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Managing the demands of an academic appointment in extension can be a challenging task. Demands from constituent groups, expectations of supervisors, and rigors of promotion and tenure processes can create pressures that young faculty did not expect. Throw in spousal and family duties and you have created a situation that many will find hard to navigate. However, there are ways to cope and, even better news, there are ways to excel in meeting the demands of an academic appointment and enjoying life. Because many new extension faculty members do not have prior experience in extension, best practices in documenting programs and extension scholarship over the pretenure period are provided in this paper. Appointments that include both research and extension are quite common at many land grant universities. The advantages of joint appointments are numerous and include the fact that more and more grant agencies are seeking integrated research, teaching, and/or extension projects. However, the time demands of joint appointments can be challenging. Joint appointments can be designed to help faculty members conduct important translational research and have it be applied in a production setting. By seeking commonalities in research and extension efforts, joint appointments can be very synergistic. Development of highly successful programs requires planning on the front end with an emphasis on an in-depth needs assessment to determine stakeholder needs for both research and extension. Impact assessment should be part of this planning effort. Performing as a successful extension faculty member while maintaining relationships outside of work is challenging and requires deliberate effort on the part of employees and supervisors to realize there is more to life than work. Some authors have referred to this as work-life balance, but it may be more helpful to think of it as work-life effectiveness. To do this, one needs to 1) define what success looks like, 2) set boundaries and maintain control including control of your schedule, and 3) find time to ensure your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are nurtured in addition to your professional development. In summary, extension careers can be challenging at times as demands and expectations of stakeholders, supervisors, and rigors of the tenure system create formidable obstacles. However, by keeping a focus on the priorities of the position and looking for synergy in research and extension work, they can actually be quite enjoyable and very rewarding.

To determine the effects of finishing system (conventional vs. natural), dietary adaptation length (14 vs. 28 d), and direct-fed microbial (DFM) supplementation (no DFM vs. DFM) on growth performance and feeding behavior, 120 yearling steers (390 ± 2.8 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Feed intake was monitored using the Insentec feeding system. Blood samples were collected every 28 d. After 140 d on feed, steers were slaughtered and carcass characteristics collected. Conventionally fed steers had greater (P ≤ 0.001) final BW, carcass weight, and dressing %. Dry matter intake was not influenced (P ≥ 0.31) by treatment. Length of dietary adaptation period did not influence (P ≥ 016) final BW, ADG, and G:F. There was a feeding system × DFM interaction (P ≤ 0.02) for ADG and G:F with conventionally fed steers fed DFM having the greatest (P ≤ 0.05) and naturally fed steers supplemented with DFM having the least (P ≤ 0.05) ADG and G:F. Number of visits to the feed bunk and number of meals per day did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Time eating per visit and per meal was greater (P = 0.05) in steers supplemented with DFM than in steers not supplemented with DFM. On day 56 and 140, plasma glucose concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.03) in steers adapted in 14 d than in steers adapted in 28 d. On day 84, plasma glucose concentration was greater (P = 0.02) in naturally fed compared to conventionally fed steers. On day 112, there was a dietary adaptation period × DFM interaction (P = 0.004) for plasma glucose concentration with glucose concentration greatest (P ≤ 0.05) in steers adapted in 14 d supplemented with DFM and in steers adapted in 28 d not supplemented with DFM, least for steers adapted in 28 d supplemented with DFM, with steers adapted in 14 d not supplemented with DFM intermediate (P ≤ 0.05). On day 112 and 140, plasma urea N concentration was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in steers adapted in 28 d than in steers adapted in 14 d. These data indicate that conventionally fed steers generally had improved growth performance compared to naturally fed steers. Length of dietary adaptation and DFM supplementation had minimal effects on growth performance but did interact with feeding system to influence feeding behavior and blood metabolite concentrations.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of increasing field pea level in high-concentrate finishing cattle diets on beef palatability including Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sensory panel tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and off-flavor. In Exp. 1, 118 yearling heifers (417 ± 2.4 kg of initial BW) were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments (0, 10, 20, or 30% dry-rolled field pea, DM basis; 4 pens/treatment), where field pea replaced dry-rolled and high-moisture corn. In Exp. 2, 143 beef steers (433 ± 19.1 kg of initial BW) were assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatments (0, 10, 20, or 30% dry-rolled field pea, DM basis; 6 pens/treatment) where field pea replaced dry-rolled corn. In Exp. 1, field pea inclusion linearly decreased WBSF (P = 0.001) and linearly increased sensory taste panel tenderness (P = 0.002) and juiciness (P = 0.04) scores, whereas cook loss, flavor, and off-flavor scores were not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.16). In Exp. 2, field pea inclusion did not affect WBSF, cook loss, or sensory taste panel scores for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, or off-flavor (P ≥ 0.19); however, there was a tendency for a decrease in calpastatin activity (P = 0.10) and a tendency for an increase in troponin-T degradation (P = 0.08) with increasing dietary field pea inclusion. These results indicate that dietary field pea does not negatively affect beef palatability traits. Additional research should focus on understanding the potential mechanism by which field pea inclusion may influence beef tenderness.

Three studies were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of field peas as a protein source in diets for beef cattle. In the first study, 4 cultivars of field pea were incubated in situ to determine rate and extent of CP disappearance. Results indicate that field pea cultivars vary in CP content (22.6, 26.1, 22.6, and 19.4%, DM basis for Profi, Arvika, Carneval, and Trapper, respectively). Soluble protein fraction ranged from 34.9% for Trapper to 54.9% for Profi. Degradable CP fraction was greater (P = 0.01) for Trapper compared with the other cultivars, and no differences (P ≥ 0.25) were observed among Profi, Arvika, and Carneval. Rate of CP degradation differed (P ≤ 0.03) for all cultivars, with Profi being the greatest and Trapper the smallest (10.8, 10.0, 8.1, and 6.3 ± 1.4%/h for Profi, Carneval, Arvika, and Trapper, respectively). Estimated RDP was not different (P = 0.21) for all 4 cultivars. In the second study, 30 crossbred beef steers (301 ± 15 kg) were individually fed and used to evaluate effects of field pea processing (whole, rolled, or ground) on steer performance. Diets contained 40% field pea grain. Growing steers consuming whole field pea had greater ADG (P = 0.08) than those consuming processed field pea (1.69, 1.52, and 1.63 ± 0.05 kg/d, for whole, rolled, and ground, respectively). However, DMI (kg/d and as % of BW) and G:F were not different (P ≥ 0.24). In the third study, 35 individually fed gestating beef cows (694 ± 17 kg) were used to evaluate the use of field pea as a protein supplement for medium quality grass hay (9.3% CP). Treatments consisted of whole field peas at 1) 0 g (CON), 2) 680 g (FP680), 3) 1,360 g (FP1360), and 4) 2,040 g (FP2040), and 5) 1,360 g of 74% barley and 26% canola meal (BCM). Total intake (forage + supplement) of gestating beef cows increased with increasing field pea level (linear, P = 0.01; supplemented vs. nonsupplemented, P = 0.01). In summary, protein quantity and rate of ruminal protein degradation vary across sources of field peas used in this study. Additionally, because of source variability, nutrient analysis and animal requirements should be considered when field pea is incorporated into beef cattle diets. Processing field pea does not improve performance of growing steers. Supplementation of field pea to gestating cows consuming medium-quality grass hay increased total DMI. Overall, our data indicate field pea can be used in a wide variety of beef cattle diets.

The objectives were to study the ef- fects of feeding rolled flaxseed (FLX) to early-lactation dairy cows on milk yield, milk components, and milk fatty acid profiles as well as on measures of cow re- production. Lactating Holstein cows, on 3 commercial dairies, were fed either an early-lactation ration (CON) or a ration that was similar in protein, energy, and fat content but that included FLX (0.85 kg of DM/ cow per day). Within each dairy, cows were allocated alternately to breeding pens upon leaving the fresh pen (approximately 10 ± 5 d postpartum). Pens (n = 4 to 5 pens/dairy) were randomized to treatment (n = 2 to 3 pens/treatment per dairy). Pen (CON, n = 6; FLX, n = 7) was considered the experimental unit and data were analyzed as a split plot with pen as the whole-plot error term. Cows fed FLX had greater (P ≤ 0.06) pro- portions of cis-9, trans-11 C18:2, C18:3n-3, and C20:0 fatty acids in milk fat and a lesser (P = 0.03) propor- tion of C20:3n-6 fatty acid when compared with cows fed the CON diet. Treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.24) milk yield, milk protein, protein yield, milk fat, or milk fat yield. No interactions (P ≥ 0.52) were found be- tween treatment and season of the year or parity, or be- tween treatment and days open, pregnancies per AI at first or second service, or pregnancy loss. In conclusion, feeding FLX at 0.85 kg/cow per day (DM basis) altered the fatty acid profile of milk, but milk yield, milk com- position, and reproductive performance of dairy cows were not affected.

Four Holstein steers (339 ± 10 kg initial BW) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulae were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of flax inclusion in diets for growing and finishing cattle on intake, ruminal fermentation, and site of digestion. Flax at 80 g/kg of dietary DM in growing (0.4 concentrate) and finishing (0.8 concentrate) diets replaced linseed meal and a portion of the corn. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial; the main effects were ration type (growing or finishing) and flax inclusion (with or without flax). Diets were formulated to contain 140 g/kg CP for growing and finishing. No differences (P≥0.24) were observed for DM intake (10.2 ± 0.54 kg/d; 2.4 ± 0.09% of BW). Flax inclusion decreased microbial OM flow at the duodenum (P=0.02). Total tract OM digestion was greater for steers fed finishing diets (P=0.02) and apparent ruminal OM digestibility tended to be greater for steers fed finishing diets (P=0.09). Steers consuming finishing diets had greater (P=0.001) total tract CP digestion. Microbial efficiency was not affected (P=0.36; g N/kg OM) by diet type or flax inclusion. Steers fed growing diets had greater (P≤0.004) ruminal aNDF and ADF digestion. Steers consuming flax had lower (P=0.02) ruminal ammonia. There was no effect (P≥0.19) of flax on CP, aNDF, ADF, and OM ruminal and total tract digestion. Results indicate that substituting 8% flax for part of corn and linseed meal in growing and finishing diets by beef cattle did not alter OM and CP digestion.

