Severe Liver Abscesses Research Articles

Successful Multidisciplinary Treatment of Severe Pyogenic Liver Abscess Caused by Fish Bone: A Case Report

Successful Multidisciplinary Treatment of Severe Pyogenic Liver Abscess Caused by Fish Bone: A Case Report

433 Use of polyclonal antibodies to improve the efficiency of rumen function

Abstract Technologies such as polyclonal antibody preparations (PAP) have been investigated as a tool to improve rumen function, by targeting specific bacteria or molecules. While PAP can be sourced from the serum of immunized mammals, isolating targeted avian-derived antibodies (immunoglobulin Y; IgY) from egg yolk gained popularity due to its reduced impact on hens and greater IgY concentration in yolks. Advantages of avian-derived PAP utilization include cost-effectiveness and convenient production, high stability, and reduced cross-reactivity compared with other PAPs. Furthermore, IgY does not activate the host immune complement system, as observed with PAP derived from mammalian serum. Several proposed strategies explain how PAP might protect the host. It is suggested that PAP can agglutinate bacteria, inhibit bacterial adhesion, suppress bacterial virulence factors, and neutralize toxins. Avian-derived PAP, mainly administered as a direct-fed product in beef and dairy cattle diets, has been studied for its impact on specific rumen microbial populations, especially during high-grain feeding. Research confirms the effectiveness of PAP-IgY in inhibiting the growth of targeted bacteria. In beef steers, feeding PAP-IgY against Streptococcus bovis and Fusobacterium necrophorum resulted in growth inhibition, while IgY against cellulolytic rumen bacteria also showed efficacy in reducing the growth of the targeted strains in vitro. In other studies, PAP-IgY targeting S. bovis and F. necrophorum increased ruminal pH in beef steers and heifers and dairy cows, while also cattle-fed PAP-IgY against F. necrophorum had reduced severity of liver abscesses. When performance was evaluated, PAP-IgY against S. bovis improved feed efficiency of feedlot beef steers, and milk production increased when dairy cows were supplemented with PAP-IgY against lipopolysaccharides, with no observed impact on cow health status. However, not all studies have consistently demonstrated positive effects of PAP-IgY on nutrient digestibility or on mitigating systemic inflammation during high-grain feeding. A recent study revealed that supplementation with PAP-IgY against Methanobrevibacter ruminantium M1 decreased methane output ex-situ and tended to increase molar proportion of propionate in beef steers. In summary, polyclonal antibody preparations, particularly avian-derived IgY, offer a promising alternative to improve rumen function and animal performance. This is evidenced by increased ruminal pH during high grain feeding, inhibition of targeted bacterial growth, and, most recently, methane reduction. However, not all studies demonstrate consistent effects regarding nutrient digestibility. Further research is needed to refine recommendations, including dosage and antibody combinations, and to explore the broader impacts of PAP-IgY supplementation on ruminal and systemic variables to optimize livestock performance.

164 Impact of varying dietary inclusion of modified distiller’s grains plus solubles weekly compared with constant inclusion on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract The use of distiller’s grains in feedlot diets was abundant due to supply and price, but the availability to feedlots and greater prices of distiller’s grains has led to reduced inclusion and more variation in supply, and thus, inclusion within the feeding period for cattle. The hypothesis was that varying inclusion of modified wet distiller’s grains plus solubles (MDGS) in the diet would negatively impact cattle performance due to changing dietary starch concentration and risk of acidosis. One solution to help with ruminal acidosis concerns with variable MDGS inclusion would be increasing roughage inclusion. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate if varying the inclusion of MDGS at normal and 2X normal roughage inclusion influences performance of finishing cattle. In this study, crossbred steers (n = 576) with an initial body weight (BW) = 379 kg (SD= 11 kg) were evaluated for performance and carcass traits over the 143 d on study. Two inclusions of grass hay (6% and 12%) and three treatments related to MDGS (no inclusion, constant inclusion at 25% MDGS, and varying inclusion between 15 and 35% MDGS) were tested in a 2 × 3 factorial. Variable inclusion was accomplished by randomly selecting inclusions of 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35% each week with inclusion averaging 25% over the entire feeding period. There was no interaction between grass hay inclusion and MDGS inclusion (P ≥ 0.67) for performance data except a tendency (P = 0.09) for a gain to feed (G:F) interaction. In treatments fed 12% hay, G:F increased for cattle fed either MDGS inclusion (25% constant or varying inclusion) compared with 0% MDGS. In cattle fed 6% hay, G:F was similar between 0, 25 constant or variable 25% MDGS treatments. There was not an interaction due to a different response of variable versus constant inclusion of MDGS when more hay was included, as hypothesized. The 25% constant MDGS and 25% variable MDGS treatments did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) in average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight, or G:F. There was a tendency for cattle fed varying inclusion of MDGS to eat less (P = 0.10), but this difference was small (0.1 kg/d). In general, cattle fed MDGS (constant or varying) had greater dry matter intake and ADG, with greater fatness and marbling compared with cattle fed without MDGS (P ≤ 0.01). As for the degree of liver abscess severity, there was no interaction between treatments. Our results show that although varying supply of MDGS in diets is not recommended or desired, if it occurs and inclusions vary from 15 to 35%, these weekly adjustments did not negatively affect gain or feed efficiency in this study.

