Cattlemen's Day, 2003

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Open Access
Effect of melengestrol acetate (MGA) on cultured bovine muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:41:40Z) Sissom, E.K.; Kayser, J.P.; Waylan, A.T.; Dunn, J.D.; Johnson, B.J.
Melengestrol acetate (MGA) increases growth rate and inhibits estrus in feedlot heifers. Little is known of MGA’s effect on skeletal muscle growth and differentiation. The purpose of this trial was to investigate the potential direct effects of MGA on cultured bovine muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation. Satellite cells isolated from yearling cattle were used to assess the effect of MGA in a dose titration (0, 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, 10 μM, and 100 μM) study on [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Likewise, satellite cell cultures were allowed to differentiate, and nuclei were stained at 168 hours to determine the effect of MGA (10 nM and 100 μM) addition during the first 48 hours on extent of differentiation and absolute myotube nuclei number. MGA addition resulted in a dose-dependent decrease (P<0.05) in DNA synthesis as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. MGA addition (10 nM) did not significantly alter the extent of differentiation or myotube nuclei number at 168 hours in culture even though this concentration reduced DNA synthesis. However, 100 μM MGA addition significantly (P<0.05) reduced both fusion percentage and myotube nuclei number as compared to control cultures. These data suggest MGA addition at concentration between 10 nM and 100 μM affected bovine muscle cell proliferation and differentiation. A better understanding of these effects will increase our knowledge of bovine muscle growth and development.
Open Access
Effects of flax supplementation and a Revalor-S implant on circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and muscle IGF-1 mRNA levels in finishing cattle
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:41:26Z) Dunn, J.D.; Kayser, J.P.; Waylan, A.T.; Sissom, E.K.; Johnson, B.J.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
Sixteen crossbred steers weighing 875 lb were used to evaluate the effects of a 5% ground flaxseed supplement and a combined trenbolone acetate/estradiol (TBA/E2) growth promoting implant, Revalor-S®, on both circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and local muscle IGF-1 mRNA concentrations. Steers were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: . 1) Flax/Implant, 2) No Flax/ Implant, 3) Flax/No Implant, 4) No Flax/No Implant. Serum was harvested from blood collected via jugular venipuncture on day 0 (before implantation or flax addition), 14, and 28. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from the longissimus muscle on days 0, 14, and 28. Implanted steers had 52 and 84% higher (P<0.05) circulating IGF-1 levels than non-implanted steers on days 14 and 28, respectively. Cattle fed diets without flax had higher levels of muscle IGF-1 mRNA than cattle fed diets with flax on day 28 (4.4-fold, P<0.01). Our data support that the administration of a combined TBA/E2 growth promotant increases circulating IGF-1 and local muscle IGF-1 mRNA concentrations in finishing cattle. However, this increase in muscle IGF-1 mRNA appears to be attenuated by the addition of a dietary flax supplement.
Open Access
Relationship of blood glucose concentration at arrival to performance and carcass characteristics of beef heifers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:41:06Z) Loe, E.R.; Kessen, T.J.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Sindt, J.J.; Sulpizio, M.J.; Pike, J.N.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
Crossbred yearling heifers (n = 394) were used to compare the effect of high or low blood glucose measured at arrival on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. A blood sample was collected when heifers arrived at the Beef Cattle Research Center, and heifers were sorted into two groups: high or low blood glucose. The mean blood glucose concentration of the heifers was 57 ± 2 mg/dL in the low group and 78 ± 2 mg/dL in the high group. Heifers that had low blood glucose at arrival consumed more feed (P=0.02), tended to have increased final bodyweight and rate of gain (P<0.10), had increased backfat thickness (P<0.05), and tended to have heavier hot carcass weights and fewer standard carcasses (P<0.10) compared with heifers that had high blood glucose at arrival.
