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Angus crossbred steers (n = 40; 563 ± 44 kg) were used to examine the effects of handling method and fat thickness on the blood chemistry and physiology of market steers. Steers were blocked by backfat (BF) thickness and were randomly assigned to treatment groups: low-stress handling (LSH) and aggressive handling (AH). Cattle were then randomly assigned to one of 5 blocks containing 4 steers from the LSH and AH treatments. Steers in the LSH treatment were walked and AH cattle were run through a course of 1,540 m. Blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture before handling (BASE), at 770 m (LAP1), at 1,540 m (LAP2), and at1 h (1H) and 2 h (2H) after finishing the course. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma lactate (LAC), creatinine kinase (CK), base excess (BE), blood pH (pH), serum cortisol (CORT) concentrations, and venous carbon dioxide (PvCO2) and oxygen (PvO2) pressures. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and rectal temperature (TEMP) were measured at the same intervals. Cattle in the AH treatment had greater (P < 0.05) LAC than those in LSH at BASE (4.1 vs. 3.0 mmol/L), LAP1 (16.5 vs. 2.3 mmol/L), LAP2 (22.3 vs. 2.4 mmol/L), 1H (7.2 vs. 2.7 mmol/L), and 2H (4.0 vs. 2.5 mmol/L), respectively. Creatinine kinase and RR were not different (P > 0.14). Blood pH in AH cattle was decreased compared with that in LSH cattle (P < 0.05) at LAP1 (7.25 vs. 7.45) and LAP2 (7.19 vs. 7.48) but was not different (P > 0.13) at BASE, 1H, or 2H. Heart rate and TEMP were increased in AH cattle compared to LSH (P > 0.01). Serum cortisol was increased (P < 0.05) in AH compared to that in LSH cattle at LAP1 (87.5 vs. 58.9 nmol/L), LAP2 (144.4 vs. 93.1 nmol/L), and 1H (113.5 vs. 53.1 nmol/L). Although RR was not different between LSH and AH, PvCO2 was decreased in AH compared to that in LSH (P < 0.05) at LAP2 (30.6 vs. 39.3 mmHg) and PvO2 was increased at LAP1 (42.7 vs. 33.5 mmHg) and at LAP2 (51.5 vs. 36.6 mmHg). Lactate was increased in AH cattle in the thicker BF group at 1H (P < 0.05), and blood pH was decreased at LAP1, LAP2, and 1H (P < 0.05) compared to the thinner BF cohorts. Four AH steers became exhausted (EXH) and did not complete the course. Increased CK, decreased PvCO2, and muscle tremors occurred in EXH steers compared to non-exhausted AH cohorts. Results of this study show that AH causes physiologic and blood chemistry changes in steers, which can be potentially detrimental to cattle, emphasizing the need for low-stress handling practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef steers (n = 1,914) were assigned to 1 of 3 β-adrenergic agonist (βAA) supplementation treatments--zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 8.3 mg/kg of DM for 20 d with 3-d withdrawal), ractopamine hydrochloride (RH; 308 mg ⋅ head-1 ⋅ d-1 for 28 d), or no βAA (CON)--to determine the effects on consumer eating quality. Strip loins (n = 1,101; CON = 400, RH = 355, and ZH = 346) were obtained and fabricated into 2.5-cm-thick steaks for proximate, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), slice shear force (SSF), and consumer analyses; steaks were aged until 14 or 21 d postmortem. Fat and moisture contents were not affected by βAA supplementation (P > 0.05), but strip steaks from steers fed ZH had more protein (P < 0.01) than those from steers fed CON or RH, which were similar. An interaction between βAA and aging was observed (P < 0.01) for WBSF but not SSF. Within steaks aged 14 d, ZH steaks required the most force to shear, RH steaks were intermediate, and CON steaks had the lowest WBSF values; however, RH steaks had a stronger response to aging than CON or ZH steaks, resulting in the lowest WBSF values at 21 d. Slice shear force values were greater (P < 0.01) in steaks from steers fed ZH than in steaks from steers fed CON or RH, which did not differ. Following shear force analyses, steaks within 2 SD of each treatment mean for WBSF were selected randomly for consumer assessment of eating quality. Consumer testing (n = 400; 200/postmortem aging period) was arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial representing 3 quality grades (Select, Low Choice, and Premium Choice) and 3 treatments (ZH, RH, and CON). In steaks aged 14 d, βAA supplementation affected (P < 0.01) tenderness, flavor, and overall liking and tenderness acceptability, resulting in lower consumer scores for ZH than CON and RH; however, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability were similar (P > 0.05). In steaks aged 21 d, feeding βAA influenced (P < 0.01) only tenderness and juiciness scores. Despite these differences, βAA did not affect (P > 0.05) acceptability. Quality grade impacted (P < 0.01) all traits and acceptability in steaks aged 14 and 21 d. In 14-d steaks, Premium Choice typically was scored higher than Low Choice or Select; however, consumers rated 21-d Low Choice and Premium Choice similarly--both receiving greater scores than Select. Consumers detected several differences in eating quality at 14 d because of βAA supplementation. Increasing aging from 14 to 21 d mitigated differences in shear force and tenderness scores because of feeding ZH, so that tenderness and overall accept ability were similar between ZH, RH, and CON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steers (n = 560; initial BW = 420 ± 26 kg) were selected from a pool of 1,040, using the IGENITY Profile DNA test for tenderness, sorted into 1 of 4 tenderness genotype (TG) groups [140 tough (TUF), 140 intermediate (INT), 140 tender (TEND), or 140 mixed (MXD)], and subsequently allocated into 56 pens at random, of which one-half (28 pens, 7 pens from each TG) were supplemented the (3-adrenergic agonist zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and the balance fed a control ration. No TG x ZH interaction (P > 0.15) occurred for any measured trait. Cattle from INT TG had less (P < 0.05) DMI during pretreatment (d 0 to 118) and entire trial (d 0 to 143) periods than other TG. Cattle fed ZH had greater {P < 0.01) ADG and G:F, and decreased (P < 0.01) DMI during the treatment period (d 119 to 143). Cattle from the TEND group had greater (P <0.01) marbling scores, increased (P < 0.02) calculated USDA yield grades (YG), and more (P < 0.02) calculated empty body fat (EBF) than TUF cattle. Cattle receiving ZH during the treatment period had increased (P <0.01) HCW, dressed yield, and LM area. Additionally, cattle fed ZH exhibited decreased (P <0.01) EBF, marbling, KPH, and calculated USDA YG. No difference (P > 0.06) in YG distributions were detected among TG, yet TEND cattle were represented by a greater (P < 0.01) proportion of Prime and premium Choice carcasses. Cattle fed ZH exhibited increased (P <0.01) frequencies ofYG 2 carcasses and fewer (P <0.01) YG 3, 4, and 5 carcasses concurrent with an increase (P < 0.04) in the percentage of Select carcasses. Longissimus steaks from TUF cattle had greater (P < 0.03) Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) values at 7 and 14 d postmortem than steaks from INT or TEND cattle. Furthermore, ZH-fed cattle had increased (P < 0.01) WBSF values for all aging periods compared with control cattle. Frequency of steaks with WBSF values <3.9 kg (certified tender) were less (P < 0.05) for the TUF group. Feeding ZH resulted in fewer longissimus steaks (P < 0.01) with WBSF values <3.0 kg (guaranteed tender) across all aging periods; however, no difference in the frequency of steaks with WBSF values <3.9 kg was found after 21 d of aging. Igenity Profile tenderness scores were correlated (P < 0.05) to carcass finish attributes and WBSF values. Commercially available tenderness panels may have the potential to allow for antemortem sorting of cattle into expected tenderness groupings, which could augment feeding management strategies and ultimately lead to increased marketing value for the beef system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

British x Continental heifers (n = 3,382; initial BW = 307 kg) were serially slaughtered to determine if increasing days on the finishing diet (DOF) mitigates negative consequences of zilpaterol HC1 (ZH) on quality grade and tenderness of beef. A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized block design (36 pens; 6 pens/treatment) was used. Zilpaterol HC1 (8.33 mg/kg DM) was fed 0 and 20 to 22 d before slaughter plus a 3 to 5 d withdrawal to heifers spending 127, 148, and 167 DOF. Feedlot and carcass performance data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit. Three hundred sixty carcasses (60 carcasses/treatment) were randomly subsampled, and strip loin steaks were aged for 7, 14, and 21 d for assessment of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and slice shear force (SSF) with carcass serving as the experimental unit for analysis. No relevant ZH × DOF interactions were detected (P > 0.05). Feeding ZH during the treatment period increased ADG by 9.5%, G:F by 12.5%, carcass ADG by 33.6%, carcass G:F by 35.9%, carcass ADG:live ADG by 15.6%, HCW by 3.2% (345 vs. 356 kg), dressing percent by 1.5%, and LM area by 6.5% and decreased 12th-rib fat by 5.2% and yield grade (YG) by 0.27 units (P < 0.01). Feeding ZH tended to decrease marbling score (437 vs. 442 units; P = 0.10) and increased WBSF at 7 (4.25 vs. 3.47 kg; P < 0.01), 14 (3.57 vs. 3.05 kg; P < 0.01), and 21 d (3.50 vs. 3.03 kg; P < 0.01). Feeding ZH decreased empty body fat percentage (EBF; 29.7% vs. 30.3%; P < 0.01) and increased 28% EBF adjusted final BW (473.4 vs. 449.8 kg; P < 0.01). Analysis of interactive means indicated that the ZH × 148 DOF group had a similar percentage of USDA Prime, Premium Choice, Low Choice, and YG 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 carcasses (P > 0.10) and decreased percentage of Select (30.4 vs. 36.6%; P = 0.03) and Standard (0.2 vs. 0.9%; P = 0.05) carcasses compared with the control × 127 DOF group. As a result of ZH shifting body composition, extending the DOF of beef heifers is an effective feeding strategy to equalize carcass grade distributions. This can be accomplished along with sustaining the ZH mediated advantages in feedlot and carcass weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to deterrnine the effect of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on the shelf life and stability of ground beef. Beef knuckles and plates were obtained from USDA Select beef heifer carcasses from control (CON) animals or those supplemented with ZH (8.33 mg/kg of dietary DM basis) for the last 20 d of the finishing period. Subprimals were coarsely ground and blended to produce an 80% lean product. The mixture was vacuumstuffed into chubs and placed in dark storage at 2 to 4°C for 7, 14, or 21 ci before fine grinding. Each week, the finely ground samples were packaged on expanded polystyrene trays overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film and placed in refrigerated retail cases (0 to 2°C) under continuous fluorescent lighting to simulate retail display. Samples were subjected to a variety of analyses at different time intervals (h) during simulated display, including composition analysis, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substance