Limited data are available regarding the influence of thiamine supplementation on the incidence of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in lambs fed diets containing increased concentrations of S in the diet (>0.7%). Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the influence of thiamine supplementation on feedlot performance, carcass quality, ruminal hydrogen sulfide gas concentrations, and incidence of PEM in lambs fed a finishing diet containing 60% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS; DM basis). Two studies were conducted using completely randomized designs to evaluate the influence of concentration of thiamine supplementation. Study 1 used 240 lambs fed in 16 pens, whereas study 2 used 55 individually fed lambs. Lamb finishing diets contained 60% DDGS, which resulted in a dietary S concentration of 0.73% (DM basis). Treatments diets were based on the amount of supplemental thiamine provided: 1) no supplemental thiamine (CON), 2) 50 mg/animal per day (LO), 3) 100 mg/animal per day (MED), or 4) 150 mg/animal per day (HI). Additionally, in study 2, a fifth treatment was included, which contained 0.87% S (DM basis; increased S provided by addition of dilute sulfuric acid) and provided 150 mg of thiamine/animal per day (HI+S). In study 1, ADG decreased quadratically (P = 0.04), with lambs fed the CON, LO, and MED diets gaining BW at a greater rate than lambs fed the HI diet. In study 1, DMI responded quadratically (P or = 0.17) in lamb performance were observed in study 2. In both studies, most carcass characteristics were unaffected, with the exception of a tendency for decreased carcass conformation (study 1; P = 0.09) and greater flank streaking (study 2; P = 0.03). No differences in ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration (P > 0.05) among treatments were apparent until d 10, at which point lambs fed the LO diet had less hydrogen sulfide concentrations than all other treatments. Lambs fed HI had the greatest concentrations of hydrogen sulfide on d 31 (1.07 g of hydrogen sulfide /m(3); P < 0.009). Ruminal pH did not differ (P = 0.13) and averaged 5.6 +/- 0.06. No clinical cases of PEM were observed during the course of either study. The use of thiamine as a dietary additive to aid in the prevention of PEM in finishing lambs does not appear to be necessary under the conditions of this study.

Eighty Angus and Angus × Simmental steer calves were used in a completely random design to determine the effect of rate of BW gain during the backgrounding period on subsequent feedlot perfor- mance, carcass characteristics, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and sensory analysis. Animals were stratified by BW and allotted randomly to 1 of 10 pens (5 pens/treatment). Dietary treatments were formu- lated for an ADG of 0.91 kg/d (low BW gain (LG), 1.06 Mcal of NEg/kg) diets and 1.25 kg/d (high BW gain (HG), 1.19 Mcal of NEg/kg). Steers were fed 70 d during the growing period. The LG diet consisted of 52.5% barley silage, 39.0% whole shell corn, and 8.5% supplement, whereas the HG diet contained 43.9% bar- ley silage, 47.4% whole shell corn, and 8.7% supplement (DM basis). Initial BW (226 kg) was not different (P = 0.70) between treatments. Steers fed the HG diet had increased ADG (1.67 vs. 1.40 kg/d; P 0.12) between treatments and averaged 363 kg, Sm 30 , 1.33 cm, 83.8 cm 2 , and 2.7, respectively. There were no differences (P = 0.77; 3.63 ± 0.12 kg) in WBSF tenderness of rib-eye steaks. Percent cooking loss was increased in LG diets (P = 0.017). No differences were observed in consumer sensory analysis of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor intensity (P ≥ 0.276; 5.43 ± 0.12, 5.07 ± 0.13, and 5.17 ± 0.05, respectively). These data suggest that feeding steers diets that differ in energy concentration and result in ADG of 1.4 and 1.7 kg/d during the growing period results in minimal changes in subsequent finishing performance and does not affect meat quality.

To evaluate the estrogenic potential of secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) found in linseed meal (LSM) on visceral organ mass, IGF-I, and thyroid hormone (T(3) and T(4)) concentrations, 48 multiparous, ovariectomized ewes (54.6 +/- 1.1 kg) were used in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement. Main effects were length of LSM feeding (0, 1, 7, or 14 d) and length of exposure to estradiol-17beta (E(2)) implant (0, 6, or 24 h prior to tissue collection). Implanting ewes with E(2) for 24h increased liver mass relative to empty body weight (EBW; g/kg EBW) compared with ewes implanted for 0 or 6 h (Por= 0.03), whereas feeding LSM for 14 d decreased liver mass compared with ewes fed LSM for 1 or 7 d (Por= 0.02). There was an LSM x E(2) interaction (P = 0.01) for duodenal mass (g/kg EBW), LSM, and E(2) tended (P = 0.07) to influence the stomach complex mass; however, ileal mass was not affected. Neither LSM nor E(2) affected (Por= 0.12) CYP2C or CYP3A mRNA expression or cellularity of the liver. Exogenous E(2) influenced circulating concentrations of IGF-I, T(3), and T(4). The estrogenic or anti-estrogenic potential of LSM is dependent upon the tissue, exposure to E(2), and the duration of LSM feeding. Feeding LSM during gestation, lactation, or during the grow-finish phase warrants further investigation.

Five ruminally and duodenally cannu- lated steers (500 ± 5 kg of initial BW) were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square to evaluate effects of increasing level of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in growing diets (70% concentrate) on OM intake, site of digestion, ruminal fermentation, and microbial efficien- cy. Diets consisted of 30% grass hay, 6% concentrated separator by-product, 4% supplement, and 60% dry- rolled corn, sunflower meal, urea, or DDGS (DM basis). Treatments consisted of increasing DDGS at 0, 15, 30, 45, or 60% of diet DM replacing a combination of dry- rolled corn, sunflower meal, and urea. Diets were bal- anced for growing steers gaining 1.22 kg/d and includ- ed 0.25% (DM basis) chromic oxide as a digesta flow marker. Diets were offered to the steers for ad libitum intake each day (10% above the intake of the previous day). Each period consisted of 14 d for adaptation and 7 d for collections. Intake of OM responded quadrati- cally (P = 0.004) with greatest intakes at 15% DDGS and least at 60% DDGS. No differences (P ≥ 0.14) were observed in CP intake or duodenal flow of OM, CP, and NDF. Apparent and true ruminal OM digestibilities de- creased (linear; P ≤ 0.009) with increasing DDGS in- clusion. Total tract CP digestibility increased (linear; P < 0.001) with increasing DDGS, but total tract OM digestibility was not different (P = 0.74). Microbial ef- ficiency (g of microbial N/kg of OM truly fermented) was not affected (P = 0.22) by treatment. As DDGS increased, ruminal pH increased (linear; P = 0.004), whereas ammonia concentration remained unchanged (P = 0.42). Acetate proportions decreased (linear; P < 0.001) with increasing DDGS, whereas propionate and butyrate were not affected (P ≥ 0.19). A cubic (P = 0.02) effect was observed for total ruminal fill (as is basis) with the greatest fill at 0% DDGS and the least fill at 45% inclusion. Replacing dry-rolled corn with up to 60% DDGS in 70% concentrate diets resulted in no adverse effects on total tract OM digestion, although OM intake was reduced at 60% DDGS inclusion.

To evaluate the estrogenic potential of the phytoestrogen secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) found in linseed meal (LSM) on jejunal mass, cellular proliferation, vascularity, and expression of angiogenic factors and their receptors, 48 ovariectomized ewes (54.6 +/- 1.1 kg) were fed a diet containing 12.5% LSM for 0, 1, 7, or 14 d and implanted with estradiol-17beta (E(2)) for 0, 6, or 24 h before tissue collection. Angiogenic factors and receptors measured included vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor-1 (FLT), VEGF receptor-2 (KDR), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), FGF receptor 2 IIIc (FGFR), angiopoietin (ANG)-1, ANG-2, ANG receptor (Tie-2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). There was a LSM x E(2) interaction (P = 0.003) on the jejunal cellular proliferation index. Jejunal cellular proliferation increased (P 0.75) or vascular surface area (P > 0.29) of the jejunal villi. Expression of mRNA for the angiogenic factors VEGF, FGF, FGFR, ANG-1, ANG-2, and Tie-2 were not altered (P > 0.33) by feeding LSM or implanting ewes with E(2). Implanting ewes with E(2) for 6 h increased (P = 0.04) eNOS expression compared with ewes implanted for 0 h. Feeding LSM and implanting ewes with E(2) interacted to alter mRNA expression of FLT (P = 0.04), KDR (P 0.11). The impacts of E(2) and LSM on nutrient uptake and growth during physiologically important time points are unknown.

The objectives of this experiment were to determine a NE value for pressed beet pulp and the value of concentrated separator by-product (de-sugared molasses) as a ruminal N source in growing and finishing diets for beef cattle. One hundred forty-four cross-bred beef steers (282 +/- 23 kg of initial BW) were used in 2 experiments (growing and finishing). A randomized complete block design was used, with a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (level of pressed beet pulp and inclusion of concentrated separator by-product) for both studies. Steers were blocked by BW and allotted randomly to 1 of 6 treatments. In the growing study, the control diet contained 49.5% corn, 31.5% corn silage, 10.0% alfalfa hay, and 9.0% supplement (DM basis). Pressed beet pulp replaced corn at 0, 20, or 40% of dietary DM, and concentrated separator by-product replaced corn and urea at 10% of dietary DM. The growing study lasted for 84 d. Initial BW was an average of 2-d BW after a 3-d, restricted (1.75% of BW) feeding of 50% alfalfa hay and 50% corn silage (DM basis), and final BW was an average of 2-d BW after a 3-d, restricted (1.75% of BW) feeding of 31.5% corn silage, 10.0% alfalfa hay, 25.0% dry-rolled corn, 20.0% pressed beet pulp, 5.0% concentrated separator by-product, and 8.5% supplement (DM basis). After the growing study, the steers were weighed (415 +/- 32 kg), rerandomized, and allotted to 1 of 6 finishing diets. The control diet for the finishing study included 45% dry-rolled corn, 40% high-moisture corn, 5% brome hay, 5% pressed beet pulp, and 5% supplement. Pressed beet pulp replaced high-moisture corn at 5.0, 12.5, and 20.0% of the dietary DM, and concentrated separator by-product replaced high-moisture corn and supplement at 10.0% of diet DM. Steers were slaughtered on d 83 or 98 of the study. In the growing study, the addition of pressed beet pulp to growing diets linearly decreased (P = 0.001) DMI and ADG and inclusion of 10% concentrated separator by-product decreased (P = 0.001) G:F. Increased levels of pressed beet pulp in the finishing diets caused a linear decrease (P = 0.001) in ADG and tended (P = 0.06 and 0.07 for kg/d and % of BW, respectively) to quadratically decrease DMI, whereas addition of concentrated separator by-product increased (P = 0.02 and 0.001 for kg/d and % of BW, respectively) DMI. Apparent NEg of pressed beet pulp was 94.2% of that of corn in the growing study and 81.5% of that of corn in the finishing study.

