Cattlemen's Day, 1997

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Open Access
Effect of heifer source on reproductive performance, culling, marketing and profitability for a commercial heifer development program
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:13:01Z) Lynch, J.M.; Lamb, G.C.; Corah, L.R.; Grieger, David M.; dgrieger
A commercial heifer development operation purchased 483 weanling Angus × Hereford heifers from 11 sources. Heifers were fed a common silage-based diet through an initial developmental period and retained or culled based on average daily gain, pelvic area, and disposition . The percentage of heifers culled from each source ranged from 18.1% to 94.7% and were either sold directly through a local sale barn or sent to a feedlot with retained ownership . Estrus was synchronized, and heifers were artificially inseminated (AI) for 30 days followed by 15 days of natural mating. First service conception rates for each source ranged from 0% to 92.3%, whereas overall pregnancy rates for the 45-day breeding season ranged from 81.3% to 100%. When expressed as a percentage of the original heifers purchased from each source, overall pregnancy rates ranged from 5.3% to 80%. Heifers that lost their fetuses were sold for a net loss of $213 per head. Heifers sold as first service AI bred, second service AI bred, and naturally mated netted $160, $129, and $89 per head, respectively. With accurate records, stringent culling practices, and evaluation of cost and performance, producers can optimize profit potential of replacement heifers. Early culling and pregnancy diagnosis also will decrease costs while increasing opportunities to minimize the financial risks.
Open Access
Reproductive performance of replacement heifers implanted as young calves or at weaning
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:12:51Z) Corah, L.R.; Spell, A.R.; Cook, D.L.; Butine, M.D.; Anderson, K.; Grieger, David M.; dgrieger
This study evaluated the effect of implanting potential replacement heifers (n=548) with Component E-C® (10 mg of estradiol and 100 mg of progesterone) between 45 and 120 days of age or at weaning (200 days of age) on future reproductive performance. Trials were conducted at five ranches in Kansas and one in Nebraska. At each location, heifers were allotted to three treatments: no implant (Control), one implant at 45 to 120 days of age (Early- IMP), or one implant at 2 00 days of age (Wean- IMP). No differences were detected among treatments for first service conception rate (55%), overall pregnancy rate (85%), or calving rate (80%). In addition, no differences were observed among treatments for pelvic area, reproductive tract score, or calving difficulty or for birth or weaning weights of their calves. We conclude that implanting replacement heifers with Component E-C early in life or at weaning had no effect on their subsequent reproductive performance.
Open Access
Estrus detection, first service conception, and embryonic death in beef heifers synchronized with MGA and prostaglandin
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:12:40Z) Lamb, G.C.; Miller, B.L.; Traffas, V.; Corah, L.R.
In April, 1996, 1501 yearling crossbred heifers located on seven different ranches were estrus-synchronized and artificially inseminated (AI) 12 hours after they were detected in estrus. Herd size ranged from 82 to 43 9 head. Of the 1501 heifers, 86.1% were detected in estrus. First service conception rates of those 1292 heifers averaged 58.4% (40.3 to 68.8%). In three herds, ultrasonography was used to diagnose 525 heifers as pregnant at 30 days after AI. At 60 to 90 days after the breeding season, palpation of the uterus confirmed that embryonic death had occurred in 4.2% (4.0 to 4.8%). First service conception rates varied widely among ranches. The variation might have been due to factors such as climate, average daily gain, body condition, A I technician, and AI sire. A small percentage of embryos died after the 30-day ultrasound exam regardless of the ranch or management system.
