Delayed Timing of Insemination Relative to Estrus Improves Pregnancy to Artificial Insemination With Sex-Sorted Semen in Beef Heifers

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effect of timing of artificial insemination (AI) relative to the onset of estrus on pregnancy outcome when using sex-sorted semen in beef heifers. Study Description: Beef heifers were subjected to the melengestrol acetate with prostaglandin (MGA-PG) estrous synchronization protocol and visually observed for estrus every four hours for five days following injection of PG. Following detection of estrus, heifers were inseminated with semen sorted to contain X-chromosome bearing sperm cells (4.0 × 106 live cells per 0.25 mL straw of SexedULTRA 4M). Heifers were retrospectively categorized into one of three intervals from estrus onset to insemination: 1) 12.5–15.9 hours; 2) 16.5–21.0 hours; and 3) 21.4–27.5 hours. Results: Heifers with the shortest interval (12.5–15.9 hours) from estrus onset to insemination had a similar (P \u3e 0.10) AI pregnancy rate as compared with heifers with the interval from estrus onset to insemination of 16.5 to 21 hours. Heifers inseminated 21.4 to 27.5 hours following estrus onset achieved a greater (P ≤ 0.05) AI pregnancy rate than heifers inseminated 12.5 to 15.9 hours following estrus onset. The Bottom Line: Insemination of beef heifers with sex-sorted semen later than 21 hours after estrus onset appears to improve pregnancy rate to AI when compared to earlier insemination times

Carcass Trait Trends for Steers and Heifers Finished Through the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative from 2002 Through 2018

Objective: The objective was to evaluate trends in carcass characteristics for steers and heifers finished through the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative. Study Description: Data analyzed included 74,207 steers and 33,529 heifers finished at the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Cooperative (Lewis, IA) and harvested from 2002 through 2018. Steers and heifers were harvested at liveweights of 1,235.0 +/- 119.8 lb and 1,124.2 +/- 106.7 lb, respectively. Carcass trait trends evaluated for steers and heifers included calculated yield grade score, backfat thickness, hot carcass weight, kidney, pelvic, heart, fat percentage, marbling score, and ribeye area. Results: Calculated yield grade scores increased from 2002 through 2018 for steers and heifers. Fat thickness increased 0.08 in for steers and 0.07 in for heifers, both peaking in 2017 at 0.55 and 0.59 in, respectively. Hot carcass weights ranged from 727 to 780 lb for steers and increased over the 17-year period. Hot carcass weights for heifers ranged from 671 to 711 lb and increased slightly from 2002 through 2018. Kidney, pelvic, heart, fat percentage did not change for steers and heifers. Marbling score increased from 422 to 456 for steers and 449 to 493 for heifers. Ribeye area increased slightly for steers while decreasing slightly for heifers over the 17-year period. The Bottom Line: Corresponding with increases in fat thickness and minimal to no improvement in ribeye area, yield grade scores increased over the past 17 years. Genetic selection pressure on marbling within the beef industry is evident from these data

Decline in Brahman Breed Influence of Beef Calf Lots Marketed by Video Auction from 1995 to 2015

Brahman cattle are widely known for their ability to tolerate hot and humid climates as well as for their insect and parasite resistance. An estimated 40% of all beef cows in the United States are located in the southern region, which has a relatively hot climate. Historically, many of these beef cows have had at least some Brahman influence. The opportunity to evaluate potential changes in the influence of the Brahman breed on beef calves produced in the United States was available through lots of beef calves marketed through a video auction service. The objective was to characterize the potential change in the percentage of lots of beef calves with Brahman influence among calves originating from various regions of the United States marketed through summer video auctions from 1995 through 2015

