Effects of Thiamin Supplementation on Performance and Health of Growing Steers Consuming High Sulfate Water

Thiamin injections are often used to treat sulfate induced polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in beef cattle. It is unclear whether supplemental thiamin will reduce the incidence of PEM and improve performance in steers consuming water with elevated sulfate levels. This study was conducted to determine the effects of thiamin supplementation on performance and health of growing steers consuming water with high sulfate levels. Sixty-three steers (737 ± 2.97 lb) were stratified by weight and randomly allotted to one of nine pens. Pens were assigned to one of three treatments (3 pens/treatment) based on water sulfates and thiamin supplementation. Treatments were: 1) low sulfate water (average = 393 ppm sulfates) with no supplemental thiamin (LS); 2) high sulfate water (average = 3786 ppm sulfates) with no supplemental thiamin (HS); and 3) high sulfate water (average = 3790 ppm sulfates) with supplemental thiamin at 1 g/hd/d (HST). The study was conducted from June 16 to August 22, 2003. Water was obtained from a rural water system and sodium sulfate was mixed in the water to create desired sulfate levels in the HS and HST treatments. Steers were fed a diet containing grass hay, wheat middlings, and supplement. The supplement was identical for all treatments except for the addition of thiamin to HST. Water intake did not differ between treatments (P = 0.24). Steers on HST had a higher (P = 0.05) ADG than those on HS, and steers on LS had a higher (P = 0.01) ADG than HS or HST (1.79, 1.08, 1.39 lb/d for LS, HS, and HST, respectively). Steers on LS had higher (P = 0.01) DMI than steers in HS or HST. Steers on LS and HST had a higher (P \u3c 0.10) gain/feed than steers on HS (0.192, 0.141, and 0.172 for LS, HS, and HST, respectively). The incidence of PEM was 4.8 and 14.3% for HST and HS, respectively, compared to no cases of PEM in the LS treatment (P \u3c 0.10). There were no differences in the incidence of PEM between HST and HS (P = 0.29). Thiamin supplementation (1 g/hd/d) improved ADG and gain/feed in steers receiving high sulfate water

Response of Gestating Beef Cows to Limit-Fed Diets Containing Rolled Barley

In the Northern Great Plains, barley grain may be a more economical source of energy than hay. An experiment was conducted at South Dakota State University Cottonwood Research Station to determine the efficacy of limit-fed, barley-based diets as an alternative to alfalfa hay for beef cows in late gestation. Ninety-six gestating, crossbred cows (age 3 to 11 years; average calving date of May 7) were stratified by age and weight and randomly assigned to one of 12 pens (8 cows/pen). Pens were randomly allotted to one of three winter feeding treatments (4 pens/treatment) from January 15 to April 10, 2003. Treatments were: 1) course-ground alfalfa hay (Hay; fed at approximately 1.6% of BW); 2) dry rolled barley replacing alfalfa hay at 29% of the diet dry matter (Low Barley; fed at approximately 1.4% of BW); and 3) dry rolled barley replacing alfalfa hay at 67% of the diet dry matter (High Barley; fed at approximately 1.2% of BW). All diets were formulated using the 1996 NRC computer model to provide for maintenance of body condition score. A supplement (0.5 lb/d) supplied adequate protein, minerals, vitamins, and 200 mg/hd/d of Rumensin. Rations changed monthly to account for changing cow requirements during late gestation. All diets were consumed within a two-hour period each day. Treatment means were separated using orthogonal contrasts (Hay vs. High and Low Barley; High Barley vs. Low Barley). Cows fed barley gained more weight than cows fed Hay (P \u3c 0.01; weight change of 79, 126, and 132 lb for Hay, Low Barley, and High Barley, respectively). Cows fed barley also gained more body condition than cows fed Hay (P \u3c 0.01; body condition score change of -0.10, 0.24, and 0.38 for Hay, Low Barley, and High Barley, respectively). There were no differences (P \u3e 0.10) in weight or body condition score change between Low and High Barley treatments. There were no differences between treatments in subsequent pregnancy rates (P \u3e 0.50). Rolled barley can be used to replace alfalfa hay in diets for gestating beef cows