Open Access
Comparison of dried full-fat corn germ and tallow in finishing feedlot diets for heifers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:40:54Z) Sulpizio, M.J.; Kessen, T.J.; Loe, E.R.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Pike, J.N.; Sindt, J.J.; Ethington, R.T.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
A trial was conducted using 588 finishing beef heifers (705 lb initially) to compare tallow and dried full-fat corn germ as supplemental energy sources. Pens of 20 to 50 heifers were fed finishing diets containing 1) tallow or 2) corn germ. The tallow diet contained (dry basis) 46% steam-flaked corn, 35% wet corn gluten feed, 3% alfalfa hay, 1.5% soybean meal, and 4% tallow. The corn germ diet contained 41% steam-flaked corn, 35% wet corn gluten feed, 3% alfalfa hay, and 10% corn germ. Diets provided 300 mg monensin, 90 mg tylosin, and 0.5 mg MGA per heifer daily and were fed ad libitum once daily for 110 days. Gains of 2.99 lb/day for tallow and 2.95 lb/day for corn germ were not different (P>0.30), but dry matter intake tended to be greater for cattle fed corn germ than for those fed tallow (P=0.10; 16.7 vs 16.4 lb/day, respectively). Consequently, cattle fed germ were 3.4% less efficient than cattle fed tallow (P<0.04). Hot carcass weight was not different (P>0.40) between treatments. Cattle fed corn germ had more carcasses grading prime (P=0.03), more carcasses grading average choice or higher (P<0.05), and tended to have more marbling (P=0.08) than cattle fed tallow. Incidence of liver abscesses was higher (P<0.02) for cattle fed corn germ than for those fed tallow (4.8% vs 1.8%, respectively). These results indicate that corn germ is a suitable substitute for tallow in finishing rations.
Open Access
Effect of full-fat corn germ and Vitamin E on finishing performance and carcass characteristics of beef heifers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:39:59Z) Montgomery, Sean P.; Sindt, J.J.; Greenquist, M.A.; Good, E.J.; Loe, E.R.; Sulpizio, M.J.; Kessen, T.J.; Drouillard, James S.; Depenbusch, Brandon E.; jdrouill; bdepenbu
Eight hundred eighty-eight crossbred beef heifers weighing 837 lb were used in a 105- day finishing study to evaluate full-fat corn germ as a lipid source and added vitamin E in finishing diets containing steam-flaked corn. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial and consisted of finishing diets formulated to provide no added fat (Control), 4% tallow (Tallow), or 10% or 15% full fat corn germ on a dry matter basis (10%FFG and 15%FFG, respectively) with or without 2000 IU of additional vitamin E per heifer daily. No fat × vitamin E interaction was detected. Fat addition decreased (P<0.01) dry matter intake and tended (P<0.09) to improve gain efficiency, but marbling score and the number of carcasses grading USDA Choice were decreased by fat additions (P<0.01). Tallow and 10%FFG yielded similar finishing performance and carcass characteristics. Increasing full fat corn germ led to linear decreases (P<0.05) in dry matter intake, average daily gain, final body weight, and hot carcass weight, as well as marbling score and the number of carcasses grading USDA Choice. Gain efficiency was increased by addition of full fat corn germ at 10% of the diet, but not at 15% of the diet. Addition of full fat corn germ to the diet tended (linear, P<0.06) to decrease the incidence of liver abscesses. Addition of vitamin E did not affect finishing performance (P>0.12). This study suggests that full fat corn germ can serve as a supplemental lipid source for finishing cattle. Responses to 10% full fat corn germ were similar to those obtained when an equal amount of fat from tallow was incorporated into the diet.
Open Access
Performance and carcass characteristics of yearling steers and heifers fed Agrado™ throughout the finishing period
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:39:44Z) Sindt, J.J.; Dicke, B.; Klopfenstein, T.J.; Borck, L.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
A finishing experiment was conducted at a commercial feedlot facility in Larned, Kansas, using 3,295 yearling steers and heifers to evaluate effects of Agrado™ addition to finishing diets. Agrado (ethoxyquin) is a dietary anti-oxidant that protects against oxidative loss of critical vitamins and prevents rancidity and unpalatable odors. Supplementing finishing diets of yearling steers and heifers with 150 ppm Agrado had no measurable effects on growth performance or carcass characteristics.