A 3-yr investigation was conducted to determine the effect of hay feeding methods on cow wintering cost. A conventional method of rolling round bales out on the ground was compared with shredding round hay bales on the ground with a bale processor and with feeding hay in a tapered-cone round bale feeder. The cows used in the study were in the third trimester of pregnancy and were fed for an average of 59 d during the test period. Data recorded from the multipleyear study was then used to prepare an economic analysis model with operating budgets for 100- and 300-head reference herds. Feeding bales in a tapered-cone round bale feeder increased cow weight gain (P < 0.01), tended to increase rib fat depth (P = 0.06), reduced estimated hay consumption by an average of 10.2% compared with rolling bales out on the ground or using a bale processor to shred hay on the ground (P < 0.01), and reduced hay waste in the first 2 yr of the study when alfalfa-grass hay was fed, but not in the last year when oat hay was fed. The tapered-cone round bale feeder reduced waste, decreased the amount of hay required per cow, and decreased wintering cost per cow while maintaining body condition. Overall, for the 3 yr evaluation period, using the tapered-cone round bale feeder reduced wintering cost by 21.0% for a 100-cow reference herd and 17.6% for a 300-cow reference herd compared with feeding with a bale processor.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (492 +/- 30 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to evaluate the effect of undegradable intake protein (UIP) supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial efficiency, in situ disappearance, and plasma hormones and metabolites in steers fed low-quality grass hay. The steers were offered chopped (10.2 cm in length) grass hay (6.0% CP) ad libitum and 1 of 4 supplements. Supplemental treatments (1,040 g of DM daily), offered daily at 0800, were control (no supplement) or low, medium, or high levels of UIP (the supplements provided 8.3, 203.8, and 422.2 g of UIP/ d, respectively). The supplements were formulated to provide similar amounts of degradable intake protein (22%) and energy (1.77 Mcal of NE(m)/kg). Blood samples were taken at -2, -0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after supplementation on d 1 (intensive sampling) and at -0.5 h before supplementation on d 2, 3, 4, and 5 (daily sampling) of each collection period. Contrasts comparing control vs. low, medium, and high; low vs. medium and high; and medium vs. high levels of UIP were conducted. Apparent and true ruminal OM and N digestion increased (P 0.26) among supplemental protein treatments. There were no differences (P > 0.11) among treatments for NDF or ADF digestion, or total ruminal VFA or microbial protein synthesis. Ruminal pH was not different (P = 0.32) between control and protein-supplemented treatments; however, ruminal pH was greater (P = 0.02) for supplementation with medium and high compared with low UIP. Daily plasma insulin concentrations were increased (P = 0.004) in protein-supplemented steers compared with controls and were reduced (P = 0.003) in steers fed low UIP compared with steers fed greater levels of UIP. Intensive and daily plasma urea N concentrations were increased (P < 0.01) in protein-supplemented steers compared with controls and increased (P < 0.02) for intensive and daily sampling, respectively, in steers supplemented with medium and high UIP compared with low UIP. Supplemental protein increased apparent and true ruminal OM and N digestion, and medium and high levels of UIP increased ruminal pH compared with the low level. An increasing level of UIP increases urea N and baseline plasma insulin concentrations in steers fed low-quality hay.

A 3-yr study was conducted with heifers (n = 170) whose dams were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects of late gestation (LG) or early lactation (EL) dam nutrition on subsequent heifer growth and reproduction. In LG, cows received 0.45 kg/d of a 42% CP supplement (PS) or no supplement (NS) while grazing dormant Sandhills range. During EL, cows from each late gestational treatment were fed cool-season grass hay or grazed sub-irrigated meadow. Cows were managed as a single herd for the remainder of the year. Birth date and birth weight of heifer calves were not affected (P > 0.10) by dam nutrition. Meadow grazing and PS increased (P = 0.02; P = 0.07) heifer 205-d BW vs. feeding hay and NS, respectively. Weight at prebreeding and pregnancy diagnosis were greater (P 0.10). There was no effect (P > 0.10) of LG or EL dam nutrition on age at puberty or the percentage of heifers cycling before breeding. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in pregnancy rates due to EL treatment. Pregnancy rates were greater (P = 0.05) for heifers from PS dams, and a greater proportion (P = 0.005) of heifers from PS dams calved in the first 21 d of the heifers' first calving season. Nutrition of the dams did not influence (P 0.10). Dam nutrition did not affect (P > 0.10) heifer ADG or G:F ratio. Heifers from PS dams had greater DMI (P = 0.09) and residual feed intake (P = 0.07) than heifers from NS cows if their dams were fed hay during EL but not if their dams grazed meadows. Heifers born to PS cows were heavier at weaning, prebreeding, first pregnancy diagnosis, and before their second breeding season. Heifers from cows that grazed meadows during EL were heavier at weaning but not postweaning. Despite similar ages at puberty and similar proportions of heifers cycling before the breeding season, a greater proportion of heifers from PS dams calved in the first 21 d of the heifers' first calving season, and pregnancy rates were greater compared with heifers from NS dams. Collectively, these results provide evidence of a fetal programming effect on heifer postweaning BW and fertility.

Creep feeding can be used to increase calf weaning weights. However, the gain efficiency of free-choice, energy-based creep feeds is relatively poor. Generally, limit-feeding, high-protein creep feeds are more efficient, and gains may be similar to those produced by creep feeds offered free choice. Creep feeding can increase total organic matter intake and improve the overall energy status of the animal. Creep-fed calves tend to acclimate to the feedlot more smoothly than unsupplemented calves. Furthermore, provision of a high-starch creep feed may have a positive influence on subsequent carcass quality traits. Creep feeding can be applied to numerous environmental situations to maximize calf performance; however, beef cattle producers should consider their individual situations carefully before making the decision to creep feed.

Salmonella is one of the most frequent causes of foodborne illness worldwide, and transmission involves foods of animal origin such as beef. The objective of this study was to monitor the prevalence of Salmonella fecal shedding in feedlot cattle during the finishing period and to assess the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolated salmonellae. On arrival at the feedlot, 1 (0.7%) of the 144 steers was shedding Salmonella in its feces. After 28 days on feed, shedding was detected in 8 (5.6%) of the 144 steers. At the third sampling, 19 (13%) of 143 steers were shedding, and the number of shedders continued to increase to 89 (62%) of 143 at the last sampling. Salmonella shedding was significantly influenced (P < 0.0001) by sampling time but not by herd of origin. All Salmonella isolates identified belonged to serotype Typhimurium serovar Copenhagen, a type commonly isolated from Salmonella infections in humans. Antimicrobial resistance testing of the isolates revealed five multidrug resistance patterns, two of which accounted for 104 (95.4%) of 109 of the isolates. All the isolates were susceptible to ceftiofur, and all were resistant to spectinomycin, sulfathiazole, tiamulin, florfenicol, ampicillin, penicillin, chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and clindamycin. Data from this study indicate that a high prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella strains can sometimes be found in feedlot cattle in North Dakota. These data will contribute to risk assessment of Salmonella shedding by cattle in feedlots and highlight the need to continue preharvest monitoring for this organism.

In Exp. 1, 4 ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (444.0 +/- 9.8 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square with a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement to evaluate the effects of forage type (alfalfa or corn stover) and concentrated separator byproduct (CSB) supplementation (0 or 10% of dietary DM) on intake, site of digestion, and microbial efficiency. In Exp. 2, 5 wethers (44 +/- 1.5 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square to evaluate the effects of CSB on intake, digestion, and N balance. Treatments were 0, 10, and 20% CSB (DM basis) mixed with forage; 10% CSB offered separately from the forage; and a urea control, in which urea was added to the forage at equal N compared with the 10% CSB treatment. In Exp. 1, intakes of OM and N (g/kg of BW) were greater (P 0.25) by forage type or CSB supplementation. In Exp. 2, forage and total intake increased (linear; P < 0.01) as CSB increased and were greater (P < 0.04) in 10% CSB mixed with forage compared with 10% CSB fed separately. Feeding 10% CSB separately resulted in similar DM and OM apparent total tract digestibility compared with 10% CSB fed mixed. Increasing CSB led to an increase (linear; P < 0.02) in DM, OM, apparent N digestion, and water intake. Nitrogen balance (g and percentage of N intake) increased (linear; P < 0.08) with CSB addition. Feeding 10% CSB separately resulted in greater (P < 0.01) N balance compared with 10% CSB fed mixed. Using urea resulted in similar (P = 0.30) N balance compared with 10% CSB fed mixed. Inclusion of CSB improves intake, digestion, and increases microbial N production in ruminants fed forage-based diets.

