Use of a complete starter feed in grain adaptation programs for feedlot cattle.

Four experiments evaluated the use of a complete starter feed (RAMP; Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE) for grain adaptation. In Exp. 1, 229 yearling steers (397 ± 28.4 kg BW) were used to compare a traditional adaptation program (CON) with adapting cattle with RAMP in either a 1- (RAMP-1RS) or 2- (RAMP-2RS) ration system. From d 23 to slaughter, cattle were fed a common finishing diet. In Exp. 2, 390 yearling steers (341 ± 14 kg BW) were used to compare accelerated grain adaptation programs with RAMP with 2 control treatments where RAMP was blended with a finishing diet containing either 25 (CON25) or 47.5% (CON47) Sweet Bran (Cargill Corn Milling) in 4 steps fed over 24 d to adapt cattle. Rapid adaptation treatments involved feeding RAMP for 10 d followed by a blend of RAMP and a 47% Sweet Bran finishing diet to transition cattle with 3 blends fed for 1 d each (3-1d), 2 blends fed for 2 d each (2-2d), or 1 blend fed for 4 d (1-4d). From d 29 to slaughter, all cattle were fed a common finishing diet. In Exp. 3, 300 steer calves (292 ± 21 kg BW) were used to compare the CON47 and 1-4d adaptation programs with directly transitioning cattle from RAMP, which involved feeding RAMP for 10 d and then switching directly to F1 on d 11 (1-STEP). From d 29 until slaughter, F2 was fed to all cattle. In Exp. 4, 7 ruminally fistulated steers (482 ± 49 kg BW) were used in a 35-d trial to compare the CON47 and 1-STEP adaptation programs. Ruminal pH and intake data from the first 6 d of F1and first 6 d of F2 were used to compare adaptation systems. Adaptation with RAMP-1RS and RAMP-2RS increased ( < 0.01) G:F compared with cattle adapted using CON in Exp. 1. Feeding RAMP-1RS increased ADG ( = 0.03) compared with CON. Intakes were similar ( = 0.39) among treatments. Daily gain, DMI, G:F, and carcass traits were similar ( > 0.11) among treatments in Exp. 2. Daily gain, DMI, and G:F were not different ( > 0.20) among treatments on d 39 or over the entire feeding period in Exp. 3. When F1 or F2 was being fed, DMI was similar ( ≥ 0.40) for CON47 and 1-STEP in Exp. 4. When F1 or F2 was being fed, 1-STEP cattle had lower average ruminal pH ( ≤ 0.03) and greater time below a pH of 5.3 ( ≤ 0.03). Using RAMP for grain adaptation improved performance compared with traditional adaptation. Rapid adaptation with RAMP decreased pH, but no performance differences were observed between long and rapid RAMP adaptation programs. Therefore, cattle started on RAMP do not require extensive adaptation before feeding a finishing diet with Sweet Bran.

Using Sweet Bran instead of forage during grain adaptation in finishing feedlot cattle.

