Cattlemen's Day, 2005

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Open Access
Evaluation of exterior sanitary garments for meat plant employees for control of microbial contamination
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T21:37:39Z) Hickey, G.V.; Bieker, J.M.; Harvey, E.J.; Franken, L.J.; Marsden, James L.; Phebus, Randall K.; Kastner, Curtis L.; jmarsden; phebus; ckastner
Disposable frocks, manufactured by Precise Systems, LLC, and made of an innovative clothing material formed by an inner layer of a spun-bond polypropylene material reinforced by an outer layer of polyethylene, were compared with the cotton/polyester materials used in frocks typically worn in food plants today. The growth and absorption of bacteria on these materials were compared as an indicator of the sanitary conditions of the disposable frocks. These materials were cut into 2 x 2- inch pieces and were inoculated with generic Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. Samples were collected after allowing microorganisms to attach for 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours. In most instances, the cotton/polyester absorbed and maintained the initial inoculation rate over the sampling times. Polypropylene was somewhat absorbent, but contamination rates were slightly lower than on cotton/polyester. Polyethylene material was non-absorbent and performed the best, especially with Listeria monocytogenes. The data indicate that the non-absorbent property of polyethylene does not provide a reservoir for microorganisms, allows run-off, and therefore potentially reduces the opportunity for cross-contamination of food products.
Open Access
Validation of process capabilities for directly acidified beef and venison containing beef snack sticks for control of E. Coli O157:H7
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:50:35Z) Stoltenberg, S.K.; Getty, Kelly J. K.; Thippareddi, H.; Loughin, T.M.; Phebus, Randall K.; kgetty; phebus; loughin
USDA/FSIS guidelines require sausage manufacturers to validate their processes to assure that they can achieve a five-log (99.999%) reduction of E. coli O157:H7. Some small meat processors use encapsulated acids instead of lactic acid starter cultures to produce directly acidified sausages. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the effects of typical thermal processing temperatures and times on reducing E. coli O157:H7 in directly acidified all-beef and venison-containing beef snack sticks, 2) the effect of fat content (10 and 25%) on lethality, and 3) the effect of acid type (citric versus lactic) on lethality. For both all-beef and venison-containing beef snack sticks, E. coli O157:H7 reductions of approximately 3 log cycles (99.9%) were observed when product internal temperature reached 148 and 155ºF. Reductions increased to more than 5 log cycles after 2 hours of slow drying in which the smokehouse temperature was sequentially decreased to 70°F. Encapsulated citric acid was slightly more effective at lowering product pH, compared with the encapsulated lactic acid. Similar pathogen reductions were observed with 10 and 25% fat content. This study demonstrates that the defined processing schedule used to manufacture beef and venison-containing beef snack sticks is adequate to provide microbiologically safe products and to meet USDA guidelines for pathogen reduction. The processing schedule must include an extended drying phase, in addition to the thermal step, to meet these requirements.
Open Access
Evaluation of the GrovacTM system for decontamination of retail beef trimmings to control E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:50:24Z) Forgey, R.; Herald, T.; Franken, L.J.; Tanus, C.A.; Phebus, Randall K.; Marsden, James L.; phebus; jmarsden
The Grovac™ intervention system was evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella inoculated on the surfaces of beef trimmings. Designed to be used in a batch process, the Grovac™ system involves treating beef trimmings in a mixture of citric acid and a hypotonic salt solution while tumbling under vacuum. Beef trimmings were inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, then subjected to no treatment, water with a 1-hour drain treatment, water with an overnight drain treatment, Grovac™ with a 1-hour drain treatment, and Grovac™ with an overnight drain treatment. Data indicated that the Grovac™ system may be a viable method for retailers to use with in-house beef grinding operations to reduce E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella risks. Reductions in these pathogen populations were 85 and 80%, respectively, after draining for 18 hours at 36°F.