analysis (TBA), sensory color, instrumental color, and aerobic plate count. Data analysis revealed trained sensory color and discoloration scores were similar between CON and ZH-treated samples. Instrumental L* and b* values for CON and ZH-treated samples did not differ (P = 0.13 and 0.19, respectively). Instrumental a* values declined (P < 0.05) over the display period for CON and ZH ground beef. However, a* values for ZH ground beef stored for 7 ci were greater (P < 0.05) than CON values at 18 through 72 h of display. There was a treatment x storage clay interaction (P < 0.001) for TBA values with ZH having smaller TBA values than CON after 7 ci of dark storage. There was no difference (P = 0.21) in aerobic plate count between ZH and CON ground beef samples. Overall, ground beef from cattle supplemented with ZH was equal to or better than CON for sensory color and discoloration, instrumental color, and stability variables, including TBA reactive substances and aerobic plate counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four experiments evaluated the effect of implant dose and release pattern on performance and carcass traits of crossbred beef steers. In Exp. 1, steers (4 to 7 pens/treatment; initial BW = 315 kg) were fed an average of 174 ci. Treatments were 1) no implant (NI); 2) Revalor-S [120 mg of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and 24 mg of estradiol 17f3 (E2); REV-SI; 3) Revalor-IS followed by REV-S (cumulatively 200 mg of TBA and 40 mg of E2 reimplanted at 68 to 74 d; REVIS/S); and 4) Revalor-XS (200 mg of TBA and 40 mg of E2 REV-X), Carcass-adjusted final BW was greater (P < 0.05) for REV-X and REV-IS/S than for REV-S (610, 609, and 598 kg, respectively). Daily DM1 did not differ (P > 0.10) among the 3 implants, but carcassadjusted G:F was greater (P < 0.05) for REV-X and REV-IS/S than for REV-S (0.197 and 0.195 vs. 0.188). Both HCW and LM area were greater (P < 0.05) for REV-X and REV-IS/S than for REV-S. Marbling scores were greatest (P < 0.05) for REV-S and least (P < 0.05) for REV-IS/S; REV-X was intermediate to NI and REV-IS/S. In Exp. 2, steers (10 pens/treatment; initial BW = 391 kg) were fed 131 d, with treatments of REV-S, REV-IS/S (reimplanted at 44 to 47 d), and REV-X. Carcass-adjusted final BW (598 kg), ADG (1.6 kg), DM1 (9.4 kg), G:F (0.17), and HCW did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. The percentage of Choice was less (P < 0.05) and percentage of Select greater (P < 0.05) for REV-IS/S than for REV-S and REV-X. In Exp. 3, steers (10 pens/treatment; initial BW = 277 kg) were fed 197 d aud received either REVIS/S (reimplanted at 90 to 103 cI) or REV-X. Carcassadjusted final BW (625 vs. 633 kg) and ADG (1.81 vs. 1.76 kg) were greater (P < 0.05) for REV-X-implantecl steers. Daily DM1 did not differ, but G:F tended (P < 0.10) to be increased and HCW was greater (P < 0.05) for REV-X than for REV-IS/S. In Exp. 4, steers (8 pens/treatment; initial BW = 238 kg) were fed 243 d and received either REV-IS/S (reimplanted at 68 to 71 d) or REV-X. Carcass-adjusted final BW (612 kg), ADG (1.54 kg), DM1 (7.55), and G:F (0.21) did not differ (P > 0.10) for REV-IS/S and REV-X-implanted steers. Carcass traits did not differ among implants, but the percentage of Choice carcasses was greater (P < 0.05) and percentage of Select was less (P < 0.05) for REV-X than for REV-IS/S. These data indicate that when TBA/E2 dose is equal, the altered release rate of REV-X can improve performance and quality grade, but these effects depend on duration of the feeding period and timing of initial and terminal implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anabolic steroid implants are commonly used to increase growth performance and carcass leanness. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of various trenbolone acetate implants on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), slice shear force, and consumer palatability ratings for USDA Choice and Select beef strip steaks aged for 14 and 21 d from cattle implanted before slaughter. Beef steers (n = 1,740) were subjected to the following treatments: 1) nonimplanted control (CON); 2) Revalor-IS on d 0 and Revalor-S on d 70 (IS/S); or 3) Revalor-XS (RXS) on d 0, and were randomly assigned to pens within blocks. A subsample of USDA Choice (n = 82) and USDA Select (n 81) carcasses was selected. Strip loins from these carcasses were collected, and steaks measuring 2.54 cm were fabricated and aged for 14 or 21 d postmortem. Select steaks aged 14 d from RXS cattle had decreased (P < 0.05) WBSF values compared with IS/S steaks, but CON steaks did not differ from either implant treatment. Warner-Bratzler shear force did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05) from USDA Choice steaks aged 14 and 21 d or from Select steaks aged 21 d. Consumer scores for flavor and overall liking for USDA Choice 14-d aged RXS steaks were less (P < 0.05) than CON steaks; however, there were no differences between RXS, IS/S, and CON for tenderness or juiciness, or for tenderness and overall acceptability. Select steaks aged 14 d from IS/S cattle had less (P < 0.05) tenderness, tenderness acceptability, overall acceptability, overall liking, juiciness, and flavor scores than RXS and CON steaks; however, consumers also rated RXS steaks less for tenderness, juiciness, and tenderness acceptability when compared with CON steakë. Consumer scores for overall liking, flavor, and tenderness for USDA Choice steaks aged 21 d from RXS, IS/S, and CON did not differ. However, implant affected (P < 0.05) overall liking, flavor, juiciness, and tenderness for USDA Select steaks aged 21 d. Even so, there were no differences between RXS, IS/S, and CON steaks for tenderness or overall acceptability for steaks aged 21 d, regardless of quality grade. Results indicated that tenderness differences exist among implant strategies when strip steaks were aged 14 d; however, tenderness and overall consumer acceptability were only influenced by implant in Select steaks aged 14 d. Furthermore, aging for 21 d can minimize and even eliminate implant differences in WBSF and slice shear force, as well as tenderness and overall consumer acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyses were conducted to evaluate the ability of the USDA yield grade equation to detect differences in subprimal yield of beef–type steers and calf–fed Holstein steers that had been fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; Intervet Inc., Millsboro, DE) as well as those that had not been fed ZH. Beef–type steer (n = 801) and calf–fed Holstein steer (n = 235) carcasses were fabricated into subprimal cuts and trim. Simple correlations between calculated yield grades and total red meat yields ranged from –0.56 to –0.62 for beeftype steers. Reliable correlations from calf–fed Holstein steers were unobtainable; the probability of a type I error met or exceeded 0.39. Linear models were developed for the beef–type steers to predict total red meat yield based on calculated USDA yield grade within each ZH duration. At an average calculated USDA yield grade of 2.9, beef–type steer carcasses that had not been fed ZH had an estimated 69.4% red meat yield, whereas those fed ZH had an estimated 70.7% red meat yield. These results indicate that feeding ZH increased red meat yield by 1.3% at a constant calculated yield grade. However, these data also suggest that the calculated USDA yield grade score is a poor and variable estimator (adjusted R2 of 0.31 to 0.38) of total red meat yield of beef–type steer carcasses, regardless of ZH feeding. Moreover, no relationship existed (adjusted R2 of 0,00 to 0.01) for calf–fed Holstein steer carcasses, suggesting the USDA yield grade is not a valid estimate of calf–fed Holstein red meat yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef steers (n = 11,877) from 7 studies were fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 0 or 20 to 40 d before slaughter to determine the effects of ZH on subprimal weight and yield. Carcasses were selected based on mean HCW of treatment groups for fabrication into boneless, closely trimmed, or denuded subprimals, lean, fat, and hone. Data from the 7 trials were pooled for statistical analysis. Feeding ZH increased (P < 0.05) weights of all major subprimals compared with steers not supplemented with ZH. Also, subprimals from the hindquarter, including valuable cuts like the tenderloin, strip loin, and top sirloin butt, increased (P < 0.05) as a percentage of cold carcass weight from steers fed ZH. The tenderloin was 0.06 percentage units greater (P < 0.05), the strip loin was 0.08 percentage units greater (P < 0.05), and the top sirloin butt was 0.11 percentage ullits greater (P < 0.05) in ZH-fed steers when compared with steers not fed ZH. Supplementation of ZH greatly increased (P < 0.05) total saleable carcass yield by 1.76 percentage units, whereas ZH inclusion decreased (P < 0.05) the percentage of fat trim and bone by 0.58 and 1.10 percentage units, respectively. Therefore, ZH can be utilized by the beef industry to improve red meat yield efficiency throughout the beef production chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two trials investigated zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) feeding duration, enhancement, blade tenderization, and postmortem aging effect on WarnerBratzler shear force (WBSF; trial 1) and consumer sensory ratings (trial 2). For trial 1, USDA Select beef strip loins were obtained from carcasses of beef steers fed ZH (6.8 g/t on 90% DM) the last 0, 20, 30, or 40 d of the feeding period. One-half of each strip loin was enhanced (110%) with a brine solution, whereas the remaining portion was not enhanced. Both pieces were portioned into steaks, which were aged 7, 14, or 21 d for WBSF analysis. For trial 2, paired USDA Select beef strip loins were obtained from carcasses of beef steers fed ZH the last 0 or 20 d of feeding. Paired strip loins were fabricated into 4 pieces and assigned to control, moisture enhanced, blade tenderized, and blade tenderized + moisture enhanced treatments. Strip loin pieces were then portioned into steaks that were aged 14 or 21 d postmortem. Consumers panelists (n = 458) indicated their like or dislike of tenderness, jUiciness, flavor, and overall like of each sample using 8-point, verbally anchored scales, as well as tenderness and overall acceptability. With exception of 20 d ZH-treated steaks, results from trial 1 indicate WBSF values decreased (P < 0.05) with enhancement. Among enhanced steaks, steaks from cattle fed ZH for 20, 30, and 40 d had greater (P < 0.05) WBSF values than controls. Among nonenhanced steaks, 20 d ZH-treated steaks had WBSF values similar to 0, 30, and 40 d ZH-treated steaks, whereas 30 and 40 d ZH-treated steaks had greater (P <0.05) WBSF values than controls. Postmortem aging for 21 d improved (P < 0.05) WBSF values for all ZH durations when compared with 7-d aging treatments. Results from trial 2 indicate ZH feeding for 20 ci had no effect on flavor scores, decreased tenderness scores (P < 0.05), and tended (P < 0.10) to decrease jiuciness and overall like scores when compared with controls for