A case of multidrug-resistant intractable pylephlebitis and intra-abdominal abscess due to perforated appendicitis successfully treated with open abdominal management

BackgroundPylephlebitis, a rare and lethal form of portal venous septic thrombophlebitis, often arises from infections in regions drained by the portal vein. Herein, we report a case of peritonitis with portal vein thrombosis due to acute severe appendicitis, managed with intensive intraperitoneal drainage via open abdominal management (OAM).Case presentationA 19-year-old male with severe appendicitis, liver abscesses, and portal vein thrombosis developed septic shock and multi-organ failure. After emergency interventions, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. Antibiotic treatment based on cultures revealing multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis and anticoagulation therapy (using heparin and edoxaban) was initiated. Despite continuous antibiotic therapy, the laboratory results consistently showed elevated levels of inflammatory markers. On the 13th day, open abdominal irrigation was performed for infection control. Extensive intestinal edema precluded wound closure, necessitating open-abdominal management in the intensive care unit. Anticoagulation therapy was continued, and intra-abdominal washouts were performed every 5 days. On the 34th day, wound closure was achieved using the anterior rectus abdominis sheath turnover method. The patient recovered successfully and was discharged on the 81st day.ConclusionsAlongside appropriate antibiotic selection, early surgical drainage and OAM are invaluable. This case underscores the potential of anticoagulation therapy in facilitating safe surgical procedures.

Evaluating the liver abscess microbiota of beef cattle during a reduction in tylosin supplementation shows differences according to abscess size and fraction.

Liver abscesses (LA) resulting from bacterial infection in cattle pose a significant global challenge to the beef and dairy industries. Economic losses from liver discounts at slaughter and reduced animal performance drive the need for effective mitigation strategies. Tylosin phosphate supplementation is widely used to reduce LA occurrence, but concerns over antimicrobial overuse emphasize the urgency to explore alternative approaches. Understanding the microbial ecology of LA is crucial to this, and we hypothesized that a reduced timeframe of tylosin delivery would alter LA microbiomes. We conducted 16S rRNA sequencing to assess severe liver abscess bacteriomes in beef cattle supplemented with in-feed tylosin. Our findings revealed that shortening tylosin supplementation did not notably alter microbial communities. Additionally, our findings highlighted the significance of sample processing methods, showing differing communities in bulk purulent material and the capsule-adhered material. Fusobacterium or Bacteroides ASVs dominated LA, alongside probable opportunistic gut pathogens and other microbes. Moreover, we suggest that liver abscess size correlates with microbial community composition. These insights contribute to our understanding of factors impacting liver abscess microbial ecology and will be valuable in identifying antibiotic alternatives. They underscore the importance of exploring varied approaches to address LA while reducing reliance on in-feed antibiotics.

Production and use of dry-rolled hybrid rye grain as a replacement for barley grain on growth performance and carcass quality of feedlot steers.

The objectives were to compare cereal grain and straw yield between barley and hybrid rye (HR) and to evaluate whether the inclusion of dry-rolled HR grain as a replacement for barley grain affected feed intake and growth for growing cattle, and feed intake, growth, and carcass characteristics for finishing cattle. Crop yield was measured by directly weighing harvested grain and straw bales (n = 3 plots/grain type). Three-hundred sixty steers with an initial body weight (BW) of 348 ± 40kg were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of the 24 pens during the growing phase (n = 8; 65 d). The control diet (BCON) included 60.22% barley grain with HR included by replacing 50 (BMID) or 100% (BHIGH) of the barley grain on a dry matter (DM) basis. Steers were re-randomized for the finishing phase (n = 6; 118 d) and treatments included a control diet containing 88.60% barley grain (FCON) with HR replacing 33 (FLOW), 67 (FMED), or 100% (FHIGH) of the barley grain (DM basis). The grain yield was greater (P = 0.04) and straw yield tended (P = 0.06) to be less for HR than barley. There were no effects of HR inclusion on DM intake (DMI) or G:F during the growing phase, but average daily gain (ADG) responded quadratically (P = 0.02) with cattle fed 50% HR having the greatest gain. During finishing, DMI decreased linearly as HR grain inclusion increased (P < 0.01). ADG initially increased from FCON to FLOW followed by a decrease with increasing HR inclusion (quadratic, P < 0.01), but G:F was not affected. Hot carcass weight was greatest for FCON with the magnitude of difference between FCON and the HR treatments increasing with increasing inclusion of HR (quadratic, P = 0.02). There was a linear increase in dressing percentage (P = 0.02) and a linear reduction in back fat thickness (P = 0.04) with increasing inclusion of HR. Increasing the inclusion of HR during finishing cubically (P < 0.01) affected the proportion of minor and severe liver abscesses with an average of 34.60% severely abscessed livers when HR was included compared to 11.11% for BCON. HR may have greater grain yield than barley, and partial replacement of barley grain with HR may improve ADG without affecting DMI or G:F during the growing phase. However, replacing barley grain in finishing diets with HR decreases DMI, and increases the risk of minor and severe liver abscesses, but does not affect feed conversion, suggesting HR should not replace more than 33% of the barley grain to maintain ADG.