Open Access
Effects of supplemental protein removal on total and acid-resistant E. coli, total coliforms, and performance in finishing steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:39:30Z) Greenquist, M.A.; Gordon, C.M.; Sindt, J.J.; Drouillard, James S.; Phebus, Randall K.; jdrouill; phebus
Fifty-four crossbred finishing steers were used to measure the effects of reducing supplemental protein (nitrogen) on feedlot performance and fecal shedding of acid-resistant Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria. A control diet (15.0% crude protein; high protein) was compared to a low protein diet (8.9% crude protein; low protein) from which supplemental nitrogen sources (urea and soybean meal) were removed for the last 8 days of the feeding period. Fecal E. coli and coliform populations were measured prior to harvest. Removal of supplemental nitrogen from feedlot cattle diets did not substantially reduce populations of acid-resistant fecal E. coli and coliforms. Fecal pH tended to be lower (P=0.11) and the molar percentage of fecal isobutyrate and valerate were lower (P<0.05) for steers receiving low protein diets, but total fecal volatile fatty acid concentrations were not affected by dietary treatment. Dry matter intake tended to be lower (P<0.10) for steers fed low protein diets, whereas daily gains, feed:gain, final weights, dressing percentages, and carcass characteristics were similar for cattle fed low and high protein diets.
Open Access
Effect of feeding conventional or high-moisture, steam-flaked corn to finishing heifers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:38:48Z) Sindt, J.J.; Kessen, T.J.; Sulpizio, M.J.; Loe, E.R.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
Finishing heifers were fed diets containing either conventional (18% moisture) or high-moisture (36% moisture) steam-flaked corn. Increasing moisture concentration in flakes increased starch availability (P<0.01), but feeding heifers high-moisture flakes decreased (P<0.05) dry matter intake and average daily gain compared to heifers fed conventional flakes. Feeding heifers high-moisture flakes also numerically reduced hot carcass weight and ribeye area, but caused (P<0.01) heifers to deposit more fat over their 12th rib. Extreme levels of moisture in flaked corn improve starch availability but do not appear to increase heifer performance or carcass value. The interaction between moisture and flake density needs further evaluation.
Open Access
Relative value of ruminally degradable and undegradable protein on the utilization of low-quality prairie hay by steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:38:29Z) Wickersham, T.A.; Cochran, R.C.; Farmer, C.G.; Klevesahl, E.A.; Arroquy, J.I.; Johnson, D.E.; Gnad, D.P.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; etitgeme
An experiment was performed to investigate the impact of providing six levels of ruminally degradable protein (RDP; protein that is available to ruminal microbes) in combination with two levels of ruminally undegradable protein (RUP; protein that is not available to the ruminal microbes, but can be digested directly by cattle) on the intake and digestion of low-quality prairie hay. Twelve steers were provided unlimited access to low-quality prairie hay (5.3% crude protein and 71.7% neutral detergent fiber) throughout the trial. To simulate dietary RUP, casein was infused abomasally once daily at either 0 or 0.087% of body weight. To simulate dietary RDP, casein was infused ruminally once daily at 0, 0.029, 0.058, 0.087, 0.116, or 0.145% of body weight. As provision of RDP increased, forage intake and fiber digestion increased. Supplementing with RUP alone increased forage intake but not fiber digestion, although the intake response was not as large as providing the same amount of RDP. In conclusion, RUP is less efficient than RDP in stimulating forage intake and digestion.
Open Access
Influence of low-level fall protein supplementation on forage intake, diet digestion, and selection by beef steers grazing tallgrass-prairie range
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:38:15Z) Llewellyn, Donald A.; Cochran, R.C.; Marston, T.T.; Farmer, C.G.; Wickersham, T.A.
This study evaluated the effect on forage utilization of providing a limited quantity of a high-protein (40% crude protein) supplement to beef cattle grazing tallgrass prairie during the fall. Sixteen ruminally fistulated beef steers were randomly assigned to one of two treatments (fall supplementation or no fall supplementation), which were evaluated for their effect on forage intake and digestion during September and November. Within each treatment, four steers were used for measuring diet selection (by ruminal evacuation) and four were used for determining diet digestion (by total fecal collection). Data from both groups were used to calculate forage intake. Steers were individually fed a high-protein supplement at a rate of 0.14% of body weight/day (as-fed basis; 0.80 lb/day during September and 0.99 lb/day during November) but prorated and delivered only three days per week. Quality of diet selected decreased as season progressed (decreased protein and increased fiber) and, as a result, forage intake and digestion was significantly lower during the late fall period. Neither diet selection nor forage intake were significantly influenced by fall supplementation; however, supplemented steers digested their total diet to a greater extent.