Based on applications of the 1996 National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirement of Beef Cattle (2000 update) model at our laboratories and on use of the model to evaluate published literature, it is our assessment that the NRC model (Level 1) represents an advancement in nutrient requirements of grazing cattle. We evaluated 8 published studies (35 treatment observations) to compare observed changes in body condition score (BCS) to those predicted by the NRC model, and to develop criteria to help with application of the model to range cattle nutrition. When in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) of grazed diets was converted to DE [DE = (1.07 × IVOMD) − 8.13] and used as a proxy for TDN, there were no differences in observed vs. predicted BCS change (P = 0.44). A critical component of the 1996 NRC model is the incorporation of the metabolizable protein system. An accurate estimate of microbial efficiency is key to application of the metabolizable

Feed costs, a major expense in animal production, may be reduced by including locally and regionally grown crops and local crop processing byproducts in animal diets. About half of the U.S. sugarbeet crop is produced and processed in North Dakota and Minnesota. Therefore, sug­ arbeet byproducts are readily available to the region's live­ stock producers. Two experiments were conducted to characterize the ensiling properties of wet sugarbeet pulp (WBP; 25% DM). In Experiment 1, a 4 x 3 factorial treat­ ment arrangement was used to define responses of ensiling WBP based on 1) formulated silage dry matter (DM) con­ centrations of 25,30,35, and 40%, and 2) inclusion of liq­ uid feedstuffs (molasses, concentrated separator byprod­ uct, and corn steep liquor). Experiment 2 was designed to evaluate the addition of 0.41% urea to WBP silage. In Experiment 1, lactic acid production increased (linear, P < 0.01) with the addition of all liquid feedstuffs. Though volatile fatty acid concentration was greatest (quadratic, P < 0.01) at 30% DM for molasses and concentrated separa­ tor byproduct, total organic acid production was enhanced with increasing silage DM only for the molasses treatment (linear, P =0.002). As expected, in Experiment 2, ensiled products which included urea had greater crude protein

An experiment was conducted to characterize ensiling properties of wet sugarbeet pulp (WBP). A 6 x 4 x 2 facto­ rial arrangement of treatments was used to determine the effects of 1) formulated silage dry matter concentrations (DM) of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%, 2) inclusion of dry feedstuffs (dry pelleted beet pulp, dry rolled corn, wheat midds, and dry corn gluten feed), and 3) addition of wet sugarbeet tailings (WBT; to make up 25% DM of ensiled product) on ensiling characteristics of WBP. Pre-calculat­ ed amounts of each feedstuff were individually weighed in triplicate, thoroughly mixed, and transferred to sealed buckets to initiate an anaerobic, fermentation environment for 47 d. Nutritive value (crude protein, soluble crude pro­ tein, and in vitro DM disappearance) of ensiled WBP was influenced by the addition of dry feedstuffs. The most desirable fermentation (associated with increased acid pro­ duction) of WBP-based silage occurred with inclusion of dry feedstuffs to achieve 35% DM. The results of our experiment indicate addition of dry feedstuffs can increase the DM and nutrient quality of WBP, while maintaining a quality fermentation environment.

Concentrated separator by-product (CSB) is produced when beet molasses goes through an industrial desugaring process. To investigate the nutritional value of CSB as a supplement for grass hay diets (12.5% CP; DM basis), 4 ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers (332 +/- 2.3 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were intake level: ad libitum (AL) vs. restricted (RE; 1.25% of BW, DM basis) and dietary CSB addition (0 vs. 10%; DM basis). Experimental periods were 21 d in length, with the last 7 d used for collections. By design, intakes of both DM and OM (g/kg of BW) were greater (P < 0.01; 18.8 vs. 13.1 +/- 0.69 and 16.8 vs. 11.7 +/- 0.62, respectively) for animals consuming AL compared with RE diets. Main effect means for intake were not affected by CSB (P = 0.59). However, within AL-fed steers, CSB tended (P = 0.12) to improve DMI (6,018 vs. 6,585 +/- 185 g for 0 and 10% CSB, respectively). Feeding CSB resulted in similar total tract DM and OM digestion compared with controls (P = 0.50 and 0.87, respectively). There were no effects of CSB on apparent total tract NDF (P = 0.27) or ADF (P = 0.35) digestion; however, apparent N absorption increased (P = 0.10) with CSB addition. Total tract NDF, ADF, or N digestion coefficients were not different between AL- and RE-fed steers. Nitrogen intake (P = 0.02), total duodenal N flow (P = 0.02), and feed N escaping to the small intestine (P = 0.02) were increased with CSB addition. Microbial efficiency was unaffected by treatment (P = 0.17). Supplementation with CSB increased the rate of DM disappearance (P = 0.001; 4.9 vs. 6.9 +/- 0.33 %/h). Restricted intake increased the rate of in situ DM disappearance (P = 0.03; 6.4 vs. 5.3 +/- 0.33 %/h) compared with AL-fed steers. Ruminal DM fill was greater (P = 0.01) in AL compared with RE. Total VFA concentrations were greater (P = 0.04) for CSB compared with controls; however, ammonia concentrations were reduced (P = 0.03) with CSB addition. At different levels of dietary intake, supplementing medium-quality forage with 10% CSB increased N intake, small intestinal protein supply, and total ruminal VFA.

Two metabolism (4 x 4 Latin square design) experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of corn condensed distillers solubles (CCDS) supplementation on intake, ruminal fermentation, site of digestion, and the in situ disappearance rate of forage in beef steers fed low-quality switchgrass hay (Panicum virgatum L.). Experimental periods for both trials consisted of a 9-d diet adaptation and 5 d of collection. In Exp. 1, 4 ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers (561 +/- 53 kg of initial BW) were fed low-quality switchgrass hay (5.1% CP, 40.3% ADF, 7.5% ash; DM basis) and supplemented with CCDS (15.4% CP, 4.2% fat; DM basis). Treatments included 1) no CCDS; 2) 5% CCDS; 3) 10% CCDS; and 4) 15% CCDS (DM basis), which was offered separately from the hay. In Exp. 2, 4 ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers (266.7 +/- 9.5 kg of initial BW) were assigned to treatments similar to Exp. 1, except forage (Panicum virgatum L.; 3.3% CP, 42.5% ADF, 5.9% ash; DM basis) and CCDS (21.6% CP, 17.4% fat; DM basis) were fed as a mixed ration, using a forage mixer to blend the CCDS with the hay. In Exp. 1, ruminal, postruminal, and total tract OM digestibilities were not affected (P = 0.21 to 0.59) by treatment. Crude protein intake and total tract CP digestibility increased linearly with increasing CCDS (P = 0.001 and 0.009, respectively). Microbial CP synthesis tended (P = 0.11) to increase linearly with increasing CCDS, whereas microbial efficiency was not different (P = 0.38). Supplementation of CCDS to low-quality hay-based diets tended to increase total DM and OM intakes (P = 0.11 and 0.13, respectively) without affecting hay DMI (P = 0.70). In Exp. 2, ruminal OM digestion increased linearly (P = 0.003) with increasing CCDS, whereas postruminal and total tract OM digestibilities were not affected (P > or = 0.37) by treatment. Crude protein intake, total tract CP digestibility, and microbial CP synthesis increased (P < or = 0.06) with increasing level of CCDS supplementation, whereas microbial efficiency did not change (P = 0.43). Ruminal digestion of ADF and NDF increased (P = 0.02 and 0.008, respectively) with CCDS supplementation. Based on this data, CCDS used in Exp. 2 was 86.7% rumen degradable protein. The results indicate that CCDS supplementation improves nutrient availability and use of low-quality forages.

To assess the effects of flax addition and flax processing on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics, 128 yearling beef heifers (360 +/- 14 kg of initial BW) were blocked by weight and assigned randomly to feedlot diets that included no flax (control), whole flax (WHL), rolled flax (RLD; 1,300 microm), or ground flax (GRD; 700 microm). Heifers were fed a growth diet (31% corn, 30% corn silage, 18% barley malt pellets, 14% alfalfa, 4% linseed meal, and 3% supplement; DM basis) for 56 d, after which they were adapted to a finishing diet (79% corn, 7% corn silage, 7% alfalfa, 4.75% linseed meal, and 2.25% supplement; DM basis). In WHL, RLD, and GRD, flax replaced all linseed meal and partially replaced corn at 8% of diet DM. All diets provided 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate, 2,000 IU of vitamin E, and 232 mg of monensin per heifer daily. Cattle were slaughtered by block after 96, 97, and 124 (2 blocks) d on feed. At 24 h postmortem, carcass data were collected, and a portion of the loin was removed, vacuum-packaged, and aged for 14 d. After aging, 2 steaks were removed from each loin for Warner-Bratzler shear force measurement, sensory panel evaluation, and fatty acid analysis (approximately 100 g of muscle was collected). Flax inclusion (WHL, RLD, and GRD vs. control) did not affect DMI (P = 0.79), fat thickness over the 12th rib (P = 0.32), or LM area (P = 0.23). Flax inclusion increased ADG (P = 0.006), G:F (P = 0.006), and USDA yield grade (P = 0.01). Flax processing (RLD and GRD vs. WHL) increased ADG (P = 0.05), G:F (P = 0.08), and apparent dietary NEm and NEg (P = 0.003). Muscle from heifers fed flax had greater phospholipid 18:3n-3 (P < 0.001), 20:5n-3 (P < 0.001), 22:5n-3 (P < 0.001), and 22:6n-3 (P = 0.02) fractions, and greater neutral lipid 18:3n-3 (P < 0.001). Feeding 8% flax to feedlot heifers increased gain and efficiency, and processing flax increased available energy and resulted in increased efficiency of gain. Feeding 8% flax also increased levels of n-3 fatty acids in fresh beef.

