Cattlemen's Day, 1990

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Open Access
Effect of niacin supplementation of stockers grazing tall fescue pastures
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-04) Brazle, F.K.; Coffey, K.P.; Corah, L.R.; Moyer, Joseph L.; jmoyer
In three trials, there was no gain response by stockers offered supplemental niacin while grazing tall fescue pasture in the spring or fall. There was a trend toward lower body temperatures for niacin-supplemented cattle, but this was not significant. Niacin fed at 2 to 4 g per head daily did not reduce the fescue endophyte fungus problem.
Open Access
Nitrate variation in sudan hay bales from the same field
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Garten, Carl H.; cgarten
Individual large round bales of sudan hay from the same cutting and field ranged from 1,525 to 6,250 ppm nitrate (NO3 ), with an average of 2,764 ppm. These results illustrate the substantial variability that can occur in the nitrate content of forage packages because of location in the field and serves to caution producers when feeding such forages.
Open Access
Yield and nutritional quality of nine summer annual forages
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Kuhl, Gerry L.; Shroyes, J.P.; Hartman, Paul D.; Fjell, Dale L.; phartman; dfjell
Nine summer annual forages were studied to evaluate yield and nutritional quality differences resulting from forage type and cultivar when cut at two stages of maturity. Substantial dry matter yield and quality differences were observed among the six hybrid pearl millets tested. Several hybrid pearl millets gave comparable dry matter yields to the sorghum-sudans at boot and headed stages of growth. Hybrid pearl millets were much higher in crude protein than the hybrid sorghum-sudans and sudangrass. Although yield increased markedly between boot and headed cutting stages, nutritional value declined greatly. Nitrate levels were excessively high in all forages when harvested at the boot stage in July, and several were still above safe levels at the headed stage. Therefore, nitrate and feed quality testing is recommended for safe and efficient utilization of summer annual forages.
Open Access
Indigenous microflora on alfalfa and corn, and population changes during ensiling
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Lin, C.; Hart, R.A.; Bolsen, K.K.; Dickerson, J.T.; Curtis, J.L.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts, molds, and lactate-using yeasts were examined on four cuttings of alfalfa, each at three maturity stagest and three com hybrids in 1989. In addition, microflora population changes were traced during ensiling for the second and fourth cutting alfalfas and the three com hybrids. Enterobacteriaceae were predominant on alfalfa; yeasts, molds, and Enterobacteriaceae predominated on com. Higher proportions of lactate-using yeast were found on com than alfalfa. Lactic acid bacteria comprised a small (104 to 105 CFU/g) proportion of the total (lot») populations, with streptococci the main indigenous LAB group. Lactobacilli, pediococci, and leuconostoc were the minor groups, and their occurrence was variable, particularly on alfalfa. Cutting and maturity of alfalfa did not have a significant effect on the indigenous microflora. The chopping process significantly increased the numbers of microorganisms, but wilting alfalfa did not affect the populations. Once the crops were ensiledt LAB grew extremely fastt and reached maximum numbers at 3 d post-ensiling. Yeast and mold counts showed a continuous reduction as ensiling progressed, and this was much more pronounced in alfalfa than corn.
Open Access
Ensileability of alfalfa: cutting, maturity and treatment effects
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Curtis, J.L.; Lin, C.; Bolsen, K.K.
Analysis of ensiling characteristics from late-bud, 10% bloom, and 50% bloom alfalfa, taken within each of four cuttings identified higher pre-ensiled dry matter (DM) content during the first two cuttings, whereas crop buffer capacity was weakest during the third cutting and subsequently strongest throughout the fourth cutting. Initial pH was lowest at the first cutting and increased with each cutting thereafter. Dry matter increased linearly within maturity, whereas late-bud maturity had the highest buffer capacity and initial pH. From hr 24 until d 90, the pH values were consistently highest for late-bud and lowest for 50% bloom silage. 1featments receiving 2% dextrose showed a slightly higher DM. At each of seven laboratory silo opening times, a combination of added dextrose and a lactic acid bacteria inoculant yielded the lowest pH; inoculant alone gave the next lowest pH values through hr 48. From d 3 to 90, pH's were consistently highest for control silages, followed by inoculant. dextrose, and dextrose + inoculant combined.