steaks aged 14 d. After 21 d aging, steaks from 20 ci ZHfed cattle had reduced (P < 0.05) tenderness, juiciness, and overall like scores and tended (P < 0.10) to have decreased flavor scores when compared with controls. These results indicate enhancement improved WBSF, but was not sufficient to overcome the detrimental effect of ZH feeding duration on WBSF until steaks were aged for 21 d postmortem. Consumer scores indicate 20 d ZH feeding had no effect on overall acceptability, but decreased tenderness and tenderness acceptability scores when compared with controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies using beef and calf-fed Holstein cattle were conducted to determine the effect of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) supplementation on the color of strip loin steaks packaged in traditional and modified-atmosphere packaging. Select (USDA) strip loins were obtained from the carcasses of beef (n = 118) or calf-fed Holstein (n = 132) cattle fed ZH (6.8 g/ton on a 90% DM basis) for the last 0, 20, 30, or 40 d of feeding. One portion of the strip loin was moisture enhanced, cut into steaks, and packaged in an atmosphere containing 80% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide. The remaining portion of the strip loin was vacuum-packaged until further processing. At 14 d postmortem, the vacuum-packaged loins were portioned and packaged in traditional retail packaging. Traditionally packaged and modified-atmosphere-packaged steaks were then placed in retail cases at -1 to 3°C for 5 d and evaluated by both trained and consumer panelists. Instrumental color values and purge loss were also recorded. Zilpaterol hydrochloride duration had no effect on the color and purchase intention scores of consumer panelists for beef and calf-fed Holstein strip loin steaks. Zilpaterol hydrochloride feeding duration had no effect on the color or discoloration scores of trained panelists for enhanced, modified-atmosphere-packaged beef strip steaks. Traditionally packaged beef steaks from cattle treated with ZH for 20 d had more desirable (P < 0.05) lean color scores than steaks from cattle not treated with ZH on d 2, 3, and 4 of display and had similar discoloration scores on d 1, 2, and 3 of display. The color scores of trained panelists for enhanced calf-fed Holstein steaks were more desirable (P < 0.05) for steaks from cattle not treated with ZH than for steaks from cattle treated with ZH for 20 d on d 1, 2, 3, and 4 of display. However, the discoloration scores of trained panelists for enhanced and modified-atmosphere-packaged calf-fed Holstein steaks were similar for steaks from cattle treated with ZH for 0 and 20 d on d 1, 2, and 3 of display. The scores of trained panelists indicated that traditionally packaged steaks from calf-fed Hoisteins treated with ZH for 0 d had a darker lean color (P < 0.05) than steaks from ZH-treated cattle on d 1 of display, whereas the lean color scores for ZH treatments of all durations were similar on d 4 of display. The scores of trained panelists indicated that ZH treatment had no effect on the discoloration of traditionally packaged, nonenhanced strip steaks from calf-fed Holsteins. Therefore, feeding ZH to beef or calf-fed Holstein steers had no detrimental effect on the lean color or color stability of strip loin steaks subjected to enhancement, packaged in modified-atmosphere or traditional packaging, and displayed under simulated retail conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment investigated the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) and the steroidal implant Revalor-S (RS; 120 rng of trenbolone acetate and 24 mg of estradiol-1713) on finishing steer performance and the mRNA concentration of β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) types I and II, and types I, hA, and IIX myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms. A total of 2,279 feedlot steers weighing 426 ± 6.4 kg were admin- istered no implant or RS on d 0, and fed 0 or 8.3 mg of ZH/kg of diet DM during the last 30 d with a 3-d withdrawal. Treatments were randomly assigned to 24 pens (n = 6 pens/treatment). At slaughter, semimembranosus muscle tissue was excised for RNA isolation from 4 carcasses per pen. No interactions were detected for any of the variables measured in the experiment. Ad- ministration of ZH during the last 30 d of the feeding period increased (P < 0.01) ADG, G:F, HCW, and LM area; decreased (P < 0.01) 12th-rib fat depth and marbling; and improved (P < 0.01) yield grade. Treatment had no effect on 131-AR mRNA levels, but there was an increase (P = 0.01) in 132-AR mRNA levels due to ZH inclusion. Myosin heavy chain-I (MHC-I) mRNA levels were unaffected by treatment. For MHC-IIA mRNA concentrations, administration of RS tended (P = 0.08) to increase mRNA levels, whereas ZH feeding the last 30 d tended (P = 0.08) to decrease mRNA levels for this isoform of myosin. Feeding ZH the last 30 d before slaughter increased (P < 0.01) mRNA concentrations of MHC-IIX in semimembranosus muscle of steers. These data indicate the combined use of ZH and RS additively contributes to BW and carcass gain in finishing feedlot steers and decreases marbling scores and USDA quality grades. The LM area increased and fat thickness decreased. In addition, ZH feeding changes the mRNA levels of MHC isoforms to a faster, more glycolytic fiber type in bovine skeletal muscle. These changes in mRNA concentrations of MHC isoforms, due to ZH feeding, could be affecting skeletal muscle hypertrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to evaluate the effects of an extended withdrawal period after feeding the β-adrenergic agonist zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 20 d at the end of the feeding period. Three hundred eighty-four crossbred beef steers were blocked by BW and randomly allocated into 64 pens (6 steers/pen). Pens were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design. Main effects were the addition of 0 (control) or 8.3 mg/ kg of ZH (DM basis) to the finishing diet for 20 d before estimated average slaughter date and paired withdrawal periods of 3, 10, 17, or 24 d before slaughter. Individual BW were measured initially, 1 d before ZH feeding, and 1 d before slaughter. The ZH feeding period was initiated so that control cattle in the 3-d withdrawal group would be expected to average 65% USDA Choice Quality grade and have 1.27 cm of 12th-rib fat based on visual appraisal. Carcass data were collected at slaughter. For the 3-d withdrawal steers, 2 steers from each pen were selected to determine visceral organ and total offal mass at slaughter. The ZH x withdrawal day interaction was not significant (P > 0.10) for the majority of variables. There was no difference (P ⩾ 0.12) due to ZH feeding for final BW, carcass-adjusted final BW, or ADG. However, DM1 was decreased (P = 0.02) and G:F increased (P = 0.01) in steers fed ZH vs. control steers. As day after withdrawal of ZH increased, there was a linear increase (P < 0.001) in final BW and carcass-adjusted final BW, but a linear decrease (P < 0.001) in ADG over the finishing period and over the ZH plus withdrawal period. Overall, HCW was 380 and 369 kg (P < 0.001) for ZH and control steers, respectively. However, the difference between ZH and control was 14, 17, 5, and 6 kg with 3, 10, 17, and 24 d withdrawal, respectively (ZH x withdrawal day, P = 0.09). Feeding ZH increased dressing percentage (65.8 vs. 64.6%; P < 0.001) and LM area (94.8 vs. 89.7 cm2 P < 0.001), and decreased calculated yield grade (2.69 vs. 2.91; P = 0.03) and percentage of cattle grading USDA Choice (31.1 vs. 42.3%; P = 0.03) compared with controls. Small intestinal mass (g/kg of empty BW) was greater (P = 0.03) for steers fed ZH compared with controls. There were no other differences (P ⩾ 0.11) in mass of body components, expressed in kilograms or as a fraction of empty BW. In this experiment, improvements in animal performance and HCW due to feeding ZH were generally maintained when withdrawal was extended through 10 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 0, 20, 30, or 40 d (ZHO, ZH,20, ZH30, ZH40) on semimembranosus (SM) steak color and color stability in 3 packaging systems, SM subprimals were removed from 60 calf-fed Holstein steers 24 h postmortem. A 7.62-cm-thick portion was removed from each subprimal and stored (2°C) for 21 d; then two 2.54-cm-thick steaks were cut, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, and assigned to 0 or 3 d of display. Remaining portions of the subprimals were vacuum packaged for 10 d and then enhanced (10% with a solution containing 0.3% sodium chloride, 0.35% phosphate, and 0.05% rosemary extract), cut into steaks, packaged in high-oxygen (HO-MAP) or carbon monoxide (CO-MAP) modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and assigned to 0, 3, or 5 d (HO-MAP) or 0 or 9 d (CO-MAP) of display. Panelists evaluated the deep and superficial portions of SM steaks for initial color, display color, discoloration, pH, L*, a*, b*, hue angle, and saturation indices. Feeding duration did not affect (P> 0.05) initial color scores of steaks in PVC. Steaks displayed in PVC from ZH2O or ZH30 diets were slightly brighter and less discolored than the ZH40 treatment. For enhanced steaks in HO-MAP, ZH20 steaks were darker on d 5 (P < 0.05) and more discolored (P < 0.05) on d 3 through 5 than all other diet treatments. For enhanced steaks from steers fed ZH40 and in CO-MAP, the deep and superficial SM tended (P> 0.05) to have improved display color compared with other dietary regimens; however, steaks in CO-MAP from all feeding durations had less than 20% metmyoglobin through d 9 of display. Overall, feeding ZH2O might result in steaks with slightly less color stability when packaged in HO-MAP; however, feeding ZH20 or ZH30 to calf-fed Holstein steers will yield steaks that have equal to or more desirable color traits when packaged in PVC or CO-MAP. Regardless of ZH feeding regimen, HO-MAP and CO-MAP extended the color life of the SM. The CO-MAP system minimized color differences between the superficial and deep portions of the SM muscle and extended total case life compared with traditional and HO-MAP packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 6.8 g/t on 90% DM basis) feeding duration (0, 20, 30, and 40 d) on Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of longissimus lumborum (LL), triceps brachii (TB), and gluteus medius (GM) muscles, beef from feeding trials was collected and shipped to participating universities. Animals were slaughtered at commercial processing facilities across the United States. Strip loin, shoulder clod, and top sirloin butt subprimals (IMPS 180, 114, and 184, respectively) were obtained from a portion of USDA Choice and Select grade carcasses for WBSF using standardized procedures and equipment. Feeding ZH increased (P < 0.001) LL WBSF values of USDA Choice and Select steaks. A significant linear contrast existed for both quality grades, indicating increased WBSF values were associated with longer feeding durations. Increased postmortem aging decreased LL WBSF of control and treated steaks. Postmortem aging from 7 to 21 d decreased LL WBSF values by 