SAES-422: NCCC208

NCCC208: Nutrition and Management of Feedlot Cattle to Optimize Performance, Carcass Value and Environmental Compatibility (NCT192)

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [07/29/2009] [07/26/2010] [09/03/2011] [07/13/2012]

Date of Annual Report: 07/29/2009

Report Information:

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/19/09 to 05/21/09

Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

Participants:

Brown, Mike (msbrown@mail.wtamu.edu)-West Texas A&M University Loerch, Steve (Loerch.1@osu.edu)-Ohio State University Loy, Dan (dloy@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University Vasconcelos, Judson (vasconcelos2@unl.edu) -University of Nebraska Rust, Steven (rust@msu.edu)- Michigan State University Wagner, John (John.Wagner@colostate.edu)Colorado State University Williams, Jim (williamsje@missouri.edu) University of Missouri Randunz, Amy University of Wisconsin Turzillo, Adele (aturzillo@csrees.usda.gov) CSREES Schoomaker, Jon (jschoonm@purdue.edu)Purdue University Holland, Ben South Dakota State University Shike, Dan University of Illinois Swanson, Kendall (kswanson@uoguelph.ca)invited guest, University of Guelph, ON

URL: Copy of participant list

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

URL: Copy of minutes

Accomplishments:

Short-term Outcomes: Use of the growing supply of biofuel co-products in cattle diets increases the economic sustainability of beef cattle production without impacting beef quality or safety. The research projects identified the impact of inclusion rates of corn co-products on average daily gain, feed to gain and carcass characteristics. The impact of co-products appears to be greater in dry rolled or high moisture than steam-flaked corn diets.. Adoption of co-product feeding in the feedlots has been significant. Survey results indicate that nearly 91% of cattle on feed in Nebraska in 2007 were fed corn-co-products. This high adoption rate demonstrates the producers confidence in the use of corn co-products in feedlot diets to maintain performance, food safety and profitability.. In addition, valuing manure at 2008 fertilizer nutrient prices and feeding 20% or 40% WDGS instead of feeding corn-based diets improved the profitability by $7 to $17 per steer finished ($4 to $11 per ton of manure) due to the higher nitrogen and phosphorous levels in the manure. Furthermore, limit feeding corn co-product was shown to extend forage supplies in beef cow calf operations. Glycerol, a co-product of soy biodiesel, can replace up to 15% of corn in feedlot rations as well. This research on feeding biofuel co-products contributes to the confidence and high adoption rates that have saved beef producers millions of dollars annually and significantly increase the value of co-products to biofuel producers.

Research on production systems identified production, quality, profit and risk management opportunities for beef producers. Multiple year comparisons of calf-fed and yearling programs found similar profits between the two programs but less market risk with calf-feds. Factors affecting profitability among steers sired by Simmental or Angus bulls were largely due to yield grade, marbling score, and feed conversion while sire and carcass weight were minor factors. Adoption of these findings will initially improve farm profitability and ultimately reduce beef cost to consumers.

Outputs: In the last year members of the project produced: " 48 Peer reviewed journal articles or book chapters " 108 Technical articles and extension publications " 89 Abstracts " 82 Presentations " 12 Courses or curriculums.

Activities: A total of 80 research trials covering 4 objectives were conducted and reported upon by members of the project.

Objective 1. To enhance the utilization of alternative feedstuffs including those which are available as a result of increased biofuel production while reducing reliance on cereal grains.

" The effect of ensilage storage duration and proportion of wet distillers grains and straw on in situ dry matter disappearance. " Influence of starch intake at a young age on gene expression in early-weaned steers. " Effects of feeding wet distillers grain plus solubles on feedlot manure value. " Effect of dietary cation-anion difference on feedlot performance, nitrogen mass balance and manure pH in open feedlot pens. " Effect of dietary cation-anion difference on intake and urinary pH in high concentrate diets. " Composting or stockpiling feedlot manure: Nutrient concentration and recovery. " Effects of environmental factors on body temperature of feedlot cattle. " Effects of surface soil temperature on daily water intake in feedlot cattle. " Profit variability for calf-fed and yearling production systems. " Effects of sorting cattle by weight and time of year on finishing performance, carcass characteristics and economics. " An economic overview of ethanol co-product utilization in Nebraska. " Effect of low phytate corn and phytase on nutrient excretion and performance of feedlot cattle " Effects of wet corn distillers grain with solubles and non-protein nitrogen on growth performance and carcass characteristics of yearling steers. " Reducing phosphorus inputs for grazing Holstein steers. " Beef cattle feeding in a bedded hoop barn:Three year summary.

Objective 2. To enhance quality and safety of beef through emerging pre-harvest technologies and management strategies.

" The impact of trace mineral source, water quality, and short term chlorine supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. " Effect of feeding ethanol by-products on performance and marbling deposition in steers fed high-concentrate or high-forage diets. " Isolation, identification, and effects of the co-culture of M. Elsdenii, strain RK02 and E. Faecium, strain RK03 on ruminal fermentation in vitro. " Effects of Megasphaera elsdenii (RK02) with Enterococcus faecium (RK03) on fermentation characteristics in the rumen of steers fed a concentrate diet and of steers induced into acute acidosis. " Impact of distillers grain and glycerin on cattle fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 " Feeding distillers grains and E. coli O157:H7. " Effect of dietary vitamin A and D on finishing beef cattle. " The influence of feeding various levels of wet and dry corn distillers grain to yearling steers on carcass characteristics, meat quality and retail case life of longissimus muscle. " Genotype by diet effect on fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat in beef steers. " Extended withdrawal of zilpaterol hydrochloride: Effects on performance, carcass traits, meat tenderness and retail cutout of finishing beef steers. " Effects of dietary fat and crude protein on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, circulating plasma metabolites, and meat quality in steers fed differing levels of distillers dried grains with solubles. " Effects of added protein and dietary fat on lamb performance and carcass characteristics when fed differing levels of dried distillers grain with solubles. " Effects of distillers dried grain with solubles and crude glycerin on performance, carcass characteristics, and metabolite concentrations in early weaned beef calves. " Effects of differing levels of glycerol supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers. " Effects of crude glycerin on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of market lambs. " Effects of crude glycerin on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing wether lambs.

Objective 3. To enhance the environmental sustainability of the feedlot industry through N, P, K, and S management by improving nutrient utilization and excreted nutrient conservation. " The effect of beta-agonists and crude protein withdrawal on growth performance, nitrogen retention, nitrogen excretion and ammonia emissions from the surface of feedlot pens. " Oscillating dietary protein in finishing cattle rations to reduce nitrogen inputs, with or without subcutaneous implants does not affect performance or final carcass composition. " Influence of feed efficiency on profitability of individually fed feedlot cattle. " Feedlot performance of Holstein steers fed treated-wheat straw-distillers grain diets as a corn replacement pellet. " Understanding biological sources of variation in residual feed intake. " Factors affecting profitability of steers sired by Simmental and Angus bulls. " Animal performance, storage losses and feasibility of ensiling a mixture of Tub ground low quality hay and wet distillers grain for growing cattle. " Evaluation of beef growing and finishing systems to reduce corn use. " Effects of feeding distillers grain on fat deposition in feedlot cattle. " Timing of Optaflexx inclusion in feedlot diets on performance and carcass characteristics of beef steers. " Value of spayed heifers during backgrounding, and evaluation of implant strategies for spayed and intact heifers during the finishing phase " Evaluation of interventions to reduce negative effects of S in distillers grain-based diets " The assessment of complex I concentration in muscle mitochondria of crossbred steers with high and low residual feed intake (RFI). " Relationship between residual feed intake, diet, production traits and serum concentrations of glucose, insulin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in beef steers. " Limiting time of access to round bales of hay with additional co-product supplementation for wintering fall-calving beef cows. " Using wet corn gluten feed to adapt cattle to finishing diets. " The effects on ruminal pH, feed intake and digestibility when using wet corn gluten feed to adapt cattle to finishing diets. " Effect of the grains-to-solubles ratio in diet containing wet distillers grain ± solubles fed to finishing steers. " Effects of substituting wet distillers grain with solubles in a wet corn gluten feed-based diet on finishing performance. " Wet gistillers grain plus solubles or solubles in feedlot diets containing wet corn gluten feed. " Cattle performance and economic analysis of diets containing wet distillers grain and dry-rolled or steam-flaked corn. " Effects of wet corn gluten feed and roughage inclusion levels in finishing diets containing modified distillers grain plus solubles. " Effects of roughage source and level with the inclusion of wet distillers grain on ruminal metabolism and nutrient digestibility. " Effects of feeding high levels of byproducts in different combinations to finishing steers. " Sulfur in distillers grain. " Ruminal sulfide levels in corn byproduct diets with varying roughage levels. " Hydrogen sulfide gas levels post feeding. " Effects of Rumensin® and Tylan® in finishing diets with wet distillers grain plus solubles. " Impact of a new direct-fed microbial on intake and ruminal pH. " Effect of weaning and production management strategies on calf growth and carcass traits " Effects of distillers dried grain with solubles on growing and finishing steer intake, performance, carcass characteristics, color and sensory attributes " Effects of dietary prepartum energy source on post-natal skeletal muscle development and growth in offspring of beef cattle. " Effects of limit feeding dried distillers grain on feed efficiency, growth, diet digestibility, and carcass characteristics. " Effects of copper supplementation on cattle limit fed 60% DDGS diets. " Effects of nutrient restriction during early gestation on carcass and organ weights of beef steers. " Effects of dried distillers grain during preconditioning on subsequent wheat pasture and finishing performance of fall-weaned beef steers. " Distillers grain in flaked corn diets. " Performance and economic assessment of two management systems for spring-born calves. " Effects of Mannheimia haemolytica challenge on blood gas, oxygen consumption and net splanchnic flux of volatile fatty acids in fed or fasted steers. " Effect of water consumption on rumen temperature. " Rumen temperature monitoring for determination of health. " Sorting heifers with high risk of bovine respiratory disease based on arrival serum haptoglobin concentration. " Animal performance and blood gas variables of steers pulled and/or treated for Bovine Respiratory Disease. " A comparison of a single vaccination to vaccination and revaccination with a modified live IBRV-BVDV (type 1 and 2)-PI3V-BRSV vaccine in the prevention of bovine respiratory disease. " The effects of co-ensiling wet distillers grain plus solubles with haylage on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. " Effects of an insect growth regulator on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot heifers. " Effects of a direct-fed microbial containing Bacillus subtilis strains on health and performance of high-risk calves. " A pilot study assessing the efficacy of Morinda Citrifolia extract of health and growth performance of high-risk calves. " Finishing steers with diets based on corn, high-tannin sorghum, or a mix of both: feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and beef sensory attributes.

Objective 4. To enhance the health and production efficiency of feedlot cattle through management strategies and technologies which enhance cattle comfort and well-being. " The effect of steam-flaked corn storage method on enzymatic starch availability and in situ dry matter disappearance.

Milestones: " Add additional members interested in the project objectives during 2009-10.

Impact Statements:

Initial results have identified the relative value and optimal inclusion rates of specific biofuel co-products in diets containing dry rolled or steam flaked corn. The impact of co-product feeding on manure nutrients and the value of the manure in cropping systems was evaluated. Initial analysis was completed on the potential for efficiency enhancing technologies to reduce the loss of nutrients to the environment creating a win-win of improved production efficiency and lower cost beef for consumers and improved environmental performance from cattle feedlots.
Members conducted 80 research projects related to the stated objectives. They published 48 peer reviewed journal articles or book chapters, 108 technical articles and extension publications, and 89 abstracts; made 82 presentations and developed 12 courses or curriculums. These activities and outputs have furthered the science on utilizing biofuel co-products, enhancing beef quality and safety, increased environmental sustainability of feedlots through improved nutrient utilization and management and improved the health and production efficiency of feedlot cattle.
Research on production systems identified production, quality, profit and risk management opportunities for beef producers. Multiple year comparisons of calf-fed and yearling programs found similar profits between the two programs but less market risk with calf-feds. Factors affecting profitability among steers sired by Simmental or Angus bulls were largely due to yield grade, marbling score, and feed conversion while sire and carcass weight were minor factors. Adoption of these findings will initially improve farm profitability and ultimately reduce beef cost to consumers.