Open Access
Antimicrobial effects of colloidal silver washes against Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on fresh beef
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:49:56Z) Coger, R.R.; Franken, L.J.; Herald, T.; Phebus, Randall K.; Marsden, James L.; phebus; jmarsden
Beef carcasses and fresh fabricated beef products potentially can be contaminated with disease causing microorganisms (pathogens) via animal dressing procedures and contamination from the plant environment or workers. Concentrated efforts have been made by the meat industry to develop and implement a wide array of strategies to control such contamination. Spraying beef flank (Rectus abdominus) samples with 32 ppm colloidal silver (ASAP®, American Biotech Labs) solution for 20 seconds reduced Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 numbers by greater than 90% after 4 hours. Inoculated samples treated with 22 ppm colloidal silver, 22 ppm colloidal silver plus 1.5% hydrogen peroxide, 10 ppm colloidal silver, or 10 ppm colloidal silver plus potassium persulfate had moderate to slight pathogen reductions compared with those treated with 32 ppm colloidal silver. Although not yet approved for use on foods (but approved for other human health applications), a colloidal silver rinse implemented in conjunction with other antimicrobial intervention technologies during the beef carcass conversion and/or fabrication processes could be an effective strategy against Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7. Further studies should be conducted on colloidal silver’s antimicrobial effectiveness on lean tissues versus adipose tissue, and on sensory and functional effects on fresh meat products during storage.
Open Access
Effects of cetylpyridinium chloride treatment of roast beef on Listeria monocytogenes populations and quality attributes
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:49:46Z) Singh, M.; Thippareddi, H.; Herald, T.J.; Phebus, Randall K.; Marsden, James L.; Nutsch, Abbey L.; phebus; jmarsden; anutsch
The effectiveness of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) for reducing microbial populations, in particular Listeria monocytogenes, on ready-to-eat roast beef was evaluated. Roast beef slices inoculated with L. monocytogenes were dipped in a solution of 1% CPC for 1 minute. Samples were then vacuum packaged and stored at refrigeration temperature. The effects of CPC treatment on microbial populations, as well as on color and texture of the roast beef samples, was evaluated over a 42-day period. Immediately after CPC treatment, L. monocytogenes populations were reduced by 99 to 99.99%, with the treatment being somewhat more effective on exterior than on sliced/cut surfaces. Throughout 42 days of refrigerated storage, populations of L. monocytogenes, total bacteria, and lactic acid bacteria remained lower on CPC-treated samples than on non-treated samples. Treatment with CPC did not significantly affect the color or texture of roast beef. Treatment with CPC, especially when applied to products before slicing, may serve as an effective antimicrobial intervention for ready-to-eat meat products.
Open Access
Survey of cooking practices and methods for beef steaks and roasts
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:49:37Z) Franken, L.J.; Harvey, E.J.; Pearsall, C.; Marsden, James L.; Phebus, Randall K.; jmarsden; phebus
To support the development of Good Manufacturing Practices for the use of mechanical tenderization in the meat processing industry, a questionnaire was distributed to home, retail, and institutional preparers of beef steaks and roasts. Five hundred individuals in the United States were surveyed on their cooking practices and methods for preparing steaks and roasts. The survey was circulated to individuals from seven states, and consisted of nine questions that addressed where and how participants cooked steaks and roasts. Survey participants were directed to answer all questions that pertained to them and their methods for cooking of steaks and roasts. Results indicated that most participants used color as an indicator of doneness of steaks, whereas cooking time was most often used to indicate doneness of roasts. None of those who were surveyed knew the recommended minimum internal temperature (145°F) for cooking steaks or roasts.
Open Access
Effects of antioxidants on bone marrow discoloration in beef lumbar vertebrae in different packaging systems
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:49:25Z) Grobbel, J.P.; Dikeman, Michael E.; Yancey, E.J.; Smith, J. Scott; Kropf, Donald H.; Milliken, George A.; jgrobbel; mdikeman; jsschem; milliken
To evaluate how antioxidants might prevent bone marrow discoloration, beef lumbar vertebrae held at 35.6°F for 6 or 14 days postmortem before packaging were cut into 1- inch-thick sections and packaged into 1) PVC overwrap; 2) high-oxygen (80% O2, 20% CO2) modified atmosphere packages (MAP); or 3) ultra-low-oxygen (70% N2, 30% CO2) MAP. Before packaging, bones were treated with: no treatment application (control); 1.25% or 2.5% ascorbic acid; 0.1% or 0.2% rosemary; or a combination treatment of 0.15% Origanox™ + 0.3% ascorbic acid. Packages were displayed under continuous fluorescent lighting for 4 days at 35.6°F. Untreated lumbar vertebrae and those treated with 0.1 or 0.2% rosemary discolored to gray or grayish-black, as measured by visual color scores and instrumental a* values, in PVC and high-oxygen MAP. The 1.25% ascorbic acid and 0.15% Origanox™ + 0.3% ascorbic acid were able to maintain desirable color scores through day 2 of display in PVC and high-oxygen MAP, but not after 4 days. The 2.5% ascorbic acid treatment was most effective in preventing discoloration and maintaining initial color in both PVC and high-oxygen MAP. In ultra-low-oxygen MAP, the 1.25% ascorbic acid treatment was as effective as the 2.5% ascorbic acid treatment in preventing bone marrow discoloration. In general, discoloration tended to be greater in bones held 14 days postmortem before packaging than in those held 6 days. Ascorbic acid treatments, particularly the 2.5% application, were effective in preventing bone marrow discoloration.