Effects of Sulfates in Water on Performance of Steers Grazing Rangeland

Surface and subsurface water in South Dakota often contains high concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS) and sulfates, which, in severe cases, can cause livestock deaths. Data from our laboratory have demonstrated that sulfate concentrations of 3,000 ppm in water consumed by steers in dry-lot decreased ADG, feed intake, and water consumption. Little information is available on the effects of water sulfate concentrations on grazing livestock. This study evaluated the effects of water quality and two vegetation communities on the performance of steers grazing rangeland. Eight native pastures at the SDSU Cottonwood Research Station were used. Four pastures were dominated by warm-season shortgrasses (SG) and four by cool-season midgrasses (MG). Yearling steers (105/year) were allotted to pastures in 2001 and in 2002 to attain a moderate stocking rate of 0.50 AUM/acre during a 4-month grazing season. In 2002, cattle were removed after two months due to drought, resulting in a stocking rate of 0.25 AUM/acre. Number of cattle per pasture varied from 7 to 30, depending on pasture size. Cattle in two of the SG and two of the MG pastures received high sulfate water (HS, 2001: average = 3,947 ppm sulfates; 2002: average = 4,654 ppm sulfates) with low sulfate water (LS, 2001: average = 404 ppm sulfates; 2002: average = 441 ppm sulfates) provided in the remaining pastures. Average daily gain was greater for the LS steers than HS steers in 2001 (P = 0.003; 1.85 and 1.65 lb/d, respectively) and in 2002 (P = 0.001; 2.43 and 1.79 lb/d, respectively). An interaction between sulfate concentration in water and vegetation community in 2002 (P = 0.078) resulted from similar ADG for steers on SG (1.83 lb/d) and MG (1.74 lb/d) pastures for HS water, but greater ADG for steers on MG (2.54 lb/d) than SG (2.32 lb/d) pastures for LS water. During the two-year study, only one steer had health problems related to sulfur, with no deaths. Our study showed water with sulfate concentrations of 3,947 ppm and greater reduced ADG of grazing steers, and that the response was influenced by vegetation

Effects of Sulfates in Water on Performance of Cow-Calf Pairs

Past data from our laboratory showed water sulfate levels of 3,000 ppm reduced performance and health of growing steers during the summer. This experiment, conducted at the South Dakota State University Cottonwood Research Station, evaluated the effects of high sulfate water on cow and calf performance, milk production, and cow reproduction. Ninety-six crossbred, lactating cows (ages 2-13; average calving date of May 1) and their calves were assigned, after stratifying by age, weight, and previous winter management, to one of six pastures (16 cows/pasture) from June 3 to August 26, 2003. Pastures were randomly assigned to one of two water sulfate levels (three pastures/level). Treatments were low sulfate water (LS; average 388 ± 17 ppm sulfates) or high sulfate water (HS; average 2,608 ± 408 ppm sulfates). The HS water was created by adding sodium sulfate to the LS water. Cow 12-hour milk production was estimated by the weigh-suckle-weigh method at the initiation of the trial and again on July 2 and July 29. Initial milk production estimates were used to adjust the July 2 and July 29 estimates, which represented an average of 64 and 91 days into lactation, respectively. Cows on LS gained 15 lb and cows on HS lost 36 lb during the experiment (P = 0.04). Cows on HS tended to loose more (P = 0.10) body condition than LS (-0.27 and -0.48 for LS and HS, respectively). Twelve-hour milk production did not differ on July 2 (P = 0.33; 10.6 and 9.5 lb for LS and HS, respectively) or July 29 (P = 0.48; 11.9 and 11.0 lb for LS and HS, respectively). Calf ADG did not differ (P = 0.71) between treatments. Pregnancy rates (55-d breeding season) were 98% and 94% for the LS and HS treatments, respectively (P = 0.36). Sulfate levels averaging 2,608 ppm in the drinking water of cow-calf pairs during the summer increased cow weight loss and condition loss but did not reduce calf performance or reproduction compared to sulfate levels averaging 388 ppm

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

Effect of Total Dissolved Solids and Sulfates in Drinking Water for Growing 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 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