Last Modified: 30-Jul-2009

Date of Annual Report: 07/26/2010

Report Information:

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/25/10 to 05/27/10

Period the Report Covers: 10/2008 to 09/2009

Participants:

Loy, Dan Iowa State Hansen, Stephanie Hansen Iowa State Erickson, Galen University of Nebraska Schoonmaker, Jon Purdue Loerch, Steve The Ohio State Felix, Tara The Ohio State Richards, Chris Oklahoma State Reinhardt, Chris Kansas State Holland, Ben South Dakota State Schaefer, Dan University of Wisconsin Radunz, Amy University of Wisconsin Rust, Steve Michigan State Eun, Jong-Su Utah State DiCostanzo, Alfredo University of Minnesota Crawford, Grant University of Minnesota Brown, Mike West Texas A&M MacDonald, Jim Texas AgriLife Research

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

An agenda was prepared and circulated before the meeting and arrangements were made to transport attendees from the Amarillo airport to Canyon as needed. The meeting was called to order by secretary Mike Brown at 3 pm on May 25, 2010. A conference line was established for the meeting for John Lawrence and Steve Smith to join via telephone. Steve provided an update on the NIFA program and encouraged all to supply stakeholder input by the June 7 deadline to help shape the future direction of the program. Steve Loerch described challenges he has encountered in the time that elapsed between notice of 2 awards last October and receipt of capital the following April to begin the work. Steve Smith indicated that he would welcome helping to address issues like this for the committee. John Lawrence posed several questions to Steve Smith on the NIFA program. The first question was when to expect the next round of requests for proposals. Steve indicated that they are trying to return to the normal timeline with adequate notice, but indicated that political struggles in Washington could cause a delay in achieving this objective soon. John then asked about the impact of stakeholder input on future requests for proposals. Steve indicated that stakeholder is taken very seriously and there is some potential that such input could redefine all components of NIFA. The impact of the stakeholder input received is likely to have a time delay beyond 1 to 2 years before it is incorporated. Lastly, John asked on the status of review panels. Steve indicated that there is a constant need and it is helpful if interested parties identify their interest areas. Steve indicated that he would be happy to facilitate forwarding the information of interested parties to the appropriate destination. Johns update included sharing that our committee is current on reporting. We do have a mid-term report due December 15. This report will need to capture impacts from the past 3 years, including collaborations. Alfredo DiCostanzo was identified as a key individual to assist with report preparation due to his previous experience. In future reporting, John encouraged us to focus on complimentarity/synergy/collaboration and to tie our outputs with NIFA initiatives. John further encouraged attendees to supply stakeholder input and young and mid-career scientists to volunteer for review panels. Following these updates, potential locations for the meeting next year were discussed. Our committee historian, Steve Loerch, had previously provided a thorough listing of previous locations hosting the annual meeting (see below). After thorough discussion, it was decided that South Dakota State would be the most suitable location for the meeting on May 24 to 26, 2011. Ben Holland was elected secretary for the upcoming year by unanimous vote. Purdue University was identified as a potential location for the 2012 meeting.

1982 Illinois 1983 Missouri 1984 Michigan St 1985 Ohio State 1986 Purdue 1987 South Dakota State 1988 Iowa State 1989 Nebraska 1990 Wisconsin 1991 Garden City, KS 1992 Purdue 1993 Illinois 1994 MARC, Clay Center, NE 1995 Minnesota 1996 South Dakota State 1997 Colorado State 1998 Michigan State 1999 St. Louis 2000 Iowa State 2001 Kansas City 2002 Concord, NE 2003 North Dakota State 2004 Colorado State 2005 Illinois 2006 Wisconsin 2007 Kansas State 2008 Oklahoma State 2009 Michigan State

The business meeting concluded at 4:15 PM. The committee began the first station reports at that time and concluded the presentation of reports for the evening at 7:30 pm. The group then adjourned for dinner and discussion at the Lone Star Grill. On the morning of 5/26, the group traveled to Lubbock to tour the Texas Tech Burnett Center and talk with Mike Galyean about research capabilities. We returned to Canyon at approximately 12:30 pm for lunch at the El Patio restaurant. From there, the group traveled to Bushland to tour the shared facilities of the USDA ARS Conservation and Production Laboratory and the Texas AgriLife Research station with Andy Cole and Jim MacDonald. The group then traveled to rural Canyon to tour the WTAMU Research Feedlot until approximately 6:00 pm. Station reports were continued until 8:30 pm. Attendees were then transported to the hotel and joined for dinner at the Buffalo Grill one block from the hotel at 9 pm. The group reconvened at 8 am for an update on dust and odor research by Andy Cole and Gary Marek (a PhD student working with Brent Auvermann at Texas AgriLife Research in Amarillo). Station reports resumed at approximately 9 am and were concluded by noon at which time the meeting was adjourned.

Accomplishments:

IOWA STATE " Short-term Outcomes: There may be a trend for slightly less average daily gain for the highest stocking densities (40 sq. ft./animal; 6% less in the hoop and 3% less in the open front). Implanting a second time resulted in an increase in carcass weights, an almost significant reduction in % Choice but still resulted in a numerical, non-significant increase in carcass value. The relative importance ranking of carcass and management variables confirmed previous work; hot carcass weight and feed to gain were next behind marbling followed by ribeye area. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: New Strategies in Feeding Cattle, Tri State Beef Days, Prairie du Chen, WI and Waukon, IA

Feeding Corn Processing and Ethanol, Washington State University, Beef Co-products on the Ranch Information Series (distance presentation)

How to Control Costs and Maximize Profit in Feedlot and Cow-Calf Operations, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Winter Conference, Ames IA

Farm Visit Biosecurity Issues, National Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Development Course, Des Moines, IA

Ruminant Animal Feed Management, National Comprehensive Issues Nutrient Management Plan Development Course, Des Moines, IA Extension/Outreach Activities Lawrence, John, Dan Loy, Darrell Busby and Joe Sellers. 2009. Alternative cattle finishing systems to reduce feed cost. Iowa Beef Center Loy, Dan and Darrell Strohbehn. 2009. How to control costs and maximize profit in feedlot and cow-calf operations. Proceedings Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Winter Conference. Loy, Dan. 2009. Improving cattle comfort in the winter. Growing Beef, Vol. 1, Issue 6. Iowa Beef Center. January, 2009. Loy, Dan. 2009. New solutions for wet distillers grains storage challenges. Growing Beef, Vol. 1, Issue 9, May 2009. Loy, Dan. 2009. Fall prep for tackling winter cattle comfort. Growing Beef, Vol. 2, Issue 3, October 2009. Loy, Dan, Joe Sellers, Byron Leu and Daryl Strohbehn. 2009. Supplementing distillers grains to beef cattle grazing on pasture. Iowa Beef Center Bull. IBC 09-02. Aug 2009. Leu, Byron, Joe Sellers and Dan Loy. 2009. Grazing corn residueusing resources and reducing costs. Iowa Beef Center Bull. IBC-09-02. Aug 2009. Loy, Dan. 2009. Understanding hormone use in beef. Iowa Beef Center Factsheet. Courses or Conferences Organized: Cattle Feeders ConferenceA New Era in Management. June 10-11, 2009

" Activities: Effects of Stocking Density on Steer Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Bedded Hoop and Open Front Confinement Facilities: Progress Report Effects of Second Implant on Feedlot Gain and Carcass Traits Assessing the Cost of Beef Quality Revisited

KANSAS STATE " Short-term Outcomes: Increasing dose and duration of implant increases performance in both steers and heifers, but implants have a more pronounced effect on marbling score in steers than in heifers. Zilmax increased shear force in steaks by 1.19 lb (P < 0.001), but shear force declined linearly with additional aging (P < 0.01), yielding loin steaks with acceptable shear-force after 14 or 21 d of aging. These data suggest that nutrient restriction does not alter IGF-1 response or subsequent cellular nutrient uptake response due to implants. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: None. Extension/Outreach Activities 02/03/2010 Ottawa Cty Cattlemens Efficiencies of Cow Size 03/16/2010 Pfizer Tech Team Report Implants, Performance, and Quality Grade 11/20/2009 Nemaha Cty Cattlemen's Assn Pharmaceutical use in the fdyd 11/10/2009 Eastern KS Agents Update Efficiencies of Cow Size 11/5/2009 Western KS Agents Update Efficiencies of Cow Size 10/22/2009 Eastern IA VMA Disposition on Quality Grade 10/16/2009 Novartis Vet Consortium Disposition on Quality Grade 10/12/2009 Kansas Vet Consortium Effects of Morbidity on performance 5/20/2009 Gray County Cattle Feeders Feeding Distillers Grains on Quality Grade 5/20/2009 Clark County Cattle Feeders Feeding Distillers Grains on Quality Grade

Courses or Conferences Organized: 5/20/2010 Int. Symp. On Beef Cattle Welfare Animal Welfare (and Health) of the Cow/Calf Pair 10/19/2009 Vinitsia State Agr Univ - Ukraine Use of DG in beef cattle 7/28/2009 KSU/Alpharma Research Team Effects of Disposition on Quality Grade 3/3-5/2009 LandOLakes Feedlot Series Grain Processing and Performance 1/14/2009 KS Hay and Grazing Conference By-product Supplementation on Grass

" Activities: Implant Programs Affect Performance and Quality Grade.

Effects of Extended Withdrawal of Zilpaterol hydrochloride on Performance and Carcass Traits in Finishing Beef Heifers.

Effects of nutrient balance and implant status on IGF-1 and PUN concentrations of feedlot calves.

MICHIGAN STATE " Short-term Outcomes: The average H2S emissions actually showed a reduction from 40% DGS (123.24 mg/d) to 60% DGS (104.81 mg/d). The use of 6 ppm Mo and 60 ppm Cu did not reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions when 40% DGS diets were fed. Most hydrogen sulfide (~100 %) and ammonia (88.2 %) emissions were from the manure and not eructated by the animal. Most methane emissions were due to eructation (~100 %). Feeding MDGS tended to improve G:F and increased SF with minimal effects on IMF, and no effect on color and tenderness. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: Rust, S. R. 2009. Direct-fed microbials for beef cattle. Seminar to Delegation from Burkina Faso.. Texas A&M Univ. College Station, TX. Rust, S. R. 2009. Direct-fed microbials for beef cattle. Institute Nutrition. Texas A&M Univ. College Station, TX. Rust, S. R. 2009. Mechanism of direct-fed microbials for ruminants. 16th Discover Conf. Food Anim. Agric. Nashville, IN. Rust, S. R. 2009. The changing landscape of co-products from the bio-fuels industry (distillers grain and glycerol). Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. East Lansing, MI. Rust, S. R. 2009. The changing landscape of co-products from the bio-fuels industry (distillers grain and glycerol). Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Bowling Green, OH. Rust, S. R. 2009. The changing landscape of co-products from the bio-fuels industry (distillers grain and glycerol). Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Wyoming, ON. Rust, S. R. 2009. Is it always profitable to feed to USDA Choice quality grade? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. East Lansing, MI. Rust, S. R. 2009. Is it always profitable to feed to USDA Choice quality grade? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Bowling Green, OH. Rust, S. R. 2009. Is it always profitable to feed to USDA Choice quality grade? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Wyoming, ON.

Extension/Outreach Activities Rust, S. R. 2009. Feeding corn screenings to cattle. Anim. Sci. Staff Paper # 554. October. Rust, S. R. 2009. What can I afford to pay for feeder cattle this year? Anim. Sci. Staff Paper #553. Rust, S. R. 2009. Summary of three research trials for 2009 Beef day. Anim. Sci. Staff Paper #552. Casey, B.A., S.R. Rust, and D.B. Buskirk. 2009. Incorporating distillers grain into beef cattle diets. Anim. Sci. Staff Paper # 551. Rust, S. R. 2009. What can I afford to pay for feeder cattle this year?. Cattle Call Newsletter 14(3), 4th Quarter/Autumn, 3-5. Ritchie, H. D., D. B. Buskirk, and S.R.Rust. 2009. Research Updates. American Red Angus Magazine, March, 60,62. Ritchie, H. D., D.B.Buskirk, S.R. Rust. 2009. Beef Research Update. American Red Angus Magazine, January, 76,78.

Courses or Conferences Organized: Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse " Activities: Effect of Feeding Distillers Grain with a soluble on Hydrogen Sulfide Emissions.

Effects of feeding distillers grains on fat deposition in feedlot cattle. Update

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA " Short-term Outcomes: No ECO157 was found either prior to or during the experiment. The pathogen prevalence of cattle fed DGS was similar to previous surveys monitoring of animals not fed DGS. Steers implanted with a Synovex Choice-Synovex Plus combination tended to have greater ADG, and also produced a greater percentage of USDA YG 1 and 2 carcasses and a lower percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice and higher than steers receiving a single Revalor XS implant. Intact heifers receiving melengestrol acetate had greater performance than spayed heifers during backgrounding. Yeast culture addition in high-sulfur diets increased total H2S compared to HS + without yeast culture, low sulfur without yeast culture, and low sulfur with yeast culture. Concentrations between 1000 and 2000 ppm Mn supplied as MnO demonstrated potential to decrease 24-h H2S production from high-sulfur substrate without reducing microbial fermentation in vitro. Supplementing 1000 ppm Mn in high-S finishing diets may initially maintain higher ruminal pH to reduce cumulative ruminal H2S gas concentration without affecting DMI in feedlot cattle. The two higher starch levels (35 and 60 % DM) resulted in greater (P < 0.05) H2S release. Conversely, no effect (P > 0.05) of dietary sulfur on total H2S release was detected. Ration batches prepared with LIQ supplement appeared to be more consistent across bunks and within bunks, albeit off target for CP and ADF, and less variable for ADF than dry supplement. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: DiCostanzo, A. 2009. Variables affecting beef profits: Whats changed and whats not. Interstate Land OLakesQLF Feedlot Symposium. Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs, IA, and Sioux Falls, SD. March, 2009. DiCostanzo, A. 2009. Formulation of diets and receiving nutrition challenges. Land O Lakes Alpharma Symposium. July, 2009. DiCostanzo, A. 2009. Managing diets in receiving cattle. Alpharma Feedlot Symposium. Des Moines, IA. September, 2009. DiCostanzo, A. 2009. Stepping cattle up on feed and effects of diet (intake) changes on performance. 95th Annual Meeting. Lewis and Clark Conference. Interstate Veterinary Medical Association, Inc. Sioux City, NE. October, 2009.

