Preweaning and Postweaning Performance of Crossbred Calves--0, 1 or 2 Ralgro Implants

The preweaning performance of 221 steer and heifer calves given differing numbers of Ralgro implants was evaluated. The steer and heifer calves given one implant had an additional 23 and 33 lb weaning weight compared to those receiving no implant. No additional response was shown by steer calves receiving a second implant 100 days after the first was given. Average daily gains during the 105-day growing period were not significantly faster than those receiving two implants during the 103-day finishing phase. This work supports other studies indicating that implanting calves at weaning time is an economical management practice. The work further indicates to feeders that calfhood implants have little or no effect on subsequent performance in the feedlot

An Evaluation of Three Feeding Schemes to Winter Replacement Heifers

Many different feeding practices have been used to grow out replacement heifers. The goal for replacement heifers is to overwinter at gains sufficiently high enough that they will be at 60% of mature body weight at breeding. This should be done as efficiently as possible and to meet all nutrient requirements. This study was designed to evaluate three methods of growing replacements as to dollar efficiency and animal performance

Feeding Value of Pro-Sil Treated High-Moisture Ground Ear Corn with Two Groups of Crossbred Heifers

Pro-Sil, an ammonia-molasses-mineral suspension, has been shown to be a highly effective commercial additive for corn silage in studies at SDSU and other midwest universities. When added to corn silage at the time of ensiling, this product stimulates beneficial fermentation and increases the crude protein content of the silage, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for protein supplementation at the time of feeding. While Pro-Sil has been thoroughly tested with whole plant corn silage, no research has been conducted with ensiled high-moisture ear corn (HMEC). Since the crude protein content of HMEC is low compared to the needs of feedlot cattle, research is needed to evaluate economical methods of boosting the level of this critical nutrient. Thus, the major objective of this initial study was to compare the feedlot performance of cattle fed Pro-Sil treated HMEC or regular HMEC mixed with either a control or a urea-based protein supplement at the time of feeding. Both types of HMEC were ensiled in a plastic Silopress bag to examine the effectiveness of this storage method with HMEC. The relative performance of exotic and British crossbred yearling heifers was also studied in this trial

Effect of Length of Feeding Period on Performance of British and Exotic Crossbred Yearling Heifers

Seventy-two heifers were fed for 47, 61 and 75 days to determine the optimum feeding period for exotic cross and black baldy heifers. Average daily gains and feed conversions of the heifers were similar among treatments. Carcass weight, quality grade and yield grade increased with time on feed. Fat thickness, quality grade and yield grade increased faster for the black baldy heifers. Cost per pound of gain was similar for all treatments. The optimum weight at which to slaughter the black baldy yearling heifers appeared to be between 1000 and 1050 lb., both from a quality and economic view point. The optimum weight for slaughtering the exotic cross heifers was apparently not reached, as the last slaughter group was still gaining rapidly and efficiently with little increase in condition. The limited research conducted in this study indicates that a producer with mixed lots of cattle needs to be aware of the weight at which different types of cattle reach optimum condition. The feeder has greater flexibility in marketing the larger framed exotic cross type cattle as compared to the relatively smaller framed English breeds

Feedlot Performance of Growing Steer Calves on a High Roughage Ration Supplemented with a High Bypass or an All Natural Protein Supplement

This study was undertaken to compare a urea-based protein supplement containing meat and bone meal and dehydrated alfalfa as the primary by-pass protein source to a protein supplement containing soybean meal and sunflower meal as the protein sources

Swine Diets Utilizing Wheat

Previous trials have suggested that, when diets were supplemented at the same level and either corn or wheat was used in the same amount as the grain, pig gains were similar. However, pigs fed corn diets were more efficient in terms of both feed use and cost per pound of grain. Wheat diets supplemented at lower levels or assess the value of wheat\u27s higher protein level relative to corn and fed with or without supplemental lysine did not support satisfactory pig performance in terms of gain, feed efficiency or feed cost. Results of these trials suggested that an intermediate level of protein supplementation for wheat should be investigated. The trial reported here was designed with that objective

An Evaluation of Three Feeding Schemes to Winter Replacement Heifers

Many different feeding practices have been used to grow out replacement heifers. The goal for replacement heifers is to over winter at gains sufficiently high enough that they will be at 60% of mature body weight at breeding. This should be done as efficiently as possible and to meet all nutrient requirements. This study was designed to evaluate three methods of growing replacements as to dollar efficiency and animal performance

Wintering Calves with Alfalfa Hay or Prairie Hay

Alfalfa hay has been recognized for many years as being a high-quality roughage for cattle. However, some cattle feeders in the state prefer prairie hay over alfalfa hay. The experiment reported here was designed to compare the performance of calves wintered on (1) alfalfa hay alone, (2) a mixture of alfalfa hay and prairie hay, (3) prairie hay and soybean meal pellets, and (4) prairie hay alone. In addition to these companions, some studies were made on the effect of winter gains on summer performance of the calves when grazing native prairie pasture

Wheat in Swine Finishing Rations

The objectives of the trial reported here were: 1. To compare the performance of pigs fed rations with the same proportions of grain and supplement but with the grain corn in one rations and wheat in another ration. 2. To assess the possible feeding value of wheat\u27s greater protein content by use of an all wheat ration in which there was a lower level of supplemental protein. 3. To assess the value of lysine in wheat rations by the effition of lysine to the same ration as used for comparison 2 (above)