Two trials evaluated adapting cattle to a finishing diet using wet corn gluten feed compared with traditional methods using forage. A 33-d grain adaptation metabolism trial (Exp. 1) compared decreasing wet corn gluten feed (Sweet Bran; Corn Milling unit, Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE) while increasing corn inclusion (SB) and a traditional grain adaptation system decreasing alfalfa hay while increasing corn with no Sweet Bran inclusion (CON). Ruminal pH, intake characteristics, and 24-h in situ digestibility were evaluated using 8 ruminally fistulated steers (291 kg BW [SD 19]). Steers (4/treatment) were adapted to finishing diets across 4 periods consisting of 5, 7, 7, and 7 d and then fed a finishing diet for 7 d. No period × adaptation diet interactions were observed ( ≥ 0.12). Average ruminal pH decreased ( < 0.01) whereas time and area below a pH of 5.6 increased ( ≤ 0.02) for the SB adaptation system compared with the CON adaptation system. Cattle adapted using SB had greater DMI than cattle adapted using CON ( < 0.01). As steers were adapted to finishing diets, DMI increased ( = 0.01), average ruminal pH decreased ( = 0.05), and time and area below a pH of 5.6 increased ( ≤ 0.04) for both treatments. Ruminal pH for CON steers decreased from 6.59 to 6.12 across periods as corn replaced alfalfa hay whereas ruminal pH decreased from 6.00 to 5.79 for SB steers. Steers adapted using SB had greater ( ≤ 0.05) in situ digestion of adaptation diets than steers adapted using CON for adaptation periods 3, 4, and 5. The SB diets were more digestible than the CON diets when incubated in either CON- or SB-fed steers for adaptation periods 1 and 2 ( < 0.01). Experiment 2 used 240 finishing steers (273 kg BW [SD 14]) to determine performance impacts of using Sweet Bran instead of forage to adapt cattle to finishing diets. Steers were fed either decreasing Sweet Bran inclusion while increasing corn (SB) or decreasing alfalfa hay inclusion while increasing corn (CON). Treatments were applied only during grain adaptation (26 d) and all steers were finished on a common diet containing 35% Sweet Bran for an additional 147 d. Steers adapted using SB had greater ( ≤ 0.01) final BW, ADG, G:F, and HCW compared with steers adapted using CON, even though treatments differed only the first 26 d. Grain adaptation treatment had no effect ( ≥ 0.13) on carcass quality. These results indicate that Sweet Bran can be used to adapt cattle to finishing diets instead of forage and improves ADG and G:F while decreasing the forage needs of feedlots.

Effect of feeding combinations of wet distillers grains and wet corn gluten feed to feedlot cattle.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of combinations of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) and wet distillers grain plus solubles (WDGS) in dry-rolled and high-moisture corn-based finishing diets for beef cattle. In Exp. 1, 250 steers (BW = 343 +/- 13.5 kg) were fed 5 treatments consisting of a corn-based, control diet with 0% coproducts, and diets including 30% WCGF, 30% WDGS, 15% WCGF plus 15% WDGS, or 30% WCGF plus 30% WDGS. No associative effects resulted from feeding 15% WCGF plus 15% WDGS; DMI, ADG, and G:F were intermediate between steers fed WCGF or WDGS at 30% of diet DM. Feeding coproducts in combinations at 30 and 60% of diet DM increased ADG, G:F, and final BW (P < 0.05) compared with the corn-based diet. In Exp. 2, 280 yearling steers (BW = 370 +/- 0.45 kg) were used to evaluate feeding 0, 25, 50, or 75% coproducts as a combination of 50% WCGF:50% WDGS (DM basis). Additional diets were fed containing decreased alfalfa hay at 5, 2.5, and 0% (DM basis) as coproduct blend inclusions increased at 25, 50, and 75% (DM basis), respectively. No interactions were observed between alfalfa hay and coproduct blend levels, and no effects on ADG or G:F (P > 0.21) were observed due to alfalfa hay. Intake, ADG, and G:F responded quadratically (P < 0.05) across coproduct levels, with the greatest ADG and G:F at 25 and 50% blend, and similar ADG and G:F for the 0 and 75% blend levels. In Exp. 3, 504 steers (BW = 376 +/- 16 kg) were fed to evaluate 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% (DM basis) WDGS in diets containing 30% WCGF (DM basis) as well as a control diet with no coproducts. The inclusion of 30% WCGF in the diets increased DMI, ADG, and G:F (P < 0.05) when compared with control. Response to inclusion level of WDGS tended to be quadratic for DMI (P = 0.12), quadratic for ADG (P = 0.05), and no effect for G:F (P = 0.96). Greatest ADG was achieved with 15 to 20% WDGS inclusion in diets containing 30% WCGF. The use of combinations of WCGF and WDGS in finishing diets resulted in similar or improved steer performance compared with corn, suggesting replacement of corn with coproduct combinations up to 75% diet DM is possible if a roughage source is fed.

Milk production of dairy cows fed wet corn gluten feed during the dry period and lactation.

