Effect of Harvest Method on the Nutrient Composition of Baled Cornstalks

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of chopping corn residue prior to baling on the nutrient composition of cornstalk bales. One dryland corn field planted with a single variety of corn was used. After harvest, one half of the field was chopped with a stalk chopper. The remaining half was not chopped. Each half of the field was then raked into windrows, baled, and wrapped with plastic netting. Ten round bales were harvested from each half of the field (chopped and not chopped). Three core samples were then collected from each bale and pooled for analysis. Pooled samples were dried and analyzed for crude protein, crude fat, ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN), lignin, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Total digestible nutrients were then calculated from the analyses. Neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen was greater (P \u3c 0.01) in chopped cornstalks than in cornstalks that had not been chopped. Calcium concentrations were greater (P \u3c 0.05) and phosphorus concentrations tended to be greater (P \u3c 0.10) in chopped cornstalks than in those that had not been chopped. The remaining nutrients were not affected by processing. Chopping cornstalks prior to baling did not negatively affect their nutritional value for beef cattle. However, because of differences in varieties, growing conditions, and agronomic practices, caution should be exercised in extrapolating these results

Effect of High-sulfate Water on Trace Mineral Status of Beef Steers

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of high-sulfate water on the performance, health, and mineral status of growing steers. The first experiment was conducted from June 20 to September 12, 2001, at the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Cottonwood Range and Livestock Research Station. Eighty-one crossbred steers (initial BW = 700 lb) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to 12 dry-lot pens (6 or 7 steers/pen). Pens were then randomly assigned to one of three water quality treatments: 1) rural water (404 ppm sulfate), 2) well water (3087 ppm sulfate), and 3) stock dam water (3947ppm sulfate). Steers were fed a diet consisting of grass hay and pelleted wheat middlings. The second experiment was conducted from May 23 to September 4, 2002, at the SDSU Cottonwood Range and Livestock Research Station. Eighty-four crossbred steers (initial BW = 640 lb) were stratified by weight and randomly assigned to 12 dry-lot pens (7 steers/pen). Pens were then randomly assigned to one of four water quality treatments: 1) 1000, 2) 3000, 3) 5000, and 4) 7000 ppm total dissolved solids. These treatment levels were created by mixing water of varying quality from three different natural sources. Steers were fed a diet consisting of grass hay and pelleted wheat middlings. In both experiments, initial and final liver biopsy samples were collected. Liver samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn). In both experiments, initial liver Cu concentrations were not different between treatments. Provision of high-sulfate water reduced liver Cu concentrations in experiment 1 (P \u3c 0.01) and 2 (P \u3c 0.01). Liver Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn were not affected by treatment. Results of these two experiments clearly demonstrate the dramatic impact that high-sulfate water can have on liver Cu stores in growing cattle

Evaluation of Feeding Wet Distillers Grains with Solubles, Dry Distillers Grans with Solubles and Blood Meal to Growing Steers

A two-year study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different protein sources on the performance of feeder cattle. During year 1 (Y1), 128 steers (506 ± 40 lb) were weighed and randomly allocated to 16 pens in a completely randomized design. Each pen was assigned to one of four treatment diets: 1) 20% soybean meal and corn (SBM); 2) 20% dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS); 3) 20% wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS); or 4) 20% blood meal, oil and corn (BM). In Y1, steers were fed a diet that consisted of 74% alfalfa/grass hay, 4% molasses and 2% supplement for the first 28 d and a diet that consisted of 50% alfalfa/grass hay, cracked corn, 4% molasses and 2% supplement for the remaining 56 d. During year 2 (Y2), 160 steers (535 ± 40 lb) were weighed and randomly allotted to 16 pens. Each pen was assigned to one of the four treatment diets used in Y1. The steers received the 50% alfalfa/grass hay based grower diet throughout the entire 57-d trial. Body weight was recorded prior to feeding at the start of the trial and every 28 d for both years. In Y1, ADG, DMI and G:F did not differ due to diet for the first 28 d and over the entire trial period. During the first 28 d of Y2, ADG, DMI and G:F was not affected by treatment; however, cumulative G:F of steers fed BM and WDGS were greater (P \u3c 0.05) than steers fed SBM or DDGS. In conclusion, feeding BM and WDGS during the growing phase resulted in the most efficient gains when steers were started on a higher energy diet. In addition, distillers grains with solubles was an effective alternative to soybean meal in growing diets