Open Access
Effects of packaging on bone marrow discoloration in beef arm, rib, shoulder blade, and thoracic vertebra bones
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:49:16Z) Grobbel, J.P.; Dikeman, Michael E.; Smith, J. Scott; Kropf, Donald H.; Milliken, George A.; jgrobbel; mdikeman; jsschem; milliken
Meat retailers have reported bone marrow discoloration to be a problem, especially in modified-atmosphere packages (MAP). To evaluate causes of bone marrow discoloration in different beef bones and packaging systems, 36 beef arm bones, ribs, shoulder blades, and thoracic vertebrae from USDA Select and Choice carcasses were obtained from a commercial abattoir, cut into 1-inch-thick sections at 4 days postmortem, and packaged into 1) polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) overwrap; 2) high-oxygen (80% O2, 20% CO2) MAP; or 3) ultra-low-oxygen (70% N2, 30% CO2) MAP. Packages were displayed under continuous fluorescent lighting for 4 days at 35.6°F. Ribs, shoulder blades, and thoracic vertebrae packaged in PVC and high-oxygen MAP developed undesirable gray or black discoloration during display. In ultra-low-oxygen MAP, mean visual-color scores were acceptable throughout display. The a* values (larger values equate to redder color) for ribs, shoulder blades, and thoracic vertebrae decreased (P<0.05) over time. Arm-bone marrow had less oxidation and dramatically less total iron and hemoglobin than did marrow from ribs and thoracic vertebrae. The much larger amounts of iron and hemoglobin in ribs and thoracic vertebrae likely correspond to marrow discoloration. In summary, bone marrow discoloration occurs in ribs, shoulder blades, and thoracic vertebrae packaged in PVC or high-oxygen MAP. Bones packaged in ultralow- oxygen MAP or arm bones packaged in PVC or high-oxygen MAP had minimal oxidation and discoloration.
Open Access
Feeding melengesterol acetate (MGA) in advance of estrus synchronization of virgin beef heifers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:49:06Z) Gray, B.T.; Marston, T.T.
The objective of this experiment was to determine if a 7-day feeding of melengesterol acetate (MGA) about 2 months before the breeding season would have an effect on puberty onset, response to estrous synchronization, and fertility. “Progesterone priming” with MGA increased the number of heifers that began cycling before estrous synchronization. This did not increase the percentage of heifers that were observed in standing heat after estrous synchronization, however, regardless of whether standard MGA/PGF or Select Synch protocol was used. The conception rates and overall pregnancy rates were similar between treatments. Many factors affect the reproductive performance of replacement heifers; slight decreases in the age of puberty onset seem to have little effect.
Open Access
Evaluation of Estru$ Alert®, Kamar®, and FiL® Tailpaint as aids for detection of estrus
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:48:54Z) Johnson, Sandra K.; sandyj
Three estrus-detection aids were evaluated in beef heifers after synchronization of estrus with a typical melengesterol acetate (MGA)/prostaglandin F2α (PGF) protocol. Devices were applied at the time of PGF administration. Application time was longest for Kamar® patches, intermediate for Estru$ Alert® patches and FiL® Tailpaint, and shortest for controls. The degree to which the detection aids were activated at first observed estrus was dependent on the time of day when first observed and the type of device. A greater proportion of Estru$ Alert® and FiL® Tailpaint devices were 75% to fully activated when first observation of estrus was in the morning, compared with first observations in the afternoon. Time of day did not influence degree of Kamar® patch activation. At breeding, more than 90% of Estru$ Alert® and Kamar® devices were fully activated, whereas more variation in degree of activation was present in heifers with FiL® Tailpaint. Use of detection aids did not increase estrous detection rate or AI pregnancy rates, compared with those of controls when visual observation was intensive. Use of detection aids still requires observation at least twice per day to time inseminations, because the degree of color change/activation is not consistently an indicator of time since onset of estrus.