Open Access
Influence of low-level supplementation with a high-protein feed on performance of beef cows grazing tallgrass-prairie range during the fall
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:38:03Z) Llewellyn, Donald A.; Cochran, R.C.; Martson, T.T.; Grieger, David M.; Farmer, C.G.; Wickersham, T.A.; Simms, D.D.; dgrieger
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of hand feeding a limited quantity of a high-protein supplement during the fall grazing period on cow and calf performance. The time of initiation of supplementation was also evaluated. One-hundred thirty-six multiparous, pregnant, spring-calving cows grazing native range were assigned to supplementation treatments. Control cows received no fall supplementation. Supplemented cows received 0.14% of body weight per day (1.5 lbs per day) of a high-protein supplement (40% crude protein, as-fed basis) approximately 2 months before and after weaning (Aug 15 to Dec 14; weaning = Oct 15) or only after weaning (Oct 15 to Dec 14). Supplement was fed 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and was prorated to deliver the designated daily amount. All cows received 4 lbs per day of the same supplement during the winter (Dec 14 until calving in early March). Fall and cumulative winter performance (body condition score and body weight) indicated that providing a limited amount of a high-protein supplement during the fall supplementation period can increase cow body condition and body weight, and in some cases, subsequent calf performance. Fall supplementation did not significantly affect the proportion of cows cycling prior to the breeding season or subsequent pregnancy rate.
Open Access
Ruminal ammonia load does not affect histidine utilization in growing steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:37:03Z) Candler, K.C.; Awawdeh, M.S.; Gnad, D.P.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; etitgeme
Fermentation of dietary protein in the rumen leads to ammonia absorption, which could impair amino acid utilization in cattle. Our study was conducted to determine the effects of rumen ammonia load on histidine utilization. Six ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (318 lb) housed in metabolism crates were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial and included: 0, 1.5, or 3 grams/day L-histidine infused abomasally; and 0 or 80 grams/day urea infused ruminally to supply a metabolic ammonia load. As expected, urea infusions increased rumen ammonia and plasma urea concentrations. No change in nitrogen retention, a measure of lean tissue growth, occurred in response to urea. Retained nitrogen increased with histidine supply, and the maximal response occurred with 1.5 grams/day of histidine, suggesting that this amount was near the supplemental requirement. Our research revealed that increases in ammonia load did not demonstrate a metabolic cost in terms of whole body protein deposition, regardless of whether histidine was limiting. Thus, although an excess protein supply may not be economically efficient or environmentally friendly, it does not appear to directly penalize animal performance.
Open Access
Comparison of concentrated separator byproduct and cane molasses for finishing heifers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:36:51Z) Loe, E.R.; Kessen, T.J.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Pike, J.N.; Sindt, J.J.; Sulpizio, M.J.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
We compared concentrated separator byproduct (CSB) to cane molasses on feedlot performance and carcass merit of 394 crossbred yearling beef heifers fed for 148 days. Sugar beet molasses undergoes a process in which approximately half of the sugar is removed, concentrating protein and mineral in CSB. Compared with cane molasses, CSB has more crude protein, ash, and moisture. Two diets based on steam-flaked corn containing either CSB or cane molasses at 5% (dry matter basis) of the diet were fed. Feedlot performance was similar between heifers fed the two diets (P>0.23). Apparent dietary concentrations of net energy for gain (NEg), calculated from performance, were similar (P=0.21) for the CSB and cane molasses diets. The apparent NEg for cane molasses and CSB were not statistically different (P=0.20); the NEg concentrations of cane molasses and CSB were 0.21 and 0.50 ± 0.15 Mcal/lb, respectively. Carcass characteristics were similar between diets. Based on our data, CSB and cane molasses have a similar feeding value and energy content in beef finishing diets that are based on steam-flaked corn.
Open Access
Effect of supplemental carbohydrate type and amount of ruminally degradable protein on utilization of tallgrass-prairie hay by beef steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:36:35Z) Arroguy, J.I.; Cochran, R.C.; Villarreal, M.; Wickersham, T.A.; Llewellyn, Donald A.; Johnson, D.E.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; etitgeme
This experiment determined the impact of type of supplemental carbohydrate and amount of supplemental ruminally degradable protein (RDP) on intake and digestion of prairie hay. Fourteen ruminally fistulated beef steers were supplemented with one of two carbohydrates (corn starch or the simple sugar glucose) at 0.30% of body weight and one of seven levels of ruminally degradable protein (RDP; 0, 0.015, 0.051, 0.087, 0.123, 0.159, or 0.195% of body weight). Two additional steers served as controls (non-supplemented steers, i.e., no carbohydrate or RDP supplementation). Forage intake and digestion were substantially improved by increasing amounts of supplemental RDP. Supplemental carbohydrate with insufficient supplemental RDP depressed fiber digestion although carbohydrate type did not alter the digestion response or forage intake. In conclusion, when supplementing cattle eating low-quality forage, it is important to ensure that the supplement contains adequate RDP. The impact of the supplement on forage use should not differ greatly between starch (e.g., cereal grains) and sugar (e.g., molasses) as the main carbohydrate source.