Amebiasis as a sexually transmitted infection: A re-emerging health problem in developed countries.

Amebiasis, which is caused by Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), is the second leading cause of parasite-related death worldwide. It manifests from asymptomatic carriers to severe clinical conditions, like colitis and liver abscesses. Amebiasis is commonly seen in developing countries, where water and food are easily contaminated by feces because of the poor sanitation. However, a recently challenge in many developed countries is the increase in domestic cases of invasive amebiasis as a sexually transmitted infection (STI amebiasis). In contrast to food-/ waterborne transmission of E. histolytica in developing countries, transmission of STI amebiasis occurs directly through human-to-human sexual contact (e.g., men who have sex with men and people who engage in oral-anal sex); in this setting, asymptomatic infected individuals are the main reservoir of E. histolytica. The Development of screening methods for the early diagnosis of asymptomatic E. histolytica infection is the key to epidemiologic control. Moreover, delay in diagnosis of severe cases (e.g., fulminant amebiasis) leads to death even in developed countries. It is also important to increase clinical awareness of domestically transmitted STI amebiasis in the clinical settings. This review considers the changing epidemiology and clinical manifestations of STI amebiasis, and finally discusses the future strategies for the better practice.

PSXII-19 Effects of Feeding Hybrid Rye Grain as a Replacement for Barley Grain on Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Beef Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of increasing hybrid rye as a replacement for barley grain on feed intake, growth performance, and carcass characteristics for growing and finishing cattle. Commercial steers (n = 360) with an initial body weight (BW) of 348 ± 6.6 kg were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 24 pens (15 steers/pen) for growing (n = 8; 65 d) phase and re-randomized for the finishing (n = 6; 118 d) phase. The control diet (BCON) for the growing phase included 60.2% barley grain, 28.0% barley silage, 7.0% corn silage, 3.4% oat hulls, with the remainder as mineral, vitamins, and urea. Hybrid rye was then included by replacing 50 or 100% of the barley grain (DM basis). Treatments for the finishing phase included a control containing 10% hay, 85.2% barley grain, with the remainder coming from mineral and vitamins (FCON). Hybrid rye grain was included by replacing 33 (33R), 67 (67R), and 100% (100R) of the barley grain (DM basis). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure for each phase independently with carcass data analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS version 9.4; SAS Institute, Inc. Cary, NC). There was no effect of hybrid rye inclusion on DMI or G:F during the growing phase, but ADG increased quadratically (P = 0.04) with 50% rye having the greatest value. During finishing, DMI decreased linearly as hybrid rye inclusion increased (P = 0.03). Average daily gain was quadratically affected (P = 0.03) with an initial increase from FCON to 33% rye followed by a decrease with increasing rye grain inclusion, but G:F was not affected (0.148 kg BW/kg DMI). There was no effect of hybrid rye inclusion on hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, back-fat thickness, ribeye area, marbling score, and yield score. Increasing the inclusion of hybrid rye quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.01) increased the proportion of severe liver abscesses with an average of 34.6% severely abscessed livers when hybrid rye grain was included compared with 11.1% for FCON. Partial replacement of barley grain with hybrid rye may improve ADG without affecting DMI or G:F during the growing phase. However, replacing barley grain in finishing diets with hybrid rye decreases DMI, increases risk for severe liver abscesses, but does not affect feed conversion suggesting hybrid rye could replace up to 33% of the barley grain.

