Weight optimization of an aerobrake structural concept for a lunar transfer vehicle

An aerobrake structural concept for a lunar transfer vehicle was weight optimized through the use of the Taguchi design method, finite element analyses, and element sizing routines. Six design parameters were chosen to represent the aerobrake structural configuration. The design parameters included honeycomb core thickness, diameter-depth ratio, shape, material, number of concentric ring frames, and number of radial frames. Each parameter was assigned three levels. The aerobrake structural configuration with the minimum weight was 44 percent less than the average weight of all the remaining satisfactory experimental configurations. In addition, the results of this study have served to bolster the advocacy of the Taguchi method for aerospace vehicle design. Both reduced analysis time and an optimized design demonstrated the applicability of the Taguchi method to aerospace vehicle design

Whole or Rolled Corn Grain Fed at Various Levels to Cattle on Pasture

Results of several experiments with drylot finishing of cattle have shown little, if any, advantage for processing corn grain on basis of weight gain and feed efficiency when rations contain 80% or more grain dry matter. At lower levels there has generally been some advantage from processing the grain. Various levels of grain are frequently fed to growing and finishing cattle on pasture. Levels may vary from a few pounds daily to free access to grain. Questions are then raised as to the benefits of processing the grain and how the benefits might be affected by the levels fed. Two experiments are reported here when cattle were fed various levels of corn grain on pasture. Comparisons were made between corn fed whole and rolled

Oat Hay or Oat Haylage in High Roughage Rations

Forage yields were low in the previous experiment because of a low seeding rate and drought conditions. However, grain content in relationship to forage was good and the amount of grain in the forage dry matter was estimated to be about 40%. Oat forage may vary considerably between years in yield and in chemical composition. Therefore, it was considered advisable to repeat the experiment under similar conditions to obtain more information on the comparative value of an oat crop harvested as hay or haylage

Weed Crops for Silage

At times seedings of small grains, grasses and legums become heavily infested with weeds because of inadequate cultural practices or weather conditions favoring growth of various weeds more than the seeded crop. Under such conditions, the weed crop may offer some potential feed for cattle and sheep if cut at the proper stage from the standpoint of weed control and the most potential as a possible feed source. Numerous questions have been asked in past years as to the feeding value of crops where weeds make up a major portion of the total forage. Questions are also raised as to harvesting and storage methods and how such potential feedstuffs might be used to the greatest advantage in rations for cattle and sheep

Oat Hay or Oat Haylage for Growing Cattle

Oats are a major grain and forage crop in South Dakota and acres planted to oats exceed those planted to feed grains (barley, rye, sorghum) other than corn

Effects of Avoparcin on Performance of Feedlot Heifers

Avoparcin is a glycopeptide antibiotic produced by a strain of streptomyces candidus with activity against certain gram positive organisms. It has been reported to reduce the ratio of acetate to propionate produced during rumen fermentation and to improve weight gain and feed efficiency of feedlot cattle. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of 30, 45 and 60 grams per ton of avoparcin and 30 grams per ton of monensin in the feed on weight gain, feed utilization and carcass quality of finishing heifers over a 140-day feeding period

Vitamin A Bioptency as Measured by Stores of Vitamin A in Livers of Feedlot Cattle

The objective of these experiments was to evaluate the biological potency of two sources of vitamin A premix differing in freshness when administered to fattening beef cattle. Chemical assays were compared with blood and liver vitamin A content to measure the biopotency of the vitamin