An experiment was conducted with 36 primiparous and 40 multiparous Holstein cows to examine the effects of feeding wet corn gluten feed (WCGF) on 305-d milk production, dry matter (DM) intake, body condition score (BCS), and health. The experimental treatments included: 1) control--WCGF not fed (n = 27); 2) WCGF-L-cows received diets containing WCGF (38% DM basis) during lactation (n = 23); and 3) WCGF-DL--cows received diets containing WCGF (38% DM basis) during the dry period and lactation (n = 26). During the dry period, cows consuming WCGF were observed to have a significant gain in BCS (0.07 +/- 0.06) compared with a loss in BCS in cows fed the control diet (control = -0.11 +/- 0.06 and WCGF-L = -0.04 +/- 0.06). During lactation, there were no differences by treatment on BCS. Cows consuming WCGF during lactation consumed more feed compared with the control: 25.4, 23.8, and 21.2 +/- 0.76 kg/d for WCGF-L, WCGF-DL, and the control, respectively. Milk production was higher for cows consuming WCGF: 35.0, 34.7, and 31.1 +/- 2.1 kg/d for WCGF-L, WCGF-DL, and the control, respectively. No differences were found in either DM intake or actual milk yield between the WCGF-L and WCGF-DL treatments, indicating that prepartum diets did not influence lactational performance. The WCGF diets resulted in significant reductions in the concentration of milk fat (3.94, 3.74, and 4.15 +/- 0.08% for WCGF-L, WCGF-DL, and the control, respectively), but because total milk yield was increased, there were no differences in total milk fat yield. In addition, 3.5% of fat-corrected milk tended to be affected by diet: 38.9, 36.3, and 34.7 +/- 1.93 kg/d for WCGF-L, WCGF-DL, and the control, respectively. The increasing effect of DM intake and milk yield in cows consuming WCGF resulted in a similar efficiency of 3.5% fat-corrected milk production for all treatments, averaging 1.5 +/- 0.09. Total protein yields were significantly higher for cows consuming WCGF diets during lactation: 1.15, 1.10, 1.00 +/- 0.06 kg/d for WCGF-L, WCGF-DL, and the control, respectively. These results indicate that diets may be formulated to contain as much as 37.5% WCGF (DM basis).

Optimal wet corn gluten and protein levels in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets for steer calves.

A feeding trial evaluated the hypothesis that wet corn gluten feed would improve growth performance of cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets and supply required degradable intake protein (DIP). The trial used 360 steer calves (initial BW = 288 +/- 11 kg) housed in 36 pens for 166 d in an incomplete 4 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Pens of steers were assigned to treatments according to a completely randomized design (four replicates per treatment combination). Treatments were wet corn gluten feed (0, 20, 30, or 40% of dietary DM) and CP (13.0, 13.7, or 14.4% of dietary DM) via supplemental urea as DIP. The 0% wet corn gluten feed treatment included only the 13.7% CP diet, and the 40% wet corn gluten feed treatment included only the 13.7 and 14.4% CP diets. Final dietary DIP concentration was 9.0% for 0% wet corn gluten feed; 8.7, 9.5, and 10.2% for 20% wet corn gluten feed; 9.0, 9.7, and 10.3% DIP for 30% wet corn gluten feed; and 10.0 and 10.6% for 40% wet corn gluten feed. Hot carcass weight, ADG, DMI, and G:F responded quadratically (P < or = 0.05) to wet corn gluten feed. The 20, 30, and 40% wet corn gluten feed treatments increased ADG by 7, 6, and 3% and increased DMI by 4, 5, and 5%, respectively, relative to the 0% wet corn gluten feed treatment. Feed efficiency was 102, 101, and 98% of the 0% wet corn gluten feed treatment for 20, 30, and 40% wet corn gluten feed, respectively. Hot carcass weight, ADG, and G:F increased linearly (P < or = 0.05) in response to increased DIP. Nonlinear analysis for DIP over the combined 20 and 30% wet corn gluten feed treatments indicated a DIP requirement of 9.6% of DM for ADG and 9.2% of DM for G:F, corresponding to 14.6 and 14.3% CP for 20% wet corn gluten feed and 14.8 and 14.5% CP for 30% wet corn gluten feed, respectively. Fat thickness, marbling, LM area, and USDA yield grade were not affected (P = 0.12 to 0.99) by wet corn gluten feed or CP. These results show that the inclusion rate of wet corn gluten feed for maximizing ADG and G:F in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets is approximately 20% of DM. The DIP requirement determined in this trial averaged 9.4% of DM.