311 Evaluation of Post-Transit Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Feedlot Heifers Sourced and Finished in Different Regions of the U.S

Abstract The objective was to evaluate growth performance and carcass traits following transit of feedlot heifers sourced and finished in different geographical regions in the U.S. Yearling heifers [n = 190; initial body weight (BW) 483 and 425 kg for SD and TX sourced, respectively] were used in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of origin state (SD vs TX) and finishing state (SD vs TX). Heifers were allotted on d -1 into four treatments: sourced from SD and finished in SD (SD-SD), sourced from SD and finished in TX (SD-TX), sourced from TX and finished in SD (TX-SD), and sourced from TX and finished in TX (TX-TX). Heifers were weighed on d -1, 3, 15, 28, 56, 78 (TX-TX and SD-TX) and 90 (SD-SD and TX-SD). On d 0, SD-TX and TX-SD heifers were shipped to the finishing location and weighed the following morning (d 1) to determine transportation shrink. To monitor transportation effects, vaginal temperature probes were inserted into all SD-TX and TX-SD heifers and a portion of SD-SD and TX-TX heifers on d -1 and removed on d 3. Clinical attitude scores (CAS) were recorded on d -1, 0, 1, 2 and 3 for indications of bovine respiratory disease symptoms. The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used to analyze growth performance and carcass measures with fixed effects of origin and finishing state. The MIXED procedure was used for CAS and temperature data with the same fixed effects and time as a repeated measure. Transported heifers had reduced temperatures (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during transit and post-transit compared with non-transported heifers. Temperatures of transported heifers increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) during loading and unloading. On d 0, 1 and 3 there was a shift in the distribution of heifers that had a CAS score greater than 0 for TX-TX, SD-TX and TX-SD. Cattle endured high ambient temperatures (temperature humidity index value &amp;gt; 75) 54% and 18% of the feeding period for TX and SD finished heifers, respectively. All cumulative growth performance measures and carcass trait interactions were statistically significant (P &amp;lt; 0.05) besides initial BW, percent shrink of transported heifers, average daily gain, dressing percent, ribeye area and liver abscess severity, which were similar (P &amp;gt; 0.30). There was a shift in the distribution (P &amp;lt; 0.05) towards a greater proportion of Yield Grade 1 and Select carcasses for heifers fed in TX compared with those fed in SD, likely due to fewer days on feed. Overall, heifers transported to higher ambient temperatures had reduced dry matter intake, quality grades (QG) and limited growth recovery (45 kg lighter) compared with non-transported heifers. Heifers transported to lower ambient temperatures recovered growth and had improved QG at the same level of rib fat compared with non-transported heifers.

106 Using a Novel Direct-Fed Microbial as an Alternative for Tylosin Phosphate to Control Liver Abscesses and Decrease Antimicrobial Use in Finishing Beef Steers

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate the use of a novel direct-fed microbial as an alternative to antimicrobials to decrease liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. Angus beef steers (n = 240; initial BW = 263 ± 18.0 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design comprised of 3 BW blocks and 3 pen replications per treatment. Experimental treatments were randomly assigned to pen within BW block and consisted of: 1) negative control, dietary supplement contained no tylosin phosphate (NCON); 2) positive control, dietary supplement contained tylosin phosphate (PCON); 3) positive control with tylosin phosphate removed the last 65 d of the feeding period (PCONW); and 4) novel direct-fed microbial fed at 1 g mixture/animal with 1 × 1011 CFU/g (DFM). By design, initial BW did not differ (P = 0.79) among treatments, and at the end of the 59-d receiving period, there were no differences in final BW (P = 0.25). From d 0 to d 30, ADG, DMI, DMI as a percentage of BW, and G:F did not differ (P ≥ 0.21). Likewise, ADG, DMI, DMI as a percentage of BW, and G:F, from d 31 to d 59, were not different (P ≥ 0.30). From d 0 to d 59, there were no differences in ADG, DMI, DMI as a percentage of BW, nor G:F (P ≥ 0.20). During the finishing period, live- and carcass-adjusted final BW did not differ (P ≥ 0.57) among treatments. During the finishing period, there were also no differences in ADG, DMI, DMI as a percentage of BW, or G:F (P ≥ 0.17). Carcass-adjusted ADG, DMI as a percentage of BW, and G:F also did not differ (P ≥ 0.16). Across treatments, no differences in HCW were noted (P = 0.84). Dressing percentage, marbling score, longissimus dorsi (LM) area, 12th-rib fat thickness, and calculated yield grade (YG) were not different among dietary treatments (P ≥ 0.32). Liver abscess incidence and severity were not affected by dietary treatments (P ≥ 0.13). The inclusion of a novel direct-fed microbial in finishing cattle diets did not affect growth performance, carcass characteristics, nor the prevalence of liver abscesses. However, the removal of tylosin phosphate 65 d before harvest numerically resulted in the lowest frequency of severe liver abscesses when compared with steers not fed tylosin phosphate.