17.6 and 16.4% for USDA Choice and Select steaks, respectively. The percentage of LL steaks from ZH-supplemented cattle with a WBSF value <4.5 kg was significantly less than control steaks for both quality grades. Postmortem aging from 7 to 21 d postrnortem increased (P < 0.001) the percentage of LL Choice and Select steaks with WBSF <4.5 kg for all ZH feeding durations. Feeding ZH for 20, 30, or 40 d increased (P < 0.01) WBSF of USDA Choice TB and GM steaks compared with 0-d controls. Feeding ZH for 0, 20, and 40 d had a similar effect on WBSF of USDA Select GM steaks, and produced lesser values than steaks from cattle fed ZH for 30 d. Feeding ZH for 20, 30, and 40 d had no effect on WBSF values of USDA Select TB steaks. However, the 20-, 30-, and 40-d duration produced WBSF values greater (P < 0.05) than control (0 d) TB steaks. Postmortem aging decreased (P < 0.05) WBSF of USDA Choice and Select TB and GM steaks, but the percentage improvement in WBSF attributed to aging was less than observed for LL steaks. The resuits of this study indicate feeding ZH increased (P < 0.001) WBSF of LL, TB, and GM. The ZH feeding also decreased (P < 0.01) the percentage of steaks with WBSF <4.5 kg regardless of US quality grade, whereas postmortem aging increased (P < 0.01) the percentage of US Choice and Select steaks with WBSF <4.5 kg. Finally, postmortem aging reduced (P < 0.05) WBSF of steaks from ZH-supplemented beef cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH), fed for 0, 20, or 30 d, on meat quality attributes of calf-fed Holstein steers. Steers were slaughtered at a commercial facility, and carcasses were selected by HCW to represent the pen mean. Further carcass selection was based on quality grade (Choice and Select) and yield grade. Proximate composition, measures of water holding capacity, and tenderness using Warner-Bratzler shear force after 7, 14, or 21 d postmortem were evaluated on the shoulder clod (triceps brachii), top butt (gluteus medius), and strip loin (longissimus lumborum). Percentage of purge for the 3 subprimals was not different (P > 0.05) among ZH treatments. Steers fed ZH for 20 d or 30 d had decreased (P < 0.05) percentages of fat in the triceps brachii, compared with 0-d ZH. Percentage of fat was less (P < 0.05) in the gluteus medius and longissimus lumborum when steers were fed ZH for 30 d compared with those steers fed ZH for 0 d. Percentage of fat was greater in Choice triceps brachii (P < 0.05) and longissimus lumborum (P < 0.10) cornpared with Select. Thaw loss was not different (P > 0.05) for any muscle due to ZH treatment. Only longissimus had a greater (P < 0.05) cooking loss with ZH treatment. Cooking loss was not different (P > 0.05) for the gluteus medius or longissirnus lumborum clue to quality grade or aging day. At each aging day, the 20- and 30-d ZH longissimus lumborurn had greater (P < 0.05) shear force values than 0 d; however, 20- and 30-d ZH had a greater absolute change in shear force from 7 to 21 d than that of 0 d ZH. Triceps brachii steaks were less tender (P < 0.05) after ZH treatment, but gluteus medius steaks were not different (P > 0.05). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in shear force due to quality grade. Results illustrate the use of ZH in calf-fed Holstein steers will have minimal effects on purge, thaw, or cooking loss. Percentage of intramuscular fat will decrease, especially when fed for longer durations. Steaks from ZH treated steers were tougher than steaks from control animals at all aging times, but ZH steaks became more tender with postmortem aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) for 0, 20, 30, or 40 d before slaughter (ZH0, ZH20, ZH30, or Z1140, respectively) on semimembranosus (SM) color development and stability. A 7.62-cm-thick portion was removed from 60 beef steer SM subprimals and stored (2°C) for 21 d; then two 2.54-cm-thick steaks were cut, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, and assigned to 0 or 3 d of display. Remaining portions of the subprimals were stored in a vacuum for 10 d and then enhanced 10% to a meat concentration of 0.3% sodium chloride, 0.35% phosphate, and 0.05% rosemary extract. Steaks were packaged in a high-oxygen (HO-MAP) or carbon monoxide (CO-MAP) modified atmosphere and assigned to 0, 3, or 5 d (HO-MAP) or 0 or 9 d (CO-MAP) of display. The deep (DSM) and superficial (SSM) portions of steaks were evaluated for initial color, display color, discoloration, pH, L*, a*, b*, hue angle, and saturation indices. For steaks in PVC, no differences (P > 0.05) occurred in initial or discoloration color scores because of ZH feeding duration. The enhanced SSM steaks from ZH20 in PVC were brighter red (P < 0.05) than SSM steaks from ZH40 in PVC. The DSM in PVC had less (P < 0.05) pH and paler (P < 0.05) color than the SSM. Display color scores for the DSM of PVC steaks were brighter red (P < 0.05) than the SSM initially (d 0 and 1), but the DSM discolored faster (P < 0.05) than the SSM on d 1 to 3. The SM steaks from steers fed ZH20 or ZH30 were slightly brighter and less discolored cluring display in PVC than the ZH40 diet. For enhanced steaks in HO-MAP, the DSM of ZH20 and ZH30 diets displayed 4 d and the DSM of ZH20 displayed 5 d was a brighter (P < 0.05) red than the DSM from ZH40. At display d 1 and 5, the SSM of ZH20 steaks in HO-MAP was a brighter (P < 0.05) red than SSM steaks from ZH40. The SSM of ZH40 HO-MAP steaks was darker (P < 0.05) red on d 3 than the SSM from other diets. For enhanced steaks in CO-MAP, ZH30 steaks were brighter (P < 0.05) red than ZHO or ZH40 steaks on d 0 and 9 of display. Steaks in CO-MAP from all feeding durations were less than 20% discolored through d 9. The DSM was lighter (P < 0.05) than the SSM on d 0 for steaks packaged in HO-MAP and CO-MAP. Feeding cattle ZH for 20 or 30 d will yield steaks with color characteristics equal to or better than steaks from control cattle, whereas feeding ZH for 40 d will likely produce less desirable meat color traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to provide consumer data for beef steak tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall palatability ratings from zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) beef to the processor, retailers, restaurants, and consumers is paramount. Consumer palatability responses were studied for 14- and 21-d aged USDA Choice and USDA Select quality grade beef and USDA Choice calf-fed Holstein New York Strip steaks from cattle that had been fed ZH for 0, 20, and 30 d before slaughter. Strip loins were cut into 2.54-cm-thick New York strip steaks and assigned to a 14- or 21-d aging treatment. The first and fourth steaks were assigned for 14- or 21-d WBSF analysis, and the second, third, fifth, and sixth steaks were reserved for consumer sensory panel evaluation. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) analysis was conducted at Texas Tech University (TTU, Lubbock), Kansas State University (Manhattan), Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), and West Texas A&M University (Canyon) with values used to sort steaks for consumer evaluation. Slice shear force analysis was performed at TTU on available paired consumer steaks. Consumers (n = 3,007) in 4 metropolitan areas (Baltimore, MD/ Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; and Lubbock, TX) were asked to rate tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability. Consumers were selected to represent a wide range of income, education, and ethnicity at each city. Steaks were cooked to a medium degree of doneness (71°C), cut into 1 cm3 pieces, and served warm to consumers. Consumers tasted samples from each of 3 separate steaks from each ZH treatment (0, 20, and 30 d) and within each USDA quality grade and within the 14- and 21-d aging treatments. Steaks were selected to represent the distribution of tenderness for the first, second, and third SD either side of the mean for each treatment. A second calf-fed Holstein consumer study (n = 240) was conducted with consumers eating USDA Choice 14- and 21-d aged steaks from Holstein cattle fed ZH for 0 or 20 d. Steaks from 0- and 20-d ZH treatments were different for tenderness for the 14-d aged USDA Choice and the calf-fed Holstein study groups. No differences were shown for all other 0- and 20-d ZH treatments for tenderness. The 21-d aged USDA Select steaks were improved with aging, which aided in removing the effects of ZH treatment. The ZH treatment of 30 d before slaughter resulted in increased WBSF values and decreased consumer tenderness, juiciness, and overall palatability ratings for 14-d-aged USDA Choice. No differences were shown for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall palatability consumer ratings for 0- and 20-d steaks from 21-d Choice and 14- and 21-d Select quality and aging periods. Overall, USDA Choice Holstein steaks aged 14 and 21 d had differences in tenderness with ZH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) is designed to increase carcass leanness, chilled side weight (CSW), and percent saleable yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single dose of ZH on cutability and subprimal yield of calf-fed Holstein steers when fed for increasing durations. Two hundred forty steers were fed 8.3 mg/kg of ZH on a DM basis for 0, 20, 30, or 40 d, with a 3-d withdrawal before slaughter. After slaughter, steers were fabricated into 4 pieces (round, loin/flank, rib/plate, and chuck), packaged in combos, shipped to 2 locations, and further fabricated into subprimal pieces and trim. Trim was collected from each primal and separated into groups based on composition of 90, 80, and 50% lean. Zilpaterol hydrochloride increased (P = 0.01) CSW by 6.22 kg and saleable yield by 6.4 kg when included in the diet for 20 d. Furthermore, saleable yield as a percentage of CSW was increased (P = 0.03) 1.18 percentage units when included in the diet for 20 d. Steers fed ZH for 20 d had heavier strip loins (4.47 vs. 4.12 kg, P = 0.02), tenderloins (2.75 vs. 2.49 kg, P = 0.02), and ribeye rolls (5.74 vs. 5.30 kg, P = 0.01) than steers not fed ZH. These advantages are further demonstrated as a percentage of CSW. Strip loins (P = 0.06), tenclerloins (P = 0.04), and ribeye rolls (P = 0.04) of ZH-fed steers had a greater percentage of CSW than controls. Zilpaterol hydrochloride also increased the percentage of CSW of the 3 primary components of the round when fed for 20 d. The knuckle was 0.10 percentage units heavier (P = 0.11), the top round was 0.24 percentage units heavier (P = 0.04), and the bottom round was 0.22 percentage units heavier (P = 0.03) in ZH-fed steers when compared with steers not fed ZH. Based on these data, it; can be concluded that ZH significantly increased subprimal cutting weights, yields, and percentage saleable yield of calf-fed Holstein steers when fed for at least 20 d before slaughter. Zilpaterol hydrochloride increased percentage of CSW of subprimal cuts from Holstein steers in the round and to a lesser degree in the loin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our objective was to determine the effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH), a 3-agonist, for the final 30 d of