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A study was conducted to compare grain adaptation programs using beet pulp (BP) to traditional grain adaptation with alfalfa hay (AH). Yearling crossbred steers (n = 232; BW = 326 ± 14.5 kg) were separated into 3 weight blocks, stratified by BW, and assigned randomly, within strata, to 18 feedlot pens, with 12 or 13 steers per pen. Treatments were imposed during grain adaptation (21 d) using 3 grain adaptation programs. Within each grain adaptation program, 4 step rations were fed for 3, 4, 7, and 7 d. Each program increased dry-rolled corn inclusion while roughage inclusion decreased. In the control treatment (CON), AH inclusion decreased from 46 to 6% and pressed BP (24% DM) was held constant at 6% in all step rations. Beet pulp adaptation programs included a low BP treatment (LOBP) where BP was decreased from 18 to 6% and AH from 34 to 6% or a high BP treatment (HIBP) in which both BP and AH were decreased from 26 to 6%. On d 22 through the remainder of the finishing period cattle were fed a common diet (62% dry rolled corn, 20% wet distillers grains with solubles, 6% AH, 6% BP, 0.25% urea, and 5.75% liquid supplement DM basis). During grain adaptation, cattle fed CON tended (P = 0.07 for overall F test, P = 0.02 for mean comparison) to have greater DMI than HIPB and LOPB was intermediate (9.9, 9.5, and 9.7 kg, respectively). Gain and G:F were not different (P > 0.19) among treatments during the grain adaptation period. However, based off of carcass adjusted final BW, steers adapted using HIBP and LOBP tended (P = 0.07 for overall F-test, P = 0.04 for mean comparison) to have greater ADG compared with CON (1.65, 1.72, and 1.73 kg, respectively). Overall G:F was not different (P = 0.11) among treatments. Dry matter intakes were not different across all treatments (P = 0.58). Carcass characteristics were not affected by adaptation method (P > 0.31). Replacing up to 50% of AH with BP during grain adaptation increased ADG and may be used as an alternative to conventi

Heifers were treated with either no implant, an initial implant of Revalor-200 and re-implanted with Revalor-200, or Revalor-XH and assigned to one of four serial slaughter harvests at 151, 165, 179, and 193 days on feed to determine the effects on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Implanting heifers increased final BW, ADG and HCW while decreasing marbling score and improving feed efficiency compared to non-implanted heifers. Increasing days on feed decreased ADG while increasing feed efficiency, HCW, fat thickness, marbling score, and calculated yield grade. By increasing HCW sold, implanting revenue can be maximized, assuming added risk for YG discounts.

A finishing study was conducted to evaluate removal of corn oil from modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) and replacement of supplemental corn oil on finishing cattle performance. Four treatments were evaluated: a corn control diet, 40% de-oiled MDGS, 38% de-oiled MDGS plus 2% corn oil to equal the fat content of full fat MDGS, or 40% full fat MDGS. There was a significant improvement in ADG and F:G for cattle fed de-oiled MDGS plus oil compared to other treatments. Cattle fed full fat MDGS had numerically lower ADG and numerically poorer F:G (3.7%) compared with cattle fed MDGS plus oil. Cattle fed de-oiled MDGS had greater intake and numerically higher ADG than full fat MDGS, however F:G was similar (1.2%). Even with the improvement in feed conversion, the benefit is too small to make adding corn oil to the diet economical at current prices.

Two finishing experiments were conducted to evaluate Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn containing an alpha amylase enzyme trait compared to the near negative isoline control corn at two locations on cattle performance and carcass characteristics. No statistical differences were observed for final BW, DMI, ADG, or F:G for steers fed Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn versus the near negative isoline control corn. Fat depth and calculated yield grade were greater for steers fed Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn; however, HCW and marbling scores were not different. Previous research has observed a 2.6% to 16.4% decrease in F:G when Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn was fed; however, under this study a 1.6% reduction in F:G was observed.

A metabolism trial was conducted to evaluate protein from modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) in finishing diets on nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics. Isolated protein from corn was not different than MDGS for dry matter, organic matter, or neutral detergent fiber digestibility. However, steers fed MDGS tended to have lower total tract organic matter digestibility compared to corn and protein from corn. Protein had greater total tract organic matter and starch digestibility than MDGS. Protein from corn did not contribute towards the lower digestibility of MDGS. Protein is more easily digestible than the other components in distillers grains plus solubles.