Open Access
Economies of scale in finishing cattle
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:48:30Z) Porter, R.W.; Jones, R.
The results of this study indicate that farmer-feeders who finish as few as 700 head per year can compete with the large commercial feedlots from a cost perspective. The lack of a sophisticated feed mill does not prevent the farmer-feeder from being competitive with the large commercial feedlots in feed costs. This might be explained by the farmer feeder producing much of the feed, which reduces transportation and transaction costs. The farmer-feeder has non-feed costs that average 64% more than those of the large commercial feedlots. The significantly greater costs for depreciation, repairs, and maintenance may be explained by having fewer numbers of cattle to spread the equipment over. As evidenced by the rapid structural change in the cattle feeding industry, it is not easy for the relatively smaller-scale farmer-feeder operation to compete in the cattle feeding industry. This cost-comparison study indicates that it is possible for well managed small-scale feeders to be competitive from an overall cost perspective.
Open Access
Economic values associated with expected progeny differences (EPD) for angus bulls at auction
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:48:20Z) Dhuyvetter, Kevin C.; Jones, R.; Turner, T.; Marsh, T.; kcd
The two primary objectives of this study were to re-examine the economic values of production expected progeny differences (EPD) and how they relate to the values assigned to actual weights, and to assess the impact that ultrasound EPD have on Angus bull prices. Buyers consider the EPD birth weight to be more important than actual birth weight when selecting bulls. For the remaining production EPD, however, the actual measures were considered more important than the EPD. All four ultrasound EPD were significantly related to price, with three out of the four exhibiting the expected response. Comparisons among premiums/discounts associated with ultrasound EPD, production EPD, and actual weights showed that EPD for ultrasound ribeye area had significantly larger price responses than did either the EPD for birth weight or the actual adjusted yearling weight. This finding suggests that breeders who currently fail to report this data should consider its inclusion in future production sales.
Open Access
Effects of early weaning on carcass and ribeye steak characteristics of bulls and steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:48:10Z) Schlickau, E.K.; Dikeman, Michael E.; Marston, T.T.; Brethour, J.; Unruh, John A.; junruh; mdikeman
Crossbred Hereford × Angus calves (n = 103) were used to determine the effect of early weaning on carcass and ribeye (longissimus muscle) characteristics of bulls and steers. Treatments were: 1) early-weaned (117 days of age) bulls, 2) early-weaned steers, 3) normal-weaned (220 days of age) bulls, and 4) normal-weaned steers. Cattle were harvested at 360 and 389 days of age. At 36 hours postmortem, carcass quality and cutability were measured. Ribeye steaks were aged 14 days and scored for color, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and sensory panel evaluations. Carcasses from early-weaned cattle had greater dressing percentages, heavier weights, greater fat thicknesses, and higher numerical USDA Yield Grades (lower cutability). They also had more marbling and greater USDA quality grades, but had similar longissimus color, shear force, and sensory panel scores, compared with those of normal-weaned cattle. Bulls had greater dressing percentages, but had similar carcass weights to steers. Bull carcasses had less fat thickness and greater ribeye areas, resulting in lower numerical USDA Yield Grades (higher cutability) than steers had. They also had less marbling, darker color, and lower USDA quality grades than steers did. Longissimus muscles from bulls were darker, had greater shear forces, and had lower sensory panel tenderness scores than those from steers. For early-maturing British-type cattle, early weaning is a viable management strategy to produce heavier, higher-quality carcasses than those of normal-weaned cattle. Carcasses from early-weaned cattle are fatter and have lower cutability. For a non-implant “natural” market, bulls could be an alternative for producing high-cutability carcasses. Steaks may be less tender, however, and pre-harvest management must be optimized to reduce dark-cutting carcasses.