the feeding period, with or without a terminal estrogen + trenbolone acetate (TBA) implant (Revalor-S; 24 mg of estradiol-17β and 120 mg of TBA; REV) on meat tenderness and carcass cutout yields. Crossbred steers (n = 2,279) were divided into 6 BW blocks and 24 pens. Within each block, pens were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments: 1) no terminal implant (control); 2) a terminal REV given 91 d before slaughter; 3) no terminal implant plus ZH; and 4) a terminal REV implant plus ZH (REV+ZH). All cattle received Component TE-IS (16 mg of estradiol and 80 mg of TBA) on d 61 of the feeding period. Zilpaterol hydrochloride was added to the diets at a concentration of 8.38 mg/kg (DM basis) during the final 30 d of the feeding period, followed by a 3-d period before slaughter in which ZH was withdrawn from the diet. Carcasses (n = 30/treatment) were selected from the 2,279 cattle and fabricated into subprimal cuts as per Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications. Strip loins were collected, cut into 2.54-cm steaks, and aged 7, 14, and 21 d, after which Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), collagen content, desmin degradation, and muscle fiber diameter measurements were determined. Feeding ZH increased (P < 0.05) yield of the #112A ribeye roll, #116B chuck mock tender, #167A peeled knuckle, #169 top inside round, #171B outside round, #171C eye of round, #180 strip loin, #184 top sirloin butt, and #189A full tenderloin for ZH treatment. Longissimus muscle WBSF at 7, 14, and 21 d postmortem was increased (P < 0.001) with ZH supplementation. Desmin degradation at 7, 14, and 21 d postmortem was not affected with REV or ZH supplementation compared with controls. Zilpaterol hydrochloride had an additive effect with REV on increasing LM fiber diameter (P < 0.001). When fed to cattle that received a terminal implant of REV, ZH potentially increased LM WBSF as a result of induced muscle hypertrophy. During the 21-d aging period, WBSF decreased with aging, suggesting that carcasses from cattle supplemented with ZH might require longer aging time to ensure that acceptable levels of tenderness are reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preselected carcasses (n = 112) from feedlot steers fed zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 8.33 mg/kg, DM basis) in a serial slaughter experiment were evaluated to determine the effects of ZH upon carcass cutability, composition, and tenderness. A 4 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely random design was used with days on ZH (0, 20, 30, and 40 d before slaughter with a 3-d withdrawal) and days on the finishing diet (DOF; 136, 157, 177, and 198 d). No relevant ZH duration x slaughter group interactions were detected (P> 0.05) for carcass cutability, composition, or tenderness data. Exposure to ZH increased the lean yield of 22 of the 33 subprimals evaluated with every subprimal within the round showing increased cutability (P < 0.04). Carcass fat was decreased, whereas carcass protein and moisture were increased due to ZH (P < 0.01). Lengthening the ZH feeding period did not result in additive gains in subprimal yield or chemical composition (P > 0.05). Warner-Bratzler shear force analysis of the LM indicated that ZH caused a toughening effect (P < 0.01) regardless of the length of the aging period (7, 14, or 21 d). Extending the ZH dose duration caused a linear increase in Warner-Bratzler shear force at 7 (P = 0.06) and 21 d (P < 0.01) of aging. Within 10 mill postmortem, samples (n = 48) were collected from the semimembranosus muscle for RNA isolation from 4 randomly selected steers from each treatment within the 157, 177, and 198 d slaughter groups. Feeding ZH did not alter β1- or β2-adrenergic receptor (AR), calpastatin (CAL), IGF-I, or myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform I rnRNA abundance (P> 0.10). There was a ZH duration x DOF interaction (P < 0.01) for the expression of MHC-IIa and -lix. Expression of MHC-IIa was decreased in every ZH treatment within the 177 and 198 DOF groups (P < 0.02). Expression of MHC-IIx was increased in the 20-d ZH group in the 157 DOF group (P = 0.03), and the 40-d ZH group in the 177 (P = 0.10) and 198 (P = 0.03) DOF groups. There was a tendency for a linear decrease in CAL mRNA abundance as ZH duration increased (P = 0.07), and there was a linear increase in β2-AR (P = 0.03) and CAL (P < 0.01) mRNA abundance as DOF increased. Collectively, the data indicate that ZH may influence net protein turnover by decreasing MHC-IIa mRNA transcription and possibly increasing MHC-IIx. Furthermore, a ZH feeding duration of 20 d appeared to be adequate for capturing lean yield benefits while limiting tenderness losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Top sirloin butt steaks were used to determine the effects on color stability of supplementing zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) to beef and calf-fed Holstein steers. This study compared the effects of dietary ZH supplementation for 0, 20, 30, or 40 d on feed. One-half of the top sirloin butts were enhanced and packaged in modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP); the remaining one-half were packaged in polyvinylchloride (PVC) film. Beef steaks packaged with PVC from cattle supplemented for 30 d had a tendency (P = 0.07) to produce a redder (a* = 18.31) steak than the control cattle (a* = 17.00) or cattle supplemented for 40 d (a* = 17.05). In beef steaks, ZH had no effect on subjective visual color (P = 0.15 to 0.27) and discoloration (P = 0.10 to 0.59) of steaks packaged with PVC when stratified by day of display, with the exception of visual color on d 5. Beef steaks under MAP from cattle supplemented for 20 d were redder (a* = 19.50, P < 0.05) than those from cattle supplemented for 30 (a* = 18.07) or 40 d (a* = 17.57), but were similar to the control steaks (a* = 18.68). There was no effect (P> 0.05) of retail display day and day of supplementation on objective or subjective color of calf-fed Holstein steaks packaged with PVC. Dietary supplementation for 20 d produced a greater (P < 0.05) b* value on d 1 of display in MAP-packaged steaks from calf-fed Holsteins. If recommending a period of dietary supplementation, 20 to 30 d would be suggested to result in, on average, the brightest, reddest sirloin butt steaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four trials, each with a randomized complete block design, were conducted with 8,647 beef steers (initial BW = 346 ± 29.6 kg) in 3 different locations in the United States to evaluate the effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Treatments consisted of feeding ZH (8.33 mg/kg of dietary DM) for 0, 20, 30, or 40 d, at the end of the feeding period, followed by a 3-d withdrawal period before slaughter. Cattle were weighed on d 0 and 50 before slaughter (in 3 of the 4 studies), and on the day of slaughter. Data from the 4 trials were pooled for statistical analyses. No differences (P ⩾ 0.78) were detected among treatments for ADG and G:F from the start of the study until the final 50 d on feed. Final BW was greater for the average of the 3 ZH-treated groups (P < 0.01) than for the 0-d group. Average daily gain was greater for ZH-treated vs. control cattle during the final 50 d on feed (P < 0.01) and for the entire feeding period (P < 0.01). No differences in DMI were noted for any periods of t)m experiment (P ⩾ 0.42) for ZH-treated cattle vs. controls. No differences were noted for DMI among the ZH-treated groups for the final 50 d on feed (P = 0.81) or for the overall feeding period (P = 0.31). Feeding ZH for any length of time increased G:F (P < 0.01) for the final 50 d and overall compared with 0-d cattle. In addition, a linear increase with more days of ZH feeding was observed for G:F during the period that ZH was fed (P = 0.01), as well as for the overall feeding period (P = 0.01). The ZH-treated cattle had heavier HCW (P < 0.01), greater dressing percent (P < 0.01), reduced marbling scores (P < 0.01), less 12th-rib fat (P < 0.01), larger LM area (P < 0.01), less KPH (P = 0.01), and a lower USDA yield grade (P < 0.01) than the 0-d cattle, regardless of the duration of ZH feeding. Dressing percent increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increased duration of ZH feeding, whereas 12th-rib fat (P = 0.07), marbling scores (P < 0.01), and USDA calculated yield grade (P = 0.01) decreased linearly with increased duration of ZH feeding. Feeding ZH increased ADG and G:F and decreased overall carcass fatness. In addition, effects of ZH on measures of carcass fatness were enhanced by feeding the product for a greater length of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted using 200 beef carcasses to evaluate the effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride with or without monensin and tylosin on carcass cutability and meat sensory variables. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with treatments arranged as a 2 (no zilpaterol vs. zilpaterol) × 2 (monensin and tylosin withdrawn vs. monensin and tylosin fed) factorial. Cattle (n = 3,757) were fed zilpaterol hydrochloride, a β2-adrenergic agonist, for 30 d at the end of the finishing period and withdrawn from zilpaterol hydrochloride for the last 5 d on feed. Five carcasses (weighillg between 305 and 421 kg and free of slaughter defects) were selected from each of 40 feedlot treatment pens. Strip loins from the left sides were collected for sensory analysis and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) testing, and the rib was collected for 9th, 10th, 11th-rib dissections. A subsample of 3 carcass right sides per pen was fabricated into boneless subprimals according to Institutional Meat Purchase Specifications. Carcasses from zilpaterol-fed steers had greater (P ≤ 0.008) subprimal yields of shoulder clod, chuck tender, knuckle, top round, outside round, eye of the round, strip loin, top sirloin butt, bottom sirloin butt ball tip, full tenderloin, and flank steak than steers not fed zilpaterol. In addition, zilpaterol hydrochloride treatment decreased (P = 0.002) trimmable fat. Zilpaterol hydrochloride increased (P < 0.006) estimated carcass protein and moisture and decreased (P ≤ 0.007) estimated carcass and LM fat percentage. For LM WBSF there was a zilpaterol hydrochloride x postmortem aging interaction (P < 0.01). The β2-adrenergic agonist increased (P = 0.001) LM WBSF at 7, 14, and 21 d postmortem and decreased (P < 0.001) trained sensory-panel juiciness, tenderness, and flavor intensity of LM steaks aged for 14 d. A consumer sensory panel also found LM steaks from zilpaterol-fed steers were (P = 0.03) less tender than steaks from steers not fed zilpaterol; however, tenderness acceptability and overall acceptability were not affected (P ≥ 0.26). For the main effect of monensin and tylosin, withdrawal of monensin and tylosin de- creased (P = 0.01) consumer juiciness scores, although other yield and compositional measurements were not affected (P ≥ 0.07). Zilpaterol is a strong repartitioning agent that increases meat yield through increased protein and decreased fat deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted at 3 US locations (CA, ID, and TX) to determine the effects of dietary zilpaterol hydrochloride (Zilmax, Intervet Inc., Millsboro, DE) and duration of zilpaterol feeding on performance and carcass merit of finishing steers and heifers. At each site, 160 steers and 160 heifers were stratified within sex by initial BW (study d -1) and as- signed randomly within BW strata to 1 of 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design (4 blocks/treat- ment for each sex). The 4 treatments were arranged in a 2 (no zilpaterol vs. zilpaterol) × 2 (20 or 40 d duration of zilpaterol feeding) factorial arrangement of treatments. When included in the diet, zilpaterol was supplemented at 8.3 mg/kg of DM. Each pen consisted of 10 animals. Each animal was individually weighed unshrunk on d 1, 21 or 41, and 66 of the experiment. Following d 66, cattle were slaughtered and carcass data collected. Feeding zilpaterol increased (P < 0.01) final BW of steers and heifers by 11.6 and 6.7 kg, re-spectively. In addition, feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride increased (P ≤0.001) ADG 36 and 18%, and increased (P < 0.001) G:F 28 and 21% for steers and heifers, re-spectively. For heifers, DM1 was decreased (P < 0.001) 6.2% when zilpaterol was fed, whereas ill steers DM1 tended (P = 0.09) to be decreased 2%. For steers and heifers, feeding zilpaterol increased (P < 0.001) HCW 16.4 and 12.1 kg, dressing percentage 1.5 percentage units for each sex, and LM area 8.23 and 6.37 cm2, respectively. Twelfth-rib fat (P ≤ 0.12) and KPH (P ≥ 0.70) were not affected by feeding zilpaterol to steers or heifers. Feeding zilpaterol decreased (i.e., improved; P = 0.02) calculated yield grade of steer and heifer carcasses. Marbling score (P = 0.002) and quality grade (P = 0.002) were decreased when zilpaterol hydrochloride was fed to steers, and the decrease in marbling score and quality grade tended to be greater when zilpaterol was fed for 40 compared with 20 d (zilpaterol x dura- tion interaction, P = 0.07). For heifers, marbling score tended (P = 0.07) to be decreased and quality grade was decreased (P = 0.05) when zilpaterol hydrochloride was fed. In general, it appears from these data that zilpaterol hydrochloride fed for 20 to 40 d at the end of the finishing period enhances growth performance and carcass muscle deposition for steers and heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted at 3 US locations (California, Idaho, and Texas) to determine the effects of dietary zilpaterol hydrochloride and duration of zilpaterol feeding on carcass composition and beef palatability. At each site, 160 steers and 160 heifers were stratified within sex by initial BW (study d-1) and assigned randomly within BW strata to 1 of 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design (4 blocks/treatment for each sex). The 4 treatments were arranged in a 2 (no zilpaterol vs. zilpaterol) × 2 (20- or 40-d duration of zilpaterol feeding) factorial. When included in the diet, zilpaterol was supplemented at 8.3 mg/kg (DM basis). Each pen consisted of 10 animals. After slaughter 2 carcasses per pen (n 64 per trial site) were selected. The entire right side of the selected carcasses was collected for dissection and chemical analysis of the soft tissue. Additionally, the left strip loin was collected for Warner-Bratzler shear force determinations and aged to 28 d postmortem. Sensory analysis was conducted on the Idaho trial site samples only. All data were pooled for analyses. Feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride increased carcass muscle deposition (P < 0.01) of both steer and heifer carcasses. However, carcass percentage fat of steers and heifers was not affected (P> 0.11) by the zilpaterol treatment. In heifer carcasses, carcass moisture percentage was in- creased (P = 0.04) and bone percentage was decreased (P = 0.02), whereas in steer carcasses, carcass moisture and bone percentage were not affected (P> 0.10). In heifer carcasses, carcass ash percentage was not affected (P = 0.61) by zilpaterol, whereas in steer carcasses, carcass ash percentage tended (P = 0.07) to be increased. The protein-to-bone ratio was increased (P < 0.00 1) by zilpaterol hydrochloride treatment in both steers and heifers, whereas the protein-to-fat ratio was not affected (P = 0.10). Cooking loss of the LM was not affected (P = 0.41) by zilpaterol treatment of steers or heifers. However, LM Warner-Bratzler shear force was increased (P = 0.003) on average (3.3 vs. 4.0 kg) due to zilpaterol hydrochloride treatment of both steers and heifers. In both steers and heifers, LM sensory panel scores of overall juiciness (6.2 vs. 6.0), tenderness (6.2 vs. 6.0), and flavor intensity (6.2 vs. 6.0) tended (P = 0.06) to be decreased in cattle supplemented with zilpaterol. Zilpaterol hydrochloride is a repartitioning agent that seems to affect carcass composition primarily through protein deposition. However, zilpaterol treatment can adversely affect tenderness and other palatability traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feedlot experiment was conducted under commercial conditions in the Texas Panhandle using 3,757 feedlot steers (average of 94 steers/pen) to evaluate the effects of feeding zilpaterol hydrochloride with or without monensin and tylosin on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were arranged as a 2 (no zilpaterol vs. zilpaterol) x 2 (monensin and tylosin withdrawn vs. monensin and tylosin fed during the final 35 d on feed) factorial. Steers were fed for a total of 161 to 167 d, and treatments were administered during the final 35 d that cattle were on feed. When included in the diet, zilpaterol, monensin, and tylosin were supplemented at 8.3, 33.1, and 12.2 mg/kg (DM basis), respectively. Zilpaterol was included in the diet for 30 d at the end of the finishing period and withdrawn from the diet for the last 5 or 6 d cattle were on feed. Cattle were harvested and carcass data collected. There were no zilpaterol x monensin/tylosin interactions (P ≥ 0.12) for ADG or C:F. Feeding zilpaterol increased ADG (P < 0.001) by 0.20 kg and G:F (P < 0.001) by 0.029 kg/kg during the last 35 d on feed. Likewise, when feedlot variables were measured throughout the entire 161- to 167-d feeling trial, ADG (3.4%; P < 0.001) and C:F (3.9%; P < 0.001) were increased. Feeding zilpaterol increased (P < 0.001) dressing percent and HCW and decreased (P < 0.001) total liver abscess rate compared with controls. In addition, zilpaterol increased (P < 0.001) LM area by an average of 8.0 cm². There was a zilpaterol x monensin/tylosin interaction (P = 0.03) for marbling score. Zilpaterol decreased (P < 0.001) marbling score regardless of monensin and tylosin treatment, although withdrawal of mortensin and tylosin for 35 d decreased marbling to a greater extent; (31 vs. 17 degrees). Zilpaterol decreased (i.e., improved; P < 0.001) calculated yield grade regardless of monensin arid tylosin treatment, but feeding zilpaterol in combination with the withdrawal of monensin and tylosin for 35 d decreased calculated yield grade to a greater extent (0.49 vs. 0.29) compared with the zilpaterol, monensin, and tylosin combination treatment (zilpaterol x monensin/tylosin interaction, P = 0.03). Results suggest that monensin and tylosin can be withdrawn from the diet during the zilpaterol feeding period (final 35 d on feed) with minimal effect on animal performance, although feeding zilpaterol in combination with monensin and tylosin seemed to moderate effects on carcass quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

British and British × Continental steers (n = 560; initial BW = 339.4 ± 1.76 kg) were used in a serial slaughter study with a completely random design to evaluate effects of zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH; 8.33 mg/kg of dietary DM basis) on performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments were arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial (112 pens; 7 pens/treatment; 5 steers/pen) and included duration of ZH feeding (0, 20, 30, or 40 d before slaughter plus a 3-d ZR withdrawal period) and days on feed (DOF) before slaughter (136, 157, 177, and 198 d). No duration of ZH feeding × slaughter group interactions were detected for the performance measurements (P> 0.10). Final BW did not differ (P = 0.15) between the 0-d group and the average of the 3 ZH groups, but ADG was greater for the average of the 3 ZH groups during the period in which ZH diets were fed (P < 0.01) and for the overall feeding period (P = 0.05). As duration of ZH feeding increased, DM1 decreased (P = 0.01) and G:F increased linearly (P < 0.01). With the exception of KPH (P = 0.022), no duration of ZH feeding × slaughter group interactions (P> 0.10) were detected for carcass characteristics. Regardless of the duration of ZH feeding, cattle fed ZH had greater HCW (P < 0.01), greater dressing percent (P <0.01), less 12th-rib fat (P < 0.01), larger LM area (P <0.01), less KPH (P = 0.03), and lower yield grade (P <0.01) than the 0-d cattle. The 0-d group had greater marbling scores (P < 0.01) than cattle fed ZH diets, with a tendency for a linear decrease in marbling score (P = 0.10) as duration of ZH feeding was extended. A greater percentage of carcasses in the 0-d group graded USDA Choice or greater (P < 0.01) than in the 3 ZH groups, whereas the percentage of Select carcasses was greater (P = 0.01) for the 3 ZH groups. From d 0 to end (P = 0.04) and during the last 43 d on feed (P < 0.01), ADG responded quadratically to DOF before slaughter. No differences were detected among slaughter groups for DM1 for the entire trial period; however, a quadratic response (P = 0.02) was observed for the final 43 d before slaughter. A quadratic response was also detected for the final 43 d before slaughter (P < 0.01) and from d 0 to end (P = 0.02) for G:F. Final BW, HCW, dressing percent, and 12th-rib fat increased linearly (P <0.01) as DOF before slaughter increased. Our results indicate that no substantial effects on performance and carcass measurements were observed when ZH was fed for 30 or 40 d as opposed to 20 d, and that effects of ZH generally did not interact with DOF before slaughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of ractopamine-HCl (RAC) and implant strategy or days on feed (DOF) on feedlot performance and expression of β-adrenergic receptors (AR). In Exp. 1, 1,147 feedlot heifers weighing 282 ± 3 kg were used with implant treatments of Revalor-200 (11200) at arrival, or Revalor-IH at arrival with reimplantation with Finaplix-H on d 58 (RF). Ractopamine (0 vs. 200 mg/d) was fed the last 28 d in both experiments. Treatments were randomly assigned to 16 pens. At slaughter, semimembranosus muscle tissue was excised for RNA isolation. Ractopamine administration increased (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, HCW, and LM; decreased (P < 0.05) 12th rib fat depth; and improved (P < 0.05) yield grade. There was no effect (P> 0.10) on the expression of β1-AR mRNA; however, there was a tendency (P = 0.10) for RAC feeding to increase β2-AR mRNA levels. For β3-AR mRNA, there was an implant by RAC interaction (P = 0.05), with RAC numerically increasing