Open Access
Effect of Deccox® in a free-choice, grain-mineral mixture on performance of yearlings grazing native range
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Brazle, F.K.
Including Deccox® in a free-choice, intake-limiting, grain-mineral mixture tended to increase grazing stocker gains and substantially reduced the percentage of newly arrived cattle treated for sickness and the number of treatments required per animal.
Open Access
Increasing levels of grain supplementation for intensive-early stocked steers: two-year summary
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Cochran, R.C.; Brandt, Robert T., Jr.; Vanzant, E.S.; Clary, E.M.; Owensby, Clenton E.; owensby
During the first 2 yr of a 4-yr experiment, increasing the level of grain sorghum supplementation (from 2 to 4 Ibid) for steers managed within an intensive-early stocking program tended to increase average daily gain in direct proportion to supplement level (2.3 (no supplement) to 2.5 and 2.7 lb/d, respectively). During both years, the amount of grass remaining in the pastures after the cattle were removed (July 15) and at the end of the growing season (October 1) was greater when cattle were supplemented with 4 lb of grain sorghum. Level of supplementation for grazing steers did not influence subsequent feedlot performance.
Open Access
Influence of supplementation method on forage use and grazing behavior of beef cattle grazing bluestem range
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Brandyberry, S.D.; Cochran, R.C.; Vanzant, E.S.; DelCurto, T.; Schneider, J.E.; Corah, L.R.
Fifteen ruminally and 12 esophageally fistulated steers were used in two 28-d trials (late summer and early winter) to determine the influence of method of supplementation on forage use and grazing behavior. 1Ceatments were: 1) self-feeding supplement with salt to limit intake; 2) daily hand-feeding supplement and salt; 3) daily hand-feeding supplement without salt. Forage intake was not affected by season or supplementation method; however, total diet organic matter digestibility was higher in the late summer (P<.01) and lower when steers received supplement without salt (P<.05). Supplementation method did not affect the time that animals spent grazing or the distance travelled; however, both were greater (P<.01) during the summer period. Self-feeding supplement did not appear to adversely affect forage use in grazing beef steers.
Open Access
Effect of protein supplementation on dormant, bluestem-range forage intake and digestion and protein flow to the small intestine in steers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Hannah, S.M.; Cochran, R.C.; Harmon, D.L.; Vanzant, E.S.
A digestion trial was conducted to determine dormant, bluestem-range forage intake, digestion, and protein flow to the small intestine in steers receiving different crude protein (CP) supplements. Dietary treatments were 1) control: no supplement; 2) low protein supplement (Low-CP): SBM + grain sorghum supplement containing 13% CP; 3) moderate protein supplement (Mod-CP): SBM + grain sorghum supplement containing 26% CP; and 4) dehydrated alfalfa pellets supplement (Dehy): supplement containing 17.5% CP. Forage intake increased an average of 36% in steers supplemented with Mod-CP and Dehy, compared to the forage intake of control steers. Forage intake of steers receiving Low-CP supplement was similar to that of control steers. Total tract digestion of forage fiber increased 8% when Mod-CP and Dehy supplements were fed compared to control treatment, whereas Low-CP supplement caused an 11% decrease in fiber digestion compared to control treatment. Crude protein flowing into the small intestine was greatest for steers fed the Mod-CP and Dehy supplements. In conclusion, the Dehy supplement was as effective as the Mod-CP supplement when fed to provide the same amount of CP per day; however, when a grain-based supplement was fed, increasing the CP concentration above 20% significantly improved intake and utilization of poor-quality range forage.
Open Access
Effect of pregnancy on forage intake and utilization in spring-calving beef heifers wintered on flint hills range
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Vanzant, E.S.; Cochran, R.C.
Six ruminally and eight bi-fistulated (ruminal and esophageal), 2-yr-old beef heifers were used to study the effects of pregnancy on forage intake and utilization under grazing conditions. During the third trimester of gestation, pregnant heifers ate more (P<.05) forage than nonpregnant heifers and maintained similar (P>.10) levels of organic matter and fiber digestibility. As calving neared, pregnant animals had higher (P<.05) rates of passage and tended to have lower ruminal capacity •(P=.15) and digesta fill (P=.14) than nonpregnant animals. Differences in quality of diet selected by the two groups were minimal.