Effects of dry, wet, and rehydrated corn bran and corn processing method in beef finishing diets.

Two finishing trials were conducted to determine the effects of adding different types of corn bran, a component of corn gluten feed, on cattle performance. In Trial 1, 60 English crossbred yearling steers (283 +/- 6.7 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with four dietary treatments. Treatments were diets with no corn bran, dry corn bran (86% DM), wet corn bran (37% DM), and rehydrated dry bran (37% DM). Bran was fed at 40% of dietary DM. All finishing diets had (DM basis) 9% corn steep liquor with distillers solubles, 7.5% alfalfa hay, 3% tallow, and 5% supplement. Gain efficiency and ADG were greater (P < 0.01) for cattle fed no corn bran compared with all treatments containing corn bran; however, no differences were detected across corn bran types. In Trial 2, 340 English crossbred yearling steers (354 +/- 0.6 kg) were used in a randomized block design with treatments assigned based on a 2 x 4 + 2 factorial arrangement (four pens per treatment). One factor was the corn processing method used (dry-rolled corn, DRC; or steam-flaked corn, SFC). The other factor was corn bran type: dry (90% DM), wet (40% DM), or dry bran rehydrated to 40 or 60% DM. Bran was fed at 30% of dietary DM, replacing either DRC or SFC. Two control diets (DRC and SFC) were fed with no added bran. All finishing diets contained (DM basis) 10% corn steep liquor with distiller's solubles, 3.5% alfalfa hay, 3.5% sorghum silage, and 5% supplement. Corn bran type did not affect DMI (P = 0.61), ADG (P = 0.53), or G:F (P = 0.10). Dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.01) by steers fed bran compared with those fed no bran, and was greater by steers fed DRC than by steers fed SFC (P < 0.01). Interactions occurred (P < 0.01) between grain source and bran inclusion for ADG and G:F. The ADG by steers fed the SFC diet without bran was greater (P < 0.01) than by steers fed SFC diets with bran, whereas the ADG by steers fed DRC diets with or without bran was similar. Daily gain was 15.2% greater (P < 0.01) by steers fed SFC without bran than by steers fed DRC without bran. Gain efficiency was 16.9% greater (P < 0.01) for steers fed SFC without bran compared with steers fed DRC without bran. In DRC and SFC diets, feeding bran decreased (P < 0.01) G:F by 5.2 and 13.8%, respectively. The moisture content of corn bran had no effect on finishing steer performance, and drying corn bran did not affect its energy value in finishing cattle diets.

Effects of concentration and composition of wet corn gluten feed in steam-flaked corn-based finishing diets.

Two finishing experiments were conducted to determine the effects of concentration (Exp. 1) and composition of wet corn gluten feed (Exp. 2) in steam-flaked corn-based diets on feedlot steer performance. In Exp. 1, 192 English x Continental crossbred steer calves (299 +/- 0.6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with six dietary treatments (four pens per treatment). Treatments were six concentrations of wet corn gluten feed (Sweet Bran, Cargill Inc., Blair, NE; 0, 10, 20, 25, 30, and 35%) replacing steam-flaked corn (DM basis). All diets contained 10% corn silage, 5% supplement, and 3.5% tallow (DM basis). Gain efficiency and ADG were similar (P > 0.25) among treatments. Dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.10) with 0% wet corn gluten feed than with concentrations of 20, 25, and 35% WCGF. Dry matter intake did not differ among treatments containing wet corn gluten feed. In Exp. 2, 160 English x Continental crossbred steer calves (315 +/- 0.6 kg) were used in a completely randomized design with five dietary treatments (four pens/treatment). Treatments were assigned based on four ratios of steep to corn bran/germ meal mix in wet corn gluten feed plus a negative control (CON). Wet corn gluten feed was fed at 25% of the dietary DM and was made by mixing steep and corn bran/germ meal into the diet. The four concentrations of steep in wet corn gluten feed that comprised the ratios were 37.5, 41.7, 45.8, and 50% (DM basis), with the remaining proportion being the bran/germ meal mix. Bran/germ meal mix was comprised of 60% dry corn bran, 24% germ meal, and 16% fine-cracked corn (DM basis). All diets contained 10% corn silage, 5% supplement, and 3.5% tallow (DM basis). Daily gain did not differ (P = 0.18) among treatments. Gain efficiency did not differ between CON and 50% steep; however, G:F was decreased (P < 0.05) for concentrations of 37.5, 41.7, and 45.8% steep compared with CON. A linear improvement (P < 0.05) was observed for G:F as concentration of steep increased as a proportion of wet corn gluten feed. These data suggest that wet corn gluten feed can be used at concentrations up to 35% of the dietary DM without adversely affecting performance, and that steep has more energy than bran/germ meal in steam-flaked corn-based diets.