Open Access
A novel estrus-synchronization program for anestrous and cycling, suckled, beef cows
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:12:08Z) Forbes, W.L.; Corah, L.R.; Thompson, K. E.; Lamb, G.C.; Grieger, David M.; Stevenson, Jeffrey S.; dgrieger; jss
We used four herds at three Kansas ranches to evaluate the potential of two new estrus synchronization strategies to increase estrus expression and fertility of 911 crossbred suckled beef cows. The treatments included: 1) 100 μg of GnRH and a 6-mg norgestomet ear implant on day -7 and 25 mg of PG F2" and implant removal on day 0 (GnRH+NORG+PG F2"); 2) 100 μg of GnRH on day - 7 and 25 mg of PGF 2" on day 0 (GnRH+PG F2"); and 3 ) (control) 25- mg injections of PG F2" on days -14 and 0; (2×PGF2" control) . The GnRH+NORG+ PGF 2" and GnRH+PGF treatments increased (P<.01) 2" the overall percentages of cows detected in estrus by 49% and 27% and pregnancy rates by 46% and 37%, respectively, over the control group, without altering conception rate. Both treatments increase d the estrus, conception, and pregnancy rates of noncycling cows, compared to controls.
Open Access
Fertility after timed breeding using GnRH, PGF2, and norgestomet
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:11:52Z) Thompson, K. E.; Lamb, G.C.; Marple, T.J.; Corah, L.R.; McKee, R.M.; Stevenson, Jeffrey S.; Grieger, David M.; Nichols, David A.; jss; dgrieger; dnichols
At the KSU Purebred Unit, 164 purebred Angus, Hereford, and Simmental cows were used to test a new estrus-synchronization program using GnRH, PGF2, and norgestomet. Cows were inseminated after detected estrus, or in the absence of estrus, inseminations were made at one fixed time after a second injection of GnRH. The treatment consisted of a 100 µg injection of GnRH plus a 6-mg ear implant of norgestomet. Seven days later, the ear implant was removed, and 25-mg of PG F2% was injected. In the absence of estrus, the time-bred group received a second injection of GnRH 48 h after PGF2% and was inseminated 16 h later. The treatment induced 10 of 36 anestrous cows to ovulate. Conception rates tended (P<.09) to be greater in Angus (72.2%) than Hereford cows (52.8%) , with conception rates in Simmental cows (51.5%) being similar to those in Hereford. Overall, pregnancy rates were similar between the time-bred group (59.3%) and the estrus-bred group (53.8%). We conclude that using GnRH, PG F2%, and norgestomet in a timed breeding program ca n eliminate the necessity of heat detection. In addition, the treatment induced estrus in 28% of the noncycling cows.
Open Access
Failure of precalving supplementation of vitamin E and dietary fat to alter reproductive performance of first lactation cows or the health of their calves
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:11:39Z) Coalson, J.L.; Corah, L.R.; Stokka, Gerald L.; Blecha, Frank; blecha
A study was conducted to determine the effect of precalving supplementation with vitamin E and fat on the reproductive performance of first lactation cows and the health of their calves. Approximately 50 days before the first expected calving, 48 crossbred heifers were allotted to four treatments: 1) basal diet that consisted of 13 lb of prairie hay, 7.3 lb of milo, and 1 lb of supplement per heifer per day; 2) basal diet+supplement bringing the diet to 4% fat; 3) basal diet+supplement providing 1000 IU supplemental vitamin E/day; and 4) basal diet plus both fat and vitamin E. Supplementation of vitamin E and(or) fat had no effect on any reproductive trait in the cows or any immunological measurement in the calves.
Open Access
Milking twice daily in the presence of a cow’s own calf fails to prolong postpartum anestrus
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:11:22Z) Lamb, G.C.; Lynch, J.M.; Miller, B.L.; Grieger, David M.; Stevenson, Jeffrey S.; dgrieger; jss
Six treatment s were initiated approximately 15 days after calving: 1) calf was weaned permanently from its dam (calf weaned; CW); 2) calf was present continuously with its dam but contact with the udder was prohibited (calf restricted; CR); 3) calf was present continuously with its dam (calf present; CP); 4) CR dam was suckled twice daily by her own calf (CR+S2×); 5) CW dam was milked twice daily (CW+M2×); 6) CR dam was milked twice daily (CR+ M2×). During the 4-week treatment period , cows in the CR+M2× treatment had twofold greater yield milk and milk components than CW+M2× cows. After completing treatments, calves were returned to their dams and allowed to suckle ad libitum. At the time when suckling was reestablished, milk yield was greatest in CP cows, followed by CR+S2×, CR+M2×, and CW+M2× cows, respectively. Although, lactation in CW an dCR cows ceased, it was reinitiated after 1 week of renewed suckling, and increased further by 5 weeks. Cows milked twice daily (CR+M2× and CW+M2×) h ad their first postpartum ovulation about 2 weeks after weaning, similar to cows not milked or suckled (CW and CR). In contrast, cows suckled by their calves either twice daily (CR+S2×) or ad libitum (CP) first ovulated about 5 weeks after initiation of treatments. We concluded that milk removal by suckling, but not mechanically by milking 2× daily, is essential to prolong postpartum anestrus. Furthermore, suckling limited to 2× daily prolonged postpartum anestrus as much as ad libitum suckling.