Open Access
Effects of MGA in receiving diets on health, performance, and carcass characteristics
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:35:27Z) Sulpizio, M.J.; Kessen, T.J.; Loe, E.R.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Pike, J.N.; Sindt, J.J.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
A trial was conducted using 723 crossbred heifers (468 lb initially) to evaluate the effects of including melengestrol acetate (MGA) in receiving diets on growth performance, morbidity, mortality, and carcass characteristics. Treatments were: 1) MGA included in the receiving diet at a rate of 0.5 mg per heifer daily or 2) no MGA in the receiving diet. Diets were fed once daily and contained 42% steam-flaked corn, 45% alfalfa hay, 6% steep liquor, and 2% tallow; monensin and tylosin were included. Receiving diets were fed for 35 days. After 35 days MGA was fed to all heifers, and cattle were stepped up to common finishing diets. Cattle exhibiting clinical signs of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) were treated with Excenel (1 ml/100 lb body weight) for 3 days. Animals requiring followup treatment received the same therapy. Cattle pulled a third time received oxytetracycline (4.5 ml/100 lb body weight) and Predef (5 ml/heifer). Initial respiratory pulls (73.9% for MGA and 77.3% for no MGA), re-treatments, and death loss were not different (P>0.40) during the first 35 days. The number of heifers requiring a third antibiotic treatment tended (P=0.09) to be higher for heifers not receiving MGA. Average daily gain (deads out) for the first 35 days tended to be higher for heifers fed MGA (P=0.06), but dry matter intake and feed efficiency were not different between treatments (P>0.17). Gain throughout the 220-day feeding period was 2.6% higher for cattle fed MGA during the receiving phase (P=0.05). Overall, feed intake and feed efficiency were not different (P>0.50) between treatments, but heifers fed MGA during the initial receiving period tended to have heavier carcass weights (P=0.13). No differences were detected in quality grade, yield grade, or marbling (P>0.23). Feeding MGA during the initial 35 days after arrival may improve gain and carcass weights.
Open Access
High moisture tempering of corn before flaking: effects on bacterial contamination from houseflies and fecal shedding in finishing cattle
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:35:13Z) Broce, A.B.; Gordon, C.M.; Sindt, J.J.; Depenbusch, Brandon E.; Drouillard, James S.; Phebus, Randall K.; bdepenbu; jdrouill; phebus; abroce
Tempered and non-tempered steam-flaked corn samples along with total mixed rations containing either tempered or non-tempered steam-flaked corn were exposed to flies and the environment for 21 hours. Exposure to flies and the environment increased (P<0.05) generic E. coli, non-E. coli coliforms, total coliforms, and total plate count for the steamflaked corn samples independent of tempering. Tempering corn before steam-flaking increased total plate counts. Exposure to the environment and flies did not significantly (P>0.05) alter microbial counts of total mixed rations regardless of tempering (Table 1). Generic E. coli coliforms were greater in total mixed rations when the corn was tempered, both before and after exposure to flies and the environment (P<0.05). Similarly, total microbial plate counts were higher in steam-flaked corn samples when the corn was tempered (P<0.05). A significant increase in response to grain tempering was also noted in non-E. coli coliforms and total microbial plate counts for the total mixed ration samples after exposure (Table 1). Following the initial experiments, 96 finishing beef steers were used to evaluate the effects of tempering steam-flaked corn on acid-resistant E. coli and total fecal coliforms. On day 56 of the feeding period, fecal samples were collected and analyzed for total and acidresistant E. coli and coliforms. No significant treatment difference was observed in the total fecal coliforms (P>0.05), but acid-resistant (pH 2) non-E. coli and total fecal coliforms (Table 2) were lower in feces of cattle fed the tempered grain than those fed non-tempered grain.