Evaluation of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles as a Feedstuff for Heifers in the Last Trimester fo Gestation

Ninety-six crossbred heifers were used in an experiment to evaluate the effect of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS), fed in the last trimester of gestation, on heifer performance and reproduction. Animals were blocked by previous heifer development strategy (Antelope Research Station range developed = ANT 1; Antelope Research Station dry lot developed = ANT 2; Cottonwood research station = CTW), stratified by expected calving date, body weight and body condition score, and randomly allotted to one of twelve pens. Each pen was randomly assigned to one of two treatments (6 pens/treatment; 4 pens per block). Treatments were 1) dried distillers grains and grass hay (DDGS) or 2) soybean hulls and grass hay (SBH). Treatments were applied during the last-trimester of gestation. Diets were developed utilizing the 1996 NRC computer model and designed to meet nutrient requirements at 240 days of gestation under thermo-neutral conditions. Treatment diets offered similar amounts of NEm each day based on assumptions of the energy content of SBH and DDGS (assumed SBH = 80% TDN and DDGS = 88% TDN). Heifers fed the DDGS had a greater (P\u3c0.01) increase in body weight and a heavier (P=0.03) final weight compared to the heifers fed SBH. Body condition score was not affected by diet. Calf birth weights were similar for both the DDGS and SBH treatments with a mean birth weight of 87.0 lbs ± 5.3lb and 85.0 lbs ± 3.4lbs respectively. Treatment had no effect on calving ease or calf vigor scores. These results suggest that in limit fed situations DDGS and SBH can both be supplemented at 40 percent of the diet with no negative affects on cow performance, calf birth weight, or calving difficulty

Evaluation of Performance and Costs of Two Heifer Development Systems

Early weaned (EW) heifers must be developed for a longer period of time usually resulting in increased development costs. Developing EW heifers on native range may reduce these costs. Dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) offers protein and energy that compliment native forages for developing heifers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and costs of two heifer development systems in northwest South Dakota. Sixty-five nulliparous crossbred beef heifers were randomly allotted to one of two systems: 1) heifers (n=33) weaned at 132 d of age (461 lb) and developed on range with a DDGS supplement (1.8 to 6.4 lb/hd/d) from Sept. 25 to May 18 (Range); 2) heifers (n=32) weaned at 218 days of age (605 lb) and developed in a drylot with grass hay and a conventional supplement (2.6 to 3.6 lb/hd/d) from Dec. 2 to May 18 (Normal). Supplement levels were established to result in both groups of heifers reaching 65% of mature weight at breeding (863 lb). All heifers were managed similarly after May 18. Heifers were synchronized with a shot of PGF2α and bred natural service beginning June 14. As necessary for target weights to be reached, ADG through the feeding period was greater (P \u3c 0.05) for Range (1.68 lb/d) than (Normal 1.34 lb/d). Range heifers tended (P = 0.12) to be heavier on May 18 (859 and 830 lb, respectively) and were heavier (P \u3c 0.05) at breeding (915 and 834 lb, respectively). Weight differences in May were a result of higher than expected gains by the Range heifers in the spring. From May 18 to June 14, Range heifers gained more (P \u3c 0.05) than Normal (2.07 and 0.32 lb/d, respectively). Synchronized conception and overall pregnancy rates were similar (P \u3e 0.25) between the Range and Normal heifers (58% vs. 50% and 91% vs. 88%, respectively). Supplement and forage costs for the Range system was similar ($122/hd) to the Normal ($117/hd). Range development provides an alternative method for developing early-weaned heifers that reduces daily costs

Effects of Weaning Date and Retained Ownership on Cow and Calf Performance and Forage Disappearance in Spring Calving Beef Systems

Researchers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are working together to evaluate the effect of weaning calves 75 days earlier than normal and are following the calves through finishing. This report summarizes accomplishments so far. Briefly, weaning calves 75 days early (mid-August) has improved cow weight and condition score compared to cows whose calves were weaned normally (early-November). Native range forage disappearance has tended to be lower when calves were weaned early. After weaning, backgrounded early weaned steers grew faster and were more efficient. However, early weaned steers required 61 more days on feed to reach final harvest