Open Access
Rapid nutrient evaluation of sorghum silages using two types of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:11:10Z) Budiongo, K.J.; Harbers, L.H.; Seabourn, B.W.; Bolsen, K.K.; Brent, B.E.
This research was designed to develop a set of prediction equations to measure nutrient composition of Kansas sorghum silages using both a portable and a research type near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS). A robust set of equations for dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was developed for a wide range of sorghum phenotypes . NIRS analysis of sorghum silages is feasible with both a tilting filter (portable) and research instrument with a grating monochrometer.
Open Access
The effect of stage of maturity on the nutritive value of smooth bromegrass and eastern gamagrass silages
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:10:58Z) Turner, J.E.; Siefers, M.K.; Huck, G.L.; Anderson, S.A.; Bolsen, K.K.; Young, Matthew A.; mayoung
Early- and late-harvested smooth bromegrass and eastern gamagrass silages and fourthcutting alfalfa silage were compared in two, 20- day voluntary intake and digestion trials. Visual appraisal and pH values indicated that all five forages were well preserved as silage. Voluntary intake tended to be higher for sheep fed bromegrass and alfalfa silages compared to those fed gamagrasssil ages. The late-harvested gamagrass silage had the lowest DM intake in both periods. Dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities were generally similar for the two grasses within the early- and late-harvested silages. Chemical analyses indicated that the two bromegrass silages were of nearly equal nutritive value; however, digestion trial results showed that the early-harvested silage was higher in quality than the late-harvested silage. Results of both chemical analyses and digestion trials showed that the early-harvested gamagrass silage was higher in quality than the late-harvested silage.
Open Access
Economics of sealing horizontal silos
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:10:42Z) Huck, G.L.; Turner, J.E.; Siefers, M.K.; Brent, B.E.; Bolsen, K.K.; Young, Matthew A.; Pope, Ronald V.; mayoung; rvpope
Determining the value of silage saved by effectively sealing a horizontal silo requires only a few simple calculations, but it is still a concept that is often overlooked by many livestock producers who store large amounts of silage in that manner. Kansas produces about 3.0 million tons of silage annually, primarily from corn and sorghum. A majority of this silage is made and stored in either bunker, trench, or "drive-over" pile silos . Only 20 to 30% of these silos are sealed after filling. Producers who do not seal need to take a second look at the economics of this highly troublesome "technology" before they reject it as unnecessary and uneconomical. The loss from a 100 × 250 ft silo filled with corn silage can exceed $10,000.
Open Access
Effect of bacterial inoculants on the fermentation and preservation efficiencies and nutritive value of alfalfa silage for growing steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:10:18Z) Bolsen, K.K.; Huck, G.L.; Siefers, M.K.; Turner, J.E.; Anderson, S.A.; Pendergraft, J.S.; Young, Matthew A.; Pope, Ronald V.; mayoung; rvpope
Two silage bacterial inoculants from Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. were evaluated using second-cutting alfalfa. The Pioneer brand 1174® inoculant and a Pioneer experimental inoculant each increased the rate and efficiency of the ensiling process in both farm-scale and laboratory-scale silos. The two inoculants increase d the DM recovery in the farm-scale silos compared to the untreated silage. Steers fed the experimental inoculant-treated silage gained faster (P<. 10) (2.56 vs. 2.37 lb per day), had a 4.0% higher DM intake, and were 4.3% more efficient than steers fed the untreated silage. The 1174-treated silage supported a numerically but not statistically better steer performance than the control silage. When the DM recovery results were combined with the feed per gain results, the silages with 1174 and experimental inoculant produced 5.3 and 10.5 lb more steer gain per ton of crop ensiled, respectively, than the control silage.