Corn processing method in finishing diets containing wet corn gluten feed.

Two trials were conducted to determine the effect of corn processing method on performance and carcass traits in steers fed finishing diets containing wet corn gluten feed (WCGF). In Trial 1, 480 steer calves (303 kg initial BW) were fed eight finishing diets: 1) dry-rolled corn (DRC) without; and 2) with 32% (DM basis) WCGF; 3) steam-flaked corn (SFC) without; and 4) with WCGF; 5) a combination of DRC and SFC without WCGF; 6) finely-ground corn (FGC) with WCGF; 7) high-moisture corn (HMC) with WCGF; and 8) whole corn (WC) with WCGF. Feeding WC + WCGF increased (P < 0.10) DMI and decreased gain:feed compared with all other treatments. Feeding DRC + WCGF increased (P < 0.10) DMI and decreased (P < 0.10) gain:feed compared with treatments other than WC + WCGF. Steers on treatments that included WCGF gained similarly, regardless of corn processing method, and at a rate 6% faster (P < 0.10) than steers fed diets that did not include WCGF. Gain:feed did not differ among steers fed SFC, SFC + WCGF, SFC + DRC, and HMC + WCGF. Steers fed SFC or SFC + WCGF were more efficient (P < 0.10) than steers fed DRC or FGC + WCGF. In Trial 2, 288 steer calves (382 kg initial BW) were fed six finishing diets: 1) DRC without; and 2) with 22% (DM basis) WCGF; 3) SFC without; and 4) with WCGF; 5) finely rolled corn (FRC) with WCGF; and 6) HMC corn with WCGF. Steers fed DRC + WCGF or FRC + WCGF consumed more DM (P < 0.10) than steers fed DRC, SFC, or SFC + WCGF. Feed intake did not differ between steers fed SFC + WCGF and HMC + WCGF. All treatment groups receiving WCGF consumed more DM (P < 0.10) feed than steers fed DRC or SFC without WCGF. Steers fed SFC + WCGF gained 8% faster (P < 0.10), and steers fed DRC 9.5% slower (P < 0.10) than steers receiving all other treatments. Daily gains did not differ among other treatment groups. Steers fed SFC or SFC + WCGF gained 10% more (P < 0.10) efficiently than all other treatment groups. Feed efficiency did not differ among steers fed DRC, DRC + WCGF, FRC + WCGF, and HMC + WCGF. Estimates for the NEg of WCGF calculated from animal performance indicated that WCGF contained approximately 25.3% more energy when fed with SFC than when fed with DRC. In general, more intensively processing corn improved gain:feed in finishing diets containing WCGF.

Effect of dietary concentration of metabolizable lysine on finishing cattle performance.

