Anhydrous Ammonia or Liquid Supplement Treatment of Wheat Straw: Demonstration Results

The effect of anhydrous ammonia or liquid supplement treatment of wheat straw was evaluated by field demonstration in response to the drought of 1989. Ammoniation of wheat straw increased estimated TDN content by 7.8 percentage points and crude protein by 7 percentage points in comparison with untreated straw. Adding a liquid protein supplement to wheat straw increased estimated TDN content by 1.5 percentage points and crude protein by .6 percentage points. Ammoniation increased the quality of wheat straw to a level comparable to prairie hay. Based on nutrient analysis, the ammoniation procedure was more effective in improving the quality of wheat straw than addition of liquid supplement

Evaluation of MGA and Prostaglandin as an estrous synchronization procedure under field conditions

When fed MGA (0.5 mg.hd/day) for 14 days, followed by a prostaglandin injection 17 days later, a total of 736 out of 1112 heifers at 11 locations expressed signs of estrus within 5 days following the PG injection for a 66.2% response to synchronization. Response rates between locations ranged from 33 to 95% (P<.05). In a comparison of prostaglandin forms at 5 locations, using 789 heifers, response to synchronization was similar (P=.66) between Lutalyse® (62.7% response) and Bovilenee (59.6% response). First-service conception rate was compared in 411 heifers at two locations and was higher for Lutalyse (68.996) than Bovilene (59.996) (P<.08). First-service conception rate varied by technician (P<.05) and ranged from 48.7 to 83.6%

Effect of single Ralgro® implant during the suckling period on reproductive performance of replacement heifers

One hundred and seven spring-born, crossbred heifers were used to determine the effect of a single Ralgro® implant on their reproductive performance. Three implant treatments were used: 1) Non-implanted controls, 2)36 mg Ralgro® at birth, or 3) 36 mg Ralgro® at 2 to 3 months of age. Heifers implanted at birth had significantly lower first service conception rates and overall pregnancy rules than non-implanted controls or those implanted at 2 to 3 months of age. Pelvic areas of yearling were increased by implanting at birth or 2 to 3 months of age. Age at puberty and the percentage of heifers cycling prior to the 22nd day of the 60-day breeding period were not influenced by treatment

Effects of MGA and prostaglandin on estrus induction and synchronization in cows and heifers

Four trials were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Melegestrol Acetate (MGA ®) and prostaglandin (PGF) in inducing and synchronizing estrus. In trial 1, treated heifers were fed MGA for 7 days and given a PGF injection on either the first or last day of MGA feeding. The 7-day estrus response was higher (P<.01) for treated heifers than untreated controls. In trial 2, treated cows were fed MGA for 7 days and given a PGF Injection on the last day of MGA feeding or 13 days after the last day of MGA feeding. The 7-day estrus response was also higher (P<.01) in treated cows. In trial 3, 59 cows were fed MGA for 7 days followed by a PGF injection, and exposed to bulls for 66 days. The MGA-PGF treatment was ineffective in synchronizing estrus and hastening conception. In trial 4, feeding MGA for 7 days successfully synchronized estrus in. cycling cows, but first service conception rates were reduced by 10% in the Kansas study and by 16% in a four state study

Effects of preweaning and postweaning implants on suckling, growing, and finishing steer performance - a three trial summary

Over 500 crossbred steers were used in three trials to compare lifetime implant strategies and to study the effects of implanting during the suckling period on performance in the growing and finishing periods. Contrary to previous research, implanting in the suckling period did not increase suckling gain. Implanting in the growing period increased (P<.05) average daily gain, and the implant response in the growing period was not influenced by suckling implant treatment. Steers implanted twice during the finishing period had similar finishing gains regardless of prior implant treatment. Steers implanted only once during the finishing phase gained less (P<.05) than those implanted twice, and while their gains were higher than those of control steers, the difference was small (P>.05). Implanting steers in the finishing phase tended to improve feed conversion but again the difference was not statistically significant. All implant treatments increased (P<.05) lifetime average daily gains and total gain, and there was no difference among implant combinations. Implant treatments increased lifetime gains by 30 to 54 lbs. Because implanting in the suckling period did not reduce cattle performance during the growing and finishing periods, there appears to be no basis for discounting the price of previously implanted cattle. Additionally, this study emphasizes the importance of reimplanting cattle during long finishing period