Sale Price of Holstein Feeder Steer Lots Relative to Other Breed Descriptions Sold Through Superior Livestock Video Sales from 2010 Through 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relative value of Holstein feeder steer lots compared to steer lots of other breed descriptions sold through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced sale price. Study Description: Data were analyzed from 14,075 lots of feeder steers sold via 211 livestock video auctions from 2010 through 2018. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified or categorized were used to develop a multiple regression model with backwards selection. A lot was categorized into one of four breed descriptions: 1) English, English crossed; 2) English-Continental crossed; 3) Brahman influenced; and 4) Holstein. The Bottom Line: The relative price discount for Holstein feeder steer lots compared with other breed descriptions appears to have increased from 2010–2018, and thus is likely indicating lessening interest in the feedlot sector to feed Holstein steers to harvest

Region of Origin in the United States Affects Price Premiums Associated with Value-Added Health Protocols of Beef Calf Lots Sold Through Summer Video Auctions from 2010 Through 2018

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of value-added calf health protocols within various regions of the United States on the sale price of beef calf lots sold via summer video auction. Study Description: Information describing lot factors was obtained through a livestock video auction service (Superior Livestock Auction, Fort Worth, TX). Descriptive characteristics were available over nine years (2010-2018) representing 43,242 lots of beef calves. Data were evaluated to investigate participation in various health programs across regions. A multiple regression model was developed for each region to determine the value associated with health protocols throughout regions of the United States. The Bottom Line: While variation in the sale price of beef calves across regions suggests evident differences in the recognized value by buyers, results indicate the value associated with the vaccination and management of calves with potentially larger transportation distances from origin to delivery

Factors Affecting the Sale Price of Bred Heifers and Bred Cows Sold Through Superior Livestock Video Auctions

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate potential factors influencing the sale price of bred heifers and bred cows sold through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced prices. Study Description: Descriptive characteristics of lots offered for sale were obtained through a livestock video auction service (Superior Livestock Auction, Fort Worth, TX). Data were available on 1,870 lots of bred heifers sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2018 and 1,237 lots of bred cows sold through video auctions from 2011 through 2018. Two separate multiple regression models were developed to determine the factors influencing the sale price for each. The Bottom Line: Understanding the various factors influencing the sale price of bred heifers and bred cows will allow producers to make more informed investment decisions

Field Trial Assessing the Use of Sex-Sorted Semen in Beef Cattle

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the reproductive performance of sex-sorted semen on beef cows and heifers. Study Description: For this trial, 320 Angus and SimAngus cows and heifers from four groups were used. Group 1 yearling heifers (n = 101) were synchronized using the melengestrol acetate plus prostaglandin F2α (MGA-PGF2α) protocol and Groups 2, 3, and 4 cows (n = 219) were synchronized using the 7-Day CO-Synch + CIDR protocol. Insemination was done with semen from an Angus sire (Group 1 yearling heifers and Group 2 young cows) sorted to contain \u3e90% X-bearing sperm, or a Charolais sire (Groups 3 and 4 mature cows) sorted to contain \u3e90% Y-bearing sperm. Females were bred after visual estrus detection (Group 1 yearling heifers), fixed time artificial insemination (AI; Group 4 mature cows), or split time AI (Group 2 young cows and Group 3 mature cows). The Bottom Line: These results indicate that sex-sorted semen has potential in commercial beef cows and heifers. Increasing carcass weights in the beef industry has caused a greater price spread between steers and heifers. With increasing spread in value between heifer calves and steer calves, opportunity exists for economic gain with “bull” sexed semen, especially in terminal sire programs

Breed and gender interact to affect the sale price of beef calves sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2014