A study evaluated the effects of two wintering systems (cornstalk grazing and drylot feeding) on cow- calf performance in a summer- calving intensively managed cowherd at two locations. Grazing cow- calf pairs on cornstalks resulted in lower ending BW of cows and reduced ADG of calves when compared to drylot cow- calf pairs at weaning. A partial budget of incorporating winter cornstalk grazing into an intensive production system suggests that cows wintered on cornstalks were $136.85 more profitable when compared to cows wintered in the drylot.

The impact of field peas as a grazing supplement and a component of finishing diets on performance and carcass characteristics was evaluated over two years. During grazing, cattle supplemented with field peas had a greater ending body weight and average daily gain than cattle that received no supplement. However, cattle supplemented with corn had greater average daily gain than both peas and control cattle. Overall, those cattle not supplemented during grazing compensated 53% and 88% when compared to those cattle supplemented corn and peas, respectively. Inclusion of field peas in grower supplement or finishing diets may be advantageous if appropriately priced as cattle supplemented field peas had more desirable performance on pasture than unsupplemented cattle, and inclusion of peas in the finisher did not affect performance.

Four ruminally and duodenally fistulated steers were utilized to evaluate the effects of Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn™ containing an alpha amylase enzyme trait (SYT- EFC) compared to the isoline parental control corn without the alpha amylase enzyme trait (Negative Isoline) on site and extent of digestion in finishing diets. Cattle fed SYT- EFC dry rolled corn had numerically greater postruminal starch digestibility, excreted lower fecal starch, and had greater total tract starch digestibility compared to cattle fed Negative Isoline corn. These data would suggest that cattle are able to utilize more starch from corn containing the SYT- EFC trait, which has resulted in greater gains and efficiencies.

A finishing study was conducted to determine the value of the fiber, protein, fat, and solubles components from wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) alone or in combination for feedlot cattle in comparison to WDGS diets. The fiber portion alone did not improve F:G. When protein was included in the composite with fiber, F:G improved. With fat and solubles both added separately, F:G continued to improve. None of the components alone could make up the feeding value of WDGS, however the composite diet of fiber, protein, fat, and solubles combined matched the performance observed when WDGS is fed.

A finishing trial was conducted as a 2x2x2 factorial to determine the effect of Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn™ containing an alpha amylase enzyme trait (SYT- EFC) compared with the parental isoline control corn without the amylase enzyme trait (Negative Isoline) on cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Th e two types of corn grain were processed as either dry- rolled corn (DRC) or high- moisture corn (HMC) and fed with either 18% modifi ed distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) or 35% Sweet Bran. Cattle fed SYT- EFC DRC with MDGS had a 3.9% improvement in feed conversion compared to Negative Isoline DRC. However, this difference was 2.1% when processed as HMC. Cattle fed SYT- EFC DRC with Sweet Bran had a 1.5% improvement in feed conversion compared to Negative Isoline. However, when processed as HMC a decrease of 2.1% was observed. Feeding SYT- EFC corn that has been processed as DRC improves feed conversion in finishing diets.

A pooled- analysis of UNL feedlot trials examined the impact of starch (corn grain) on cattle performance. Cattle age (calf- fed or yearling) affected DMI, ADG, and F:G, but not marbling score or fat depth. Intake, ADG, F:G, and fat depth were optimized with 50– 70% corn grain in the diet. Marbling was not maximized until the diet contained > 75% corn. Removing either all the corn or all the byproduct from diets did not maximize performance. Including a minimum of 20% byproduct and 20% corn in the diet is biologically advantageous, while the remaining 60% of the diet is flexible based on economics.

Effects of wintering cow- calf pairs on cornstalks or in a drylot on cow- calf performance and reproduction in a summer-calving intensively managed cowherd were evaluated at two locations. Cow body condition score change was not different between treatments in western Nebraska, but was greater for pairs fed in a drylot in eastern Nebraska. In western Nebraska, calf gain and weights were not different between treatments, but were greater for drylot calves in eastern Nebraska. Initial data indicate that wintering pairs on cornstalks may decrease cow performance and calf gain. If reproduction is adequate and grazing is not impeded, wintering pairs on cornstalks may be viable for later- calving cowherds compared to drylot feeding.