Effects of Supplying Water with Varying Levels of Total Dissolved Solids and Sulfates to Steers During the Growing Period on Subsequent Finishing Performance

Previous results have shown that water with elevated total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulfates was detrimental to performance of growing steers. The objective of this study was to determine finishing performance of steers that had previously received different levels of water quality during the growing period. In yr 1, 78 steers (824 lb) were assigned to one of eight pens (2-4 pens/treatment) based on water supplied during the 84-d growing period. Water TDS and sulfates during growing were: 1) 1,020 and 400; 2) 4,840 and 3,090; and 3) 6,190 and 3,950 ppm of TDS and sulfates, respectively. In yr 2, 75 steers (840 lb) that were previously supplied water during a 104-d growing period averaging: 1) 1,230 and 440; 2) 2,930 and 1,730; 3) 4,720 and 2,920; and 4) 7,270 and 4,650 ppm of TDS and sulfates respectively, were received and fed in one pen. In both years, all steers were fed a common finishing diet and had access to rural water. In yr 1, steers receiving treatment 1 had higher (P \u3c 0.10) ADG and DMI compared to treatments 2 and 3 during the previous growing period. During the initial 28-d of finishing, treatments 2 and 3 had higher (P \u3c 0.10) ADG than treatment 1. Steer DMI was not different (P = 0.19) between treatments during the first 28-d. Over the entire 126-d finishing trial, ADG, DMI and carcass characteristics were not different due to treatment (P \u3e 0.10). In yr 2, there was a quadratic decline in ADG with increasing TDS (P \u3c 0.05) during the previous growing phase, resulting in treatment 4 have lower initial weight (P \u3c 0.05) compared to treatments 1, 2, and 3. During the first 28-d of finishing, ADG was higher (P \u3c 0.10) for treatments 2 and 3 compared to 1, with treatment 4 being intermediate. Over the 133-d finishing trial, ADG of treatments 2 and 3 was greater (P \u3c 0.10) than treatment 1, with treatment 4 being intermediate, resulting in treatment 4 having lower carcass weight (P \u3c 0.05) compared to treatments 1, 2 and 3. Other carcass traits were not significantly different due to treatment. Steers receiving water during the growing period with 5000 ppm TDS and 3000 ppm sulfates or less were able to compensate for lost growing performance during the finishing period

Estimating the Effects of Weather, Dry Matter Intake, and Body Weight on Daily Water Intake in Weaned Calves

Objective The purpose of this study was to study the effect of weather, dry matter intake, and body weight on the water requirements of weaned calves and estimating the requirements in a model.Study Description Weaned steers (n=48) were selected to study the effects of the weather, body weight, and dry matter intake on water intake in the winter (n=24) and summer (n=24) months. Calves were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility (CCERF) and measured utilizing an automated feed and water system (Insentec, The Hague, Netherlands). Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, solar radiation, and air pressure were recorded at a Mesonet automated weather station in Brookings, SD (located 2.4 miles from the SDSU CCERF). Effects of climate data, body weight, and daily dry matter intake on daily water intake will be analyzed utilizing a mixed-effects model

Evaluation of Feeding Varying Levels of Wet Distillers Grains with Solubles as Compared to Dry Distilelrs Grains with Solubles to Finishing Steers