Extension/Outreach Activities 1/7/09 Measuring profitability in feedlot Alfredo DiCostanzo 1/21/09 Measuring profitability in cow/calf Alfredo DiCostanzo 6/24/09 Cost of creep feeding Alfredo DiCostanzo

Courses or Conferences Organized: MN Cattle Feeder Days, December 2009

" Activities:

Impact of distillers grains and glycerin on cattle fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 in Minnesota fed cattle.

Comparison of a single Revalor XS implant with a Synovex Choice-Synovex Plus implant combination on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics. Value of spayed heifers during backgrounding, and evaluation of implant strategies for spayed and intact heifers during the finishing phase Effects of dietary S level (high, HS, or low, LS) and yeast culture (YC or NoYC) inclusion on H2S release in in vitro cultures using adapted (fed YC for 21 d; ADAPT, or not; NoADAPT). Effects of supplemental manganese on ruminal pH and hydrogen sulfide concentration in beef steers fed high-sulfur diets containing distillers grains plus solubles. Effect of starch (5, 35 and 60% of DM) and sulfur (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 % of DM) on In vitro H2S release. Effects of including 1000 ppm manganese (Mn; supplied as manganese oxide) in high dietary sulfur (S) feedlot diets containing distillers grains plus solubles on ruminal parameters and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration. Nutrient concentration as affected by supplement form (liquid vs dry) in a high moisture finishing ration.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA " Short-term Outcomes: Ethanol produced in Nebraska has a superior environmental impact compared to ethanol produced in Iowa or Texas. Although the combined producer savings from all three wet co-products totaled nearly $39 million, this value was not net of all cost differences between co-products and corn, including transportation, storage, and handling costs. Feeding WDGS at increased levels in HMC-based diets provided performance superior to DRC with or without WDGS. Percentage N loss was not different between dietary treatments; however, amount of N lost increased with MDGS + fiber due to the greater N intake and excretion. The omasal fatty acid profile of steers fed WDGS is less saturated than cattle fed corn diets with or without corn oil, CCDS, or beef tallow. In addi¬tion, the efficiency of fat and fatty acid absorption was not decreased with high fat feedlot diets. Prices of feed¬stuffs (i.e., corn prices, wet corn gluten feed prices, and pasture and cornstalk rental rates) were the next most impor¬tant factors explaining profit risk after cattle prices. Cattle performance variables and interest rates had the smallest impact on profit varia¬tion. Results indicated standard devia¬tions of calf-fed profits could be reduced by $35-$47/head through routine hedg¬ing. Routine hedges of yearling cattle, however, resulted in profit declining nearly $50/head, but profit variability also decreased. Calf-fed and yearling corn hedging scenarios gener¬ally generated positive average returns to hedging by lowering net corn prices. The yearling corn hedging scenarios initiated closer to feedlot placement were associated with greater average profits as compared to those hedges initiated when yearlings were initially purchased. Steers fed WDGS were 2.1 times more likely (P < 0.01) to shed E. coli O157:H7 than cattle fed CONTROL. Vaccination resulted in cattle that were 43% less likely (P < 0.01) to test positive for E. coli O157:H7 than the unvaccinated cattle. Steers on the TE-IS/ S treatment had a lower (P < 0.01) feed:gain ratio (F:G) compared to those on the Rev-XS and TE-200 treatments. Cattle receiving the TE-IS/S implants and the Rev-XS implant had greater (P < 0.05) final BW and lower F:G (P < 0.05) than the cattle that received the TE-200 treatment. Daily gain was improved (P = 0.04) when comparing TE-IS/S to TE-200, but intermediate for steers that received the Rev-XS treatment. Cattle receiving Revalor XS performed similar to cattle implanted with RevIS-S using a tradi¬tional reimplant program. Diets containing 40% WCGF with high moisture corn fed with Proternative CF or SF did not alter feedlot performance or carcass characteristics. Feeding WDG diets supple¬mented with vitamin E mitigates the surface discoloration of aged beef strip loin steaks during retail display. Values of polyunsaturated, Omega 6 and trans fatty acids linearly increased as levels of modified wet distillers grains increased. Feeding this byproduct increases polyunsaturated, trans and Omega 6 fatty acids in beef. Feeding WDGS increased polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreased18:1 (n-7), which may lead to oxidation and off flavors, respectively. High O2 packaging led to lower tenderness when compared to other packaging methods (P < 0.05), and vitamin E supplementation provided color stability to steaks from animals fed WDGS. Feeding WDGS increased livery and off-flavor intensities and vitamin E supplementation helped to reduce livery flavor when steaks were aged for 28 days. Results demonstrate that increases in the energy level of the diet result in increases in TT. However, the response appears to be dependent on season of year. During cooler and moderately hot periods, cattle change TT in a stair-step or incremental pattern, while under hot conditions, average TT of group-fed cattle moves in conjunction with ambient conditions, indicating that thermoregulatory mechanisms are at or near maximum physiological capacity. Ruminal pH was higher for traditionally adapted steers compared to steers adapted to distillers grains in adaptation diets two and three. Ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration did not appear to be a problem. These data would indicate that forage inclu¬sion can reduce the risk of polio and that polio is related to ruminal H2S concen¬trations. Steers fed WDGS had lower DMI (P < 0.01) and F:G (P = 0.02) compared to steers fed WCGF. It appears that optimal inclusion of E-corn is 20% of diet DM. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: Beef Producer Roundup sponsored by the Nebraska Beef Council. Presentation on Use of ethanol byproducts by beef cattle. Date: 12/03/2009 Presentation Type: Extension Scope: Statewide Invitation Type: Invited Form-A-Feed customer meeting in Tracy, MN. Presentation on Use of ethanol byproducts. Date: 02/17/2009 Presentation Type: Extension Scope: Regional (Multi-state) Invitation Type: Invited Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center webcast on Methods to increase manure N in open lots. Date: 02/20/2009 Presentation Type: Extension Scope: National Invitation Type: Invited Elanco Animal Health Feedlot Technical Meeting in Argentina. Presentation via polycom on Designing feedlot programs to solve environmental challenges related to nitrogen and phosphorus. Date: 04/20/2009 Presentation Type: Extension Scope: International Invitation Type: Invited American Association of Bovine Practitioners annual meeting in Omaha. Presentation on Use of wet byproducts versus dry byproducts and implications on mineral nutrition. Date: 09/11/2009 Presentation Type: Extension Scope: National Invitation Type: Invited

Extension/Outreach Activities 2009 Husker Nutrition Conference Scope: National Sessions: Program Date: 11/06/2009 Hours Taught: 6.50 Number of Learners: 105 2009 Beef Feedlot Roundtable Scope: Statewide Sessions: Program Date: 02/10/2009 Hours Taught: 7.00 Number of Learners: 110 Program Date: 02/11/2009 Hours Taught: 7.00 Number of Learners: 84 Program Date: 02/12/2009 Hours Taught: 7.00 Number of Learners: 78 Ethanol Co-Product Storage Conference Scope: Regional (Multi-state) Additional States: Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, South Dakota, North Dakota Sessions: Program Date: 06/02/2009 Hours Taught: 2.00 Number of Learners: 110

" Activities: Distillers Grains and Livestock are Important to Ethanol Energy and Greenhouse Gas Balance The Economic Impact of Feeding Wet Corn Co-Products in Nebraska Update: Meta-Analysis of UNL Feedlot Trials Replacing Corn with WDGS Feeding Fiber from Wet Corn Gluten Feed and Corn Silage in Feedlot Diets Containing Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Metabolism Characteristics of Feedlot Diets Containing Different Fat Sources Determinants of Profit Variability in Calf-Fed and Yearling Production Systems Routine Hedging of Fed Cattle Sales Price for Calf-Fed and Yearling Production Systems Routine Hedging of Corn Price for Calf-Fed and Yearling Production Systems

Vaccination to Reduce the Prevalence of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 in Feedlot Cattle Fed Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Evaluation of a New Single Implant Strategy vs. Two Common Implant Strategies in Beef Finishing Steers Comparison of Revalor-XS vs. Two Common Implant Strategies in Finishing Steers Comparison of Revalor XS to a Revalor IS / Revalor S Implant Strategy in Finishing Steers Evaluation of ProTernative Stress Formula and ProTernative Continuous Fed Formula in a High Energy Feedlot Diet Effect of Wet Distillers Grain Feeding Supplemented with Vitamin E on Case Life of Beef Modified Wet Distillers Grains Finishing Diets May Increase the Levels of Polyunsaturated and Trans Fatty Acids of Beef Fatty Acid Profile of Beef from Steers Fed Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles (WDGS) and Vitamin E Effects of Feeding Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles and Vitamin E on Beef Tenderness and Color Under Different Packaging Systems Wet Distillers Grains Diets Supplemented with Vitamin E Affect Sensory Attributes of Beef m. longissimus lumborum Tympanic Temperature of Steers Fed Different Levels of Metabolic Energy Intake During Summer and Winter Tympanic Temperature Profiles of Confined Beef Cattle Effects of Using Wet Distillers Grains with Solubles to Adapt Cattle to Finishing Diets on Feed Intake, Ruminal pH, and Ruminal Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration Relating Hydrogen Sulfide Levels to Polioencephalomalacia Evaluation of Feedlot and Carcass Performance of Steers Fed Different Levels of E-Corn, a Potential New Feed Product from Ethanol Plants THE OHIO STATE " Short-term Outcomes: Prepartum maternal dietary energy source may alter fetal adipose tissue development and insulin sensitivity resulting in long-term impacts on intramuscular fat deposition. Increasing intakes of DDGS during the growing phase increased marbling while increasing intakes of corn decreased marbling. While 65% DDGS can be successfully limit fed in a growing phase diet, it had 12% less energy for gain than corn. Cattle consuming diets with S above the maximum tolerable limit may be supplemented with Cu to improve Cu absorption and feed efficiency. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: Six extension presentations in Ohio; 2 in Argentina

Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: None. " Activities: Prepartum dietary energy source fed to beef cows: II. Effects on progeny postnatal growth, glucose tolerance, and carcass composition. Effects of limit feeding corn or dried distillers grains (DDGS) at two intakes during the growing phase on feedlot cattle performance. Effects of copper supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics of cattle fed diets containing 60% DDGS.

OKLAHOMA STATE " Short-term Outcomes: Top functions of IPA network 1 for WP_FP included cellular movement and cellular growth while top functions for IPA network 1 of both SF_FP and PF_FP included lipid metabolism and molecular transport. Cattle challenged with BRD pathogens alter gene expression to promote cellular proliferation and differentiation with concomitant tissue regeneration. These results suggest that muscle wasting via the ubiquitin pathway, as well as increased expression of TNF± may decrease growth potential in heifers treated several times for BRD. These results indicate potential benefits of using rumen temperature boluses to assist in health management of receiving cattle. These data indicate that when fed for 20 d, zilmax improves performance and carcass traits, and has no impact on daily average and maximum core body temperature of finishing beef steers. Muscle and adipose tissue alter expression of cytokines in response to pathogens related to bovine respiratory disease. Supplementation strategies that differ in type and amount of supplement may not influence marbling development by stocker cattle wintered on dormant native range at relatively low energy intakes and rates of gain. The immunological results of the trial showed higher levels of serum IgA, granulocytes, and monocytes as a percentage of white blood cells in the treatment group at 36 hours, 48 hours, and day 7 post-challenge respectively. There were no significant differences between treatments for animals that were negative or positive for E. coli O157:H7 throughout the trial. Less than 20 additional days on feed were required for heifers treated 3 times to have similar weights and carcass characteristics to heifers never treated for BRD. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: 1/22/09. Presented seminar titled Nutrition and Health Needs in the Feedlot at the Novus Beef Retreat, St. Charles, MO.

2/20/09. Presented Use of wet and dry distillers grains in flaked corn feedlot diets at the High Plains Biofuels CoProduct Nutrition Conference. Garden City, KS.

2/20/09. Presented seminar titled Bovine Respiratory Disease, Immune Response, and Animal Growth to the Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames.

3/11/09. Presented Oklahoma beef systems from pasture to plate at the Oklahoma Beef Council Beef from Pasture to Plate Tour for Human Nutritionist. Oklahoma City, OK.

4/10/09. Presented seminar titled Interaction of Nutrition, Health, Management, and Technology to Improve the Efficiency of Cattle Feeding at the Plains Nutrition Council Spring Conference, San Antonio, TX.