β3-AR mRNA in heifers implanted with RF, but a decrease (P <0.05) in expression in heifers implanted with R200. Ractopamine also decreased (P < 0.05) IGF-I mRNA in heifers implanted with RF. In Exp. 2, 2,077 heifers were used to investigate the effects of RAC and DOF. Days on feed were 129, 150, and 170, and RAC was administered the last 28 d. Ractopamine improved (P < 0.05) G:F, but had no other effects (P> 0.05) on performance. Average daily gain decreased (P < 0.05) as DOF increased. Hot carcass weight, LM area, 12th rib fat, G:F, calculated yield grade, and marbling score increased (P <0.05) and the percentage of KPH fat decreased (P < 0.05) as DOF increased. These data aid in our understanding of the effects of steroidal implants, DOF, and RAC administration in feedlot heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yearling steers (n = 2,552; 314 kg of initial BW) were used to evaluate the effects of ractopamine-HCI (RAC) and days on feed on performance, carcass characteristics, and skeletal muscle gene expression in finishing steers. Treatment groups included serial slaughter dates of 150, 171, or 192 d on feed. Within each slaughter date, steers either received RAC (200 mg/steer) daily for the final 28 d or were not fed RAC. All steers were initially implanted with Revalor- IS and were reimplanted with Revalor-S after 75 d on feed. At slaughter, muscle samples from the semimem-branosus were collected for mRNA analysis of the β adrenergic receptors (β-AR). Ractopamine administration increased (P < 0.05) ADG, G:F, and HCW and increased (P = 0.08) LM area. Ractopamine did not affect the dressing percentage, USDA yield grade, or quality grade (P > 0.3). There was no change in overall feed intake across the entire feeding period; however, feed intake was increased during the 28-d period during which the steers were fed RAC (P ⩽ 0.05). Greater days on feed decreased (P < 0.05) AUG, G:F, DM1, and the number of yield grade 1 and 2 carcasses. Also, greater days on feed increased (P < 0.05) HCW, dressing percentage, and the number of prime and choice carcasses, as well as the number of yield grade 4 and 5 carcasses. Increasing days on feed decreased (P < 0.05) the abundance of β1-AR and β2-AR mRNA and increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of β2-AR mRNA in skeletal muscle samples obtained at slaughter. Ractopamine had no effect (P > 0.10) on the abundance of β1-AR or β3-AR mRNA, but tended (P = 0.09) to increase β2-AR mRNA. Additional time-course studies with primary muscle cell cultures revealed that advancing time in culture increased (P < 0.001) β2-AR mRNA but had no effect (P > 0.10) on β1-AR or β3-AR mRNA. We conclude that days on feed and RAC are affecting β-AR mRNA levels, which could, in turn, impact the biological response to RAC feeding in yearling steers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies utilizing 1,862 yearling heifers were conducted to determine the effects of a fenbendazole oral drench in addition to an ivermectin pour-on (SG+IVPO), compared with an ivermectin pour-on (IVPO) or a doramectin injectable (DMX) alone, on parasite burden, feedlot performance, and carcass merit of feedlot cattle. In the first study, heifers receiving the SG+IVPO had fewer (P = 0.02) cattle retreated for disease and 73% fewer (P = 0.06) worm eggs per fecal sample 98 d after treatment than heifers treated with IVPO. Heifers treated with SG+IVPO consumed more DM, had greater ADG, were heavier at slaughter, and had heavier carcasses than IVPO-treated heifers (P < 0.05). Heifers treated with SG+IVPO also had more (P = 0.07) carcasses grading USDA Prime or Choice than IVPO-treated heifers. In the second study, heifers treated with SG+IVPO had fewer (P < 0.01) worm eggs per fecal sample 35 d after treatment and had fewer numbers of adult and larval Cooperia and Trichostrongylus spp. in the small intestine at slaughter (P < 0.10) compared with heifers treated with DMX. Heifers treated with SG+IVPO consumed more DM, were heavier at slaughter, and had heavier carcasses than DMX-treated heifers (P < 0.01). The SG+IVPO-treated heifers also had greater ADG (P < 0.10). The broad-spectrum effectiveness of a combination of a fenbendazole oral drench and an ivermectin pour-on reduced parasite burden and increased feed intake, ADG, and carcass weight in feedlot heifers compared with treatment with an endectocide alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser morphological manipulation has been performed on gold nanoparticles periodically arranged on solid supports by nanosphere lithography. It is shown that third harmonic Nd:YAG pulse laser irradiation (15 mJ/cm2 per pulse) leads to an evolution from the initial polycrystalline, triangular shaped particles to spherical single crystalline particles. These morphological changes are accompanied by a significant change in the optical absorption properties of the array. This study demonstrates that laser irradiation is an excellent technique to control the properties of nanostructured materials on solid supports. Further, it is suggested that the selected area treatment possible with the laser is a valuable new technique for designing functional nanomaterials for applications such as high-density data storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of TiO2 and SnO2 were obtained by laser ablation of Ti and Sn targets in both deionized water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions. The crystallinity of the nanoparticles strongly depended on the SDS concentration in the solution. Well-crystallized oxide nanoparticles were most abundantly fabricated in SDS solution with around the critical micelle concentration. An inorganic/organic layered nanocomposite consisting of a zinc hydroxide layer and a SDS lamellar interlayer was obtained by the ablation of Zn in SDS solutions. The oxide and/or hydroxide can be formed by the rapid reactive quenching with water in the liquid–plasma interface, where ablated species can be oxidized by aqueous oxidation. The surfactant in the liquid medium could affect the aggregation and growth of nuclei after the oxidation. The preparation of Pt/TiO2 nanocomposite particles by PLA of the bi-combinant target of Pt and TiO2 is also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We experimentally demonstrate the production of nanoparticles by laser ablation of microparticles entrained at high density in a flowing aerosol. The currently measured production rate of 20 grams per hour could be scaled to industrially useful rates. We have characterized the size distribution of particles and found nearly monodisperse distributions where mean sizes were smaller and varied less with laser fluence than was observed for ablation of microparticles held on flat plates. Mean size was controlled from 4-20 nm by varying the type and pressure of carrier gas. We found Ag and CdSe nanoparticles were crystalline having few dislocations. Materials tested included metals (Ag, Au, and W), semiconductors (Si, CdSe, GaN, and ZnO), ceramics (WC, SiC, and YBa[sub 2]Cu[sub 3]O[sub 7]), and a ferroelectric. Two types of collection processes are described that preserve the nonagglomerated nature of the particles, even at high mass densities. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbred heifers (n = 3,780; initial BW = 309 ± 55 kg) were utilized in a serial harvest experiment to compare the effects of two growth-promoting implant programs on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. A traditional heifer re-implant program consisting of a Revalor-IH (80 mg trenbolone acetate [TBA] and 8 mg estradiol) at experiment initiation followed by a Revalor-200 (200 mg TBA, 20 mg estradiol) on day 90 was compared with a single Revalor-XH at experiment initiation. Revalor-XH contains 200 mg TBA and 20 mg estradiol in a proprietary coated extended-release formulation, with 4 uncoated pellets consisting of 80 mg TBA and 8 mg estradiol, and 6 coated pellets consisting of 120 mg TBA and 12 mg estradiol. Heifers were harvested after 172, 193, and 214 days-on-feed (DOF) resulting in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments (2 implant treatments, 3 serial harvest groups). Heifers were assigned randomly into 54 pens with 70 heifers/pen, resulting in 9 replications/treatment. Revalor-XH heifers were not removed from their pens during the experiment. There were no implant treatment x serial harvest interactions (P > 0.05) for carcass-adjusted performance or carcass characteristics. Increasing DOF resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.03) in carcass-adjusted final BW, HCW, dressing percentage, and percent USDA Prime and Choice carcasses, and a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.01) in ADG, DMI, G:F, and percent USDA Select carcasses. Percentage of heifers reaching USDA yield grade 4 and 5 increased (P ≤ 0.01) with increasing DOF. Based on changes in live BW and HCW as DOF progressed, the proportion of live BW gain captured as HCW (carcass transfer) was 80%. Carcass-adjusted final BW (P = 0.06) and HCW (P = 0.09) tended to be greater for Revalor-IH/200 heifers than for Revalor-XH heifers. Dry matter intake tended (P = 0.06) to be greater, and ADG (P = 0.03) and G:F (P < 0.01) were lower for Revalor-XH heifers than for Revalor-IH/200 heifers. Dressing percentage (P = 0.21) and USDA quality grade distribution (P > 0.16) were not affected by implant treatment. Revalor-XH heifers produced more (P < 0.01) USDA Yield Grade 4 and 5 carcasses than Revalor-IH/200 heifers, with no differences (P > 0.15) in USDA Yield Grade 1, 2, or 3 carcasses. Compared to a Revalor-IH/200 implant strategy, heifers implanted with Revalor-XH had 1.2% lower ADG and 2.0% lower G:F while producing similar USDA quality grades. These data indicate that utilizing Revalor-XH is a viable alternative to re-implanting in feedlot heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbred beef steers (n = 240; 12 pens/treatment; initial BW = 305 ± 17.7 kg) were used in a randomized block design feedlot study to evaluate the influence of long acting trenbolone acetate (TBA) and estradiol-17β (E2) implants (Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) on gain performance, carcass traits, and sera metabolites. The five treatments were no implant (NI), Revalor-XR on d 0 [200 mg TBA + 20 mg E2 (coated); XR], Revalor-XS on d 0 [200 mg TBA + 40 mg E2 (total): 80 mg TBA + 16 mg E2 (uncoated) and 120 mg TBA + 24 mg E2 (coated); XS], Revalor-200 on d 0 [200 mg TBA + 20 mg E2 (uncoated); E200], or Revalor-200 on d 70 (D200). Interim BW and blood were collected on d 0, 14, 35, 70, 105, 140, and 175 prior to feeding, and on d 213 prior to shipping. Following a 24 h clot at 4°C, sera was harvested to quantify circulating E2, IGF-I, NEFA, serum urea-N (SUN) and 17β-trenbolone (17β-TbOH). Implanted steers had greater (P ≤ 0.05) ADG, G:F, and final BW than NI controls. Implants increased (P < 0.05) HCW by 8%, 366 vs. 391, 414, 380, and 396 ± 6.4 kg, for NI vs. XR, XS, E200, and D200, respectively. The greatest (P ≤ 0.05) dressing percentage, yield grade, and calculated empty body fat occurred in XS, which had greater (P < 0.05) rib fat than NI, XR, and D200. Marbling