Cattle are an important reservoir of Escherichia coli O157:H7, which can lead to contamination of food and water, and subsequent human disease. E. coli O157:H7 shedding in cattle has been reported as seasonal, with more animals shedding during summer and early fall than during winter. North Dakota has relatively cold weather, especially in winter and early spring, compared with many other regions of the United States. The objective was to assess fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in North Dakota feedlot cattle over the fall, winter, and early spring. One hundred forty-four steers were assigned randomly to 24 pens on arrival at the feedlot. Samples of rectal feces were obtained from each steer four times (October and November 2003, and March and April 2004) during finishing. On arrival (October 2003), 2 (1.4%) of 144 cattle were shedding E. coli O157:H7. The shedding increased significantly to 10 (6.9%) of 144 after 28 days (November 2003), to 76 (53%) of 143 at the third sampling (March 2004), and dropped significantly to 30 (21%) of 143 at the fourth (last) sampling (March 2004) before slaughter. Unfortunately, we were unable to sample the cattle during winter because of the extreme weather conditions. Sampling time significantly (P0.0001) influenced variability in E. coli O157:H7 shedding, whereas herd (P = 0.08) did not. The prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 shedding in North Dakota steers in fall and early spring was comparable to what has been reported in other parts of the United States with relatively warmer weather. Further research into E. coli O157:H7 shedding patterns during extreme weather such as North Dakota winters is warranted in order to fully assess the seasonal effect on the risk level of this organism.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate combinations of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and barley, as well as the particle size of dry-rolled barley and corn, in finishing steer diets containing WCGF. In Exp. 1, 144 crossbred steers (initial BW = 298.9 +/- 1.4 kg) were used to evaluate barley (0.566 kg/L and 23.5% NDF for whole barley) and WCGF combinations in finishing diets containing 0, 17, 35, 52, or 69% WCGF (DM basis), replacing barley and concentrated separator byproduct. A sixth treatment consisted of corn (0.726 kg/L and 11.1% NDF for whole corn), replacing barley in the 35% WCGF treatment. In Exp. 2, 144 crossbred steers (initial BW = 315.0 +/- 1.5 kg) were used to evaluate coarse or fine, dry-rolled barley or corn (0.632 and 0.699 kg/L; 26.6 and 15.9% NDF for whole barley and corn, respectively) in finishing diets containing WCGF. A factorial treatment design was used; the factors were grain source (corn or barley) and degree of processing (coarse or fine). The diets contained 50% WCGF, 42% grain (corn or barley), 5% alfalfa hay, and 3% supplement (DM basis). In Exp. 1, DMI and ADG responded quadratically (Por = 0.03), peaking at 35 and 52% WCGF, respectively. The efficiency of gain was not affected (Por = 0.42) by dietary treatment. Steers fed dry-rolled corn and 35% WCGF had heavier HCW, lower DMI, greater ADG, increased G:F, increased s.c. fat thickness at the 12th rib, and greater yield grades compared with steers fed dry-rolled barley and 35% WCGF (Por = 0.04). The apparent dietary NEg was similar among the barley and WCGF combinations (Por = 0.51); however, the corn and 35% WCGF diet was 25% more energy dense (P0.001) than was the barley and 35% WCGF diet. In Exp. 2, no grain x processing interactions (Por = 0.39) were observed. Particle size was 2.15 and 2.59 mm for fine- and coarse-rolled barley and was 1.90 and 3.23 mm for fine- and coarse-rolled corn. Steers fed a combination of corn and WCGF had increased ADG, greater G:F, heavier HCW, larger LM area, more s.c. fat thickness at the 12th rib, greater yield grades, increased marbling, and more KPH compared with steers fed a combination of barley and WCGF (Por = 0.03). Fine-rolling of the grain increased fat thickness (P = 0.04). The addition of WCGF to the barley-based diets increased DMI and gain. Decreasing grain particle size did not greatly affect performance of the steers fed the 50% WCGF diets; however, carcasses from the steers fed the fine-rolled grain contained more fat.

Nine ruminally and duodenally cannulated (172 +/- 23 kg of initial BW; Exp. 1) and 16 intact (153 +/- 28 kg of initial BW; Exp. 2) crossbred nursing steer calves were used to evaluate the effects of creep feed supplementation and advancing season on intake, digestion, microbial efficiency, ruminal fermentation, and performance while grazing native rangeland. Treatments in both experiments were no supplement or supplement fed at 0.45% of BW (DM basis) daily. Supplement consisted of 55% wheat middlings, 38.67% soyhulls, 5% molasses, and 1.33% limestone. Three 15-d collection periods occurred in June, July, and August. In Exp. 1, ruminal evacuations were performed and masticate samples were collected for diet quality analysis on d 1. Duodenal and fecal samples were collected from cannulated calves on d 7 to 12 at 0, 4, 8, and 12 h after supplementation. Ruminal fluid was drawn on d 9 and used as the inoculate for in vitro digestibility. On d 11, ruminal fluid was collected, and the pH was recorded at -1, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h postsupplementation. In Exp. 1 and 2, milk intake was estimated using weigh-suckle-weigh on d 15. Steers in Exp. 2 were fitted with fecal bags on d 6 to 11 to estimate forage intake. In Exp. 1, supplementation had no effect (P = 0.22 to 0.99) on grazed diet or milk composition. Apparent total tract OM disappearance increased (P = 0.03), and apparent total tract N disappearance tended (P = 0.11) to increase in supplemented calves. Microbial efficiency was not affected (P = 0.50) by supplementation. There were no differences in ruminal pH (P = 0.40) or total VFA concentration (P = 0.21) between treatments, whereas ruminal NH3 concentration increased (P = 0.03) in supplemented compared with control calves. In Exp. 2, supplementation decreased (P = 0.02) forage OM intake (OMI; % of BW) and increased (P = 0.06) total OMI (% of BW). Supplementation had no effect on ADG (P = 0.94) or G:F (P = 0.35). Supplementation with a wheat middlings and soybean hull-based creep feed reduced forage OMI but improved total tract OM and N digestion and had minimal effects on ruminal fermentation or performance. Supplementation with a wheat middlings and soybean hulls-based creep feed might improve OM and N digestion, but might not produce significantly greater BW gains compared with no supplementation.

Fourteen Holstein steers (446 +/- 4.4 kg of initial BW) with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate effects of whole or ground canola seed (23.3% CP and 39.6% ether extract; DM basis) on intake, digestion, duodenal protein supply, and microbial efficiency in steers fed low-quality hay. Our hypothesis was that processing would be necessary to optimize canola use in diets based on low-quality forage. The basal diet consisted of ad libitum access to switchgrass hay (5.8% CP; DM basis) offered at 0700 daily. Treatments consisted of hay only (control), hay plus whole canola (8% of dietary DM), or hay plus ground canola (8% of dietary DM). Supplemental canola was provided based on the hay intake of the previous day. Steers were adapted to diets for 14 d followed by a 7-d collection period. Total DMI, OM intake, and OM digestibility were not affected (P > or = 0.31) by treatment. Similarly, no differences (P > or = 0.62) were observed for NDF or ADF total tract digestion. Bacterial OM at the duodenum increased (P = 0.01) with canola-containing diets compared with the control diet and increased (P = 0.08) in steers consuming ground canola compared with whole canola. Apparent and true ruminal CP digestibilities were increased (P = 0.01) with canola supplementation compared with the control diet. Canola supplementation decreased ruminal pH (P = 0.03) compared with the control diet. The molar proportion of acetate in the rumen tended (P = 0.10) to decrease with canola supplementation. The molar proportion of acetate in ruminal fluid decreased (P = 0.01), and the proportion of propionate increased (P = 0.01), with ground canola compared with whole canola. In situ disappearance rate of hay DM, NDF, and ADF were not altered by treatment (P > or = 0.32). In situ disappearance rate of canola DM, NDF, and ADF increased (P = 0.01) for ground canola compared with whole canola. Similarly, ground canola had greater (P = 0.01) soluble CP fraction and CP disappearance rate compared with whole canola. No treatment effects were observed for ruminal fill, fluid dilution rate, or microbial efficiency (P > or = 0.60). The results suggest that canola processing enhanced in situ degradation but had minimal effects on ruminal or total tract digestibility in low-quality, forage-based diets.

Three trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of degree of barley and corn processing on performance and digestion characteristics of steers fed growing diets. Trial 1 used 14 (328 ± 43 kg initial BW) Holstein steers fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas in a completely randomized design to evaluate intake, site of digestion, and ruminal fermentation. Treatments consisted of coarsely rolled barley (2,770 μm), moderately rolled barley (2,127 μm), and finely rolled barley (1,385 μm). Trial 2 used 141 crossbred beef steers (319 ± 5.5 kg initial BW; 441 ± 5.5 kg final BW) fed for 84 d in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of grain source (barley or corn) and extent of processing (coarse or fine) on steer performance. Trial 3 investigated four degrees of grain processing in barley-based growing diets and used 143 crossbred steers (277 ± 19 kg initial BW; 396 ± 19 kg final BW) fed for 93 d. Treatments were coarsely, moderately, and finely rolled barley and a mixture of coarsely and finely rolled barley to approximate moderately rolled barley. In Trial 1, total tract digestibilities of OM, CP, NDF, and ADF were not affected (P ≥ 0.10) by barley processing; however, total tract starch digestibility increased linearly (P < 0.05), and fecal starch output decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with finer barley processing. In situ DM, CP, starch disappearance rate, starch soluble fraction, and extent of starch digestion increased linearly (P < 0.05) with finer processing. In Trial 2, final BW and ADG were not affected by degree of processing or type of grain (P ≥ 0.13). Steers fed corn had greater DMI (P = 0.05) than those fed barley. In Trial 3, DMI decreased linearly with finer degree of processing (P = 0.003). Gain efficiency, apparent dietary NE m , and apparent dietary NEg increased (P < 0.001) with increased degree of processing. Finer processing of barley improved characteristics of starch digestion and feed efficiency, but finer processing of corn did not improve animal performance in medium-concentrate, growing diets.

Five ruminally, duodenally, and ileally cannulated steers (376 +/- 8.1 kg of initial BW) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square to evaluate effects of cooked molasses block supplementation and inclusion of fermentation extract (Aspergillus oryzae) or brown seaweed meal (Ascophyllum nodosum) on intake, site of digestion, and microbial efficiency. Diets consisted of switchgrass hay (6.0% CP; DM basis) offered ad libitum, free access to water, and one of three molasses blocks (0.341 kg of DM/d; one-half at 0600 and one-half at 1800). Treatments were no block (control), block with no additive (40.5% CP; POS), block plus fermentation extract bolused directly into the rumen via gelatin capsules (2.0 g/d; FS), fermentation extract included in the block (2.0 g/d; FB), and seaweed meal included in the block (10 g/d; SB). Steers were adapted to diets for 14 d followed by a 7-d collection period. Overall treatment effect on hay OM intake tended (8.1 vs. 7.6 +/- 0.5 kg/d; P = 0.14) to increase with block supplementation. Total OM intake (8.4 vs. 7.6 +/- 0.5 kg/d; P = 0.01) increased in steers consuming block compared with control. Apparent and true ruminal OM digestibility increased (P = 0.05) with block consumption. Steers fed SB had greater (P = 0.10) true ruminal OM digestibility compared with steers fed POS (61.0 vs. 57.9 +/- 1.6%). True ruminal CP digestibility increased (P = 0.01) with block supplementation compared with control (37.5 vs. 23.6 +/- 3.7%). Addition of fermentation extract did not affect intake or digestion. Treatments did not alter ruminal pH, total VFA, or individual VFA proportions; however, ruminal ammonia increased (P = 0.01) with block supplementation. In situ disappearance rates of hay DM (3.14 +/- 0.44 %/h), NDF (3.18 +/- 0.47 %/h), and ADF (3.02 +/- 0.57 %/h) were not altered by treatment. Seaweed block increased (P = 0.01) slowly degraded CP fraction compared with POS (39.5 vs. 34.0 +/- 2.07%). Similarly, SB increased (P = 0.01) the extent of CP degradability (74.2 vs. 68.9 +/- 1.81%). No treatment effects (P = 0.24) were observed for microbial efficiency. Block supplementation increased intake, and use of brown seaweed meal seemed to have beneficial effects on forage digestibility in low-quality forage diets.