4/22/09. Presented seminar titled Animal Species Applications Direct Fed Microbials and Prebiotics Beef Cattle at the Sixteenth ADSA DISCOVER Conference on Food Animal Agriculture: Direct Fed Microbials/Prebiotics for Animals: Science and Mechanisms of Action, Brown County Inn, Nashville, IN.

6/11/09. Presented Nutrient requirements and feed additives for growing calves Barn Talk. Stillwater, OK.

7/1/09. Presented seminar titled A Brief Biographical Sketch of My Research Career and My Vision for a Nutrition Research Unit at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE.

7/9/09. Presented Recent receiving calf health findings at the Sparks Center at the Oklahoma Assoc. of Ext. Agric. Agents Conference. Stillwater, OK.

9/24/09. Presented seminar titled Methods to Improve Feed Efficiency in Feedlot Cattle at the 30th Western Nutrition Conference, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

10/15/09. Presented Two Treatment Protocols Using Draxxin: Impact on Performance, Treatment Response, Body Temperature, and Pathogens from Bronchoalveolar Lavage Specimens at the Pfizer Food Animal Health and Performance Update. Stillwater, OK.

Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: 1. Oklahoma Cattlemens College. July, 2009 2. OSU Master Cattlemen Summit, August 2009 5-State Beef Conference, September 2009 " Activities: Use of microarray to determine genes differentially expressed in muscle and subcutaneous fat of heifers never treated or considered chronically morbid after a 63-d preconditioning program. Effects of different winter growing programs and subsequent finishing on gene expression in different adipose tissue depots in beef steers. Transcriptome analysis of muscle tissue from calves infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus and Mannheimia haemolytica. Effect of times treated for bovine respiratory disease during preconditioning on gene expression in muscle and adipose tissue of beef heifers. Use of rumen temperature for health monitoring in cattle.

Zilpaterol hydrochloride impact on core body temperature, performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. Effect of timing of Mannheimia haemolytica challenge following short-term exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1b on serum cytokine concentrations and muscle and fat gene expression changes in growing beef steers. Performance and carcass characteristics of stocker cattle grazing dormant native range. Effects of starch versus fiber-based supplements on adipose tissue gene expression of stocker cattle grazing dormant native range. Comparison of fatty acid profiles of longissimus muscle from Angus and Charolais finishing steers. Feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics of heifers treated for clinical signs of bovine respiratory disease during preconditioning. Determination of the mechanism(s) by which direct-fed microbials control Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle.

PURDUE " Short-term Outcomes: Calcium and vitamin D concentrations will be determined in muscle, liver, and kidney samples. Performance and carcass data will be analyzed and presented at the 2010 meeting. Growth performance and feed efficiency will be evaluated in these progeny from weaning until harvest. Hot carcass weight will be determined at harvest and carcass characteristics will be determined following a 24-48 hr chill. Trial is ongoing; preliminary data will be presented at the 2010 meeting. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: None. Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: None. " Activities: Effect of dietary vitamin D and zilpaterol hydrochloride (Zilmax) on performance and carcass characteristics of steers.

Impact of feeding DDGS to gestating heifers on reproductive performance and subsequent performance of their offspring.

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE " Short-term Outcomes: Expression of factors that regulate adipocyte development did differ as a result of maternal nutrition. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations differ in cattle of differing body composition. Cattle finished with protection or in confinement during the winter months in South Dakota had improved growth performance compared to those fed in open pens.

" Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: Nutritional considerations for weaned calves. October 2009. Wessington Springs, SD.

Impact of health and disposition on carcass quality. January 2010. Beef 2020. Brookings, SD.

Feedbunk management. January 2010. Dakota Southern Cattlemenss Association. Tripp, SD.

Preparing your calves for the feedlot. February 2010. Faith Ranchers Forum. Faith, SD.

Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: None. " Activities: Performance of Cattle Finished in Three Different Feedlot Housing Systems. Effects of growing rate of gain on body composition, plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations. Effect of maternal nutrition on fetal adipocyte development.

UTAH STATE " Short-term Outcomes: The low DGS and high DGS diets improved ADG and G:F of growing steers, whereas both diets resulted in similar responses on ADG and G:F of finishing steers compared to the C diet. This study indicates that feed enzyme product containing protease activity effectively increased the in vitro degradation of DDGS when it was added at 1.4 mg/g DM. Supplementation of an exogenous proteolytic enzyme product at the dose rate used in this study did not alter growth performance of growing beef steers fed a DDGS-based TMR diet. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: None. Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: None. " Activities: Influence of replacing barley grain with corn-based dried distillers grains with solubles on production and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing beef steers Effects of exogenous proteolytic enzyme to improve in vitro degradation of dried distillers grains with solubles for ruminants Effects of supplementing an exogenous proteolytic enzyme on growth performance in growing beef steers

WEST TEXAS A&M " Short-term Outcomes: Optimum performance for cattle fed 15% WCDG occurred when the diet contained between 1.5 and 3.0% non-protein N, but removing all supplemental non-protein N was necessary to optimize performance in diets containing 30% WCDG. Results suggest that rate of gain on a carcass basis can be improved by feeding DDG with silage, whereas forage source was less important when no DDG was fed. Data suggest that dressed yield, Cu absorption or retention, and cytochrome c oxidase activity may be reduced by WDGS when fed at higher levels in diets based on steam-flaked corn. Growth performance was not influenced by Probios FS Daily under the conditions of the study. " Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: Intervet technical seminar 'Zilmax Value to Feedyards' meeting, invited talk, April 8, 2009, San Antonio, Texas.

2nd Brazilian Ruminant Nutrition Conference, 2 talks, April 23 and 24, 2009, Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Plains Nutrition Council meeting, invited talk, April 9 and 10, 2009, San Antonio, Texas.

Academy of Veterinary Consultants Winter Meeting, invited talk on Nutraceuticals for growing and finishing cattle, December 3 to 5, 2009, Denver, Colorado. Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: None. " Activities: Effects of wet corn distillers grains with solubles on degradable N needs by growing and finishing cattle. Effects of forage source and dry distillers grains on growth performance and carcass characteristics of yearling steers. Effects of the dietary concentration of wet distillers grains with solubles on visceral organ mass, trace mineral balance, and activity of antioxidant and energy metabolism enzymes. Effects of Probios FS Daily on growth performance and carcass characteristics of steer calves fed 15% wet corn distillers grains with solubles.

University of Wisconsin " Short-term Outcomes: Using current technologies resulted in more rapid (18%) daily gain, improved (16%) gain:feed, and heavier live final (6%) and hot carcass (8%) weights (P < 0.0001).

" Outputs: Publications: see Publication section

Presentations: None. Extension/Outreach Activities None. Courses or Conferences Organized: None. " Activities: Economic assessment of the implementation of current technologies in feedlot steer nutritional management.

Impact Statements:

Management strategies that facilitate feedlot cattle production in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner have been discovered and developed.
Quality and safety of beef have been enhanced through emerging pre-harvest technologies and management strategies.
Alternative feeding programs and management strategies have enhanced cattle health, well-being, performance, and carcass value.

Last Modified: 03-Aug-2010

Date of Annual Report: 09/03/2011

Report Information:

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/24/11 to 05/26/11

Period the Report Covers: 10/2009 to 09/2010

Participants:

Drewnoski, Mary Iowa State University
Hansen, Stephanie Iowa State University
Loy, Dan Iowa State University
Rust, Steve Michigan State University
Crawford, Grant University of Minnesota
DiCostanzo, Alfredo University of Minnesota
Jaderborg, Jeff University of Minnesota
Swanson, Kendall North Dakota State University
Felix, Tara Ohio State University
Loerch, Steve Ohio State University
Maxwell, Casey Oklahoma State University Schoonmaker, Jon Purdue University
Holland, Ben South Dakota State University
Lutz, Aimee South Dakota State University
Pritchard, Robbi South Dakota State University
Eun, Jong-Su Utah State University

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

The 2011 meeting of the NCCC-208 Committee was hosted by South Dakota State University on May 24 26th, 2011. Prior to the meeting an agenda was circulated and travel arrangements made my attending members.

On the afternoon of May 24th, Ben Holland met Casey Maxwell and Kendall Swanson in Brookings and travelled to the Opportunities Farm, near Lennox. They picked up Steve Loerch, Tara Felix, Jon Schoonmaker, and Steve Rust at the airport in Sioux Falls en route to the farm. At the Opportunities farm they were met by Dan Loy, Stephanie Hansen, Mary Drewnoski, Alfredo DiCostanzo, and Jeff Jaderburg. The Opportunities Farm manager, Matt Loewe, and Ben Holland guided a tour of the farm. The group traveled to Mad Marys steakhouse in Flandreau, SD for supper. There John Mrozinski presented data from his Masters Thesis on economics of operating facilities at the Opportunities Farm and Ben Holland presented a cattle performance summary of the farm.

On the morning of May 25th, the group traveled to Redstone Feeders near DeSmet, SD and visited with Bill and Todd Wilkinson regarding their operation and facilities. Following the tour, they returned to the SDSU Animal Science Complex in Brookings where John Lawrence joined by video conference. Dr. Lawrence discussed current situations in USDA regarding the percent of federal dollars required to be used for multi-state and integrated programs. He also discussed progress on the 2012 Farm Bill, and changes on programming priorities, citing the pull back on the NIFA-AFRI climate change request for applications.

The committee underwent a midterm review in 2010, and was successful. Dr. Lawrence stressed the importance of the committee documenting collaborative and coordinated efforts in its station reports and suggested an executive summary under each committee objective, followed by short-term outcomes, etc. After the video conference ended, it was suggested by Steve Loerch that Jon Schoonmaker assist Ben Holland in developing a format for the 2011 and future reports. A question was raised as to what activities were. The 2012 meeting was set to be held at Purdue University, and Jon Schoonmaker will be secretary. A suggested site for the 2013 meeting is the University of Minnesota. Following the business meeting, lunch was served the SDSU graduate students. After lunch, the group toured the feedlot at the SDSU Ruminant Nutrition Center and metabolism facilities in the Animal Science Complex discussing research methods and capabilities. Station reports were then held until the meeting was adjourned for supper and discussion at 6:00 pm.

The meeting resumed at 8:00 am on May 26th when Steve Smith joined by telephone to give a report on personnel changes and funding opportunities within NIFA. He pointed out the broad spectrum of the recent requests for applications for the foundational programs and indicated RFAs would be coming soon in other program areas. He encouraged members to closely read RFAs in order to find appropriate programs to apply to. He also encouraged soliciting and submitting stakeholder input, and encouraged members to contact him with further questions. Station reports were resumed at 8:45 am and were concluded at 10:45 am. Dr. Aimee Lutz presented some of her work on the hormonal regulation of feed intake and composition of gain in growing cattle. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am.

Accomplishments:

Section A: Short term outcomes

Objective 1. To enhance the utilization of alternative feedstuffs including those which are available as a result of increased biofuel production while reducing reliance on cereal grains.

Iowa State University

Producers may be able to feed greater amounts of dietary sulfur than previously recommended by the NRC when sufficient levels of roughage are included in the diet.

Wet or modified distillers grains can be stored successfully for long periods with minimal costs and 7-12% storage losses.

Calcium oxide-treated stover may be fed at up to 20% of the diet dry matter along with modified distillers grains as a partial replacement for corn grain in feedlot diets without adversely affecting daily bodyweight gains or feed efficiency.

University of Minnesota Conventional distillers grains and low-fat distillers grains, at 35% inclusion, can be fed in place of dry rolled corn without affecting live performance or carcass characteristics. Both distillers grains treatments led to increased PUFA compared with the dry-rolled corn control. Low-fat distillers grains may lead to greater lipid oxidation compared with a dry-rolled corn control or a traditional distillers grains-containing diet.

Increasing the dietary S concentration from 0.25 to 0.50% led to a reduction in DMI and ADG, but did not affect feed efficiency. Low sulfur steers had greater marbling scores and 12th rib backfat, and had a higher percentage of USDA Choice-grading carcasses than high sulfur steers.

Substrate S concentration did not affect final pH of incubations. Total gas production increased with increasing starch concentrations. Total H2S release was affected by starch concentration, but not by sulfur concentration.

Increasing dietary S concentration generally increased H2S gas concentration. Distillers grains inclusion and increasing roughage inclusion generally increased culture pH.

Inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product did not affect DMI or ADG. Inclusion of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation did not affect marbling, LM area, or backfat thickness.

The Ohio State University

Sulfuric acid in DDGS and not organic acid production may be responsible for the low rumen pH observed and may influence the maximum inclusion of DDGS in cattle diets.

Monensin supplementation decreased H2S concentration and may decrease the risk of polioencephalomalacia for cattle fed high DDGS diets.

Cattle fed 60% DDGS diets benefitted from increased dietary forage and the effects of monensin and forage were additive for ADG and HCW.

Despite the lack of starch in DDGS, propionate concentrations increased with increasing dietary DDGS. Low rumen pH contributes to increased production of H2S, alters rumen VFAs, and creates a hostile environment for fiber fermentation. Thus, the low rumen pH resulting from the sulfuric acid present in DDGS may be a primary cause for reduced intake, growth rate, and increased incidence of PEM when high dietary levels of DDGS are fed.