Open Access
Effects of early weaning on feedlot performance of bulls and steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:48:00Z) Schlickau, E.K.; Marston, T.T.; Brethour, J.; Dikeman, Michael E.; Unruh, John A.; junruh; mdikeman
Crossbred Hereford × Angus calves (n = 103) were used to determine the effects of early weaning on feedlot performance of bulls and steers. Treatments were: 1) early-weaned (117 days of age) bulls, 2) early-weaned steers, 3) normal-weaned (220 days of age) bulls, and 4) normal-weaned steers. Early-weaned calves were placed on a grower ration at an average age of 134 days and on a finishing ration at 182 days of age. Normal-weaned calves were placed on a finishing ration at 242 days of age. Weight, feed intake, and ultrasound measurements were recorded during the feeding period. Three early-weaned cattle were removed due to chronic bloat, and four early-weaned cattle died in the feedlot. The feedlot period was terminated at either 358 or 387 days of age. Early-weaned cattle had greater average daily gains early in the feedlot period, but normal-weaned cattle had greater gains later in the feedlot period. Excluding the initial weight at 117 days of age, early-weaned cattle maintained heavier weights throughout the feeding period. Bulls had greater average daily gains until feedlot entry of normal-weaned calves, but steers had greater average daily gains later in the feedlot period, resulting in similar final weights. For early-maturing British-type cattle, early weaning resulted in heavier final weights, but it may not be the most viable management strategy because of disadvantages in animal health. Overall, there was no growth-performance advantage for leaving males intact, suggesting that the implant regimen used for these steers was sufficient to compensate for the expected loss in performance when bulls are castrated.
Open Access
Influence of early weaning and winter protein supplementation on weight and condition score of spring-calving beef cows grazing native tallgrass prairie
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:47:50Z) Harborth, K.W.; Llewellyn, Donald A.; Marston, T.T.; harborth
Ninety-two pregnant, mature, spring-calving cows grazing low-quality tallgrass-prairie were used to determine if early weaning of calves reduces the supplementation cost during the subsequent winter. Calves were weaned on June 23, 2003, (early weaning) or October 15, 2003, (fall weaning). Cows were assigned to winter feeding groups and fed one of two amounts of a common soybean meal-milo supplement (45% crude protein; dry matter basis). The two supplementation amounts were fed three times weekly and were prorated to 4 lb/day and 2.8 lb/day. The four treatment groups were: 1) early weaning – 4 lb/day supplement, 2) early weaning – 2.8 lb/day supplement, 3) fall weaning – 4 lb/day supplement, and 4) fall weaning – 2.8 lb/day supplement. Cows were supplemented from November 14, 2003, through calving in early March 2004. Cows with calves weaned early were initially heavier and had higher initial body condition scores than did cows that were weaned in the fall. Although losses of body weight and body condition through the winter were greater for early-weaning cows than for fall-weaning cows, final body weights and body condition scores were still greater for the early-weaning cows than for the fall-weaning cows. Supplementation with 4 lb/day led to less body weight loss over the winter and heavier final body weights than did supplementation with 2.8 lb/day, but final body condition score and body condition score loss over the winter were not affected by the amount of winter supplementation. Cow-calf producers can balance responses to early weaning and to winter supplementation to target appropriate cow weights and body condition scores at calving.
Open Access
Serological responses to IBR viral vaccine and Mannheimia haemolytica bacterin/leukotoxoid administered with needle-free injection technology
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:47:33Z) Smith, John F., 1962-; Johnson, B.J.; Kapil, Sanjay; Hollis, Larry C.; Mosier, Derek A.; lhollis; jfsmith; kapil; dmosier
Yearling steers were randomized to treatment and vaccinated with 5-way modified live viral vaccine and Mannheimia haemolytica bacterin/toxoid by using either needle-free or standard needle injection. Blood samples were collected from all animals at the time of vaccination and 21 days later, and the serum was analyzed for antibody titers to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus and M. haemolytica leukotoxoid. Serological responses to the IBR viral fraction of the 5-way viral vaccine were significantly greater on day 21 after administration with the needle-free injection system. Serological responses to the M. haemolytica leukotoxoid tended to be greater on day 21 after administration with the needle-free injection system.
Open Access
Feedlot performance, health, and carcass characteristics of beef heifers treated with Cydectin® or Dectomax® at processing
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:47:22Z) Hale, R.L.; Gray, D.; Armendariz, R.