A finishing study evaluated the relative contributions of protein from wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The protein portion of WDGS was mimicked by corn gluten meal (CGM). Increasing WDGS inclusion from 0 to 40% increased final body weight and gain, decreased intakes, and improved feed efficiency. When CGM was fed to equal protein concentration as WDGS, final body weight and gain increased, and feed efficiency improved. Adding solubles to CGM did not improve feed efficiency. Th e feeding value of CGM was similar to distillers grains, suggesting protein has a major role in the feeding value of distillers grains.

An experiment was used to evaluate feeding OmniGen- AF during the last 28 or 56 days of the finishing phase in diets with or without Optafl exx. Th ere were no differences in steer performance or carcass characteristics when OmniGen- AF was fed alone or in combination with Optaflexx. Feeding Optaflexx increased ADG, HCW, and improved F:G. Supplementation of Optafl exx also increased the rate of accretion in LM area, but decreased the accretion of intramuscular fat percentage. These data illustrate the repartitioning of nutrients between lean and fat tissues when Optaflexx is fed.

Six treatments were evaluated to determine the contribution of individual components of distillers grains on finishing performance. Diets were formulated to isolate the contribution of solubles, protein, fat, and fiber compared to a diet containing 40% wet distillers grains or a corn- based control. Th ere was a significant improvement in both feedlot and carcass performance in steers fed the 40% wet distillers grains compared to dry- rolled- corn. Numeric differences between fat, fiber, and protein treatments were observed. However, none of the four component diets alone were able to explain the energy value associated with wet distillers grains.

Two experiments were conducted to compare Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn™ containing an alpha amylase enzyme trait (SYT- EFC) with commercially available corn grain without the alpha amylase enzyme trait (Conventional) for cattle performance and carcass characteristics at 2 locations. In Exp. 1, steers were fed SYT- EFC or Conventional corn with or without the addition of 25% Sweet Bran, or a BLEND (Conventional and SYT- EFC) without Sweet Bran. In Exp. 2, steers were fed SYT- EFC, Conventional, BLEND, or Conventional with an alpha amylase enzyme supplement (NZ). In Exp. 1, feed conversion improved 8.5% for SYT- EFC compared with Conventional when Sweet Bran was included in the diet. In Exp. 2, feed conversion improved 5.4% for cattle fed SYT- EFC, BLEND, and NZ compared with the Conventional corn. Feeding SYT- EFC corn containing the alpha amylase enzyme trait improves feed conversion of feedlot cattle.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of individual nutrient components in distillers grains on performance of growing calves. A 40% corn control treatment was included for direct comparison to a diet containing 40% modified distillers grains. Four additional treatments were formulated to isolate the contribution of solubles, protein, fiber, and a combination of fiber and solubles on cattle performance. Average daily gains and ending BW were greater, while F:G lower for cattle fed 40% modified distillers grains compared to the corn control. We were able to determine that protein, when overfed, contributes to the higher energy value of distillers relative to corn in growing diets.

Knowledge of producer concerns and perceptions on methane production from cattle and its impact on the environment is unknown. Therefore, the objectives of this survey were to determine what producers know about methane production by cattle and to determine if different age groups, regions of Nebraska, and production size/ type affects producer opinions on enteric methane production and climate change. Producers felt that methane production has little impact on animal performance but were not very confident in their knowledge. Most producers received information related to animal agriculture from veterinarians; therefore, veterinarians should continue to be a major target for extension efforts.

A 128-day finishing study utilized 328 yearling steers to determine the effects of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) in dry rolled corn (DRC) or steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets relative to normal fat WDGS. No significant interactions were observed, but cattle fed DRC had greater DMI and were less efficient than those consuming SFC. Linear improvements in ADG and F:G were observed as concentration of de-oiled WDGS increased from 0 to 35%. Numerically cattle fed normal WDGS were more efficient than cattle fed de-oiled WDGS.