A female replacement program is needed in beef production enterprises to replace cows that have been culled for various reasons. Replacement females may come from either internal or external sources. Regardless of the source, management and nutrition play a large role in the successful development of these replacement females. In either case, females must be grown, mated, calved, and re-mated to enter the cow herd successfully. In most production systems in the US and Canada, replacement females are mated to calve at 2 yr of age. These females have not yet reached their mature BW (MBW) at first calving. Consequently, higher nutritional and management demands are placed on these females following first calving. In addition to nutrient requirements for maintenance, lactation, and reproduction, these females also have nutrient requirements for growth. It is generally accepted, based on numerous research trials and production observations, that pre-calving nutrition [which is fundamentally reflected in body condition score (BCS) at calving] has a major impact of the length of the postpartum anestrous period. Recent and on-going research has identified potential opportunities to positively manipulate physiological processes in young cows through feeding elevated undegradable intake protein (UIP) or gluconeogenic precursors. Studies in animal behavior related to grazing and foraging indicate that opportunities and interactions for improved nutritional status exist by incorporating principles of animal learning and behavior into heifer development programs. Low-cost strategies designed to meet the nutritional demands of young cows and management programs designed to optimize reproductive performance will facilitate successful replacement programs.

Designing a health program for cow-calf operations requires a scientific approach and knowledge of ranch resources, environment, genetics, nutrition, management, and a biosecurity program. These areas are interrelated and must be considered to assess and manage the risk of disease. A comprehensive health program should 1) identify potential risks related to production and disease; 2) determine and understand appropriate benchmarks for production, disease, and production costs; 3) diagnose the problem when benchmarks are not achieved; and 4) use appropriate records to verify results. The 2-yr-old cow is at the greatest risk of failing to meet financial and production benchmarks because of her additional nutritional requirements. This group may also have reduced herd immunity and generally produce lower quantity and quality of colostrum, resulting in greater risk of disease and potentially reduced production in their offspring. As a result, this group may require more inputs in all aspects of the health program. Risk assessment includes the specific risks to biosecurity, such as raising or purchasing females that are persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) or Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Risk assessment of exposure to common infectious reproductive disease pathogens, such as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), leptospirosis, trichomoniasis, vibriosis, and neopsora should be conducted and vaccination protocols implemented as needed. Finally, an understanding of the concept of herd immunity is important when defining realistic expectations regarding immunizations. With proper implementation, health programs can significantly reduce the risk of disease and economic loss.

Feeding values and effects of processing sprouted barley and durum wheat were evaluated in a growing (Exp. 1) and finishing study (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, 142 crossbred beef steers (328.1 ± 1.7 kg initial BW) were fed for 62 d. Treatments were dry-rolled corn; coarse-rolled, sprouted barley (2722 μm); fine-rolled, sprouted barley (1998 μm); whole, sprouted durum wheat (2628 μm); and coarse-rolled, sprouted durum wheat (2126 μm). Diets contained 39.5% grain. In Exp. 2, 141 crossbred beef steers (417.4 ±5.4 kg initial BW) were fed for 83 or 108 d. Treatments were dry-rolled corn; whole, sprouted barley (3438 μm); rolled, sprouted barley (2897 μm); whole, sprouted durum wheat (2628 μm); and rolled, sprouted durum wheat (2287 μm). Diets contained 77% grain. Sprouted durum diets contained 37% corn and 40% durum as the grain source. In Exp. 1, steers fed fine-rolled, sprouted barley had increased (P≤0.03) final BW and gain-to-feed ratio ( G:F ) compared with steers fed coarse-rolled, sprouted barley. Steers fed rolled, sprouted durum had increased (P≤0.01) final BW, ADG, and G:F compared with steers fed whole, sprouted durum. In Exp. 2, steers fed rolled grains had increased (P≤0.001) final BW, ADG, and G:F compared with steers fed whole grains. Steers fed rolled corn and rolled, sprouted durum had similar (P≥0.11) final BW, ADG, and G:F and increased (P≤0.02) final BW, ADG, and G:F compared with steers fed whole, sprouted barley or durum. Processing sprouted barley and sprouted durum wheat increased performance of feedlot steers.

Seventy-two (36 in each of two consecutive years) lactating, British-crossbred cows (609 +/- 19 kg) were used to evaluate effects of feeding a feather meal-blood meal combination on performance by beef cows fed grass hay. Bromegrass hay (9.6% CP, DM basis) was offered ad libitum and intake was measured daily in individual Calan electronic headgates. Acclimation to Calan gates began approximately 20 d after parturition, and treatments were initiated 21 d later. Cows were assigned randomly to one of four treatments (DM basis) for 60 d: 1) nonsupplemented control (CON), 2) energy control (ENG; 790 g/d; 100% beet pulp), 3) degradable intake protein (DIP; 870 g/d; 22% beet pulp and 78% sunflower meal), or 4) undegradable intake protein (UIP; 800 g/d; 62.5% sunflower meal, 30% hydrolyzed feather meal, and 7.5% blood meal). Net energy concentrations of supplements were formulated to provide similar NE(m) intakes (1.36 Mcal/d). The DIP and UIP supplements were calculated to supply similar amounts of DIP (168 g/d) and to supply 64 and 224 g/d of UIP, respectively. Forage DMI (kg/d) decreased in supplemented vs. nonsupplemented (P = 0.03) and DIP vs. UIP (P = 0.001); however, when expressed as a percentage of BW, forage DMI was not different (P = 0.23). Supplemented cows tended (P = 0.17) to lose less BW than CON. Body condition change was not affected (P = 0.60) by postpartum supplementation. No differences were noted in milk production (P = 0.29) or in calf gain during the supplementation period (P = 0.74). Circulating insulin concentrations were not affected by treatment (P = 0.42). In addition, supplementation did not affect circulating concentrations of NEFA (P = 0.18) or plasma urea nitrogen (P = 0.38). Results of the current study indicate that supplementation had little effect on BW, BCS, milk production, or calf BW when a moderate-quality forage (9.6% CP) was fed to postpartum, winter-calving cows in optimal body condition (BCS > 5). Supplemental UIP did not enhance cow performance during lactation. Forage UIP and microbial protein supply were adequate to meet the metabolizable protein requirements of lactating beef cows under the conditions of this study.

Objectives of this research were to evaluate effects of increasing level of barley supplementation on forage intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation in beef steers fed medium-quality forage. Four crossbred ruminally cannulated steers (average initial BW = 200 +/- 10 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Chopped (5 cm) grass hay (10% CP) was offered ad libitum with one of four supplements. Supplements included 0, 0.8, 1.6, or 2.4 kg of barley (DM basis) and were fed in two equal portions at 0700 and 1600. Supplements were fed at levels to provide for equal intake of supplemental protein with the addition of soybean meal. Forage intake (kg and g/kg BW) decreased linearly (P < 0.01), and total intake increased linearly (P < 0.03) with increasing level of barley supplementation. Digestible OM intake (g/kg BW) increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing level of barley supplementation; however, the majority of this response was observed with 0.8 kg of barley supplementation. Treatments had only minor effects on ruminal pH, with decreases occurring at 15 h after feeding in steers receiving 2.4 kg of barley supplementation. Total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and CP were increased (P < 0.04) with barley supplementation; however, ADF digestibility was decreased by 1.6 and 2.4 kg of barley supplementation compared with controls. Ruminal ammonia concentrations decreased linearly (P < 0.01) at 1 through 15 h after feeding. Total ruminal VFA concentrations were not altered by dietary treatments. Ruminal proportions of acetate and butyrate decreased (P < 0.10) in response to supplementation. Rate, lag, and extent (72 h) of in situ forage degradability were unaffected by treatment. Generally, these data are interpreted to indicate that increasing levels of barley supplementation decrease forage intake, increase DM, OM, and NDF digestibility, and indicate alteration of the ruminal environment and fermentation patterns.

Six Angus crossbred cow-calf pairs (653 +/- 35 kg and 157 +/- 10 kg initial BW for cows and calves, respectively) were used to evaluate the influence of a fiber-based creep feed on intake, ruminal fermentation, digestion characteristics, and microbial efficiency in nursing beef calves. Cow-calf pairs were stratified by calf age and assigned randomly to one of two treatments: control (no supplement) or supplemented. Supplemented calves received 0.9 kg of a 49% soy hulls, 44% wheat middlings, 6% molasses, and 1% limestone supplement (DM basis) daily. All calves were cannulated in the rumen and duodenum and given ad libitum access to chopped brome hay (Bromus inermus L; 7.43% CP, 40.96% ADF, and 63.99% NDF; DM basis). Supplementation was initiated on May 1 (88 +/- 10.3 d calf age). Three sampling periods were conducted throughout the study (June 14 to 25, July 5 to 16, and August 9 to 20). Supplement and forage were offered at 0800 daily. Total, hay, and milk OM intakes of nursing calves were not affected by supplementation (2,014 vs. 2,328 +/- 288.8, 1,486 vs. 1,029 +/- 3,06.9, and 528 vs. 575 +/- 87.0 g/d, respectively). Milk OM intake was less (P 0.40) total-tract OM digestibility during June and August; however, during July, total-tract OM digestibility was lower (P = 0.03) for the control calves. Ruminal ammonia concentration, total VFA, and butyrate molar proportion increased (P < 0.05), whereas acetate proportion decreased (P = 0.01) in supplemented calves. Microbial efficiency was not influenced by supplementation (11.8 vs. 12.0 g/kg of OM truly fermented for control and supplemented calves, respectively). These data indicate that fiber-based supplements can be used as creep feed without negative effects on OM intake, total-tract OM digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics in nursing beef calves.