Open Access
Effect of processing variables on characteristics of steam-flaked corn
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T17:34:59Z) Sindt, J.J.; Montgomery, Sean P.; Loe, E.R.; Drouillard, James S.; jdrouill
We evaluated tempering moisture concentration, addition of a surfactant to improve moisture uptake, steam conditioning time, and flake density to determine their impact on characteristics of steam-flaked corn. Increasing steam conditioning time from 20 to 40 minutes or adding a surfactant during tempering did not increase final flake moisture concentration, but moisture content of flaked corn was linearly increased by increasing tempering moisture concentration. Addition of Grain Prep® surfactant during tempering decreased (P<0.05) the amount of moisture lost during flaking. Flake durability was increased by increasing tempering moisture concentration, but only if corn was steamed for 40 minutes (tempering moisture × steam time interaction; P<0.10). Decreasing flake density linearly increased both starch availability (P<0.01) and flake durability (P<0.05). In this experiment, tempering moisture concentration had the largest impact on flake moisture content, and flake density was the most influential variable altering flake durability and starch availability.
Open Access
Energy supplementation of steers grazing early-season, native range: effects on grazing and subsequent finishing performance and carcass merit
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T14:01:24Z) Montgomery, Sean P.; Packard, R.L.; Forcherio, J.C.; Scott, R.R.; Blasi, Dale A.; dblasi
Crossbred beef steers (n = 328, initially 495 lb) were used to determine the effects of energy supplementation on grazing and subsequent finishing performance of steers grazing early-season, native range. Treatments consisted of either no supplemental energy or access to feeders containing a free choice, grain-based energy supplement. On the first day of the grazing period, steers were weighed and randomly allotted among eight pastures, providing four replications per treatment. Stocking density was 34% higher for supplemented than for unsupplemented pastures. At the end of the grazing period, steers were transported to a commercial feedlot and allowed ad libitum access to a common finishing diet for an average of 171 days. Supplement intake averaged 5.4 ± 1.1 lb/day (dry matter basis) or approximately 0.90% of body weight during the grazing period. Supplementation increased (P<0.01) grazing period gains from 1.47 to 2.20 lb/day. Supplementation also increased (P<0.01) ribeye area, back fat, and rump fat at the end of the grazing period. Supplementation did not affect subsequent finishing performance or carcass merit, but it reduced (P<0.01) time required for finishing by 18 days. Energy supplementation of steers grazing early-season, native range resulted in more pounds of gain per acre due to improved grazing performance as well as a 34% increase in stocking density.
Open Access
Consumer valuation of steaks with different quality attributes
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T14:01:11Z) Feldkamp, T.; Lusk, J.; Schroeder, Ted C.; tcs
Determining needs and wants of consumers is important for the beef industry to reverse the downward trend in beef demand during the last two decades. This study used experimental auctions in conjunction with a survey to determine consumer preferences for beef steaks. Four experimental auctions were used to elicit consumers’ maximum willingness to pay for five steak types: generic, guaranteed tender, “natural”, USDA Choice, and Certified Angus Beef (CAB). Consumers indicated flavor and tenderness were the most important factors when eating steaks, but they believed there was only about a 50% chance a generic steak would adequately meet these criteria. Though some concern was shown for the safety of meat produced with growth hormones and oral antibiotics, less than half of the consumers in this study were willing to pay more for a “natural” steak than a generic steak. Participants were willing to pay substantially more for guaranteed tender, USDA Choice, and CAB steaks.
Open Access
Antimicrobial effect of buffered sodium citrate, alone or combined with sodium diacetate, on total aerobic count of ground beef stored at 39°F
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-04T13:53:43Z) Ceylan, E.; Marsden, James L.; jmarsden
We studied the antimicrobial efficacy of buffered sodium citrate and a combination of buffered sodium citrate and sodium diacetate on natural aerobic microflora of ground beef stored at 39°F. For non-treated control and 1% buffered sodium citrate, total aerobic count gradually increased from 4.2 log colony forming units (CFU)/gram initially to 9.0 and 8.7 log CFU/gram, respectively, after 10 days. Both treatments reached the spoilage index number of 7.0 log CFU/gram after 5 days. A combination of 1% buffered sodium citrate and 0.1% sodium diacetate resulted in a total aerobic count of 5.9 log CFU/gram (below the spoilage index) after 10 days of storage at 39°F. Combined 1% buffered sodium citrate and 0.1% sodium diacetate suppressed growth of aerobes and increased the shelf life of ground beef stored at 39°F.