scores in NI were greater (P < 0.05) than E200 and D200; XR and XS were intermediate (P > 0.10), not differing from others. An implant × day interaction (P ≤ 0.01) was noted for circulating E2, IGF-I, SUN, and 17β-TbOH. Implanted steers had elevated (P ≤ 0.05) serum E2, IGF-I, and 17β-TbOH, and decreased (P < 0.05) SUN following implantation compared to NI controls. Serum NEFA differed (P < 0.01) over time, but did not differ (P > 0.10) due to implant treatment. These data indicated that the polymer coating applied to the XR implant delayed release of anabolic constituents congruently to D200. The greatest dose of E2, contained in XS, provided improvements in gain and carcass weight without detriment to marbling scores compared to NI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,866 cross-bred heifers (268 ± 9 kg initial BW) were used in a 181-d finishing study to evaluate the effects of time of terminal implant administration on growth and carcass measures. All heifers received an initial implant containing 80 mg of trenbolone acetate and 8 mg of estradiol (Revalor-IH, Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) at initiation of the experiment. Cattle were fed in 24 pens using a randomized complete block design. There were a total of six blocks, with arrival date serving as the blocking factor. The four treatments were achieved by administration of a subsequent implant containing 200 mg of TBA and 20 mg of estradiol (Revalor-200) at 160, 120, 80 or 40 d before harvest (DBH). Marketing dates of blocks of heifers were determined at initiation of the experiment and were based on expected growth performance of the heifers using historical data for the facility. All animals that died or were removed from the study were excluded from the analysis. Dry matter intake was similar (P ≥ 0.12) between all treatments. A quadratic response to treatment was observed for G:F (P = 0.02), HCW (P = 0.03), and LM area (P = 0.01), and a tendency for a quadratic response to treatment was observed for ADG (P = 0.07) and dressing percentage (P = 0.06). For all of these variables, the greatest numeric treatment values were observed for the 120 and 80 DBH treatments. Based on an axis of symmetry analysis for the regression lines, HCW was optimized at 94 DBH and G:F was optimized at 90 DBH. In addition to these observations, linear increases in marbling score (P = 0.03) and percentage of carcasses grading USDA Prime (P = 0.02) were observed as DBH treatment decreased. These results indicate that the optimal time to give a terminal implant to heifers based on G:F and HCW is between 90 and 94 DBH. However, the earlier in the finishing period that the terminal implant was given, the greater the negative impact on intramuscular fat deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 3 studies utilizing 2,417 head of feedlot heifers (avg. BW=273, 248, and 283 kg for studies 1, 2, and 3) and 17 pen replicates per treatment were pooled to evaluate the use of Revalor-200 (20 mg estradiol 17-β (E2) and 200 mg trenbolone acetate (TBA); R200) in a single implant program and Revalor-IH (8 mg E2 and 80 mg TBA) followed by Finaplix-H (200 mg TBA) in a reimplant program (IHFH). All studies were conducted at a common research facility feeding similar diets using heifers of similar background. Heifers were randomized to treatments within each study. For studies 1, 2, and 3 heifers were fed for 171, 193, and 182 d and IHFH-treated heifers were reimplanted on d 68, 47, and 58, respectively. There were no differences in performance or Yield Grade between implant treatments, but compared to heifers receiving IHFH, those receiving R200 did have lower marbling score and percentage grading Choice (P < 0.10). These studies indicate that although implanting heifers with Revalor-200 initially provided similar growth performance compared to using 2 lower dosage implants sequentially in a reimplant program, these data also provide evidence that use of a higher dosage implant on arrival in lightweight heifers may adversely affect the relationship between marbling and external fatness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English × Continental yearling heifers (n=2,252, avg. 286 kg) were used in a randomized complete block study to evaluate the effects of ractopamine and DOF on performance and carcass traits. Heifers were blocked by arrival time at the research facility. On each arrival d cattle were processed and randomly allotted to 6 pens of 91 to 97 hd each. Within each block, three pens were randomly selected to receive ractopamine at the rate of 200 mg•hd-1•d-1 for the final 28 d on feed (RAC) and the remaining three were fed no ractopamine (CON). Within each block and treatment combination pens were randomly assigned to be fed for either 129, 150, or 171 d. All heifers were implanted with Revalor-IH (8 mg estradiol-17β (E2) and 80 mg Trenbolone acetate (TBA)) on arrival and re-implanted with Revalor-200 (20 mg E2 and 200 mg TBA) on d 75. There were 4 reps per treatment × DOF combination for a total of 24 pens. When measured over the entire feeding period, feeding RAC increased final BW 8.5 kg and G:F 2.0%. Feeding RAC tended (P < 0.15) to increase HCW and REA. All other carcass measurements were similar. Additional DOF had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on final BW, ADG, G:F, dressing percentage, HCW, Yield Grade distribution, and marbling score. There were interactions (P < 0.10) between treatment and DOF for ADG and dressing percentage. Feeding RAC improved some performance parameters regardless of DOF. Increasing DOF decreased performance but resulted in increased carcass weight and marbling score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calf-fed steers (n=2060, 252 kg) were used to determine the effects of Optaflexx and days on feed on finishing performance and carcass characteristics. Treatment consisted of serial harvest dates 181, 202, or 223 d. Within each harvest group, steers received either (200 mg/hd daily of ractopamine-HC1) for the final 28 days, or a control diet consisting of no Optaflexx. All steers were implanted with Revalor-IS (80 mg trenbolone acetate 16 mg estradiol) at processing (d 0), and Revalor-S (120 mg trenbolone acetate and 24 mg estradiol) at 75 days on feed (DOF). At harvest, samples were taken from the inside round for analysis of IGF-I and the β-adrenergic receptors (AR) mRNA abundance. Four samples per treatment per DOF group totaling twenty-four samples were analyzed. Days on feed did not increase abundance of β1-AR (P ≥ 0.38), β2-AR (P ≥ 0.89), β3-AR (P≥0.90) mRNA, but numerically increased the abundance of IGF-I levels (P = 0.21). Addition of Optaflexx had no effect on expression of IGF-I and β-adrenergic receptors (βAR). The data obtained from these calf-fed steers contradict results obtained from older yearling steers in which expression of β2-AR mRNA increased with advanced DOF. Increased understanding of receptor abundance related to DOF and age may explain some response differences in calf-feds vs. yearlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yearling steers (n=2,252; avg. 314 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of Optaflexx™ and d on feed on finishing steer performance and carcass characteristics. This study utilized a randomized complete block with a 3×2 factorial arrangement. Treatment groups included serial harvest dates of 150, 171, or 192 d. Within harvest date, steers either received Optaflexx (200 mg/steer daily of ractopamine-HCl) for the final 28 d, or did not receive Optaflexx. All steers were initially implanted with Revalor-IS and were re-implanted with Revalor-S after 75 d on feed. At harvest, muscle samples from the inside round were obtained for analysis of β-adrenergic receptor (AR) mRNA levels. Optaflexx increased daily gains, hot carcass weight, ribeye area, and G:F (P ≤ 0.05). Optaflexx did not affect dressing percent, USDA yield grade, or quality grade (P > 0.3). There was no change in overall feed intake across the entire feeding period; however, feed intake was increased during the 28-d period that steers were fed Optaflexx (P 0.05). As expected, greater d on feed decreased daily gains, overall feed intake, the number of yield grade 1 and 2 carcasses, and G:F (P ≤ 0.05). Also, greater d on feed increased hot carcass weight, dressing percent, and the number of prime and choice carcasses, as well as the number of yield grade 4 and 5 carcasses(P ≤ 0.05). Increasing d on feed decreased the abundance of mRNA for β1-AR and β3-AR, and increased the abundance of β2-AR mRNA (P ≤ 0.05). Optaflexx had no effect on abundance of mRNA for β1-AR, or β3-AR, but it increased the abundance of mRNA for β2-AR (P = 0.09). Further studies with primary muscle cell cultures revealed that advancing time in culture increased the β2-AR mRNA (P ≤ 0.01) but had no effect (P > 0.10) on β1-AR or β3-AR mRNA. These data suggest that d on feed and Optaflexx are affecting βAR mRNA levels which could in turn impact the response to Optaflexx feeding in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-thousand sixty English × Continental steer calves (avg. 252 kg) were used in a randomized complete block study to evaluate the effects of ractopamine and DOF on performance and carcass traits. Steers were blocked by arrival time at the research facility. On each arrival d cattle were processed and randomly allotted to 6 pens of 75 to 125 head each. All steers received Revalor-IS (16 mg estradiol-17β (E2) and 80 mg trenbolone acetate (TBA)) upon arrival and were reimplanted with Revalor-S (24 mg E2 and 120 mg TBA) on d 75. Within each block, three pens were randomly selected to receive ractopamine at the rate of 200 mg/hd daily for the final 28 d on feed (RAC) and the remaining three were fed no ractopamine (CON). Within each treatment and block combination, pens were randomly assigned to be fed for either 181, 202, or 223 d. There were 4 reps per treatment × DOF combination for a total of 24 pens. When measured over the entire feeding period, feeding RAC increased ADG 2.7% and increased final weight 6.8 kg. There was an interaction between DOF and treatment for feed conversion (P < 0.10), as RAC improved G:F (P < 0.05) in steers fed 202 d but had no effect on steers fed either 181 or 223 d. Feeding RAC also increased HCW 4.6 kg, increased the percentage of Yield Grade 1 carcasses by 6% units and decreased the percent grading Choice by 8% units (P < 0.05). All other carcass measurements were similar. Additional DOF resulted in linear increases in final wt and DMI and linear decreases in ADG and G:F (P < 0.05). There were no interactions between treatment and DOF for carcass traits. Increasing DOF caused linear increases in dressing percentage, HCW, fat thickness, marbling score, percentage Prime combined with Choice, and Yield Grade (P < 0.05). Increasing DOF decreased performance and increased carcass fatness but increased carcass quality and carcass weight. Feeding RAC improved performance regardless of DOF; however, RAC had a less pronounced effect on growth in this study with calves than has been reported elsewhere using yearling steers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]