Two experiments evaluated digestive and performance effects of field pea-based creep feed in nursing calf diets. In Exp.1, eight nursing steer calves (145 +/- 27 kg initial BW) with ruminal cannulas were used to evaluate effects of supplementation and advancing season on dietary composition, intake, digestion, and ruminal fermentation characteristics. Treatments were unsupplemented control (CON) and field pea-based creep (SUP; 19.1% CP, DM basis) fed at 0.45% BW (DM basis) daily. Calves grazed native range with their dams from early July through early November. Periods were 24 d long and occurred in July (JUL), August (AUG), September (SEP), and October (OCT). Experiment 2 used 80 crossbred nursing calves, 48 calves in yr 1 and 32 calves in yr 2 (yr 1 = 144 +/- 24 kg; yr 2 = 121 +/- 20 kg initial BW), to evaluate effects of field pea-based creep on calf performance. Treatments included unsupplemented control (CON); field pea-based creep feeds containing either 8% (LS); or 16% (HS) salt; and soybean meal/field pea-based creep containing (as-fed basis) 16% salt (HIPRO). Masticate samples from SUP calves in Exp.1 had greater CP (P = 0.05) than those from CON calves. Forage CP and ADIN decreased linearly with advancing season (P = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). In vitro OM digestibility of diet masticate decreased from JUL to OCT (P < 0.01; 58.5 to 41.3%). Forage intake did not differ (P = 0.33) between treatments but increased linearly with advancing season (1.67, 1.90, 3.12, 3.38 kg/d for JUL, AUG, SEP, and OCT, respectively; P < 0.01). Milk intake (percentage of BW) did not differ (P = 0.56) between CON and SUP calves but decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with advancing season. Supplemented calves had greater (P = 0.03) total intake (g/kg of BW; forage + milk + creep) compared with CON calves. Treatment did not affect (P < 0.30) rate of in situ disappearance of forage or creep. Forage DM, CP, and creep DM disappearance rate decreased linearly (P < or = 0.02) with advancing season. Supplementation decreased (P = 0.05) ruminal pH, whereas ruminal ammonia and VFA concentrations were greater (P < or = 0.02) in SUP calves. In Exp. 2, creep-fed calves had greater ADG and final BW than CON calves (P < 0.01). Calves offered HS tended (P = 0.07) to have increased gain efficiency above CON than LS calves. Field peas can be used as an ingredient in creep feed to increase calf weight gain without negatively affecting ruminal fermentation and digestion.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated crossbred beef steers (397 ± 55 kg initial BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the effects of increasing level of field pea supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial efficiency, ruminal fermentation, and in situ disappearance in steers fed moderate-quality (8.0% CP, DM basis) grass hay. Basal diets, offered ad libitum twice daily, consisted of chopped (15.2-cm screen) grass hay. Supplements were 0, 0.81, 1.62, and 2.43 kg (DM basis) per steer daily of rolled field pea (23.4% CP, DM basis) offered in equal proportions twice daily. Steers were adapted to diets on d 1 to 9; on d 10 to 14, DMI were measured. Field pea and grass hay were incubated in situ, beginning on d 10, for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h. Ruminal fluid was collected and pH recorded at -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h after feeding on d 13. Duodenal samples were taken for three consecutive days beginning on d 10 in a manner that allowed for a collection to take place every other hour over a 24-h period. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrasts were used to evaluate the effects of increasing field pea level. Total DMI and OMI increased quadratically (P = 0.09), whereas forage DMI decreased quadratically (P = 0.09) with increasing field pea supplementation. There was a cubic effect (P < 0.001) for ruminal pH. Ruminal (P = 0.02) and apparent total-tract (P = 0.09) NDF disappearance decreased linearly with increasing field pea supplementation. Total ruminal VFA concentrations responded cubically (P = 0.008). Bacterial N flow (P = 0.002) and true ruminal N disappearance (P = 0.003) increased linearly, and apparent total-tract N disappearance increased quadratically (P = 0.09) with increasing field pea supplementation. No treatment effects were observed for ruminal DM fill (P = 0.82), true ruminal OM disappearance (P = 0.38), apparent intestinal OM digestion (P = 0.50), ruminal ADF disappearance (P = 0.17), apparent total-tract ADF disappearance (P = 0.35), or in situ DM disappearance of forage (P = 0.33). Because of effects on forage intake and ruminal pH, field peas seem to act like cereal grain supplements when used as supplements for forage-based diets. Supplementing field peas seems to effectively increase OM and N intakes of moderate-quality grass hay diets.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated crossbred beef steers (397+/-55 kg initial BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the effects of increasing level of field pea supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial efficiency, ruminal fermentation, and in situ disappearance in steers fed moderate-quality (8.0% CP, DM basis) grass hay. Basal diets, offered ad libitum twice daily, consisted of chopped (15.2-cm screen) grass hay. Supplements were 0, 0.81, 1.62, and 2.43 kg (DM basis) per steer daily of rolled field pea (23.4% CP, DM basis) offered in equal proportions twice daily. Steers were adapted to diets on d 1 to 9; on d 10 to 14, DMI were measured. Field pea and grass hay were incubated in situ, beginning on d 10, for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h. Ruminal fluid was collected and pH recorded at -2, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h after feeding on d 13. Duodenal samples were taken for three consecutive days beginning on d 10 in a manner that allowed for a collection to take place every other hour over a 24-h period. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrasts were used to evaluate the effects of increasing field pea level. Total DMI and OMI increased quadratically (P = 0.09), whereas forage DMI decreased quadratically (P = 0.09) with increasing field pea supplementation. There was a cubic effect (P0.001) for ruminal pH. Ruminal (P = 0.02) and apparent total-tract (P = 0.09) NDF disappearance decreased linearly with increasing field pea supplementation. Total ruminal VFA concentrations responded cubically (P = 0.008). Bacterial N flow (P = 0.002) and true ruminal N disappearance (P = 0.003) increased linearly, and apparent total-tract N disappearance increased quadratically (P = 0.09) with increasing field pea supplementation. No treatment effects were observed for ruminal DM fill (P = 0.82), true ruminal OM disappearance (P = 0.38), apparent intestinal OM digestion (P = 0.50), ruminal ADF disappearance (P = 0.17), apparent total-tract ADF disappearance (P = 0.35), or in situ DM disappearance of forage (P = 0.33). Because of effects on forage intake and ruminal pH, field peas seem to act like cereal grain supplements when used as supplements for forage-based diets. Supplementing field peas seems to effectively increase OM and N intakes of moderate-quality grass hay diets.

Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated steers (703.4 ± 41 kg initial BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the effects of field pea inclusion level on intake and site of digestion in beef steers fed medium-concentrate diets. Steers were offered feed ad libitum at 0700 and 1900 daily and were allowed free access to water. Diets consisted of 45% grass hay and 55% by-products based concentrate mixture and were formulated to contain a minimum of 12% CP (DM basis). Treatments consisted of (DM basis) 1) control, no pea; 2) 15% pea; 3) 30% pea; and 4) 45% pea in the total diet, with pea replacing wheat middlings, soybean hulls, and barley malt sprouts in the concentrate mixture. Experimental periods consisted of a 9-d dietary adjustment period followed by a 5-d collection period. Grass hay was incubated in situ, beginning on d 10, for 0, 2, 5, 9, 14, 24, 36, 72, and 98 h; and field pea and soybean hulls for 0, 2, 5, 9, 14, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h. Total DMI (15.0, 13.5, 14.1, 13.5 ± 0.65 kg/d) and OM intake (13.4, 12.0, 12.6, 12.0 ± 0.58 kg/d) decreased linearly (P = 0.10) with field pea inclusion. Apparent ruminal (17.5, 12.0, 0.6, 6.5 ± 4.31%) and true ruminal CP digestibility (53.5, 48.7, 37.8, 46.2 ± 3.83) decreased linearly (P < 0.10) with increasing field pea. Neutral detergent fiber intake (8.9, 7.9, 7.8, 7.0 ± 0.3 kg/d) and fecal NDF output (3.1, 2.9, 2.6, 2.3 ± 0.2 k/d) decreased linearly (P < 0.03) with increasing field pea. No effects were observed for microbial efficiency or total-tract digestibility of OM, CP, NDF, and ADF (P ≥ 0.16). In situ DM and NDF disappearance rates of grass hay and soybean hulls decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing field pea. Field pea in situ DM disappearance rate responded quadratically (P < 0.01; 5.9, 8.4, 5.5, and 4.9 ± 0.52 %/h, for 0, 15, 30, and 45% field pea level, respectively). Rate of in situ CP disappearance of grass hay decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing field pea level. Field pea is a suitable ingredient for beef cattle consuming medium-concentrate diets, and the inclusion of up to 45% pea in by-products-based medium-concentrate growing diets decreased DMI, increased dietary UIP, and did not alter OM, NDF, or ADF digestibility.