Citation: McCabe, E. D., King, M. E., Fike, K. E., Hill, K. L., Rogers, G. M., & Odde, K. G. (2016). Breed and gender interact to affect the sale price of beef calves sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2014. Journal of Animal Science, 94, 29-29. doi:10.2527/msasas2016-063The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of the potential interaction of breed and gender on the sale price of beef calves marketed through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced price. Information on descriptive characteristics of lots of beef calves were obtained from a livestock video auction service. Data were available on 20,007 lots of steer calves and 13,804 lots of heifer calves (2106,181 total steer calves and 1239,645 total heifer calves) that sold in 116 video auctions from 2010 through 2014. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified or categorized were used to develop a multiple regression model that evaluated the effects of independent factors on the sale price using a backward selection procedure. A value of P < 0.05 was used to maintain a factor in the final model. Breed description of the calves in the lots was 1 of 19 factors included in the original model and was characterized into 6 groups: English, English crosses (EX), English–Continental crosses (ECX), Black Angus sired out of dams with no Brahman influence (AN), Red Angus sired out of dams with no Brahman influence (AR), and Brahman influenced (BR). Breed and gender of the lot interacted (P < 0.0001) to affect the sale price of calves. Lots of AR and AN steer calves had similar sale prices (P = 0.9540; $379.08 and$378.14 per 100 kg BW, respectively) and sold for significantly higher prices than all other steer breed groups. English cross and ECX steer lots had similar sale prices (P = 0.2588; $376.24 and$374.92 per 100 kg BW, respectively) but were greater (P < 0.05) than BR steer calves ($365.61 per 100 kg BW). Among heifer calves, lots of AR heifers sold for the highest price (P < 0.05;$356.02 per 100 kg BW). The AN heifer calves sold for the second highest price at $345.95 per 100 kg BW, and this price was greater (P < 0.05) compared with ECX ($341.50 per 100 kg BW) and EX heifers ($341.14 per 100 kg BW). Brahman-influenced heifer calves sold for the lowest (P < 0.05) price at$334.64 per 100 kg BW compared with heifers of all other breed descriptions. Breed and gender composition of the lots of beef calves interacted to affect the sale price of calves selling through video auctions. The value of the specific breed composition of beef calves is influenced by gender and may be related to buyers purchasing certain breeds of heifer calves as replacements for the breeding herd

Effect of Holstein and Beef-Dairy Cross Breed Description on the Sale Price of Feeder and Weaned Calf Lots Sold Through Video Auctions

Objective: Objectives were to determine: 1) value of Holstein feeder steer lots compared with steer lots of other breed descriptions, 2) value of beef-dairy cross weaned steer calves compared with either Holstein weaned calves or weaned calves of other breed descriptions, and 3) value of beef-dairy cross weaned calves compared with weaned calves of other beef breed descriptions sold through video auctions. Study Description: Data on 14,075 feeder steer lots sold in 211 auctions from 2010 through 2018; 763 weaned steer calf lots, and 1,125 weaned steer and heifer calf lots sold via seven auctions in 2020 and 2021 were used. Separate multiple regression models using backwards selection were developed for feeder cattle, weaned steer, and weaned steer and heifer calf lots. The five breed group categories used were English-English crossed, English-Continental crossed, Brahman-influenced, Holstein, and beef-dairy crossed (weaned calves). Results: Breed description of feeder steer, weaned steer calf, and weaned steer and heifer calf lots affected sale price (P \u3c 0.0001). Among weaned steer calves, beef-dairy crossed lots sold for the second lowest (P \u3c 0.05) price ($147.62/cwt), though greater than Holsteins. Among feeder steer lots, Holsteins sold for the lowest (P \u3c 0.05) sale price ($110.56/cwt) compared with all other breed groups. Among weaned steer and heifer calves, beef-dairy crosses sold for less than (P \u3c 0.05; $136.39/cwt) all other breed groups. The Bottom Line: Beef-dairy crosses have improved value prospect compared with Holstein steers in the beef supply chain

Trends in Beef Calf Lots by Single Breed Sire Groups Marketed via Video Auction from 2010 Through July 14, 2017

Objective: The objective was to characterize the potential change in the percentage of lots of beef calves sired by a single breed marketed via video auction from 2010 through July 14, 2017. Study Description: Information describing factors about lots sold through a livestock video auction service (Superior Livestock Auction, Fort Worth, TX) was obtained in electronic format. Sire breed of a lot was determined based on the description provided by sellers. All calves in a lot were sired by a single breed and a minimum of 50 lots were required for the analysis. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to determine an increasing or decreasing trend over time with a P≤0.05 considered significant. The Bottom Line: Producers marketing calves via video auction may be changing the genetics of their sires to use on a primarily black cow herd