Rumesin for Growing and Finishing Cattle

Much of the research with feedlot cattle has been devoted to studies of ways to improve feed utilization. A large portion of feed energy, and also protein, available to the ruminant results from microbial fermentation in the rumen, or rumen-reticulum. Environmental conditions maintained in the rumen are important in the rate of fermentation and the resulting end-products. Numerous experiments have shown that volatile fatty acids (VFA)--major ones being acetic, propionic and butyric produced by microbial fermentation in the rumen play major roles in energy metabolism of ruminants

Feeding and Management on New Feedlot Cattle

Several factors to consider in feeding and management of new feedlot cattle are discussed in this report. Information is taken from our research where appropriate. Many shipments of cattle were used in research were used in research during past years to study various feeding and management systems during the first 3 to 4 weeks in the feedlot with data obtained on performance during this time and later growing and finishing in some instances

Effect of Sex and Hormonal Compounds on Feedlot Performance and Carcass Merit of Cattle

Bulls gain faster and more efficiently than heifers. Removal of the gonads (bulls or heifers) reduces rate of gain, increases feed requirements and results in changes in carcass characteristics. Some hormone and hormone-like compounds are commonly used for feedlot cattle. Effects on feedlot performance have been shown to vary between male and female and between intact and castrated animals. In addition, comparative performance between males and females and response to growth promoting compounds have been shown to be influences by the diet, age and stage of fish

Levels of Diethylstilbestrol and Types of Protein Supplements in Ground Ear Corn Diets for Finishing Cattle

Results of numerous experiments have shown that diethylstilbestrol at 10 mg. daily in the feed of implanted at 30 to 36 mg. improves weight gains and feed efficiency of feedlot cattle. More recently it has been reported that feeding more than 10 mg. daily to heavier cattle results in further stimulation of weight gains and feed efficiency. Feeding of 20 mg. per head daily of diethylstilbestrol is now cleared for feedlot cattle above 750 lb

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

Past experiments at this station with cattle on pasture have involved carious levels of grain feeding. Levels of corn grain varied from none to a full feed averaging about 14 lb. per head daily. The corn was rolled prior to feeding in all experiments

Injectable Famphur for Control of Grubs in Cattle

Grubs are a major pest of cattle and cause considerable economic loss to the cattle industry. Running of cattle and standing in available water sources during heel fly strikes no doubt are reflected in lighter weaning weights of claves because of reduced grazing time and cows becoming separated from their calves. Other losses to producers and feeders include possible reduced feedlot performance by grub infested animals, weight loss and down grading of carcasses that are trimmed to remove areas damaged by grubs and a lower value for hides due to grub holes. Several effective products and methods of treatment are available for control of grubs. Timely administration of a proper dosage to all animals from problem areas is necessary for effective control

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 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

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