Two hundred crossbred lambs were used to determine energy value and optimum inclusion level of field pea ( Pisum sativum) in corn-based diets. In experiment one (Exp. 1), 100 crossbred lambs (33.9 ± 1.3 kg initial BW) were blocked by weight and sex (two blocks of ewe lambs per treatment; three blocks of ram lambs per treatment) and fed for 89 days. In experiment two (Exp. 2), 100 crossbred ram lambs (39.1 ± 0.2 kg initial BW) were blocked by weight (five pens per treatment) and fed for 63 days. Treatments for each experiment were similar; field pea replaced corn at 0, 150, 300, or 450 g/kg of the diet (DM basis). Diets contained 750 g/kg corn and/or field pea, 100 g/kg alfalfa hay, 50 g/kg concentrated separator byproduct (CSB), 60 g/kg soybean meal (SBM), and 40 g/kg supplement. In Exp. 2, a fifth treatment was added to evaluate if field pea can replace corn and SBM in high-grain diets (450 − SBM); this diet consisted of 450 g/kg field pea, 350 g/kg corn, 100 g/kg alfalfa, 50 g/kg CSB, and 50 g/kg supplement. Diets contained 28 mg/kg lasalocid and a minimum 149.6 g/kg CP, 7.6 g/kg Ca, 4.4 g/kg P, and 12.2 g/kg K. Only carcass data from ram lambs were recorded. Data for each experiment were analyzed separately with GLM procedure of SAS and linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of field pea were determined. In Exp. 1, a cubic ( P = 0.02) response for DMI occurred, greater intake of 150 g/kg than 300 g/kg diet. No other performance measurements were affected by treatment. In Exp. 2, lambs fed 450 − SBM tended to be more efficient ( P = 0.10) than lambs fed 450 + SBM. Carcass characteristics were not affected by treatment ( P> 0.10). Based on lamb performance (Exp. 1) there was a tendency for a linear (P = 0.10) increase in dietary net energy. In Exp. 2, no difference in dietary net energy occurred with increasing level of field pea. Dietary net energy was greater for 450 − SBM compared with 450 + SBM. Average calculated NEm and NEg for field pea were 2.75 and 2.02 Mcal/kg, which was 14% greater than corn. Field pea is a suitable replacement for corn in lamb finishing diets and is at least equal in energy density to corn. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two trials were conducted to evaluate tempering barley and a yeast-enzyme mixture [ YEM ; Yea-Sacc 8417® (9 g/d per head) and Fibrozyme® (15 g/d per head); Alltech USA, Nicholasville, KY] on intake, ruminal fermentation, and in situ disappearance in ruminally cannulated steers and on growth, feed efficiency, and carcass traits of feedlot steers fed a barley-based growing and finishing diet; In Trial 1, four ruminally cannulated steers (initial BW = 666 ± 26 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square; Treatments were arranged as a 2 x 2 factorial; factors were barley processing [temper-rolled ( TRB ) or dry-rolled ( DRB )] and YEM (with or without). Diets consisted of 80% barley, 10% corn silage, 5% wheat straw, and 5% supplement. Diets were formulated to contain 12% CP. Periods consisted of 9 d for diet adaptation followed by 5 d for collection. In situ bags containing either DRB or TRB were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 48 h on d 12. Ruminal fluid samples were collected, and pH was recorded at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h postfeeding on d 13. Ruminal evacuations were taken on d 14 prior to feeding to estimate DM fill. Ruminal fluid was also taken from all treatments to estimate IVDMD of DRB, TRB, and barley hulls. In Trial 2, 120 head (initial BW = 362 ± 20.1 kg) of crossbred steers were used in a 2 x 2 + 1 arrangement of treatments with three pens per treatment (eight steers per pen). Treatments included dry-rolled corn (DRC), which was the control, and the 2 x 2 factorial, consisting of the main effects of barley processing and YEM addition. No difference was observed in Trial 1 for DMI (% BW; P>0.17), but ruminal DM fill (% BW) was greater for TRB (P=0.10). Barley processing and addition of YEM had no effect on pH (P=0.44). In vitro DM disappearance was not different (P>0.10). No difference (P>0.23) was observed for in situ DM disappearance for processing method or addition of YEM. In the feedlot study, DMI was not altered by processing method or YEM addition. Steers consuming DRC had greater DMI (P 0.80) in Trial 2. Carcass weights were greater (P

Objectives of this research were to compare animal performance with or without supplementation, compare effectiveness of three intake limiters, and to examine seasonal changes in nutritive value of native range in south-central North Dakota. Treatments included 1) control (CONT; no supplement); 2) hand-fed (HF) supplement, with no chemical limiter; 3) 16% salt (NACL); 4) 5.25% ammonium chloride and ammonium sulfate (AS); and 5) 7% calcium hydroxide (CAOH). Supplements were based on wheat middlings, barley malt sprouts, and soybean hulls and were formulated to provide 40% of the CP intake and 32% of the NEm intake of 350-kg steers. Trials 1 and 2 each used 70 yearling steers (370.8 +/- 0.04 and 327.9 +/- 0.76 kg initial BW for Trials 1 and 2, respectively). In each year, four 28-d periods from the latter half of June through mid-October were used. Steers were stratified by weight and allotted randomly to treatments in 1 of 10 16-ha pastures (two pastures per treatment for each trial). In Trial 1, diet sampling began in the first 28-d period, but supplementation did not begin until the second 28-d period. In Trial 2, supplementation and diet collection began in the first 28-d period. Cation-anion differences (DCAD; Na + K - Cl - S) for NACL, AS, CAOH, and HF supplements were 151, -735, 160, and 166 mEq/ kg, respectively. In Trial 1, no treatment, period, or treatment x period effects for supplement intake were detected (P > or = 0.29). In Trial 2, a treatment x period interaction for supplement intake occurred (P = 0.005) because HF steers were offered a constant amount of supplement daily, whereas steers fed AS, CAOH, and NACL were allowed to consume ad libitum quantities of supplement. Average daily gain in Trial 1 was not affected (P = 0.21) by supplementation. In Trial 2, NACL, AS, and HF treatments had higher (P < or = 0.07) ADG than CONT. In Trial 1, final weights were not affected by supplementation (P = 0.23). In Trial 2, final weights of NACL- and HF-fed steers were greater than for CONT and CAOH steers (P < 0.10). In Trial 2, CONT steer final weights were lower than all supplemented treatments (P < 0.10). For yearling steers grazing native range, use of NACL as a limiter resulted in increased weight gains compared with using either CAOH or AS; however, no limiter that was tested restricted supplement intake as effectively as HF. More research is necessary to determine the optimum limiter level and the effect of forage quality on supplement intake.

Inclusion of potato-processing waste (PW) from the frozen potato products industry in high-grain beef cattle finishing diets was evaluated in two studies. In a randomized complete block design, 125 crossbred yearling heifers (365 +/- 0.3 kg initial BW; five pens per treatment; five heifers per pen) were used to evaluate PW level on feedlot performance and meat quality. Heifers were fed for 85 (two blocks) or 104 d (three blocks). In a digestion study, four ruminally, duodenally, and ileally cannulated Holstein steers (474.7 +/- 26.6 kg initial BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to evaluate effects of PW level on ruminal fermentation, site of digestion, and microbial protein synthesis. The control diet for both studies contained 80% corn, 10% alfalfa hay, 5% concentrated separator by-product (CSB), and 5% supplement (DM basis). Potato waste replaced corn and separator by-product (DM basis) in the diet at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% in the feedlot study, and at 0, 13, 27, and 40% in the digestion study. In the feedlot study, DMI decreased (linear; P = 0.007) with increasing inclusion of PW. Increasing PW decreased ADG and feed efficiency from 0 to 30% and then increased at 40% (quadratic; P 0.30). No difference (P > 0.20) was observed for Warner-Bratzler shear force at 0, 10, 20, and 30% PW levels; however, 40% PW resulted in lower (P = 0.05) shear force values. Taste panel scores for juiciness and flavor intensity did not differ with increasing PW (P > 0.30). Steaks from cattle fed 0% were scored less tender than 10 and 40% PW (cubic; P < 0.05). In the digestion study, DMI decreased (quadratic; P < 0.01) with increasing PW. Ruminal pH and total VFA concentration increased (linear; P < 0.05) and true N disappearance from the stomach complex and apparent total-tract N disappearance decreased with increasing level of PW (linear; P < 0.01). Starch intake and ruminal disappearance decreased with increasing level of PW (quadratic; P < 0.05). Inclusion of PW decreased feedlot performance, with little effect on carcass characteristics or meat quality. Optimal inclusion of PW in finishing diets may depend on the cost of transportation and other dietary ingredients.

During the fall of two consecutive years, 260 newly received cross-bred steers ( kg initial body weight (BW)) were used to evaluate effect of concentrated separator by-product (CSB; de-sugared molasses) and weaning management on dry matter intake (DMI), growth, feed efficiency, and health. Steers were stratified by weight, and allotted randomly to treatment in a completely randomized design. Treatments were arranged in a 2×2 factorial; factors were dietary inclusion of CSB (0 or 5%, dry matter (DM) basis) and weaning management (weaned on the day of shipping, SHIP; and weaned 3–5 weeks prior to shipping, WEAN). The control diet contained 50% alfalfa-brome hay, 44% corn, and 6% supplement, while the diet with CSB contained 50% alfalfa-brome hay, 40.5% corn, 5% CSB, and 4.5% supplement (DM basis). Water was added to the diet without CSB at 6.3% of the as fed weight (equal to as fed level of CSB) to minimize differences in diet acceptability due to dustiness. Diets were formulated to contain a minimum 13.5% crude protein (CP) 0.7% Ca, 0.32% P, and 1.4% K (DM basis). Steers were fed for 27 days in year 1 and 28 days in year 2. Performance data were analyzed across years using the GLM procedure of SAS and health data were analyzed across years using χ2. Steers fed 5% CSB gained 19% faster (P=0.07) during days 1–14 and consumed 10% more feed throughout the trial (P=0.006). WEAN steers were heavier (P

It is apparent from the limited research that sunflower meal is a biologically and economically useful protein source for growing and finishing cattle. Similarly, beef cows can be provided supplemental protein effectivelywith sunflower meal. Sunflower meal may be especially useful in diets where degradable protein is required, such as lower quality forage or high corn finishing rations. The increased bulk of this relatively high fiber meal may affect logistics, but ruminants are positioned to be more tolerant of high fiber levels than other species. Additional research is warranted to evaluate practical and economic aspects of using sunflower meal in beef cattle diets. Canola meal appears to be a good source of supplemental protein for beef cattle. The ruminal escape value is similar to soybean meal with some variation due to processing plant, canola variety, and other conditions. Canola meal is an effective supplement for nursing calves, growing and finishing cattle, and beef cows. Decisions on the use of canola meal in beef cattle operations should be based on cost and availability of competing protein supplements.

High-glucosinolate (116 μmol g −1 ) rapeseed meal was extruded using an APV Baker MPF50/25 twin-screw extruder. The effects of screw speed (200–400 rpm), moisture content (14–20%), and ammonia concentration (0–3%) on die pressure, specific mechanical energy, torque, product temperature, and glucosinolate reduction were investigated. Increasing screw speed increased die pressure and specific mechanical energy, but reduced torque and product temperature. This decreased the glucosinolate reduction. Increasing moisture content decreased torque, die pressure, product temperature, specific mechanical energy, and glucosinolate reduction. Adding ammonia increased product temperature, but decreased torque, die pressure, and specific mechanical energy. The maximum reduction in the glucosinolate content (67%) occurred at the 2% ammonia level and screw speed of 200 rpm.