Open Access
Agronomic and silage quality traits of forage sorghum cultivars in 1995
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:10:06Z) Siefers, M.K.; Turner, J.E.; Huck, G.L.; Anderson, S.A.; Bolsen, K.K.; Young, Matthew A.; Pope, Ronald V.; mayoung; rvpope
Agronomic and silage quality traits were measure d for 37 forage sorghum cultivars and three grain sorghum hybrids. The 1995 growing season was characterized by above average rainfall in the spring and early summer, and a hard freeze on September 22. At the time of the freeze, 20 cultivars had reached the early-milk to early-dough stage, 12 were in the bloom stage, and the remaining eight were still in the early- to late-boot stage . The late planting date and low plant populations resulted in below-normal whole-plant D M and grain yields. Plant height s for the grain sorghums were near normal, but the forage sorghums were well below expected plant heights. The preensiled, whole-plan t DM contents of the 37 forage sorghums ranged from 23.0 to 39.9%. As expected , the silage nutritive value traits of CP, NDF, and ADF were most favorable for the three grain sorghum hybrids and least favorable for the eight forage sorghum hybrids that were still in the boot stage when the freeze occurred.
Open Access
Estimating the undegradable intake protein content of two forages by different commercial proteases
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:09:35Z) Abdelgadir, I.E.O.; Cochran, R.C.; Vanzant, E.S.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; etitgeme
We evaluated the potential of several commercially available proteases for use in predicting the undegradable intake protein (UIP) concentrations o f alfalfa and prairie hay. Protease s differed in their estimates o f the rate of forage protein breakdown an d the amounts of different forage protein fractions . At least one protease appeared to yield acceptable predictions of UIP via a short-term, single time-point assay. Assays of this type deserve further consideration for commercial application.
Open Access
Feathermeal/bloodmeal liquid suspensions for calves grazing winter wheat pasture
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:09:21Z) Kuhl, Gerry L.; LeValley, G.E. Jr.; McCormack, G.D.; Blasi, Dale A.; Drouillard, James S.; Newdigger, Glenn E., Jr.; dblasi; jdrouill; gnewdigg; elevalle
A field study was conducted over 2 years at four different locations in south central Kansas to compare a feathermeal/bloodmeal (ESCAPE) liquid suspension to a molasses-based liquid supplement (ENERGY) and a dry mineral supplement (CONTROL) on the liveweight gain of 768 calves grazing wheat pasture. No significant differences occurred in supplement intake between ESCAPE and ENERGY across years (P=.88). Offering a liquid supplement containing either ES CAPE or ENERGY did not improve (P=.91) growth performance relative to CONTROL calves.
Open Access
Effect of urea level in protein supplements on performance by beef cows consuming low-quality, tallgrass-prairie forage
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:09:10Z) Woods, B.C.; Cochran, R.C.; Mathis, C.P.; Heldt, J.S.; Olson, K. C.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; Grieger, David M.; kcolson; etitgeme; dgrieger
One hundred thirty two Hereford × Angus cows grazing tallgrass-prairie range during winter were used to evaluate the effects of varying the amount of supplemental degradable intake protein (DIP) derived from urea on cow and calf performance. Treatment groups were: 0, 15, 30, and 45% of the supplemental DIP from urea. Supplements were formulated to contain 30% crude protein (CP), with approximately 70% of the CP being DIP. Palatability was not a significant problem within the range of urea inclusion tested. In general, prepartum weight and condition losses were greater with increasing levels of urea, although the magnitude of condition loss was greater when urea comprised more than 30% of the DIP. Calf performance was not affected by treatment.