A study was conducted to determine the effects of implants and transportation on the metabolic status of feedlot steers. Steers (n = 28) were sorted by body weight, allocated into light or heavy blocks, and randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Treatments included non-implanted controls (CON) and steers implanted with Synovex Plus 70 d prior to harvest (IMP). Jugular blood and muscle biopsy samples (longissimus dorsi (LD) and semimembranosis (SM)) were collected 70 d post-implant, prior to transit. Steers were transported to Schuyler, NE, where blood and biopsy sampling was repeated. After harvest, carcass data were collected and muscle samples were taken from the LD, SM, Psoas Major (PM), and Illiacus (IL) muscles. Implanting increased (P \u3c 0.05) estradiol levels and improved live animal performance. Carcass weight and rib eye area were increased (P \u3c 0.05) in implanted steers. No dark cutters were found in either treatment. Pre-transit insulin/glucagon ratio and muscle glycogen levels did not differ (P \u3e 0.10) between treatments. Non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels were reduced (P \u3c 0.05) in implanted steers pre-transit. Transit increased (P \u3c 0.05) NEFA levels, but had no effect (P \u3e 0.10) on insulin/glucagon ratio or muscle glycogen levels. Implanting did not affect (P \u3e 0.10) insulin/glucagon ratio, NEFA, or LD glycogen levels post-transit. Implanted steers had lower (P \u3c 0.05) glycogen levels in the SM than did non-implanted steers post-transit. Weight block affected (P \u3c 0.05) insulin and insulin/glucagon ratio levels, with steers in the light block having greater levels of each. Muscle pH and objective color (L*, a*, b*) of the LD were not biologically different between treatments. Implanted steers had greater (P \u3c 0.05) glycolytic potential values in the LD, and tended (P \u3c 0.10) to have higher L* values in the PM. Implanting increased (P \u3c 0.05) shear force of the LD. These data indicate that although implants affect bovine metabolism, other factors are necessary to cause a sufficient reduction in muscle glycogen and to produce a dark cutting carcass

Effects of Feeding Varying Concentrations of Dry Distiller\u27s Grains with Solubles to Finishing Steers on Feedlot Performance, Nutrient Management and Odorant Emissions

A study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding varying concentrations of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to finishing steers on feedlot performance, nutrient management, and odorant emissions. Prior to initiation of the trial, 192 steers (initial BW = 826 ± 18 lb) were blocked by receiving date, weighed, and randomly allotted to 16 dirt floor pens (48.2 ft x 113.8 ft; 5% slope). Pens were then randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The control diet (CON) contained 82% cracked corn, 10% alfalfa hay, 4% molasses, 3.2% supplement, and 0.8% urea. In the remaining three treatment diets, all of the urea and portions of the cracked corn were removed and replaced with DDGS at 15% (15% DDGS), 25% (25% DDGS), and 35% (35% DDGS) of the diet DM. The diets were formulated to be isocaloric and to provide similar levels of crude protein (CP) for CON and 15% DDGS (13.2 and 13.3% CP, respectively) and a stepwise increase in CP for 25% and 35% DDGS (15.4 and 17.6%, respectively). Analysis of weekly feed samples collected throughout the trial determined that the CP concentrations were 11.4, 12.2, 14.3, and 16.5% for CON, 15% DDGS, 25% DDGS, and 35% DDGS, respectively. Cumulative dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (P \u3c 0.05) and ADG tended (P \u3c 0.10) to be greater for cattle consuming the 25% DDGS treatment compared to CON with 15% DDGS and 35% DDGS being intermediate (DMI = 23.7, 24.1, 24.8 and 24.1 lb/d and ADG = 4.25, 4.39, 4.55, and 4.45 lb for CON, 15%, 25%, and 35% DDGS, respectively). Dry matter intake responded quadratically (P \u3c 0.05) as the level of DDGS in the diet increased. Steers fed DDGS also tended to consume more dry matter than steers fed the control diet (P \u3c 0.07). There were no differences in final weight between treatments. Dressing percent and backfat increased (P \u3c 0.05) and hot carcass weight and yield grade tended (P \u3c 0.10) to increase in a linear fashion as level of DDGS in the diets increased. No differences were detected between treatments for marbling, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, or ribeye area. Air samples were collected via wind tunnel at 3 locations per pen over a 3-d period prior to animal introduction and on d 78 to 80. Hydrogen sulfide levels were greatest (P \u3c 0.05) in pens containing cattle fed the 35% DDGS treatment compared to pens with cattle consuming the remaining treatments. No differences in odor characteristics were detected between treatments. Pen floor core samples (7 per pen) were taken prior to animal introduction and upon completion of the trial. No differences were found for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium, organic matter, pH or salt concentrations. Manure samples collected from pens scrapings were weighed and analyzed for dry matter, ammonia-N, Kjedahl-N, and Olsen-P. Ammonia-N and Olsen-P increased in a linear fashion (P \u3c 0.05) as the levels of DDGS in the diets increased. Dried distiller’s grains with solubles can be included in feedlot finishing diets at up to 35% of DMI without negatively affecting performance. However, animal performance is maximal when DDGS is included at 25% of DMI. Changes in carcass characteristics with increasing DDGS levels may affect days on feed needed to reach optimum terminal endpoint. Hydrogen sulfide emissions from pen floors may increase as the level of DDGS in the diet increases. However, when the feedlot is the sole source of H2S, the impact of increased H2S on odor or human health is negligible. General odor detection is not affected by feeding DDGS