Open Access
Level and method of feeding dehydrated alfalfa pellets as a protein supplement for beef cows grazing winter flint hills range
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Vanzant, E.S.; Cochran, R.C.; Corah, L.R.
Four winter protein supplementation schemes were studied using 116 beef cows grazing Flint Hills range. The treatments were: 1) 4.0 lb soybean meal/sorghum grain (27.3% crude protein (CP» per head daily (SS), 2) 4.0 lb dehydrated alfalfa pellets (DEHY. 20.0% CP) per head daily (LO-DEHY), 3) 5.5 lb DEHY per head daily (HI-DEHY), and 4) DEHY fed at levels calculated to provide 4.0 lb per head daily with less fed in early winter and more fed in late winter (STAGGER-DEHY). The HI-DEHY and SS treatments resulted in higher (P<.05) weight gains and smaller (P<.05) losses in body condition before calving than the other two treatments. The HI-DEHY group had less cumulative weight loss (P<.05) at calving than the SS group. Cow performance was similar (P>.10) for the LO-DEHY and STAGGER-DEHY groups. Cow reproductive performance and calf birth weights and average daily gains were unaffected (P>.10) by the treatments. All of the supplementation schemes evaluated in this experiment appeared relatively satisfactory, given the initial condition of the cows. However, the higher levels of nutrient supplementation (HI-DEHY and SS; 1 lb CP/d) would probably sustain reproductive performance at a higher level over an extended period of time. Additionally, when DEHY was fed at the low level, altering the schedule of feeding over the winter did not appear to affect cow performance.
Open Access
Evaluation of wheat middlings-based supplements at different crude protein concentrations for cattle consuming winter range forage
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Sunvold, G.D.; Cochran, R.C.; Vanzant, E.S.
Influence of increasing crude protein concentration in a wheat middlings-based supplement was evaluated in an intake/digestion trial. Protein-supplemented steers demonstrated increased (P<.01) intake of dormant, bluestem-range forage when compared with unsupplemented steers. Although increasing concentration of supplemental crude protein from 15 to 20% substantially increased (P<.01) forage and total dry matter intake. only slight increases in forage and total dry matter intake occurred when the concentration exceeded 20%. Protein supplementation increased (P<.01) fiber and dry matter digestibilities. Additionally. fiber digestibility tended (P=.087) to increase with increasing crude protein concentration of the supplement. Results suggest that when feeding a wheat middlings-based supplement. the crude protein concentration should be 20% or higher to optimize use of poor-quality forage.
Open Access
Relationship of milk production in Angus and Simmental cows with milk expected progeny differences (EPDs) and calf weaning weight
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Marston, T.T.; Simms, D.D.; Schalles, R.R.; Zoellner, K.O.; Martin, L.C.; Fink, G.M.
Spring and fall calving Angus (n==86) and Simmental (n==96) cows at three different locations in Kansas were used to evaluate the relationships between milk production, Milk Expected Progeny Difference (Milk EPD), and calf weaning weight. A change of 1 lb in Milk EPD resulted in 4.95 lb change in calf weaning weight in Angus and 4.60 lb in Simmental. Each lb increase in Milk EPD predicted a 69.87 lb increase in total lactation milk production in Angus and 70.741b in Simmentals. Positive correlations were .40 and .64 between Milk EPD and total milk produced per lactation and .24 and .49 between Milk EPD and calf weaning weight for Angus and Simmental, respectively. Milk EPDs can be used as genetic selection tools to influence milk production levels and make corresponding changes in calf weaning weights.
Open Access
Managing beef genotypes for profit: a computer simulation
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Schalles, R.R.; Martin, L.C.; Zoellner, K.O.
In a computer simulation based on KSU data, cattle bred and managed to be moved directly from weaning to feedlot and slaughtered at a young age produced the greatest profit. Cattle that were too small or too large and management systems that increased age at slaughter were less profitable. This accelerated system of production allows a producer to take advantage of superior genetics and the economic opportunities they provide, especially with retained ownership. The beef industry has the opportunity to continue to produce quality beef, while reducing days to slaughter by taking advantage of the higher efficiency of feed conversion of younger animals. In addition, less shrink, lower trucking costs, fewer sick days, a reduction in medication, lower marketing costs, and reduced interest costs are associated with the accelerated production system. With the availability of EPDs, there is little reason for profit minded cow-calf producers to wean calves that are not of acceptable size to enter the feedlot after the weaning process.