Rumen concentrations of acetate (A), propionate (P), and A:P were not affected by monensin supplementation. Contrary to some in vitro data, our study suggests that monensin does not increase the risk of S-induced PEM when cattle are fed 60% DDGS diets.

Daily urine output increased linearly with increasing dietary inclusion of DDGS. Urine pH decreased linearly with increasing dietary DDGS. These data suggest urine is a major route for excretion of acid when high S diets containing DDGS are fed.

Oklahoma State University Feedlot performance was drastically decreased for cattle fed a WDGS transition ration compared to a traditional ration. There were no effects of transition method (two-ration blend vs. traditional) on feedlot performance.

Purdue University Gestating heifers fed forage supplemented with distillers grains (DG) produced progeny with increased birth and feedlot entry weights compared to gestating heifers fed corn silage.Milk production was not different, but milk from DG supplemented heifers contained elevated long-chain fatty acids, PUFA, CLA, and milk urea nitrogen. In addition, milk from DG supplemented heifers had lower concentrations of short-chain and saturated fatty acids than from heifers not fed DG. Feedlot performance of progeny was not affected by gestation supplementation. However, steers from heifers fed DG had greater dressing percentage than steers from non-supplemented heifers.

Diets containing 0, 30, or 60% DDGS fed during the early feeding period (d 1 99) to early weaned (134 d of age) steers did not impact finishing performance. However, dressing percentage, HCW, fat thickness, rib-eye area, and %KPH were affected quadradically by DDGS level, increasing from 0 to 30% DDGS and decreasing from 30-60% DDGS.

South Dakota State University Performance by yearling steers fed 40% by-product finishing diets was used to estimate relative energy content of evolving by-products of ethanol production. The diets were based on DRC. The DRC was assumed to contain 100 Mcal/cwt NEM and 68 Mcal/cwt NEG. By-products, their EE and glycerol content, and estimated NEG were: WCGF-DDGS blend (Golden Synergy) 8.2% EE, 6.8% glycerol, 65.8 Mcal NEG; WDG (w/o syrup) 8.9% EE, 4.2% glycerol, 71.5 Mcal NEG; and WDGS 12.2% EE, 8.0% glycerol, and 78.1 Mcal NEG.

Finishing steers fed dry-rolled corn-based finishing diets with supplemental nitrogen from soybean meal (SBM), slow release non-protein nitrogen (SRN, Optigen, Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY), or SBM and OPT had similar finishing performance and carcass characteristics.

Cover crops including a mixture of turnips, radishes, lentils, oats, and millet provided a suitable pasture for grazing weaned calves for 45-d when supplemented with a DDGS-based supplement. However, ADG was less for steers on pasture (1.56 lb/d) than on a corn-based backgrounding diet (2.90 lb/d). After all calves were placed on similar backgrounding diets for 45 additional days, cover-crop calves had superior ADG and feed efficiency, resulting in a less expensive backgrounding system overall.

Utah State University Steers grazing tall fescue, with or without N fertilizer, had higher concentrations of C18:3 cis-9, cis-12, cis-15 and C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 fatty acids (FA) in subcutaneous fat compared with those fed a high-concentrate barley-based feedlot diet (0.41 vs. 0.20 and 0.48 vs. 0.25 g/100 g FA, respectively; P < 0.01). However, steers in the feedlot had higher concentrations of C18:1 cis-9 and C18:1 cis-11 FA than grazing steers. Nitrogen fertilization of tall fescue had minor impacts on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat.

University of Wisconsin Feed efficiency was improved for steers fed 40 vs.20% inclusion of dried distillers grains (DDGS) and for steers fed chopped hay versus corn silage in feedlot finishing diets, whereas DDGS inclusion level and fiber type did not affect carcass cutability characteristics.

Objective 2. To enhance quality and safety of beef through emerging pre-harvest technologies and management strategies.

University of Minnesota Neither soy glycerin nor corn processing method stimulated E.coli O157:H7 shedding. Within 20 days of treatment initiation, all calves, regardless of treatment, were basically devoid of E. coli shedding.

At day 14 of sampling, no E. coli O157 was present in any cattle, regardless of treatment. Modified distillers grains inclusion at 30% of dietary DM increased DMI and tended to decrease feed efficiency compared with no distillers grains inclusion, and led to 13% lower iterated dietary ME values compared with diets without distillers grains. Inclusion of soy glycerin at 10% of dietary DM did not affect any live performance or carcass measurements.

In three Minnesota feedlots, overall E. coli O157:H7 prevalence measured 4.15%, and ranged from 1.03 to 6.38%. Dietary distillers grains inclusion of greater than 25% did not result in increased E. coli O157:H7 shedding compared with dietary distillers grains inclusion of less than 25%.

Overall prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 was 11.7% at a Minnesota fed cattle packing plant. E. coli O157:H7 probability was lower when cattle were fed distillers compared to those not fed distillers grains. Prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 tended to be lower in winter compared to spring and fall.

The Ohio State University Gestational energy source did not affect feedlot performance or carcass traits of progeny; however, it did affect glucose clearance rate and initial insulin response. Days on feed increased insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance when cattle were fed a high-grain diet.

Purdue University Supplemental vitamin D (0.25 x 106 IU for 165 d or 5.0 x 106 IU for 10 d) did not improve tenderness in cattle fed 0 or 8.3 mg/kg zilpaterol hydrochloride (Zilmax). Short-term vitamin D supplementation resulted in lower HCW, less 12th-rib fat thickness, and smaller longissimus muscle area than long-term vitamin D. Zilmax increased final BW and HCW.

Neither dietary beta-carotene inclusion nor source of beta-carotene affected feedlot performance or marbling scores of finishing steers and heifers. Synthetic B-carotene (1x, 5x, or 10x NRC requirements) increased longissimus muscle area linearly.

South Dakota State University Steers were identified as having CC, CT, or TT single nucleotide polymorphisms of the leptin gene. During backgrounding (720 to 950 lb) steers were fed to allow 2.5 or 2.9 lb ADG. A common finishing diet and common harvest endpoint (0.47 in. ribfat) followed backgrounding. When marbling was expressed relative to total carcass fatness, the CC genotype resulted in lower (P < 0.06) marbling than the TT genotype, regardless of backgrounding management. The CT genotype expressed marbling similar to the CC genotype if backgrounded at the lower ADG, but marbled similar to the TT genotype if backgrounded at the higher ADG (interaction P = 0.12).

Plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations increased for cattle fed a high-grain diet from weaning to finish as they became increasingly fatter. However, cattle initially fed a high-forage diet had similar plasma leptin concentrations but low plasma ghrelin concentrations at a similar subcutaneous fat thickness. Abundance of growth hormone secreteagogue receptor (GHS-R), to which ghrelin binds, was present in bovine liver and adipose tissue, but not sternomandibularis muscle. Abundance of GHS-R did not differ as a result of dietary treatment in bovine liver and adipose tissue. Abundance of GHS-R in bovine liver and adipose tissue increased as cattle became increasingly fatter. Differences in plasma ghrelin concentrations relative GHS-R abundance in liver and adipose tissue warrants further investigation into the role of ghrelin in growth and efficiency in cattle.

Nutrient restriction and abundance during a specific period in mid-gestation altered expression of genes involved in the development of adipose tissue but did not influence calf birth weight or crown-rump length. This justifies further investigation into the long-term impact of maternal nutrition on growth and carcass composition of beef offspring.

Utah State University Plant tannin extracts inhibited the in vitro growth of pathogenic and ruminal acidosis-causing bacteria. In one experiment, chestnut tannins (CNT) were the most effective followed by mimosa (MT) tannins across all pathogen studied while quebracho tannins (QT) did not affect bacterial growth. In another experiment, CNT decreased the growth of Streptococcus bovis 73% at 24 h.

Objective 3. To enhance the environmental sustainability of the feedlot industry through N, P, K, and S management by improving nutrient utilization and excreted nutrient conservation.

Michigan State University As DDGS replaced high moisture corn in finishing diets (0, 40%, or 60% DDGS) sulfur increased linearly from 13.3 to 44.6 g/d and total S expelled increased linearly. However, total S air emissions/unit of S intake were greatest for 40% and least for 0% DDGS. Retention of S was similar across level of DDGS inclusion. In a second study, finishing diets containing 40% DDGS resulted in greater H2S emissions than diets containing 0% DDGS, but the addition of 6 ppm Mo and 60 ppm Cu to 40% DDGS diets numerically reduced H2S emissions 23% compared to no additional Mo and Cu. The addition of Mo and Cu did not change the route of S removal from the animal.

Objective 4. To enhance the health and production efficiency of feedlot cattle through management strategies and technologies which enhance cattle comfort and wellbeing.

Michigan State University Tail docking did not affect finishing performance or carcass quality of cattle finished in a slatted-floored barn (7 hd per pen; 20 ft2/hd; 160 d on feed) compared to cattle whose tails were not docked. However, the incidence of tail lesions was higher for calves without docked tails (n=12) compared to those with docked tails (n=1; P = 0.004). Tail docking did not affect the incidence of lameness of other health indices.

Oklahoma State University

There were no differences on feedlot performance between bull calves surgically castrated by knife or elastration. Knife cut calves experienced greater morbidity than elastrated calves. Steers had greater ADG, improved feed efficiency and lower morbidity compared to bulls, resulting in improved cost of gains. Bulls should be bought at 6.1% discount compared to steers due to decreased performance.

Management information was able to be effectively and securely communicated to and from active ear tags in scenarios where cattle were managed in a manner consistent with common production practices.

Presentations

Iowa State University Drewnoski, M.E. 2011. Today's Beef Implant Strategies and Cow Nutrition and Using By-Products. Presented to SWIVMA. Drewnoski, M.E. 2011. Managing High Levels of Co-Product Feeding. McNay Veterinary Update. Hansen, S.L. 2011. Whats new in beef feedlot research? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. East Lansing, MI. Hansen, S.L. 2011. Whats new in beef feedlot research? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Bowling Green, OH. Hansen, S.L. 2011. Whats new in beef feedlot research? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Wyoming, ON. Hansen, S.L. 2011. Alleviating sulfur toxicity- ISU Research Update. Plains Nutrition Council. Hansen, S.L., J.W. Spears and R.S. Fry. 2010. Using nutrigenomics to elucidate interrelationships in trace mineral metabolism. Invited speaker. J. Anim. Sci. 88, E-Suppl. 2 (Abstr. 159). Hansen, S.L. 2010. Trace Mineral Interactions. Invited speaker for CPC Commodities. Hansen, S.L. 2010. High sulfur in cattle diets. Invited speaker for Land OLakes Technical Update. Loy, D. 2010 Supplementing Beef Rations with Byproducts. West Virginia Extension Series. Loy, D. 2010. Iowa Beef Center Overview. Invited speaker for Land OLakes Technical Update. Loy, D. 2010. Basic Beef Nutrition. Iowa National Guard Unit. Des Moines and Ames, IA

Michigan State University Rust, S. R. 2010. Vomitoxin in corn meeting-Livestock feeding. Michigan Farm Bureau, Springport, MI Rust, S. R. 2010. Vomitoxin in corn meeting-Livestock feeding. Michigan Farm Bureau, Hillsdale, MI Rust, S. R. 2010. Effects of feeding distillers grain on hydrogen sulfide emissions. Michigan Corn growers Assoc., DeWitt, MI. Rust, S. R. 2010. What is the cost of a poor receiving program? Winter Conference, Wisconsin Cattlemens Assoc., Tomah, WI. Rust, S. R. 2010. Getting the most out of a poor corn crop. Winter Conference, Wisconsin Cattlemens Assoc., Tomah, WI. Rust, S. R. 2010. Feeding distillers soluble to beef cattle. Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. East Lansing, MI. Rust, S. R. 2010. Feeding distillers soluble to beef cattle. Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Bowling Green, OH. Rust, S. R. 2010. Feeding distillers soluble to beef cattle. Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Wyoming, ON. Rust, S. R. 2010. E. coli 0157:H7- What is it, why is the beef industry being criticized, and how to prevent it? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. East Lansing, MI. Rust, S. R. 2010. E. coli 0157:H7- What is it, why is the beef industry being criticized, and how to prevent it? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Bowling Green, OH. Rust, S. R. 2010. E. coli 0157:H7- What is it, why is the beef industry being criticized, and how to prevent it? Great Lakes Professional Cattle Feeding and Marketing Shortcourse. Wyoming, ON.