164 Effect of Processing Method of Hybrid rye on Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary net Energy Utilization, and Carcass Characteristics of Yearling Steers fed a Finishing Diet

Abstract Predominantly Angus steers were used in a 147-day randomized complete block design experiment (RCBD) to evaluate the effects of rye processing method on growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics. Steers [n = 192, initial body weight (BW) = 410 ± 20.9 kg] were individually weighed and allotted to 1 of 24 pens (n = 8 steers/pen; 6 pens/treatment). Four treatments were used where hybrid rye grain (total ergot alkaloid concentration = 1,007 ppb, DM basis) was processed using three different methods [unprocessed (UP); dry-rolled (DR); or hammer-milled (HM)] fed at 17% of diet DM along with 43% dry-rolled corn (DRC) compared with a control diet containing 60% DRC on a DM basis (CON). Data were analyzed as an RCBD using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with treatment as the fixed effect and block (Pen location) as the random effect; pen was the experimental unit. No differences (P ≥ 0.44) were observed among treatments for live final BW or average daily gain (ADG). Dry matter intake (DMI) was greater for HM (12.27 kg) compared with CON and DR (11.84 and 11.48 kg, respectively) with DR having 4.9% less DMI compared with UP (P = 0.01; SEM = 0.200). UP and HM treatments tended to have 4.8% poorer G:F compared with CON and DR (P = 0.07). Dietary treatments did not affect carcass traits, percent empty body fatness (EBF), or final BW at 28% EBF (P ≥ 0.23). Distributions of USDA Quality or Yield grades were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.23), nor was the incidence or severity of liver abscesses (P = 0.25). Estimated NEm and NEg values of the diet for UP (1.90 and 1.26 Mcal/kg, respectively) were reduced compared with CON and DR (1.98 and 1.32 Mcal/kg, respectively), with HM intermediate (P = 0.05, SEM = 0.033 and 0.029 for NEm and NEg, respectively). Net energy values for UP and HM rye were within 7% of current feeding standards when calculated using the substitution method. Rolling increased apparent ingredient NEg for rye by 30.1% compared with UP or HM rye. Processing rye grain by dry-rolling increased dietary net energy values and tended to improve gain efficiency compared with not processing or using a hammer mill. Rye grain can be partially substituted for DRC with negligible impact on growth performance or carcass measures.

311 Evaluation of Rumen Protected B-Vitamin Blend on Finishing Steer Growth Performance, Efficiency of Dietary net Energy Utilization, Carcass Trait Responses, and Liver Abscess Prevalence and Severity

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence that a rumen-protected B-vitamin (RPBV) blend (containing pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, biotin, and cyanocobalamin; Vivalto, Trouw Nutrition, Isola Vicentina, Italy) had on growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, carcass trait responses, and liver abscess severity and prevalence in beef steers fed a finishing diet. Steers (n = 246; initial shrunk body weight (BW) = 411 ± 25.8 kg) from two sources, were used in a 126-d randomized complete block design experiment. Within 48 h after arrival, steers were individually weighed and allotted to one of 24 pens (n = 10 to 12 steers; 8 pens/treatment) and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) No RPBV; 2) RPBV1 at 1 g/hd/d; 3) RPBV2 at 2 g∙animal-1∙d-1/. During the first 14 d cattle received two transition diets. From d 15 to d 126 cattle were fed the final diet containing 53% dry-rolled corn; 23% corn silage; 20% MDGS; and 4% suspended supplement. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS 9.4 with treatment as the fixed effect and block (Pen location) as the random effect; pen was considered the experimental unit. No differences (P ≥ 0.13) were found for dry matter intake, final live BW, average daily gain (ADG), or feed efficiency (G:F) among treatments. Carcass-adjusted final BW, ADG, and G:F were not influenced by treatment (P ≥ 0.59). Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, marbling score, kidney-pelvic-heart fat, or BW at 28% empty body fat did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.11). Rib eye area (REA) was altered (quadratic effect, P = 0.02) by treatment; steers from RPBV 1g had decreased REA compared with others. Additionally, calculated yield grade (YG) and calculated retail yield (RY) were altered (quadratic effect, P ≤ 0.01) by treatment; steers from RPBV 1 g had increased YG and decreased RY compared with others. Estimated empty body fatness tended (P = 0.06) to be greater from steers fed RPBV compared with control. Overall USDA YG distribution was altered by dietary treatment (P = 0.01). The proportions of YG1 and YG5 carcasses were unaffected by treatment, but there was a shift in the proportion of carcasses that graded YG2, YG3, and YG4 among treatments. Distribution of USDA Quality Grade was not altered by treatment (P = 0.53). No differences were observed on liver abscesses among treatments. The use of RPBV altered carcass muscularity and rib fat accumulation which impacted the overall YG distribution. However, RPBV did not appreciably influence any cumulative growth performance measures liver abscess incidence or severity.