YSOVAR: Mid-Infrared Variability in NGC 1333

L. M. Rebull, “YSOVAR: Mid-Infrared Variability in NGC 1333”, The Astronomical Journal, Vol. 150(6), November 2015. © 2015. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved. Available online at: https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/150/6/175As part of the Young Stellar Object VARiability (YSOVAR) program, we monitored NGC 1333 for ~35 days at 3.6 and 4.5 um using the Spitzer Space Telescope. We report here on the mid-infrared variability of the point sources in the ~10x~20arcmin area centered on 03:29:06, +31:19:30 (J2000). Out of 701 light curves in either channel, we find 78 variables over the YSOVAR campaign. About half of the members are variable. The variable fraction for the most embedded SEDs (Class I, flat) is higher than that for less embedded SEDs (Class II), which is in turn higher than the star-like SEDs (Class III). A few objects have amplitudes (10-90th percentile brightness) in [3.6] or [4.5]>0.2 mag; a more typical amplitude is 0.1-0.15 mag. The largest color change is >0.2 mag. There are 24 periodic objects, with 40% of them being flat SED class. This may mean that the periodic signal is primarily from the disk, not the photosphere, in those cases. We find 9 variables likely to be 'dippers', where texture in the disk occults the central star, and 11 likely to be 'bursters', where accretion instabilities create brightness bursts. There are 39 objects that have significant trends in [3.6]-[4.5] color over the campaign, about evenly divided between redder-when-fainter (consistent with extinction variations) and bluer-when-fainter. About a third of the 17 Class 0 and/or jet-driving sources from the literature are variable over the YSOVAR campaign, and a larger fraction (~half) are variable between the YSOVAR campaign and the cryogenic-era Spitzer observations (6-7 years), perhaps because it takes time for the envelope to respond to changes in the central source. The NGC 1333 brown dwarfs do not stand out from the stellar light curves in any way except there is a much larger fraction of periodic objects (~60% of variable brown dwarfs are periodic, compared to ~30% of the variables overall).Peer reviewe

YSOVAR: mid-infrared variability of young stellar objects and their disks in the cluster IRAS 20050+2720

K. Poppenhaeger, et al., “YSOVAR: mid-infrared variability of young stellar objects and their disks in the cluster IRAS 20050+2720”, The Astronomical Journal, Vol. 150(4), September 2015. © 2015. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.We present a time-variability study of young stellar objects in the cluster IRAS 20050+2720, performed at 3.6 and 4.5 micron with the Spitzer Space Telescope; this study is part of the Young Stellar Object VARiability project (YSOVAR). We have collected light curves for 181 cluster members over 40 days. We find a high variability fraction among embedded cluster members of ca. 70%, whereas young stars without a detectable disk display variability less often (in ca. 50% of the cases) and with lower amplitudes. We detect periodic variability for 33 sources with periods primarily in the range of 2-6 days. Practically all embedded periodic sources display additional variability on top of their periodicity. Furthermore, we analyze the slopes of the tracks that our sources span in the color-magnitude diagram (CMD). We find that sources with long variability time scales tend to display CMD slopes that are at least partially influenced by accretion processes, while sources with short variability time scales tend to display extinction-dominated slopes. We find a tentative trend of X-ray detected cluster members to vary on longer time scales than the X-ray undetected members.Peer reviewe