University of Minnesota DiCostanzo, A. January 2010. Beef Breeds for Organic Production Systems. Minnesota Organic Agriculture Conference. Minnesota Department of Agriculture DiCostanzo, A. March 2010. Adding Value to Feeder Cattle. MN Angus Association Sale. DiCostanzo, A. March 2010. Minnesota Beef Production Systems. National Beef Industry Youth Meeting. DiCostanzo, A. April 2010. Uso de Granos de Destileria in Bovinos de Carne. Michoacan, Mexico. DiCostanzo, A. April 2010. Uso de Granos de Destileria in Bovinos de Carne. Veracruz, Mexico. DiCostanzo, A. and G. I. Crawford. August 2010. Optimizing Performance in Confined Cattle Feeding Systems. Cargill Feedlot Seminar. Sioux City, Cedar Rapids, and Atlantic, IA. Crawford, G. I. November 2010. Distillers Grains Usage in the United States. Argentina and Uruguay Beef Nutritionists United States Feedlot Tour. Omaha, NE. Crawford, G. I. October 2010 . The effect of distillers grains on meat quality. Lewis and Clark Veterinary Conference. South Sioux City, NE. Crawford, G. I. September 2010. Feeding the next generation of corn ethanol byproducts to beef cattle. Minnesota Nutrition Conference. Owatonna, MN. Crawford, G. I. September 2010. Basics of Mineral Nutrition and Application for Beef Cattle. Kent Feeds Dealer Meeting. Sargeant Bluff, IA. Crawford, G. I. September 2010. New Byproduct Feeding Opportunities. Land O Lakes Purina Cattle Feeders Meeting. Shoreview, MN. Crawford, G. I. August 2010. Basics of Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows. NRCS Field Day. Thief River Falls, MN. Crawford, G. I. June 2010. University of Minnesota Carcass Merit Program. NRCS Field Day. Grand Rapids, MN. Crawford, G. I. April 2010. Understanding Quality and Yield Grade in Beef. Youth Beef Industry Conference. Saint Paul, MN. Crawford, G. I. April 2010. The U of M Beef Team and Russia. Minnesota Association of Extension Educators Annual Meeting. Farmington, MN. Crawford, G. I. March 2010. Understanding Feed Efficiency in Beef Feedlot Cattle: Measurement, Value, and Application. Wulf Limousin Pre-Sale Education Seminar. Morris, MN.

South Dakota State University Bruns, K. W. 2010. Duration of Feeding: Decision Points. Plains Nutrition Council. San Antonio, TX. Holland, B. P. July 2010. Feedlot housing systems. Dakotalands Feeds/Pfizer Animal Health Summer Meeting. Mitchell, SD. Holland, B. P. October 2010. Feedlot housing systems at the Opportunities Farm. Iowa Beef Center Professional Development. Ames, IA. Holland, B. P. December 2010. Cattle feeding economics: Dealing with high feed prices. South Dakota Cattlemans Association, Aberdeen, SD. Holland, B. P. December 2010. Nutrition Programs for Receiving Cattle. Minnesota Cattle Feeders Days. 5 locations in southern and southeastern Minnesota. Holland, B. P. January 2011. Sorghum for silage production. Sorghum Lunch and Learn, Chamberlain, SD. Holland, B. P. February 2011. Effects of BRD and feedlot performance and carcass characteritstics of beef cattle and housing systems of cattle feeding. SDVMA James Bailey Herd Health Conference. Brookings, SD. Pritchard, R.H. 2010. Simmental-Red Angus Young Guns Program. Brookings, SD. Pritchard, R.H. August 2010. US Cattle Feeding. CREA Pica-Baron. Brookings, SD Pritchard, R.H. 2010. Feeding management strategies to improve carcass quality. Beef 2020. Brookings, SD. Pritchard, R. H. 2010 Minnesota Cattlemans Association.

The Ohio State University Six extension presentations in Ohio and Pennsylvania

Oklahoma State University 1/21/10. Presented Web-based beef information resources at the OSU State Extension Conference. Stillwater, OK. 2/17/10. Presented Animal Science beef extension programs at the OSU New Educators Workshop. Stillwater, OK. 4/15/10. Presented What is new in livestock ID technology at the Eastern In-service at Wilburton, OK. 2/22/10. Presented OSU Beef Cattle Nutrition research and extension programs at the National Young Farm Bureau Conference. Tulsa, OK. 5/10/10. Presented High stress cattle receiving systems for the Texas County Agents Assoc. Stillwater, OK. 7/23/10. Presented Health and nutrition management of calves at the OSU Veterinary School Boot Camp. Stillwater, OK. 7/29/10. Presented Recent additions and upcoming beef extension activities at the Oklahoma Cattlemens Association Annual meeting. Midwest City, OK. 8/5/10. Coordinated OSU campus animal agricultural activities tour for the Murray, Pontotoc, and Seminole County Cattlemens Tour. Stillwater, OK. 8/5/10. Presented Management and research of high risk cattle at the Sparks feedlot for the Murray, Pontotoc, and Seminole County Cattlemens Tour. Stillwater, OK. 8/14/10. Presented OSU Animal Science beef extension programs at the Southern Plains Beef Symposium. Ardmore, OK. 10/9/10. Presented Receiving calves for stocker programs at the fall meeting of the Oklahoma Feed Industry Association. Krebs, OK. 12/2/10. Presented Cost effective winter feeding at the Northwest Oklahoma Beef Cattle Conference. Alva, Woodward, Enid, and Ponca City, OK. 12/9/10. Presented Alternative feeds to the Garfield County Master Cattlemen. Enid, OK. 12/9/10. Presented Vitamin and mineral nutrition of grazing cattle to the Garfield County Master Cattlemen. Enid, OK.

Purdue University Schoonmaker, J.P. Effect of Zilmax and vitamin D supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics of steers. Purdue Beef Field Day. April 17, 2010. Schoonmaker, J. P. Factors affecting beef tenderness. Purdue Workshop for Youth. June, 2010.

Schoonmaker, J. P. By-product feeds for use in beef cattle rations. Purdue Workshop for Youth, June, 2010.

Schoonmaker, J. P. Impact of distillers grains on beef carcass characteristics. Purdue College of Agriculture Roundtable. March 2011

University of Wisconsin

Radunz. 2010. Fetal Programming, Potential Implications for Livestock Production. ISU Beef Team In-Service, Des Moines, IA. Radunz. 2010. Fetal Programming: Implications for the Beef Industry: World Beef Expo. Millwaukee, W Radunz. 2010. De-worming Strategies for Beef Cattle. West Central WI Beef Days. Acardia, WI Radunz. 2010. De-worming Strategies for Beef Cattle. West Central WI Beef Days. Sparta, WI Radunz. 2010. Beef Quality Assurance: ROI. UW Extension Dairy and Beef Cattle Husbandry Conference. Kimberly, WI. Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Janesville, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Lancaster, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Acardia, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Eau Clairie, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Oconoto, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Green Bay, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Richland Center, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Sparta, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Found du Lac, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. River Falls, WI Radunz. 2010. Feedlot management strategies to improve feed efficiency and feeding a poor corn crop. UW Extension Cattle Feeder Clinics. Hancock, WI

Impact Statements:

Beef cattle feeders have reduced the use of cereal grain in rations and have lowered feed cost per pound of gain by effectively increasing the percentage of Distillers Dried Grains and Soulbles.
Common production practices were evaluated for their economic value to help buyers and sellers evaluate the cost-benefit trade off of such practices.

Last Modified: 03-Sep-2011

Date of Annual Report: 07/13/2012

Report Information:

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/22/12 to 05/24/12

Period the Report Covers: 10/2010 to 09/2011

Participants:

Felix, Tara University of Illinois Hansen, Stephanie Iowa State University Loy, Dan Iowa State University Rust, Steve Michigan State University DiCostanzo, Alfredo University of Minnesota Erickson, Galen University of Nebraska Loerch, Steve Ohio State University Schoonmaker, Jon Purdue University Condron, Kaitlin Purdue University Shee, Christie Purdue University Pritchard, Robbi South Dakota State University Eun, Jong-Su Utah State University

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

Meeting Minutes

The 2012 meeting of the NCCC-208 Committee was hosted by Purdue University on May 22 24, 2012. Prior to the meeting an agenda was circulated and travel arrangements made by attending members.

On the afternoon of May 22nd, Jon Schoonmaker met Alfredo DiCostanzo and Galen Erickson at the Indianapolis airport and travelled to Elanco in Greenfield, IN. At Elanco they were met by Steve Loerch, Tara Felix, Dan Loy, Stephanie Hansen, and Robbi Pritchard. At Elanco, the group was given a tour of the facilities and Andrea Brake, Judson Vasconcelos, Bill Platter, and Nathan Pyatt presented updates on research and development, Elanco Knowledge Solutions, and Elanco products. The group then traveled to Fogo de Chao in Indianapolis for supper.

On the morning of May 23rd, the group met in Lilly Hall at Purdue University where they were welcomed by Dr. Alan Matthew, Animal Sciences Department Head. Dr. Maynard Hogberg joined by telephone and provided the administrative report. Dr. Hogberg discussed the importance of the committee documenting collaborative and coordinated efforts in its station reports and informed the committee that its 5-year project renewal is due in September of 2012. After the telephone conference ended, new objectives were discussed and Alfredo DiCostanzo, Tara Felix, and Jon Schoonmaker agreed to write the renewal documents.

Committee members contributed discussion on what focus areas for the upcoming re-write process should be considered. The decision was made to focus on feeding and managing feedlot cattle for segment and industry efficiency under reduced beef supply expected for the next 8 to 10 years. The committee also discussed if it should focus one of its objectives on food safety considering that there are other regional or national committees already tasked to do so. After some deliberation, the committee agreed to eliminate the current objective dealing with food safety although a secondary focus on this area will likely be retained by representatives already linked to microbiology and food safety experts within their university. The committee also agreed to encourage participation by states not traditionally represented in this committee: Texas A&M, West Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, University of California.

The 2013 meeting was set to be held May 21 to 23 at the University of Minnesota, and Alfredo DiCostanzo will be secretary. A suggested site for the 2014 meeting is Utah State University. After the meeting some discussion was started, due to the possible retirement of Dr. Steve Loerch in 2014, to have our 2014 meeting at the Ohio State University. More discussion will follow and the final decision will likely be made March 2013 at the time of the ASAS/ADSA Midwest Region Meetings in Des Moines, IA.

Dr. Charlotte Kirk-Baer and Dr. Steve Smith joined the committee by telephone to give a report on personnel changes and funding opportunities within NIFA. They encouraged members to closely read RFAs in order to find appropriate programs to apply to. They also encouraged soliciting and submitting stakeholder input, and encouraged members to contact them with further questions. Lastly, the committee will need to consider how they will present impact evidence measures in the new project. Following the NIFA reports, discussion focused on the current request for committee members to serve on the new Beef NRC. Station reports were then held until lunch. After lunch, the group toured the feedlot at the Purdue University Animal Sciences Research and Education Center discussing research methods and capabilities. Station reports were then held until the meeting was adjourned for supper and discussion at 7:00 PM.

The meeting resumed at 8:00 AM on May 24th with a presentation by Dr. Linda Chezem on animal welfare law. Following, the group contacted Dr. Austin Miles by phone to discuss possible input into the new Beef NRC publication. Station reports were resumed at 10:00. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 AM.

Accomplishments:

Section A: Short term outcomes

Objective 1. To enhance the utilization of alternative feedstuffs including those which are available as a result of increased biofuel production while reducing reliance on cereal grains.

Summary: Increasing DDGS inclusion and its impact on performance and sulfur metabolism continue to be a primary focus of the committee. Increasing dietary forage, changing forage type, and utilizing treated low quality forage to maximize fiber digestibility of DDGS appear to be a promising alternatives to cereal grains that decreased hydrogen sulfide gas production, increases usage of readily available feed resources, maintains performance, and decreases feed costs.

University of Illinois

Spring-calving cows (n=191) were utilized to evaluate the effects of late gestation diet type on subsequent progeny. Cows were placed one of two dietary treatments that were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous 90 d prior to expected calving date: corn coproducts and ground cornstalks, or ground hay. Cows were placed on a common diet post-calving with feedlot progeny (n=87) finished on a common diet. Feedlot calf performance and carcass characteristics were not affected by maternal diet type during late gestation.

Fall-calving cows (n=260) grazing fescue/clover pastures were allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments 60 d prior to calving: 1) no supplement, or 2) supplementation of 2.1 kg DM/head/d dried distillers grains plus solubles offered daily. Subsequent steer progeny (n=82) were weaned at an average of 82 +/- 14d of age and finished on a common diet. Late gestation supplementation of DDGS at low levels did not affect subsequent calf feedlot performance and carcass characteristics.

Two hundred fifty Angus-based calves were blocked by weight and sex and assigned to one of five diets for a 112 d growing phase: 1) high starch (CNT); 2) isofat, isonitrogenous coproduct diet (LFLP); 3) isofat, high protein coproduct diet (LFHP); 4) high fat, isonitrogenous coproduct diet (HFLP); 5) high protein, high fat coproduct diet (HFHP). A common finishing diet was fed for the last 112 d. Starch based control improved performance in the growing phase, but feedlot performance was unaffected by diet. High fat diets improved marbling score.

Cattle were fed 20% of a treated stover product that was either stored in an ag bag or extruded through a Readco with 40% MWDGS. Compared to their feedlot controls, corn-based diets, cattle fed corn stover, regardless of processing method, ate less and gained less; therefore, they tended to have lower final bodyweights.

