Chromic oxide contamination of pasture previously used in marker studies.

Fecal output of range cows was determined during 2 periods of summer (period I) and late summer (period II) grazing using a constant release intraruminal Cr2O3 bolus. Chromic oxide contamination was determined by analyzing forage for Cr2O3 and by obtaining fecal samples from cows prior to bolusing. Control cows were also monitored along with the experimental cows during grazing periods. The overall herd least squares mean for fecal output during period I was lower than the expected value by 48%. Forage during period I contained an average of 55.7 microgram Cr2O3 g-1 of forage or about 45% of the daily dose of the bolus. Forage during period II contained an average of 38.3 microgram Cr2O3 g-1 of forage or about 29% of the daily dose of the bolus. Our results indicate that comparisons of fecal output least squares means by period of the year can be biased by Cr2O3 contamination of forage in pastures which have been previously used for marker studies

Voluntary intake of dry matter and performance of Nellore cows and their Nellore and crossbred Simental × Nellore calves

This study aimed to investigate the influence of calf genetic group on the performance of Nellore lactating cows. The variables studied included milk ingestion, pasture intake, calf weight gain and cow body weight. A total of 13 Nellore calves and 8 crossbred Simental × Nellore calves were used, all born from Nellore mothers. During the experimental period of 210 days, calves were weighted at birth and at 30-day intervals, whereas cows were weighed every 14 days. Milk intake was estimated using the weigh-suckle-weigh method. Pasture intake was determined 6, 12, and 24 weeks after birth by using chromic oxide as an external marker and indigestible acid detergent fiber as an internal marker. Average weight of crossbred calves was 10.1 kg and their milk intake was 0.42 kg higher than in purebred calves. There was no difference, however, in pasture intake between genetic groups. In Nellore cows, body weight and pasture consumption (9.2 kg of DM/cow/day) were not influenced by calf heterosis