattle on tropical pasture

AbstractMale beef calves in northern Australia are generally castrated under 6 months of age as an aid to management of animal behaviour and for the purpose of producing sufficiently fat carcasses at slaughter. It is also common for beef producers to administer hormone growth promotants, such as oestradiol, to increase the growth rates of steers at pasture. This experiment tested the hypothesis that delaying castration by 9 months would produce an increase in growth rate for the period while the cattle are retained as bulls without compromising management of animal behaviour. Bulls of three genotypes were castrated at 7 months or 16 months of age and half were treated with oestradiol after castration. Body weight (BW) and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations (IGF-1) were measured and behaviour was observed before and after the 16 month castration. At both 7 and 16 months of age, surgical castration of bulls caused no animal welfare problems. BW gain was affected by genotype with Bos taurus types having a lower BW gain than Bos indicus and F1-cross cattle. IGF-1 was similarly affected by genotype. Oestradiol treatment increased growth of the steers (early castrates) during the 9 months between castration times compared with non-implanted steers and bulls. Oestradiol implanted steers had similar BW gain from the late castration to slaughter, regardless of age at castration, which was greater than non-implanted early castrates which, in turn, was greater than the late castrates. Similar differences were observed for IGF-1 concentrations. Behaviour was not affected by genotype, oestradiol treatment or age of castration but this may have been an artefact of the design where all treatment groups were grazed together. Although delayed castration resulted in no behavioural or management problems, it did not produce a commercially useful increase in growth rate.

Interaction of dietary zinc and growth implants on weight gain, carcass traits and zinc in tissues of growing beef steers and heifers

In two separate studies, 60 beef heifers (379 kg BW) and 60 beef steers (348 kg BW) were randomly assigned to six treatments in 2×3 factorial arrangements. The treatments were with or without Synovex ® implants combined with either a control diet or diets supplemented with 200 ppm Zn from ZnSO 4 or zinc methionine (Zn-Met). Near the mid-point of the feeding periods, cattle were vaccinated with a modified live virus and subsequent titers and concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured. Liver and blood samples were obtained 1 week prior to the start of the experiments and at intervals during the experiments. In experiment 1, average daily gains of beef heifers were ( P<0.05) affected by the interaction of implant and source of dietary Zn. Compared to control and ZnSO 4 treatments, supplementation with Zn-Met increased ( P<0.05) the concentration of Zn in serum. Antibody titers and concentrations of IgG in serum were highest ( P<0.05) in heifers fed ZnSO 4 compared to heifers fed the control or Zn-Met supplemented diets. The Synovex-H ® implant reduced the concentrations of Zn and Cu in liver. In experiment 2, Synovex-S ® implants improved ( P<0.05) weight gains of steers supplemented with 200 ppm dietary Zn from ZnSO 4 compared to non-implanted steers. However, the implant had no effect when Zn-Met was the dietary Zn source. The implant increased ( P<0.05) concentrations of Zn in liver of steers supplemented with 200 ppm dietary Zn and reduced Zn in liver of steers fed the control diet. Implanted steers had higher ( P<0.05) Cu status and IgG concentrations in serum than non-implanted steers. Steers supplemented with either ZnSO 4 or Zn-Met had greater ( P<0.05) concentrations of Zn in liver and plasma than steers fed the control diet. These results indicate both the level and source of Zn supplementation in diets of feedlot cattle affect their response to growth implants.

Effects of an Estradiol Implant on Locoweed Consumption, Toxicity, and Recovery in Growing Beef Steers11This research was supported by funds from the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station and Grant #ARS 58-5428-6-122 from the USDA.

<h2>Abstract</h2> Two experiments were conducted to determine effects of an estradiol implant (Compudose®) on locoweed consumption and toxicity in growing steers. In Exp. 1, 16 crossbred steers (185.3 ± 6.1 kg) were randomly assigned to two replicated treatments and received either an estradiol implant or no implant. Steers were assigned to one of four pastures and were rotated through all pastures, which differed in locoweed distribution, to allow equal access. Bite counts were recorded twice daily at 0600 and 1700h during a period when steers were likely to consume locoweed. For bite counts, steers were observed for 5min each, starting at 0600 and at 1700 h, and the number of bites taken of cool- and warm-season grasses, forbs, and locoweed were recorded. Blood was collected on d 0, 7, 28, 35, 63, and 119, and individual BW was recorded on d 0, 35, 63, and 119. Proportion of bites of locoweed consumed by implanted vs nonimplanted steers did not differ (P>0.10). Likewise, ADG, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and thyroxine concentrations did not differ (P>0.10) between implanted and nonimplanted steers. In Exp. 2, 20 crossbred steers (212.3 ± 6.1 kg) were divided into four groups and individually fed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments included: 1) estradiol implant + locoweed, 2) implant, no locoweed, 3) no implant + locoweed, and 4) no implant, no locoweed. Steers were implanted at d 0 and fed either a ground forage diet containing 80% sudangrass hay and 20% locoweed, or a diet of 100% sudangrass hay. Implanted steers had improved ADG vs nonimplanted steers (P<0.10) through 63 d on trial, but no differences were observed in steers fed locoweed vs sudangrass hay diets (P>0.90; locoweed x implant, P>0.10). Alkaline phosphatase activity was greater (P<0.05) for steers fed locoweed vs those not receiving locoweed on d 7, 14, and 21, whereas, thyroxine concentration was lower (P<0.06) in steers fed locoweed than those not fed locoweed on d 14 and 21. Estradiol concentrations were greater in implanted steers vs those not implanted (P<0.05). These results suggest no effect of an estrogen implant on locoweed consumption or on severity of locoweed toxicity by beef steers.