Cattle were fed diets of 20% stover that was processed 4 different ways: 1) treated with 5% CaO then put in an ag bag, 2) treated with 5% CaO then extruded, 3) treated with 4% CaO and 1% NaOH then extruded, and 4) treated with 3% CaO and 2% NaOH then extruded. Cattle fed a control corn diet ate more than any of the cattle fed treated stover; however, gains did not differ.

Diets containing 50% DDGS or 50% MWDGS were fed to 140 steers. DGS were either treated with 2.5% CaO or untreated. There was no effect of treatment on gains.

Currently, 300 hd are on trial to investigate the use of corn stover (20% DMB) and MWDGS (40% DMB) to replace corn in the diet. These cattle will finish in September.

Iowa State University

Six ruminally-fistulated steers were fed diets containing 0.5 % S, from a combination of distillers grains and condensed corn distillers solubles. The experimental design was a 2 x 3 factorial with two roughage sources: cornstalks or bromegrass hay, at 1 of 3 levels of added roughage NDF of 4, 7, or 10 % on a DM basis. When balanced for NDF levels, chopped cornstalks and chopped bromegrass grass hay did not differ in their effects on rumen H2S concentrations and ruminal pH. The increased inclusion of roughage resulted in increased ruminal pH and decreased ruminal H2S. In a follow up study 150 steers were fed one of five diets formulated to contain 4, 6.5, 9, 11.5, or 13 % NDF from bromegrass hay. Steers fed increasing roughage increased DMI and thus gains were not affected. Increasing hay inclusion in the diet from 5% to 12% (DM basis) decreased H2S concentrations and appears to be a practical way to increase inclusion of high S ingredients such as ethanol co-products while reducing the risk of S toxicity.

Supplementation of a rumen-protected vitamin C (10 g"h-1"d-1 during the finishing period) to cattle consuming a high sulfur (0.56% S) diet enhanced meat quality and may potentially increase tenderness of the final meat product. Increasing the inclusion of dietary sulfur resulted in less activation µ-calpain and lower marbling scores, however, the addition of vitamin C to the high sulfur diet alleviated the negative effects. TBARS values were greater in cattle consuming vitamin C but may be related to the greater iron content of rib-facings. Because DDGS-based diets are often high in S, feeding vitamin C to cattle may allow producers to reap the economic benefits of a DDGS-based diet while still maintaining the quality and tenderness that consumers expect.

University of Minnesota

A total collection experiment was conducted on 32 Angus steers to determine the effects of adding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (XP) to cattle diets with high (HS) or low (LS) sulfur concentrations on nutrient metabolism. No differences were found in DM or OM intake, retention, or excretion. No differences were observed for nitrogen or energy intake or retention; however, increased fecal nitrogen and fecal energy excretion were observed with the LS treatments. Additionally, the treatments did not alter the animals stress response to a vaccine containing Mannheimia haemolytica type A1. High sulfur diets led to an increase in zinc intake, fecal zinc, total zinc excretion, zinc retention, urine calcium, and phosphorus retention. Additionally, the LS + XP treatment led to an increase in fecal calcium. The HS + NXP also led to an increase in total calcium excreted, while the LS + NXP led to a decrease in total calcium excreted. Overall, it is clear that the S content of feedlot diets has an impact on nutrient metabolism through alterations in mineral retention. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of differing dietary concentrations of roughage (R; 5%, 10% or 15%) and sulfur (S; 0.28% or 0.56%) in beef cattle feedlot finishing diets. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial. Results suggest that increasing dietary roughage concentration increases DMI while high dietary S concentrations decrease DMI. However, no interactions occurred to suggest that performance may be enhanced by feeding increased roughage in high-S feedlot diets.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of supplementing 1,000 ppm Mn as manganese oxide (MnO) to diets containing 0.35 (LS) or 0.60% (HS) dietary S, resulting in four treatments from a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Dietary inclusion of MnO was effective during the first 28 d of feeding high S diets, but had no effect beyond 28 d. High dietary S concentrations had a major effect on live performance and carcass characteristics throughout the experiment.

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of substituting modified distillers grains with solubles (DGS, 0% or 40%) or soy glycerin (0% or 10%) for steam-flaked corn (SFC; 36.5 lb/bu flake density) in finishing diets on incidence of E. coli O157:H7, performance and carcass characteristics of yearling cattle. in treatments resulting from a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Neither co-product sustained viable E. coli O157:H7 beyond day 14. Iterated ME values of diets containing DGS were 13% lower than those without DGS. At the inclusion levels in this study, soy glycerin had a similar energy value and DGS a lesser energy value than SFC.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing degradable intake protein (DIP) concentrations in finishing diets on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Forty-two Angus and Angus-crossbred steers were assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatments (DM basis): 0% (CON), 0.4% (LU), and 0.6% (HU) dietary urea inclusion. Increasing DIP through inclusion of 0.6% urea in finishing diets containing 20% DG resulted in improvements in ADG and Feed:Gain, without affecting carcass characteristics.

University of Nebraska

Three refereed journal articles were published on utilization of distillers grains and impact on cattle performance.

Results were presented on improving protein formulation in diets with distillers grains. In dry-rolled corn based diets it is not necessary to include urea as a degradable protein source when wet or dry distillers grains are included in the diet at 20% or greater.

Variation in nutrient content of distillers grains from a large sampling project was published that included 6 ethanol plants (10 samples/d for 5 consecutive d) during 2 separate months. The goal was to characterize nutrient variability within and among plants. For each measured nutrient (DM, fat, S, ash, and NDF), coefficients of variation were provided for both across ethanol plant and within plant variation.

As ethanol plants change their production practices (fractionation) the nutrient composition and feeding value changes with each new type of distillers grains. One method results in a byproduct that contains approximately 27% starch, 15% crude protein, and 10.5% ether extract. Results from both growing and finishing studies suggested the energy value was slightly improved compared with the corn grain it replaced, up to 45% of the diet.

In the 2012 Nebraska beef report, 14 articles focused on utilization of byproducts. Data were presented with byproducts which included different grain sources (field peas, barley, corn processing methods), condensed distillers solubles, wet beet pulp, and 5 experiments using greater concentrations of byproducts during grain adaptation (replacing traditional forages and a portion of grain).

Two experiments were completed to determine the impact of feeding spoiled wet distillers grains to both growing and finishing cattle. Surprisingly, spoilage had little impact on growth performance even when 10 to 20% (DM basis) of the material was visually spoiled and measured as spoilage. There were significant losses of nutrients (and DM); however, it may be okay to just pile wet distillers grains and feed it despite appearance.

Additionally, 2 experiments were conducted to determine the impact of using 5% calcium oxide to treat low quality forage. When treated forages replaced 20% of corn grain in diets containing wet distillers grains, performance or carcass quality was not compromised and it appeared to be a cost-effective alternative to feeding grain.

The Ohio State University

Rumen pH can be altered by treating DDGS with 2% NaOH prior to feeding. This treatment not only reduced the risk of rumen acidosis by increasing rumen pH but it also increased rumen degradation of NDF in diets that contain 60% DDGS. Treating DDGS with 2% NaOH has the potential to reduce PEM risk and may allow for increased dietary inclusion of DDGS without sacrificing feedlot performance.

Increasing dietary hay from 7 to 14% did not improve DMI, ADG, G:F, or final BW for cattle fed corn or 60% DDGS-based diets. Cattle fed 60% DDGS had reduced DMI, decreased final BW, and tended to have decreased ADG compared to those fed corn. However, supplementing DDGS-based diets with additional hay tended to improve rumen pH and measures of rumen fiber fermentation. The shift in rumen pH with added hay was not sufficient to alter sulfur metabolism in the rumen.

Following an abrupt switch to diets containing 3 levels of S, results indicate it takes at least 29 d to achieve peak H2S production.

Purdue University

Performance, rumen pH, VFA production, and urine and feces output were determined for cattle fed 60% DDGS diets and either 0, 0.8, 1.6, or 2.4% CaO DM basis. Inclusion of CaO up to 1.6% increased ADG with no effect on DMI. 0.8 and 1.6% CaO delayed rumen pH decline and 2.4% CaO stabilized rumen pH to the greatest extent.Acetate, butyrate, and total VFA concentrations were increased linearly (P d 0.05) at pre-feeding and at 3, 6, and 12 h h post-feeding with increasing CaO. Urine pH increased linearly while urine production decreased linearly as CaO inclusion increased.

Feeding DDGS to lactating beef cows did not change BW or BCS, but did improve timed AI rates and alter milk composition. As a result, cows bred back sooner and male progeny from cows fed DDGS had a higher ADG which resulted in heavier BW at both termination of the study and at weaning. Feeding DDGS to cows during early lactation could be used as a method to program the neonate for improved long-term growth. Calves are currently in the feedlot and the study in ongoing.

South Dakota State University

Steam flaked corn based finishing diets were fed to yearling steers in a 138d study. Diets (n=6) contained either 0 or 15% WDGS and either 0, 3, or 6% steep. Including only WDGS increased (P<.05) ADG, DMI, and carcass fatness. Including 3 or 6% steep(without WDGS) resulted in cattle performance comparable to that observed for the no byproducts control diet. The combination of WDGS + steep caused poorer ADG and F/G than feeding WDGS alone. The response to increasing steep in the presence of WDGS was quadratic (P<0.10) with lower ADG and higher F/G being associated with the 3% level of steep inclusion.

Utah State University

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of adding an exogenous proteolytic enzyme (EPE) on the growth performance of beef steers fed growing and finishing diets containing 30% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS; Exp. 1), and results corroborated by in vitro ruminal fermentation in continuous cultures (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, 48 Angus crossbred steers were randomly allotted to 12 pens (4 animals per pen) and assigned to 2 treatments (6 pens per treatment) in a completely randomized design: DDGS TMR (DT) without and with EPE (27 mg of azocasein hydrolyzed/min/kg DM TMR). The addition of EPE during the growing phase increased DMI, but had no effects on final BW, BW change, ADG, and G:F. There was a tendency for both ADG and final BW to increase during the finishing phase without affecting BW change and G:F. As opposed to the growing phase, EPE increased digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF. In Exp. 2, 4 dietary treatments were assessed in continuous cultures; non-DDGS TMR (NDT) or DT finishing beef steer diet was combined without or with EPE in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Feeding the DT increased total VFA concentration which corresponded with a decreased pH compared with the NDT diet regardless of EPE supplementation. Supplementing EPE tended to increase the total VFA concentration in both diets, but only increased digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF when added to the DT diet, leading to tendencies on TMR × enzyme interaction.

Addition of the EPE product assessed in this study resulted in positive responses in Exp. 1 and 2 when added to finishing beef steer diets, and thus it is clear that use of protease enzyme products may be more effective in high concentrate diets such as finishing beef steer diets containing DDGS.

University of Wisconsin

A comparison of corn silage verses chopped hay in finishing diets containing 20 vs. 40% dried distillers grains (DDGS) in replacement of corn was conducted. No overall effects of forage type or inclusion level of DDGS was detected for feedlot performance or carcass traits, except G:F was greater for cattle fed chopped hay verses corn silage as a forage source. Feeding chopped hay verses corn silage in finishing diets containing DDGS may improve feed efficiency and at higher inclusion level of DDGS may result in higher marbling score.

Effects of the inclusion of white clover or urea into tall or meadow fescue pastures on animal performance and forage characteristics. Tall Fescue (TF) produced more available forage than Meadow Fescue (MF), which then allowed for a greater carrying capacity for TF. The inclusion of clover decreased available forage in both of the grasses, but did increase CP, IVTD and decreased NDF percentages in the pasture swards. MF had greater ADG than TF but similar gain per acre. Including white clover (WC) into the pastures increased ADG by 0.35 lbs/d. WC also increased gain per acre compared to monoculture pastures. Including white clover in pasture swards increased animal daily gain and total animal gain per acre. Both grasses produced similar gain per acre, but animal performance did differ.

Objective 2. To enhance quality and safety of beef through emerging pre-harvest technologies and management strategies.

Iowa State University

Steers were fed a trace mineral adequate or trace mineral deficient diet for 90 d, during the growing phase, followed by a 20 h shipping period, and then a 90 d finishing phase with a common trace mineral adequate diet, where half of the animals from each diet were injected with Multimin®90, or sterilized saline. Trace mineral content of the diet did not impact steer performance during the growing phase, but trace mineral adequate steers lost less weight per day and recovered feed intake more quickly than mildly trace mineral deficient steers after the shipping period. A multi-element trace mineral injectable improved ADG of mildly trace mineral deficient steers post-shipping. Steers previously on a trace mineral adequate diet had greater marbling scores, and mineral injection increased rib eye area and marbling score.