A grazing study was conducted to determine if providing Bovatec® in a trace mineralized salt block would improve cattle performance over cattle provided a trace mineralized salt block without an ionophore while maintaining block consumption below 2 oz/head/day. Average daily block intake was 1.40 and 1.25 oz/day for the Bovatec and control cattle, respectively. Lasalocid consumption was 193 mg/head/day. Although cattle consuming the Bovatec block gained 5% more than the control cattle, this was not significant (1.75 vs 1.67 lb/day, respectively). Supplying an ionophore through a self-feeding block may not improve gain compared to supplying mineral alone in a self-feeding block.

Sugar beet pulp was evaluated as a partial replacement for wheat straw in an energy dense, limit fed ration for gestating multiparous beef cows. Body weight and body condition were similar between cows fed a diet of wet distillers grains:beet pulp:wheat straw in either a 20:20:60 or a 20:45:35 ratio (DM basis). Cows on both diets gained 0.5 of a condition score over an average of 76 days. These data suggest sugar beet pulp can effectively reduce wheat straw to 35% diet DM in a byproduct/crop residue diet limit fed to gestating beef cows.

The effects of calf weaning age on cow and calf performance, reproduction, and feed utilization were investigated in a two-year study. Early weaning increasedcow BW in January. Pregnancy rates were not impacted by calf age at weaning. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar between normal-weaned cow-calf pairs and early-weaned cows and calves. Feed requirements and utilization were comparable between early- and normal-weaned pairs when fed high energy diets, implying weaning decisions should be made on the basis of management rather than feed efficiency.

A feedlot study evaluated the effects of NEXT ENHANCE® 300 (NEXT) essential oil concentration in finishing diets containing Rumensin® and Tylan® on yearling steer performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments consisted of 0, 15, 30, or 45 gram per ton of NEXT. Increasing NEXT concentration in the diet had no effect on DMI, ADG, or F:G. These data suggest that feeding increasing concentrations of NEXT had little impact on feedlot performance of large yearling steers.

Performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated when feeding two rates of monensin in feedlot adaptation diets. Monensin was supplemented at either 360 or 480 mg/head/day during the adaptation period. During the adaptation period, interim body weight was greater and dry matter intake was less for steers fed the 360 mg/head/day treatment of monensin. Subsequently, an improvement in average daily gain and feed efficiency was observed with the 360 mg/head/day treatment. However, there were no statistical differences in final performance and carcass characteristics. These results suggest it is not beneficial to feed the 480 mg/head/day rate of monensinin the adaptation period.

Enteric methane production from cattle and its effect on climate change has been a topic of debate. Multiple studies have explored methods to reduce cattle enteric methane production while simultaneously improving performance. However, most strategies developed have not been widely implemented by cattle producers. Knowledge of producer concerns and perceptions on methane production from cattle and its effect on the environment may be limited. Therefore, the objectives of this survey were to determine what Nebraska producers know about methane production by cattle and how it affects performance and to determine whether different age groups, regions of Nebraska, and production size and type affects producer opinions on enteric methane production and climate change. The survey had a response rate of 22%. Regarding climate change, approximately 39% of producers disagreed, 33% were neutral, and 28% agreed they were concerned. However, producers in central and eastern Nebraska were closer to neutral than producers in western Nebraska (P < 0.05). Younger producers perceived cattle to have a more positive effect on the environment and reported that they were more likely to adopt new management techniques that have been shown to improve animal performance than older producers (P < 0.05). Most producers reported receiving production-related information from veterinarians (47.6%), followed by the “other” category (34.9%), the University of Nebraska (15.6%), and state and federal governments, which were the lowest (1.4 and 0.6%, respectively). In the last 3 yr, approximately 57% of producers attended one or fewer extension meetings, but 37% had not attended any extension meetings.

The effects of feeding a complete pelleted feed to newly received steer calves (585 ± 4 lb; n = 1318 ) was compared to a control ration consisting of 32% (DM basis) wet or modified distillers grains, 32% alfalfa hay, 32% dry-rolled corn, and 4% supplement. The pelleted complete feed consisted of 35% corn residue and a blend of grain byproducts and minerals. Feeding the complete pelleted feed increased DMI but decreased ADG, thereby reducing feed efficiency. The pelleted feed numerically reduced morbidity. Feeding a complete pellet consisting of corn residue appears to be a viable option for receiving calves if it is priced appropriately.