A finishing trial and a metabolism trial were conducted to determine the effect of supplemental metabolizable Lys level on finishing calf performance and to estimate the metabolizable Lys requirement of finishing calves. The finishing trial included 60 individually fed crossbred beef steer calves (237 kg; SD = 20 kg) supplemented with either incremental amounts of rumen-protected Lys and Met, or Met alone. Addition of Lys and Met improved gains and efficiencies (quadratic; P < .02) during the first 56 d. There was no response to supplemental Met alone, suggesting that supplemental Lys rather than Met was responsible for the improvement in performance. Using nonlinear analyses to compare gain relative to supplemental Lys intake, maximum gain was determined to be 2.10 kg/d, or .27 kg/d above the zero Lys control, at a supplemental Lys intake of 2.56 g/d. Steers supplemented with 3 and 4 g of Lys had a weight advantage over the control steers of 16 kg at 56 d and 32 kg at the end of the 161-d trial. However, there were no statistical responses to Lys or Met during any periods after 56 d. During a separate metabolism trial, four steers fed the control finishing diet were slaughtered, and abomasal contents were collected for amino acid analyses. The predicted (Level 1 NRC, 1996) metabolizable protein flow to the abomasum for the control diet was 715 g/d, and the predicted Lys flow was 37.9 g/d. A supplemental Lys intake of 2.56 g/d would increase the Lys flow to 40.5 g/d. Feedlot diets low in ruminal escape protein may be deficient in metabolizable Lys, especially early in the feeding period. The metabolizable Lys requirement of steer calves gaining 2.10 kg/d is estimated to be 40.5 g/d.

Evaluation of nitrogen and organic matter balance in the feedlot as affected by level and source of dietary fiber.

A trial was conducted to determine the effect of level and source of dietary fiber on N and OM excretion by cattle on finishing diets. One hundred twenty steers were stratified by weight and allotted to one of the following treatments: 7.5% roughage (7.5% R), wet corn gluten feed (WCGF; 41.5% of dietary DM), and all-concentrate (All Con) diet. Cattle were fed for 87 d during the summer with 23.7 m2 of pen area per animal. Steers fed the WCGF diet had heavier final weights, greater DMI, and higher ADG (P < .01) than the 7.5% R and All Con treatments. Steers fed All Con had lower (P < .01) DMI than the other two treatments. Nitrogen and OM mass balances in the feedlot were quantified. Main components were nutrient input, retention, and excretion. Nitrogen and OM intake of steers fed WCGF were greater (P < .05) than those of steers fed the other treatments. The WCGF treatment had a greater percentage of fecal N output (P < .05). The All Con treatment had a greater (P < .01) percentage of urinary N than WCGF and 7.5% R diets. Steers fed the WCGF treatment excreted more (P < .01) OM compared with the other treatments, which led to more N and OM being removed in manure at cleaning. The All Con treatment had more (P < .01) N and OM in runoff than the other treatments. Nutrition can change site of fermentation, which affects the composition of excreted material; however, total amount of N excreted may be more important than route of excretion in decreasing N losses to the environment and maximizing recovery in manure.

The effect of forage source and particle size on finishing yearling steer performance and ruminal metabolism.

Two finishing trials and a metabolism trial were conducted to evaluate the effect of forage source and particle size in dry-rolled corn finishing diets. In Exp. 1, 224 crossbred yearling steers (BW = 342+/-11 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design consisting of seven treatments. Treatments were an all-concentrate diet or diets containing equal NDF levels provided by alfalfa hay or wheat straw (three treatments each) with each forage source ground to pass through a .95-, 7.6-, or 12.7-cm screen. Steers fed diets containing forage had greater (P < .05) DMI than steers fed an all-concentrate diet. Steers fed alfalfa diets gained faster (P < .05) with a greater (P < .05) concentrate efficiency than steers fed either all-concentrate or straw diets. In Exp. 2, 120 crossbred yearling steers (BW = 307+/-2 kg) were used in a completely randomized design and fed dry-rolled corn diets containing 10% alfalfa ground to pass through either a .95- or 7.6-cm screen. Alfalfa particle size had no effect on performance or carcass measurements. In Exp. 3, six ruminally fistulated steers (BW = 508+/-34 kg) were used in a 6 x 6 Latin square design and fed an all-concentrate diet or diets containing equal NDF levels provided by alfalfa hay, wheat straw, or ground corncobs with alfalfa and straw ground to pass through either a 2.54- or 12.7-cm screen. Steers fed straw diets spent more time (P < .10) chewing than those receiving the other diets. In conclusion, forage particle size had no effect on finishing cattle performance or ruminal metabolism data. However, cattle consuming different forage sources in dry-rolled corn finishing diets may not respond similarly in animal performance.

