The use of different nutritional strategies and mathematical models to improve production efficiency, profitability, and carcass quality of feedlot cattle

Forty eight crossbred steers (BW = 296 ñ 16.7 kg) were fed four dietary treatments for 56 d: AL-LS (low starch diet fed ad libitum for a rate of gain of 1 kg/d), AL-HS (high starch diet fed ad libitum), LF-HS (a limit fed high starch diet designed to be isocaloric with AL-LS), and AL-IS (a diet fed ad libitum for the midpoint daily energy intake between AL-LS and AL-HS). On d 57 all steers were placed on AL-HS for finishing until d 140. Steers that consumed more total energy (AL-HS and AL-IS) throughout production achieved greater carcass fatness in the end of the 140 d period, although these responses were difficult to evaluate via real-time ultrasound measurements. No differences in insulin and glucose kinetics were observed. Data suggested that energy source may influence energy partitioning during the growing period, but these effects may be overcome by differences in energy intake. Higher marbling scores (AL-HS and AL-IS) rewarded higher grid values and greater premiums, which increased profitability. This data set was also used for a model evaluation that showed that mathematical models (CVDS and NRC) were able to explain most of the variation in individual feed requirements of group- fed growing and finishing cattle. Another data set was used for evaluation of a decision support system Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) as a tool to minimize nutrient excretion from fed cattle. One-hundred eight-four group- fed steers were fed a 13% crude protein (CP) diet until reaching 567 kg of BW, when their diets were either maintained at 13% or reduced to 11.5% or 10% CP. Data from the second half of the experiment were modeled to predict urinary, fecal, and total N excretion. As dietary CP decreased from 13 to 11.5%, the model indicated a total N excretion of 16%. An even greater reduction in total N excretion (26%) occurred when dietary CP was decreased from 11.5% to 10%. The overall decrease from 13 to 10% CP resulted in a reduction of total N excretion by 38%. Data suggest that decision support sys tems can be used to assist in balancing diets to meet environment restriction

Shelf Life of m. \u3ci\u3elongissimus lumborum\u3c/i\u3e from Beef Fed Antioxidants and Wet Distillers Grains

Crossbred steers (n = 483) were fed dry-rolled corn based finishing dietscontaining 0 or 30% wet distillers grains with the synthetic antioxidants, ethoxyquin and tertiary butyl hydroquinone (AGRADO®PLUS). Synthetic antioxidants reduced lipid and color deterioration of strip steaks at the end of the retail display period under high or atmosphericoxygen packaging conditions

Comparing Notes: Recording and Criticism

This chapter charts the ways in which recording has changed the nature of music criticism. It both provides an overview of the history of recording and music criticism, from the advent of Edison’s Phonograph to the present day, and examines the issues arising from this new technology and the consequent transformation of critical thought and practice

Wider Still and Wider: British Music Criticism since the Second World War

This chapter provides the first historical examination of music criticism in Britain since the Second World War. In the process, it also challenges the simplistic prevailing view of this being a period of decline from a golden age in music criticism

Effects of Using Wet Distillers Grains with Solubles to Adapt Cattle to Finishing Diets on Feed Intake, Ruminal pH, and Ruminal Hydrogen Sulfide Concentration

An adaptation strategy with wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) fed at decreasing levels (87.5 to 35%) was compared to a traditional grain adaptation with decreasing forage (45 to 7.5%) when adapting steers to a common finishing diet. Traditionally adapted steers had higher intake in steps one through three compared to steers adapted with distillers grains. However, DMI was not different between the two adaptation systems in step four, or when steers were on the finishing diet. Ruminal pH was higher for traditionally adapted steers compared to steers adapted to distillers grains in adaptation diets two and three. Ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration did not appear to be a problem

Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Yucca Schidigera on Finishing Performance and Carcass Traits of Feedlot Cattle

A finishing trial evaluated effects of feeding a direct-fed microbial product(Nova-Cell®) and a saponin feed additive (Ruma Just®) as a 2x2 factorial in steam-flaked corn-based diets containing 11% wet distillers grains (DM basis). No interaction was observed between Nova-Cell and Ruma Just (P \u3e 0.13). Feeding either Ruma Just or Nova-Cell had no impact (P = 0.20) on final BW, DMI, ADG, or F:G. Neither Nova-Cell or Ruma Just affected (P = 0.10) HCW, 12th rib fat, or LM Area. Marbling appeared to be improved (P = 0.03) when Ruma Just was added to the finishing diet

Effects of the Synthetic Antioxidants on Shelf Life of m. \u3ci\u3epsoas major\u3c/i\u3e and m. \u3ci\u3etriceps brachii\u3c/i\u3e Muscles from Beef Fed Wet Distillers Grains

Feedlot finishing steers (n = 483) were randomly allotted to four dry-rolled corn based diets containing 0 or 30% wet distillers grains with or without the synthetic antioxidants supplementation (ethoxyquin and tertiary butyl hydroquinone in AGRADO®PLUS). This study intended to minimize detrimental effects of feeding wet distillers grains on color and lipidoxidation of beef tenderloin and clod heart muscles during retail display by feeding a synthetic antioxidant mixture. Feeding AGRADO®PLUS significantly reduced meat discoloration and lipid oxidation

Effects of Sulfur Content of Distillers Grains in Beef Cattle Finishing Diets on Intake, Ruminal pH, and Hydrogen Sulfide

A metabolism study was conducted to evaluate dietary sulfur (S) in beef cattle finishing diets formulated with wet and dry distillers grains with solubles (DGS) containing low (0.82%) and high (1.16%) S concentration. There was no interaction between moisture and S for intake, DM digestibility, or hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Steers fed low S DGS consumed more feed than steers fed high S DGS. Subtle differences were observed for ruminal pH variables. Propionate and butyrate concentrations decreased when high sulfur DGS was fed. Sulfur of DGS impacts intake, VFA, and ruminal H2S concentration. Wet DGS may be more prone to conversion of S to H2S in the rumen than dry DGS

Economic Impact of Sulfur Levels in Distillers Grains Diets Fed to Beef Cattle

An economic evaluation of a growth performance study (2011 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pp. 62-64) comparing wet or dry distillers grains with solubles (DGS) containing varying levels of sulfur was conducted. Diets containing DGS were more profitable than the control diets containing no co-product (Control). Wet DGS showed greater profitability than Control and dry DGS diets. Sulfur content in dry DGS did not affect profitability. Profits were lowest for Control and greatest for wet DGS (0.82% S) at 30% inclusion. Low sulfur concentration in wet DGS allows shipment to feedlots further away