Performance and carcass characteristics were evaluated using five concentrations of corn condensed distillers solubles (CCDS) replacing steam-flaked corn (SFC) in feedlot finishing diets using crossbred steers. As CCDS replaced SFC at concentrations of 0, 9, 18, 27, or 36% of the diet DM, DMI decreased quadratically. Average daily gain increased quadratically with greatest gains observed at 27% CCDS inclusion. A quadratic improvement was observed in F:G with optimum concentrations similar to what was observed for ADG at 27% CCDS inclusion. These results suggest corn condensed distillers solubles can effectively be used to replace SFC in feedlot finishing diets while improving ADG and F:G.

A two-year grazing study was conducted to evaluate forage quality and utilization of cover crops (CC) in dryland cropping systems compared to crested wheatgrass pastures (CWP). The CC mixture consisted of oats, peas and turnips planted in March with a no-till drill. Both CC and CWP were grazed during the month of June. Total tract dry matter digestibility and CP were greater for CC compared to CWP while NDF and ADF of CC were less. The CC was observed to have greater forage quality over both years and may produce similar amounts of forage as crested wheatgrass pastures allowing deferred grazing on native pasture.

Increasing NEXT ENHANCE (NEXT) essential oils in finishing diets containing Rumensin® and Tylan® were evaluated on performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments consisted of 0, 75, 150, 225, or 300 mg per steer daily of NEXT. Increasing NEXT linearly decreased DMI and F:G, but ADG was not different among treatments. Feed conversion (F:G) was improved by 4.0% and 3.8% when feeding NEXT at 225 and 300, respectively, compared to steers fed 0 NEXT. Therefore, results suggest that feeding NEXT at rates of 225 and 300 improves feed conversions in feedlot finishing diets containing Rumensin and Tylan.

An ongoing study evaluated the effectsof calf age at weaning on cow and calf performance and reproduction in a confinement production system. Early-weaning improved cow BW at normal weaning. Pregnancy rates were not impacted by calf age at weaning. Dry matter intake was not different between early-weaned cows and calves compared with normal-weaned pairs. Feed requirements and energy utilization were equal between early- and normal-weaned pairs when fed a distillers grains and crop residue based diet.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding two commercially available direct-fed microbials (DFM) on finishing steer performance fed steam-flaked corn based diets. Dietary treatments included a control diet without DFM, and two commercially available products (10-G and Bovamine). No significant differences were observed among treatments for animal performance or carcass characteristics. However, numeric advantages were observed for ADG and feed efficiency when cattle were fed a DFM.

A grazing study was conducted to determineif field peas are a good naturalbinder for dried distillers grains-based range cubes. Cattle supplemented dried distillers grains in the bunk or a 25% field pea/75% distillers grains cube fed on the ground gained similarly and outgained cattle supplemented dried distillers on the ground. A 25.6% loss of the distillers grains fed loose on the ground was estimated. The similar performance of cattle fed distillers grains in the bunk and those fed pea/distillers cube on the ground suggests field peas reduced distillers grains loss and therefore are an acceptable binder for distillers grains based range cubes.

The interaction between corn processing method and condensed distillers solubles (CDS) was evaluated using either steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry rolled corn (DRC). As CDS replaced corn at either 15 or 30% of the diet DM, DMI intake decreased quadratically for both SFC and DRC. Within DRC- based diets, ADG increased quadratically with 15% CDS being greatest and F:G improved quadratically with 30% inclusion being best. When SFC was used as the grain source, ADG increased linearly and F:G improved quadratically with increasing levels of CDS. A greater performance response was observed with SFC compared to DRC when feeding increased levels of CDS.

Finishing cattle performance was evaluated using NEXT ENHANCE essential oils in finishing diets. Treatments consisted of 1) control (CON), 2) NEXT ENHANCE at 300 mg/day (NE), 3) Rumensin and Tylan at 360 and 90 mg/day, respectively (RT), or 4) NEXT ENHANCE plus Rumensin and Tylan (NERT). No NEXT ENHANCE by Rumensin/Tylan interaction was observed. Steers fed Rumensin/Tylan had decreased F:G and increased live final BW and marbling score. The prevalence of liver abscesses decreased 46% when steers were fed Rumensin/Tylan. Including NEXT ENHANCE in finishing diets did not impact performance or carcass characteristics.