Open Access
Seventeen years of Kansas central bull tests
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Schalles, R.R.; Ward, B.J.; Zoellner, K.O.; Martin, L.C.
Weights. frame scores. scrotal circumferences, and prices of bulls increased significantly over 17 years. Angus had the greatest increase in birth weight, average daily gain (ADG) during test, adjusted yearling weight, and frame score, whereas Simmental had the greatest increase in adjusted weaning weight. Backfat and ribeye area decreased over this period. Large frame score had the greatest effect on increasing sale priCe of bulls. Gelbvieh bulls with heavy birth weights sold for less, whereas heavy birth weight Limousin and Polled Hereford bulls sold for more. Rank correlations indicated a significant change in rank between 112- and 140-d ADG. About 20% of the 140-d ADG information was obtained during the last 28 d of the test.
Open Access
Cow/calf profitability: case studies of Kansas cattle producers
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Simms, D.D.; Marston, T.T.
Cost/return analyses of 56 Kansas cow/calf operations were summarized to determine the major factors influencing 1987 and 1988 cow herd profitability. Gross returns and costs on a per cow unit basis were extremely variable. with the bottom 1/3 of these operations essentially breaking even. whereas the high 1/3 profitability group averaged $228.40 per head in net cash returns. Both operating and fixed costs were major determinants of profitability. Reproductive rate (calves weaned per cow exposed) was the major production variable affecting profitability.
Open Access
Diagnosis of freemartinism in heifers born co-twin to a bull
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Larson, B.L.; Kiracofe, G.H.
The wide variance in anatomical characteristics among heifers born co-twin to a bull make diagnosis of freemartinism by measurements of vaginal length or the distance between the anus and vulva unreliable. Change in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) in response to injection of estrogen or gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is different in freemartins compared to normal heifers but is also an unreliable predictor of freemartinism. Presently, the most conclusive way to establish freemartinism in a heifer born co-twin to a bull is to measure the percentage of XX and XY chromosomes in cells from whole blood, which is a specialized and expensive procedure.
Open Access
Calves delay estrus cycles in postpartum cows by mechanisms other than suckling
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Viker, S.D.; Kiracofe, G.H.
It is generally accepted that the suckling stimulus and the interactions between lactation and level of nutrition regulate the interval from calving to cycling in beef cows. However, rnastectomized cows (udder removed) kept with their calves had longer postpartum intervals to ovulation and estrus than mastectomized cows without calves. We conclude that ovulation and estrus can be suppressed by some cow-calf interaction that is independent of lactation and suckling.
Open Access
Effects of dietary energy on reproductive function and production in suckled beef cows
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Perry, R.C.; Corah, L.R.; Beal, W.E.; Kiracofe, G.H.; Cochran, R.C.; Simms, D.D.; Brethour, J.R.; Stevenson, Jeffrey S.; jss
Twenty-eight Hereford x Angus cows were utilized to determine the effects of dietary energy level before and after calving on reproductive function and production in suckled beef cows. Low levels of dietary energy before calving resulted in losses of body composition prior to calving, reduced calf birth weight, lengthened intervals from calving to ovulation, and decreased milk production and calf weight at 70 d of age (P<.05). Low levels of dietary energy after calving decreased measures of body composition after calving, reduced the percentage of cows that ovulated following calving, and decreased cow milk production and calf weight at 70 d of age (P< .05). We conclude that dietary energy before and after calving impacts the reproductive function and production of suckled beef cows.
Open Access
Effects of rumen-escape lipid in a range supplement on postpartum reproductive function in beef cows
(Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, 2010-11-02) Hightshoe, R.B.; Cochran, R.C.; Corah, L.R.; Harmon, D.L.; Kiracofe, G.H.
Postpartum cows receiving a range supplement containing rumen-escape lipid exhibited altered hormone and cholesterol levels compared to cows not fed lipid. Sixty-seven percent of lipid-fed cows exhibited a normal (18.2 d) first estrous cycle vs 33% for cows not receiving lipid. Incorporation of rumen-escape lipid into range supplements appears to significantly improve postpartum reproductive characteristics.