312 Evaluation of Dietary Roughage Manipulation During the Feeding of Ractopamine Hydrochloride as a Method to Improve Ruminal Health and Control Liver Abscess Severity in Feedlot Steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if additional roughage inclusion to feedlot steer finishing diets during the feeding of ractopamine hydrochloride (RH) is an effective method to improve rumen health and control liver abscess severity. Steers [n = 64; initial shrunk body weight (SBW) = 633 kg ± 35.1 kg] were sourced from an unrelated trial and remained in their previous study pens; pens (n = 8) were assigned to dietary treatment in a completely randomized design. All steers on trial were fed a common 7% [dry matter (DM) basis] roughage equivalent (RE) finishing diet composed of dry-rolled corn, dried distillers grains plus solubles, corn silage, and grass hay for the 58 d preceding study initiation. Steers were fitted with rumination tags to track daily rumination. Dietary treatments were CON: no diet change; and 12R: 5% (DM basis) RE addition to diet via grass hay during the feeding of RH. Steers were fed RH (300 mg/steer/d), finished on treatment diets for 28 d, and harvested at a commercial beef processor. Growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy (NE) utilization, and continuous carcass data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit (EU) and fixed effect of treatment. Minutes ruminating was analyzed as an analysis of covariance with individual animal as the EU, fixed effects of treatment, days on feed (DOF) and their interaction, and baseline minutes ruminating as a covariate in the model. Liver abscess prevalence, rumen health, and categorical carcass data were analyzed with the Fisher’s exact test to determine differences between treatments. No difference (P ≥ 0.19) was observed for final SBW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion efficiency, dressing percentage, hot carcass weight, calculated yield grade, marbling score, 12th rib fat thickness, calculated empty body fat, observed dietary NE for maintenance and gain, observed-to-expected dietary NE for maintenance and gain, or distribution of liver abscess prevalence, ruminitis score, or USDA yield grade. Ribeye area tended (P = 0.10) to differ between treatments with 12R steers exhibiting a 3.5% larger ribeye. Distribution of USDA quality grade differed (P = 0.003) between treatments with 12R steers having 25% more carcasses grading USDA average choice or better. A treatment × DOF interaction (P = 0.045) was observed for minutes ruminating per day. Daily minutes ruminating was increased (P ≤ 0.05) for 12R on d 1, 2, and 20 and tended to be increased (P ≤ 0.10) for 12R on days 10, 13, 24, and 25. Inclusion of an additional 5% RE to finishing cattle diets during a 28 d RH feeding period can be a management strategy to decrease risk of digestive upsets without sacrificing growth performance or carcass quality.

Short-season high-moisture shelled corn, snaplage, or corn silage as a partial replacement for dry-rolled barley grain or barley silage in western Canadian beef cattle finishing diets

The objective was to evaluate the replacement of barley-based ingredients with short-season high-moisture corn products on steer growth performance and carcass characteristics. Over 2 years, 320 beef steers (528 ± 36.2 kg initial body weight) were assigned to 32 pens (4 pens/treatment/year). Treatments were finishing diets that contained dry-rolled barley grain and barley silage (BGBS; control), barley grain and corn silage (BGCS), high-moisture shelled corn and barley grain with barley silage (HCBS), or snaplage (included as a silage and grain source) with barley grain (SNAP). Steers were fed for 99 days and 72 days in years 1 and 2, respectively. Steers fed BGCS did not differ ( P ≥ 0.13) from BGBS for dry matter intake, average daily gain, gain:feed, or carcass characteristics. Steers fed HCBS had greater ( P ≤ 0.05) hot carcass weight and dressing percentage than BGBS. A lesser ( P = 0.02) proportion of steers fed SNAP had severe liver abscesses than BGBS. We concluded that corn silage can replace barley silage, 50% replacement of barley grain with high-moisture shelled corn may improve hot carcass weight, and replacement of barley silage and some barley grain with snaplage decreases the proportion of cattle with severe liver abscesses at slaughter.

Evaluation of tylosin phosphate supplementation over strategic durations on the incidence and severity of liver abscesses in cattle fed in confinement

Evaluation of tylosin phosphate supplementation over strategic durations on the incidence and severity of liver abscesses in cattle fed in confinement

Effect of dry or temper rolling of high- or low-protein wheat and its impact on rumen parameters, growth performance, and liver abscesses in feedlot cattle