Cattle were adapted to a finishing diet over 20 days while feeding 33 or 44 g/ton (DM) of Rumensin. Following grain adaptation, all cattle were fed a common finishing diet containing 33 g/ton Rumensin for the remainder of the feeding period. Feeding 44 g/ton of Rumensin during the adaptation period did not affect performance during the adaptation period or over the entire feeding period when compared to the 33 g/ton adaptation level.

The feeding value of a mixture of 30:70 wet distillers grains:wheat straw or 20:20:60 wet distillers grains:beet pulp:wheat straw (DM) for late gestation beef cows was estimated. In Experiment 1, cows limit fed distillers grains and wheat straw gained as much weight and body condition as cows limit fed alfalfa hay. In Experiment 2, cows fed wet distillers grains and wheat straw or wet distillers grains, beet pulp, and wheat straw gained more weight and improved body condition compared with cows fed alfalfa hay. The results of these experiments indicate cows in late gestation will maintain body condition when limit fed by-products and crop residues to meet their energy requirements.

No-till forage crops were planted to determine forage quantity and quality for grazing cattle. Seven combinations were evaluated using different mixtures containing forage peas, oats, winter triticale, turnips, radishes, clover, vetch, and sunflower. The cover crops were planted April 9 and sampled three times (day 54, 70, and 86 after planting) to determine forage mass and nutrient content. Mixtures containing forage peas and oats yielded the greatest quantity of DM/acre. The NDF and CP content of the mixtures are comparable to native range during the growing season. When used in place of fallow in crop rotations, grazing cover crops may provide an alternativeto native range.

The relationship between ruminal degradable sulfur intake (RDSI) and ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration ([H2S]) as well as ruminal parameters were evaluated. Steers were fed diets containing organic, inorganic, and wet distiller grains with solubles (WDGS) sources of sulfur, as well as a control diet. A laboratory procedure was developedto measure RDS of ingredients. RDSI explained 65% of [H2S] variation, whereas total sulfur intake and ruminal pH, individually, explained 29 and 12%, respectively. Availability of sulfur for ruminal reduction is more important than total sulfur in the diet.

A finishing study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding 0 or 20% field peas in dry-rolled corn-based diets with 0 or 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). There was an interaction for DMI, in which WDGS had no effect in diets without peas, but increased DMI by 2.7 lb in diets containing peas. Peas decreased DMI by 1.3 lb in diets with no WDGS but had no effecton DMI in diets containing WDGS. A peas × WDGS interaction also was observed for F:G with WDGS decreasing F:G by 12% in diets without peas, but having no impact in diets containing peas. Field pea inclusion decreased F:G by 4% in diets with no WDGS, but increased F:G by 4% when WDGS was present. The impact of WDGS on F:G was diminished in the presence of peas from 40% to 24% improvement relative to corn. However, the increase in ADG due to WDGS was similar with or without peas.

Cattle were adapted to a common finishing diet over 21 days by traditional adaption, reducing alfalfa hay inclusion (46 to 6%) or beet pulp (BP) adaption programs. A low beet pulp treatment (BP decreased from 18 to 6% and alfalfa hay from 34 to 6%) and a high BP treatment in which both BP and alfalfa hay were decreased from 26 to 6% were compared. Adapting cattle with high BP tended to decrease DMI during the adaption period. Both BP adaption programs increased ADG over the entire feeding period. Replacing up to 50% of alfalfa hay with BP during grain adaption had no impact on F:G or carcass traits and increased ADG.

Impact of feeding three levels of beet pulp (0, 10, 20%, DM basis) with either dry-rolled corn (DRC) or steamflaked corn (SFC) in feedlot rations was evaluated. Final BW, DMI, and ADG decreased linearly as beet pulp replaced corn in the diet. Beet pulp linearly decreased HCW, 12th rib fat, and yield grade. Corn processing had no impact on carcass characteristics. Feeding SFC improved F:G, compared to feeding DRC. The inclusion of beet pulp in the diet did not impact F:G, however, because of the decrease of both DMI and ADG.