Open Access
The effects of supplementation frequency and amount of urea in dry supplements on intake and digestibility of low-quality tallgrass-prairie forage by beef steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:08:58Z) Woods, B.C.; Cochran, R.C.; Mathis, C.P.; Heldt, J.S.; Stokka, Gerald L.; Olson, K. C.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; kcolson; etitgeme
Sixteen ruminally fistulated steers were used to evaluate the effects of altering supplementation frequency and including urea in dry supplements on forage intake and digestion. Intake of low-quality tallgrass-prairie hay was not affected by supplementation frequency or by the inclusion of urea. Supplementing cattle less frequently resulted in a decrease in diet digestion. However, we observed a slight trend for reduced supplementation frequency to exert a greater impact when cattle were fed supplements that contained urea.
Open Access
Effects of supplemental degradable intake protein on intake and digestibility of forage sorghum hay
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:08:48Z) Mathis, C.P.; Cochran, R.C.; Woods, B.C.; Heldt, J.S.; Stokka, Gerald L.; Vanzant, E.S.; Olson, K. C.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; kcolson; etitgeme
Sixteen ruminally fistulated beef steers with ad libitum access to forage sorghum hay were used to evaluate the effect of increasing level of degradable intake protein (DIP) on forage intake and digestion. Forage OM intake and total OM intake were enhanced with increasing level of DIP supplementation. Similarly, increases in total OM digestibility and total digestible OM intake (TDOMI) were evident. Compared with the negative control, TDOMI was approximately doubled at the highest level of DIP supplementation.
Open Access
Evaluation of the effects of carbohydrate source and level of degradable intake protein on the intake and digestion of tallgrass-prairie hay by beef steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:08:37Z) Heldt, J.S.; Cochran, R.C.; Mathis, C.P.; Woods, B.C.; Stokka, Gerald L.; Olson, K. C.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; Nagaraja, Tiruvoor G.; kcolson; etitgeme; tnagaraj
Thirteen ruminally fistulated steers were used to determine the effect of carbohydrate (CHO) source and degradable intake protein (DIP) on intake and digestion of tallgrass-prairie hay. In general, DIP supplementation had positive effects on intake and digestion, although response varied somewhat with CHO source. Increasing the amount of supplemental CHO generally decreased hay intake, but effects on digestion were dependent on CHO source.
Open Access
Evaluation of the protein characteristics of four diverse grasses
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:08:26Z) Mathis, C.P.; Abdelgadir, I.E.O.; Cochran, R.C.; Heldt, J.S.; Woods, B.C.; Vanzant, E.S.; Olson, K. C.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; kcolson; etitgeme
Forage protein characteristics in four grasses were evaluated by the nylon bag method. All of the forages used (Bermudagrass hay, brome hay, forage sorghum hay, and prairie hay) were of relatively low quality, except the Bermudagrass, which was of average quality. The forages differed in the size of different protein fractions and in the rate and extent of protein degradation. Predicted extent of ruminal protein degradation (i.e., ruminal protein availability) was lowest for prairie hay, intermediate for Bermudagrass and forage sorghum hay, and highest for the brome hay.
Open Access
Effect of supplement strategy on intake and digestion of prairie hay by beef steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-09-02T21:08:13Z) Greenwood, R.H.; Loest, C.A.; Titgemeyer, Evan C.; Drouillard, James S.; etitgeme; jdrouill
The effects of supple mental corn (4 lb/day), rumen-protected methionine (4.25 grams DL-methionine per day), or a cooked molasses block (1 lb/day) on intake and digestion of prairie hay were measured i n beef steers. Steers that consumed the cooked molasses block ate more forage than control steers, whereas forage intake was decreased by supplemental corn. Total tract organic matter digestion, expressed as a percent of intake, was numerically greatest for steers consuming the cooked molasses block. Digestible organic matter intake, a rough estimate of energy available to the steers, was unaffected by methionine but was increased by supplementation of either corn or the cooked molasses block. Digestible organic matter intake tended to be greater for the block than for corn. Providing protein in a more concentrated form (block) tended to be more beneficial, because the negative effects of starch (corn) on forage intake were avoided.