This study assessed the impact of dry- (DR) versus temper-rolled (TR) and low- (13%, LP) versus high-protein (18%, HP) wheat on ruminal fermentation, growth, and liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. Crossbred Angus steers (302 ± 34 kg; n = 160; 24 ruminally cannulated) were used in a backgrounding (BG) to finishing (FN) trial. The BG diet consisted of 60% barley silage, 35% wheat, and 5% supplement, and the FN diet contained 10% barley silage, 85% wheat, and 5% supplement (dry matter basis). Four transition (TN) diets were used to adapt cattle to the FN diet. A numerical increase in large particles and reduction in small particles occurred when both HP and LP wheat were TR, with this response being greater for HP wheat. Steers experienced lower ( P ≤ 0.03) ruminal pH with HP-DR and LP-TR than HP-TR wheat during TN. Steers fed HP wheat BG diets tended to exhibit greater ( P ≤ 0.09) gain:feed and NEg than steers fed LP wheat. Greater ( P = 0.01) average daily gains were exhibited by FN steers fed LP wheat. Liver abscesses were more ( P &lt; 0.001) severe with HP wheat. While HP wheat improved the growth of BG cattle, it increased the severity of liver abscesses during FN.

Evaluation of long-term supplementation of a direct-fed microbial and enzymatically hydrolyzed yeast cell culture product on feedlot growth performance, efficiency of dietary net energy utilization, heat stress measures, and carcass characteristics in beef steers.

The objective of this research was to determine the influence of long-term supplementation (258 d) of a direct-fed microbial (DFM) and yeast cell wall (YCW) product used alone or in combination on growth performance, dietary net energy utilization, and carcass characteristics in beef steers finished under climatic conditions in the Northern Plains (NP). Single-sourced Charolais × Red Angus steers [n = 256; body weight = 246 ± 1.68 kg] were blocked by pen location in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of DFM and YCW. Steers were administered a series of diets common to the NP and administered ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 300 mg/kg) during the last 28 d of the finishing phase. Steers were vaccinated and poured at processing and individually weighed on days 1, 14, 42, 77, 105, 133, 161, 182, 230, and 258. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated during RH supplementation. For 98% of the experiment, the THI was lower than 72 and thus cattle were not under high-ambient temperature. On days 1, 2, 21, and 22 of RH supplementation, respiration rates (RR), and panting scores (PS) were determined before and after AM and PM feedings (0700 h, 1100 h, 1400 h, and 1700 h). A DFM + YCW interaction was noted for the proportion of steers categorized as PS 2.0 at 1100 h on day 21 (P = 0.03) and RR on day 21 at 1400 h (P = 0.02). Control steers had a greater proportion of PS 2.0 compared to DFM or YCW steers (P ≤ 0.05), while DFM + YCW steers did not differ from others (P ≥ 0.05); DFM + YCW steers had greater (P < 0.05) RR compared to DFM steers, while control and YCW steers did not differ from others (P ≥ 0.05). No DFM + YCW interactions or main effects (P ≥ 0.05) were observed for cumulative growth performance measures. However, YCW steers had 2% lower (P = 0.04) dry matter intakes compared to steers not fed YCW. No DFM + YCW interactions or main effects (P ≥ 0.05) were observed for carcass traits or liver abscess severity. However, a DFM + YCW interaction (P < 0.05) was noted for the distribution of USDA yield grade (YG) 1 and Prime carcasses. Control steers had a greater proportion (P < 0.05) of YG 1 carcasses compared to other treatments. DFM+YCW steers had a greater proportion (P < 0.05) of USDA Prime carcasses compared to DFM or YCW but were similar to control steers, which were also similar to DFM or YCW. Overall, the use of DFM and YCW alone or in combination had minimal effects on growth performance, carcass traits, and heat stress measures in steers finished in NP climatic conditions.

Evaluation of an experimental bio-nutrient feedlot premix on health, growth performance, carcass merit, and prevalence and severity of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle managed under a natural feeding protocol

This research evaluates the efficacy of an experimental diet premix on growth performance, carcass traits, liver abscesses, lung lesions, and health of naturally raised feedlot cattle. A randomized complete block design trial was conducted at a commercial feedlot using 32 pens of steers and heifers (initial BW = 382 kg) and fed an average of 223 d. Antimicrobials, medicated feed additives, or growth-promoting implants were not administered. Treatments included (1) standard diets (CON) and (2) standard diets including a premix (TST) providing lysine and glutamic acid complexes of zinc and manganese, cobalt pectinate, organic iodine (ethylenediamine dihydroiodide), and rumen protected folate. Mortality rate was not affected (P = 0.68) by treatment. Removal for respiratory issues and the natural program fallout rate were greater (P < 0.01) for TST cattle compared with CON. Control cattle had greater DMI, final BW, ADG, and carcass weight (P ≤ 0.05) compared with TST. Control cattle had greater G:F than TST cattle when deads and fallouts were included (P = 0.02), but not when deads and fallouts were excluded (P = 0.92). Percentage carcasses qualifying for each USDA quality grade category did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.07). No treatment differences were observed for the percentage of abscessed livers (P = 0.62) or for the percentage of cattle with lung lesions (P = 0.51). The TST diet premix evaluated did not improve growth performance, carcass merit, or feedlot health attributes under the conditions of this study.