Feeding different ratios of dryrolled corn (DRC) and steam-flaked corn (SFC) in diets that contain 0 or 35% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) was evaluated. As SFC replacedDRC in diets containing no WDGS, F:G improved. Varying SFC and DRC ratio in diets containing 35% WDGS did not impact F:G. Feeding WDGS increased hot carcass weight, and fat depth while feeding different ratios of corn impacted marbling deposition. Wet distillers grains appears to reducethe positive impacts of feeding SFC in finishing diets when included at 35% of diet DM.

In recent years, prices for N fertilizer have increased dramatically, reducing net returns of fertilized pasture systems. A 5-yr study from 2005 to 2009 was conducted to evaluate management strategies and relative differences in profitability for 3 methods of backgrounding calves on smooth bromegrass pastures. Forty-five steers were used each year for a total of 225 animals in a randomized complete block design. Treatments included pastures fertilized in the spring with 90 kg N/ha (FERT), nonfertilized pastures with calves supplemented daily with dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) at 0.6% of BW (SUPP), and control (CONT) pastures that had no fertilizer or supplementation applied. Pastures were rotationally stocked and put-and-take cattle were used to maintain similar grazing pressure on all treatments. Forage production was greatest for the FERT paddocks, intermediate for SUPP paddocks, and least for CONT paddocks (P < 0.01). Stocking rates were greater for SUPP pastures compared with nonfertilized pastures because of increased forage production and replacement of approximately 0.79 kg of forage for each 1 kg of supplement fed. At the conclusion of grazing, SUPP steers were 40 kg heavier than either the FERT or CONT steers, which resulted in increased gross revenue of $44.14/steer for the SUPP treatment (P < 0.01). Net returns were greatest for SUPP at $17.55/steer (P < 0.01), whereas both the CONT and FERT treatments had negative net returns of −$6.20 and −$8.71/steer, respectively. In the future, the relationship between prices for land, N fertilizer, and DDGS will affect the net returns of all 3 treatments.

Two studies were conducted to evaluate field peas and wet or dry corn distillers grains with solubles (WDGS and DDGS, respectively) in finishing and growing diets. In Exp. 1, British crossbred steers (n = 352, initial BW 356 ± 27 kg) were used in a randomized block design with factors being 0 or 20% field peas and 0 or 30% WDGS in dry-rolled corn (DRC) based finishing diets (DM basis). There was an interaction (P < 0.01) for DMI and G:F. Feeding WDGS increased ADG (P < 0.01), whereas peas had no effect on ADG (P = 0.33). Including WDGS increased G:F in diets without peas (P < 0.01), but had no impact (P = 0.12) in diets containing peas. Peas increased G:F (P = 0.04) in diets without WDGS, but decreased G:F (P = 0.03) with WDGS. Feeding WDGS increased HCW (P < 0.01). In Exp. 2, Continental crossbred heifers (yr. 1; n = 108, initial BW 338 ± 14 kg) and British crossbred steers (yr. 2; n = 90, initial BW 321 ± 10 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 9 pastures. Treatments were supplementation with loose DDGS meal on the ground (GROUND), in a bunk (BUNK) or a 25% field peas, 75% DDGS cube on the ground (CUBE) at equal CP. Final BW and ADG were less (P < 0.01) for GROUND than for CUBE and BUNK, which were similar. These data indicate up to 50% DRC could be replaced by peas and WDGS, and peas are an acceptable binder for DDGS range cubes.

A finishing trial evaluated effects of feeding greater than 70% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) on feedlot cattle performance. The WDGS was fed at 40, 70, 77, and 85% of diet dry matter (DM), while roughage levels ranged from 5 to 25% across treatments. Larger ADG and G:F were observed with 40% WDGS and 5% roughage. Higher levels of WDGS were successfully fed with levels of roughage above 8% but the diets were less profitable than the 40% WDGS diet.