Michigan State University

A study is ongoing to evaluate the role the rumen environment has on fecal shedding of STEC organisms. Rumen fluid was collected from 82 animals across five dairy and beef herds. Rumen fluid samples were collected at 2-3 week intervals for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 5 sample periods. Rumen fluid was used in two assays to measure the growth of STEC organisms. The first assay measures the non-microbial inhibition factors (chemical), whereas the second assay provided an estimate of the growth/inhibition in a rumen fluid as it is collected. Growth of the altered E coli was reduced by 27% in assay 1 and 214% in the in vitro fermentation test (assay 2). The correlation between chemical inhibition and pH, valerate, propionate and isobutyrate were .23, -.20, -.13, and -.14, respectively. The opportunity exists to identify animals with greater ruminal inhibition of E. coli O157:H7.

University of Minnesota

An experiment was conducted comparing the effects of soy glycerin (0% vs 10% GLY) and corn processing: rolled corn (DRC) vs steam flaked corn (SFC) on Escherichia coli O157:H7 shedding in E. coli O157:H7 inoculated cattle (1011 CFU per calf with a cocktail of four E. coli O157:H7 strains resistant to two specific antibiotics (nalidixic acid and rifampin). No significant differences in E. coli O157:H7 concentrations were found between the treatments. Overall average fecal counts of E. coli O157:H7 decreased over time from 4.5 to less than 1.0 log CFU/g 20 d after inoculation. Results from this experiment indicate that neither soy glycerin inclusion nor corn processing method stimulated the shedding of artificially inoculated of E. coli O157:H7. Therefore, under the conditions of our experiment, we conclude that feeding soy glycerin and processed corn had little impact on the colonization of cattle by E. coli O157:H7.

Two surveys were conducted to assess the impact of feeding diets containing Distillers Grains and Solubles (DGS) on the incidence of E. coli O157:H7 in fecal samples removed from pen surfaces (feedlot; n = 1,376) or hides (abattoir; n = 1,211) in Minnesota. Results from feedlot surveillance indicated an overall E. coli O157:H7 prevalence of 9.74% when averaged across the three farm sites. Dietary concentration of DGS (e 20, 17-19.9, d 16.9 DM basis) had no effect on the odds of a positive test occurring. A positive test was 2 times more likely to be found for yearlings than for calves. We observed the highest prevalence for shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in the summer (31.25%) and the lowest prevalence in fall (4.93%). Results from the abattoir surveillance indicated an overall prevalence of 11.23% when averaged across all samples. Distillers grains had no effect on occurrence of positive samples. Results from this study indicate the inclusion of DGS in beef cattle feedlot diets did not affect E. coli O157:H7 prevalence in Minnesota-fed feedlot cattle and at a commercial abattoir.

University of Nebraska

Two beef reports were published in 2012 on cattle growth that focused on optimizing use of zilpaterol and the influence of condensed distillers solubles on shelf life.

When zilpaterol is fed to cattle, USDA quality grade is reduced by approximately 10%. When zilpaterol was fed to cattle sorted by body weight, carcass weights were increased without increasing variation in carcass weight, and allowed for cattle to reach an optimum fat endpoint. This management strategy can help offset some negative carcass quality issues that are commonly reported.

Previous research has demonstrated that feeding distillers grains increases oxidation in retail cuts which decreases shelf life. Strip loins were collected from feedlot cattle fed 0, 9, 18, 27, and 36% condensed distillers solubles to determine the impact on retail product shelf life. When feeding condensed distillers solubles, no detrimental effects in shelf life were observed. These data suggest that the unprotected fat in solubles is available to rumen microbes and biohydrogenation of the fat occurs to a greater extent compared to the fat in distillers grains.

The Ohio State University

Removal of supplemental vitamin A from barley based finishing diets increased marbling without affecting backfat, gains, or animal health.

Purdue University Supplemental vitamin D did not improve tenderness in cattle fed 0 or 8.3 mg/kg zilpaterol hydrochloride (Zilmax). Zilmax decreased mRNA expression of MHC-1 and MHC-2a fiber types. 5.0 x 106 IU for 10 d increased mRNA expression of MHC-2a when cattle were not fed Zilmax. Correlation analysis revealed that muscle fiber type, concentration of 1,25-(OH)2 in longissimus muscle, and plasma Ca concentrations at feedlot entry are most correlated with beef tenderness.

Ninety steers were allotted to three treatments to evaluate the effects of DCAD on beef tenderness. Treatments were initiated 2 weeks prior to slaughter and consisted of 3 DCAD (mEq/100 g) concentrations: +16, 0, and -16. Urine pH did not differ at the initiation of the study, but did decrease (linear and quadratic) on d 7 and d 14 of the study as DCAD decreased from +16 to 0 to -16, respectively. Carcass characteristics, including tenderness, did not differ among DCAD treatments.

Beta-carotene supplementation seems to inhibit expression of enzymes involved in metabolism of beta-carotene and vitamin A, potentially allowing these metabolites to accumulate in muscle, thus altering fatty acid profile and fat deposition.

South Dakota State University

Steer calves were sorted and managed based on SNP of the leptin gene. Only CC and TT types were used. Both genotypes of steers were grown from 720 to 980 lb on lower (43Mcal NEg) or higher (56Mcal NEg) diets and then finished to a common fat endpoint on a common diet. Grower diets influenced steer performance during the finishing phase. Genotype had no effect on the rate or efficiency of growth. The primary interest was in whether there would be a genotype x growth rate influence on final carcass traits. No interactions were evident. Carcass composition (9-10-11 rib) of a subsample of the population indicated that the TT genotype was associated with greater carcass fatness. However, this was not evident in Yield Grade data for the larger population of steers on this study.

Objective 3. To enhance the environmental sustainability of the feedlot industry through N, P, K, and S management by improving nutrient utilization and excreted nutrient conservation.

Michigan State University

A study was conducted to evaluate the affects of dried distillers grain with soluble (DDGS) on ammonia (NH3) emissions. Twelve Holstein steers were housed in environmentally controlled rooms; 4 steers per dietary treatment. Three dietary treatments were fed; 0% DDGS, 40% DDGS, and 40% DDGS plus 6 ppm molybdenum (Mo) and 60 ppm copper (Cu) added to the diet. The study was divided into phases; phase 1 monitored emissions data for 22 d from the animal and manure (feces and urine mixture) and phase 2 monitored emissions for 4 d while steers were fitted with fecal bags to separate feces from urine. Ammonia emissions across all treatments were reduced from 74.8 mg/g N intake (NI)/d during phase 1 to 11.2 mg/g NI/d during phase 2. Within phase 1, both 40% DDGS diets had significantly greater NH3 emissions at 83.0 mg/g NI/d compared to the control diets at 58.5 mg/g NI/d. The 40% DDGS diet also differed in NH3 emissions from 76.3 mg/g NI/d to 89.7 mg/g NI/d in 40% DDGS plus. A total N balance was calculated from data collected during phase 2. Nitrogen intake increased from 129.8 g/d to 214.1 g/d in both 40% diets. Nitrogen loss from gas (NH3, NO2, and NO-) and feces were similar among treatments; however urine increased from 43.2 g/d to 78.1 g/d in both 40% DDGS diets. Additionally, inclusion of DDGS at 40% increased N retention from 1.6 g/d in the control diets to 49.8 g/d in the 40% DDGS diets.

University of Nebraska

Three refereed journal publications published in 2011 focused on N losses or greenhouse gas emissions from beef production systems. Four beef reports focused on manure management and nitrogen losses.

The impact of greenhouse gas emissions and the Corn-Cattle-Ethanol cycle was evaluated at different distillers grains level and moisture content, nitrogen use efficiency throughout a production system. Feeding wet distillers to feedlot cattle provided the optimum feed use of distillers grains. Partial (modified distillers grains) or complete drying (dried distillers) reduced the feeding value and increased ethanol greenhouse gas emissions relative to wet distillers grains.

Six experiments were conducted to evaluate dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) in concentrate diets on urinary pH, feedlot performance, and N mass balance. The goals of these experiments were to determine the extent that urinary pH could be reduced and if the reduced urinary pH would shift more of the N in the manure (urine, feces, and soil) to ammonium and reduce N loss. Feeding low DCAD diets reduced urinary pH but the buffering capacity of soil in open-lot pens neutralized the acidic urine.

Manure cleaned from pens in the spring across 2 years was used to determine the effect of aerobically composting or anaerobically stockpiling manure. Organic C and N losses were greater for composted manure compared with stockpiled manure. The proportion of ammonium N was greater for stockpiled manure compared with composted manure. However, when samples from each storage method were dried after the active composting process (>100 d), the additional N loss as ammonia from the stockpiled manure was less compared with the total N loss from composting.

Utah State University

A 2-year grazing study was conducted to evaluate the effects of finishing beef cattle grazed on tall fescue (TF) pasture with (TF+NF) or without (TFNF) N fertilization on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and carcass characteristics. In each grazing season, 18 Angus crossbred steers were arranged based on a completely randomized design with repeated measures. In response to N fertilization, greater CP concentration was detected on TF+NF compared with TFNF in 2011. Nitrogen fertilization increased overall ADG of steers grazed TF+NF in 2-year grazing seasons, and tended to increase overall DMI and G:F in 2010. Regardless of N fertilization, ADG was peaked at wk 4 and 8, and then declined until wk 16. Gradually decline of G:F was noticed with progression in grazing seasons. Higher total VFA concentration was detected on steers grazed TF+NF, but minor effect was showed on individual VFA (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) concentrations and acetate-to-propionate ratio. Ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) concentration increased due to N fertilization, while NH3-N:total VFA increased with the progression of grazing seasons.

Overall results of this study indicate that N fertilization on TF affected ruminal fermentation which positively influenced growth performances, but did not affect carcass characteristics of grazing beef steers.

Objective 4. To enhance the health and production efficiency of feedlot cattle through management strategies and technologies which enhance cattle comfort and wellbeing.

University of Illinois

Supplemental DDGS to grazing heifers did not decrease fecal egg counts when compared to corn supplementation. However, DDGS supplementation increased heifer performance including ADG, final BW, and PCV when compared to corn supplementation.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a Tylan® pellet on implant defects and resulting performance in finishing steers. A 2x2 factorial was set up to study the impacts of clean and dirty implanting procedures on cattle implanted with implants containing Tylan® or with regular implants. Tylan® containing implants and clean implanting procedures reduced implant defects and improved performance.

University of Nebraska

Two reports focused on feeding elevated concentrations of S. Data from 1 experiment confirmed previous research that the source of S (organic vs. inorganic) has an impact on ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration and reduces performance. To determine the risk of sulfur toxicity, ruminal degradable S should be evaluated as well as total dietary S.

A meta-analysis of finishing trials was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary S on feedlot health. For a given level of dietary S the relative risk for polioencephalomalacia decreased as forage NDF increased. As rumen degradable S increased in the diet, the incidence increased. Similar to the previous study, determining the concentration of rumen degradable S is a better measure of risk because it accounts for the dietary S that contributes to hydrogen sulfide production.

Utah State University

We investigated changes in ruminal fermentation when high concentration of Se was administered in mixed ruminal cultures in fermentors. A dual-flow continuous culture system was used in a completely randomized design (n = 4) to test 2 dietary treatments: control (no Se addition) and 50 ppm Se addition. Grass hay (20 g DM/d) containing 0.12 ppm Se was added to the fermentors in 2 equal portions at 0800 and 1700 h. Selenium (sodium selenate) was added to the Se addition treatment by gradually increasing the concentration from 2 to 50 ppm over the 11 d in adaptation period. Total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration averaged 52.2 and 55.5 mM in the control and Se treatment, respectively, and addition of Se did not affect the VFA concentration. Molar proportions of acetate and propionate did not differ due to Se addition, resulting in a similar acetate-to-propionate ratio. However, addition of Se tended to increase ammonia-N concentration. Additionally, Se addition increased methane production. Selenate-respiring microorganisms were detected by the most probable number enumeration technique in 3 of the 4 replications receiving Se.

Addition of 50 ppm Se in grass hay of the diet had no negative impacts on ruminal fermentation, as was observed in similar culture pH and VFA concentration. However, addition of Se affected microbial N metabolism by increasing ammonia-N concentration. Overall data in this study suggest that the addition of Se up to 50 ppm would not interfere with in vitro ruminal metabolism by microbiota.

Presentations Illinois 1 Iowa 13 Michigan 16 Minnesota 20 Nebraska 12 Ohio State 6 Purdue 2 South Dakota 8 Wisconsin 12

Impact Statements:

Improvements in utilization of alternative feedstuffs were achieved through various additives and alterations to dietary fiber level, type, and digestibility. As a result environmental, animal health, and food safety concerns were diminished and efficiency and profitability of feedlot operations were increased.
Improvements in beef quality (marbling, leanness, tenderness) were achieved through pre-harvest gene testing, vitamin alterations, and beta agonist addition resulting in enhanced feedlot profitability.

Last Modified: 30-Jul-2012

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NCCC208: Nutrition and Management of Feedlot Cattle to Optimize Performance, Carcass Value and Environmental Compatibility (NCT192)

Annual/Termination Reports (SAES-422): [07/29/2009] [07/26/2010] [09/03/2011] [07/13/2012]

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Date of Annual Report: 07/26/2010

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Date of Annual Report: 07/13/2012

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