159 Effect of dry or Temper Rolling of High or low Protein Wheat and its Impact on Rumen Parameters, Liver Abscesses, and Growth Performance of Feedlot Cattle

Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the impact of low (13%, LP) or high protein (18%, HP) wheat grain subjected to dry (DR) vs temper rolling (TR) on growth performance, rumen parameters, and liver abscesses of feedlot steers. A backgrounding (BG) to finishing (FN) feedlot trial was performed using 160 302 ± 34 kg; 24 ruminally cannulated) Angus steers blocked by weight and randomly assigned to 16 pens. Cannulated steers (3 per pen) were housed within 8 pens equipped with a feed intake monitoring system. BG diets contained 35% wheat grain, 60% barley silage, and 5% supplement on a DM basis. Transition (TN) diets included sequential increases to the proportion of wheat grain in the total mixed ration to achieve a FN diet comprised of 85% wheat grain, 10% barley silage, and 5% supplement. Rumen pHs were measured with an indwelling logger and rumen samples were collected in each phase. Steers fed the HP-DR and LP-TR diets had lower (P≤0.03) ruminal pH than HP-TR during the TN phase. Tempering HP wheat reduced (P&amp;lt;0.001) the generation of fine particles during rolling. During BG and TN, steers fed diets containing HP wheat had higher (P&amp;lt;0.001) ruminal NH3 concentrations than the LP treatments. NH3 measurements during the FN phase were higher (P=0.01) for the LP-DR treatment compared to the LP-TR treatment. Greater (P≤0.01) C2:C3 ratios were noted for HP wheat diets during the BG and FN phases whereas the C2:C3 ratio was reduced (P&amp;lt;0.001) with TR wheat during the FN phase. Greater (P= 0.01) NEgs were assessed for FN steers fed LP wheat. Steers fed HP wheat had more severe (P&amp;lt;0.001) abscesses. Results suggest that HP wheat may limit the growth performance of FN cattle and increase the severity of liver abscesses.

Assessment of corn wet distillers grains fed to crossbred bulls on feeding behavior, rumen morphology, liver abscesses and blood parameters.

Corn ethanol production has been growing in Brazil in the last ten years, generating by-products to feedlot diets. This study evaluates the effects of the inclusion of low-fat corn wet distillers grains (LF-WDG) on feeding behavior, ruminal health, liver abscesses and blood parameters of F1 Angus-Nellore bulls feedlot finished. Our hypothesis is that evaluation of data from feeding behavior, rumen and liver health would help to explain animal performance. In this trail, one-hundred animals were fed for 129 days with diets containing amounts of 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% of LF-WDG replacing corn grain and soybean meal. Evaluations of fluctuation of dry matter intake (DMI) were carried out. Additionally, feeding behavior data were assessed by monitoring (24-h period) the feeding, rumination, time spent eating (TSE), and time expended on other activities (resting and number of meals per day). Blood variables such as pH, bicarbonate, total CO2 content, and base excess in extracellular fluid (Beecf) were determined. After slaughter, rumen epithelium was classified according to the incidence of lesions (rumenitis) and abnormalities (papillae clumped), and samples were collected for morphology and histology evaluations. Moreover, livers were scored for severity of abscesses as follow: as unabscessed (0), one or two small abscesses (A−), two to four small active abscesses (A) or one or more large, active abscesses (A+). The DMI (kg/day) differed (P = 0.03) among treatments and there is a tendency of 15 and 30 LF-WDG (% DM) had lower %DMI fluctuation compared to 0 or 45%. The TSE increased linearly (P < 0.01) as the amounts of inclusion of LF-WDG increased. Moreover, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake, NDF consumption rate and NDF rumination efficiency increased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. The incidence of rumenitis tended (P = 0.08) to be greater at 45% LF-WDG, while keratin thickness decreased linearly in bulls fed LF-WDG (P < 0.01). The severity of liver abscesses (score A+) increased linearly (P = 0.02). Regarding blood parameters, only Beecf decreased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to LF-WDG feeding. Therefore, the hypothesis of the current study was confirmed. We previous reported that F1 Angus-Nellore bulls fed LF-WDG show greater weight gain (1.94 ± 0.09 kg/day) and final body weight (620 ± 18.8 kg) when compare to control (1.8 ± 0.09 kg/day and 602 ± 18.8 kg, respectively). Here, we conclude that inclusion of 15 to 30% LF-WDG in feedlot diets improved feeding behavior without impairing ruminal health and blood parameters, driving performance and weigh gain of crossbred bulls. However, bulls fed 45% LF-WDG had greater severity of liver abscesses.