Two experiments, calves fed November to May (WINTER) and yearlings fed May to September (SUMMER), were conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding a high level of wet distillers grains plus soluble (WDGS) and wheat straw or a corn control diet (CON) on average daily gain (ADG), feed-to-gain (F:G), manure nitrogen (N), and N losses. In both experiments, the CON treatment had greater dry matter intake(DMI), ADG hot carcass weight (HCW), marbling and fat depth. There was greater N intake and N excretion for both the WINTER and SUMMER experiments on the WDGS. However, for the WINTER experiment there was no difference in the amount of N in the manure due to diet or pen cleaning frequency. In the SUMMER experiment, cleaning pens monthly almost doubled dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and N removed in manure. There was a tendency for the WDGS treatment to have greater N loss than the control treatment in the WINTER experiment and a significant increase in N losses for the WDGS treatment in the SUMMER experiment, despite the greater amount of manure N removed.

When feedlot pens are scraped in the spring and summer, manure is often stored before land application can occur in the fall. Manure stockpiled or composted was evaluated for nutrient losses in 2 experiments for 104 (Exp. 1) and 111 d (Exp. 2). Stockpiles (n = 2 in Exp. 1 and n = 3 in Exp. 2) and compost windrows (n = 6 in Exp. 1 and n = 4 in Exp. 2) were constructed with feedlot manure scraped from pens and sampled upon construction and throughout the storage period. In Exp. 1, N loss was 3 times greater (P < 0.01) for compost compared with stockpile on d 104 (43.6 and 14.3%, respectively). Loss of C was 34.7% greater (P < 0.01) for compost compared with stockpile on d 104 (54.4 and 40.4%, respectively). Total mass loss (water + DM) was not different (P = 0.30) among storage methods on d 104 (20.0 and 15.8% for compost and stockpile, respectively). In Exp. 2, N loss from compost was 42.1% greater (P < 0.01) compared with stockpiling on d 111. Carbon losses in Exp. 2 were not different (P = 0.77) among storage methods on d 111 (38.4 and 37.5% for compost and stockpile, respectively). Total mass loss in Exp. 2 was less compared with Exp. 1 and was not different (P = 0.23) among storage methods (5.7 and 3.6% for compost and stockpile, respectively). When evaluated on a nutrient basis, stockpiled manure had greater N and C concentrations compared with composted manure.

An experiment was conducted using 88 weaned steer calves to evaluate shrink difference when shipped at differing times prior to sale date. Two groups of calves were transported 24 hours prior to sale date, with one group being withheld from water and feed 2 hours prior to sale while the other group was not restricted. Another group (control) was transported 2 hours prior to the sale. All cattle were transported 95 miles and co-mingled at the sale facility prior to processing. Percent shrink for +1-Adlib, +1-R, and Control was 1.8, 2.2, and 0.6%, respectively.

A pre-process fractionation produces a feed product called E-corn, which is low in fat and contains heat-treated starch. E-corn replaced dry rolled corn at 0, 20, 40, or 60% (DM basis) in finishing diets containing either 30% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) or 30% wet corn gluten feed (WCGF). E-corn level x byproduct type interactions were not observed. Dry matter intake increased quadratically to E-corn inclusion level (P = 0.04), while F:G responded cubically with 20% and 60% E-corn inclusion having the lowest F:G (P = 0.02). However, when E-corn level increased from 0 to 60% of diet DM, linear decreases in marbling, fat depth, and calculated yield grade were observed (P < 0.01). Steers fed WDGS had lower DMI (P < 0.01) and F:G (P = 0.02) compared to steers fed WCGF. It appears that optimal inclusion of E-corn is 20% of diet DM.

Steers supplemented daily with dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on non-fertilized smooth bromegrass pastures gained 1.9 lb/day compared to 1.46 lb/day for cattle on both fertilized and non-fertilized pastures. The fertilized and supplemented treatments were stocked at equal densities, and the non-fertilized pastures were stocked at 69% the density of the other two treatments. At a lower stocking rate, the non-fertilized pastures showed poorer forage production, but equal cattle performance compared to the fertilized pastures. The supplemented pastures showed slightly decreased forage production compared to the fertilized pastures, but at the same time showed increased cattle performance. Each lb of DDGS replaced about 1 lb of forage. DDGS improved steer and pasture performance when supplemented daily on smooth bromegrass pastures.