Two parasite-control products were compared in an experiment evaluating growth performance, health, and carcass characteristics. Crossbred heifers (n=1747; 837 lb average weight) were randomly assigned to receive either Cydectin® or Dectomax®. Both products were administered at processing at 1 ml per 22 lb of body weight. Cattle were randomly allotted to 12 paired pens by treatment based on source, truckload, and arrival date. Fecal egg counts taken at processing (9.74 eggs per gram) and at reimplanting (0 eggs per gram) indicated that both products were effective in eliminating adult female gastrointestinal parasites. No differences were detected in average daily gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, or most carcass characteristics. Respiratory pulls, realizer cattle, and death loss did not differ between treatments. In this experiment, similar growth performance, health, and carcass traits were observed for heifers treated with either macrocyclic lactone product.
Open Access
Comparison of Dectomax® and Valbazen® on feedlot steer performance and carcass traits
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:47:12Z) Christopher, J.A.; Marston, T.T.; Brethour, J.R.; Stokka, Gerald L.
Two hundred thirty-nine steers were fed at the K-State Agricultural Research Center– Hays to compare the effects of different deworming agents on feedlot performance and carcass traits. This experiment consisted of two replications with steers being fed a finishing diet based on ground sorghum-grain for approximately 100 days. Before the start of each replication, steers were commingled for approximately 30 days and then stratified into high- and low-marbling groups via ultrasound measurements. Within each marbling group, steers were randomly allotted to a treatment. Treatments consisted of an oral application of Valbazen® or a subcutaneous injection of Dectomax® dewormer. Dosages of deworming products followed label instructions. At time of treatment and 12 days later, fecal grab samples were analyzed for indications of internal parasite infestation. Both deworming agents reduced fecal egg counts. Feedlot performance, as measured by daily gain and feed efficiency, was unaffected by treatment. Dectomax®-treated cattle had greater marbling scores and had a greater percentage of carcasses grading USDA Choice or greater than did cattle given Valbazen®. Steers receiving Dectomax® had thicker backfat and greater Yield Grade measurements than did the Valbazen®-treated steers. Other carcass traits were similar between treatment groups. Our data indicate that both Dectomax® and Valbazen® deworming agents can effectively reduce internal parasites, but feedlot steers given Dectomax® had more intramuscular and external fat deposition.
Open Access
Effect of adding Aureomycin® for anaplasmosis control or Rumensin® to mineral supplements on summer beef cowherd performance
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:47:03Z) Llewellyn, Donald A.; Marston, T.T.; Breiner, Ryan M.; rbreiner
Two hundred forty-six commercial Angusbased cows were used to determine the effect of adding Aureomycin® for anaplasmosis control or Rumensin® to mineral supplements on summer beef cowherd performance. Cow/calf pairs were randomly allotted to summer native-pasture groups by treatment, and were fed an industry-standard mineral/trace mineral supplement for the duration of the trial. The study had three treatments: (1) control mineral supplement with no medication added, (2) the same base supplement with the addition of Aureomycin® (0.5 mg/lb cow body weight daily), and (3) the base supplement with the addition of Rumensin® (200 mg/cow daily). Feed additives were blended into the mineral mix to provide the targeted daily consumption. Treatments were initiated May 6 and maintained through October 6. Mineral intake was similar among treatments. Cow and calf weight gains were similar among treatments during the first 32 days of the study. By the trial end, there were no significant differences in cow body condition score gains and pregnancy rates. Total calf gains for the duration of the trial were similar for groups supplemented with Aureomycin®, and Rumensin®, and both were greater than for control calves (21 and 18 lb greater, respectively). Overall herd health was enhanced by feeding Aureomycin ® when compared with control or Rumensin ®. Foot rot was the main health concern in this trial, and the addition of Aureomycin ® to mineral supplements reduced foot rot.
Open Access
Nutrient values for harvested forages from northeastern Kansas
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-08-02T20:46:52Z) Marston, T.T.; Davis, Duane L.; Wood, Billy D.; Schaub, Rod; davis; bdwood; rschaub
Forage testing is an important management tool available to cattle producers. Hay samples (n=42) from Shawnee, Douglas, and Osage counties of various forages (mostly alfalfa, brome hay, and prairie hay) recently were analyzed for nutrient composition. Results indicate that variability in crude protein and fiber (ADF and NDF) content exists. Alfalfa samples possessed crude protein content greater than reported values, whereas prairie samples were close to National Research Council reported values. In contrast, brome hay samples often had less crude protein than their NRC book values. Single samples of other forage types revealed that nutrient profiles of alternative forages could be successfully integrated into cattle feeding programs. These results strongly support the continued need for producers to practice forage sampling to optimize cattle feeding costs.