Effects of imposed feed intake variation on acidosis and performance of finishing steers.

Four metabolism and two finishing trials were conducted to determine the effects of imposed feed intake variation on acidosis and performance of finishing steers. In Metabolism Trial 1, four ruminally fistulated steers were limit-fed and subjected to either a constant amount of feed per day (C) or low intake variation of .7 kg/d (LV). No treatment differences were found for intake or measures of acidosis. Metabolism Trial 2 was conducted similarly to Metabolism Trial 1 with treatments of C and high intake variation of 1.4 kg/d (HV). Treatment HV increased (P < .05) acidosis, as indicated by the area of ruminal pH below 5.6. In Metabolism Trial 3, four steers were fed at ad libitum levels of intake and subjected to three levels of intake variation: ad libitum intake with no imposed intake variation (AL), LV of .7 kg/d, and HV of 1.4 kg/d. No treatment differences were found. In Metabolism Trial 4, six ruminally fistulated steers were fed at ad libitum levels and subjected to three levels of intake variation: AL, LV of .9 kg/d, and HV of 1.8 kg/d. Average ruminal pH increased (P < .05) and area of ruminal pH below 5.6 decreased (P < .05) as level of intake variation was increased. In Finishing Trial 1, 75 steers were assigned to eight pens and two treatments: AL or HV of 1.8 kg/d. Dry matter intake increased (P < .05) from AL to HV. Daily gain and gain/feed were not affected by treatment. In Finishing Trial 2, 94 steers were assigned to 12 pens and two treatments: AL or HV of 1.8 kg/d. No treatment differences were noted in DMI, daily gain, or gain/ feed. Therefore, results of these trials indicate that intake variation of up to 1.8 kg/d does not increase acidosis or decrease performance of finishing steers fed at ad libitum levels of intake.

Nutritional benefits of specialty grain hybrids in beef feedlot diets.

The study of grain hybrids with faster or more extensive rates of ruminal starch fermentation has been a key research area. Because grain sorghum starch is generally regarded as less accessible to enzymatic degradation than starch in other grains, it has received the greatest research emphasis. However, all grains have been evaluated to some extent. Grain sorghum hybrids appear to be more variable in digestibility, in vitro and in vivo, and in rate of starch fermentation than are corn hybrids. The greater variation may be partially because grain sorghum hybrids are developed and evaluated under more stressful environmental conditions (high temperature and limited water conditions) than are corn hybrids. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that differences in grain hybrids exist, but these differences may not totally explain differences in cattle performance. The response to feeding high-lysine corn to cattle has been variable. Although high-lysine corn supplies more lysine in the diet, lysine flow to the abomasum was not increased. Hybrids selected for increased lysine content have been shown to have faster in vitro rates of starch digestion, suggesting that improvements in animal performance may be related to the indirect selection for improved energy utilization. In one study in which high-oil corn was evaluated, feed conversion was not improved compared with a control corn diet. At the present time additional studies in which other genetic modifications of grain hybrids are evaluated are in progress, but the results have not been published.

Effect of energy source and escape protein on receiving and finishing performance and health of calves.

Two receiving and two finishing trials evaluated energy source and escape protein supplementation for calves. In receiving Trial 1, 398 calves (257 +/- 24 kg BW) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Energy sources were dry-rolled corn (DRC) and wet corn gluten feed (WCGF); each was fed without or with supplemental escape protein (EP). Calves fed WCGF gained slower (P < .05) and consumed less DM (P < .01) than calves fed DRC. Feed efficiency improved (P < .10) with EP supplementation. In finishing Trial 1, 240 calves (305 +/- 21 kg BW) were used. The arrangement of treatments was the same as in receiving Trial 1. Calves fed DRC/WCGF tended (P = .15) to be more efficient and consumed less DM (P < .05) than calves fed DRC. In receiving Trial 2, 315 calves (252 +/- 23 kg BW) were fed diets similar to those fed in receiving Trial 1. Calves fed WCGF consumed less DM (P < .01), gained similarly (P > .15), and were more efficient (P < .10) than calves fed DRC. In finishing Trial 2, 320 calves (298 +/- 23 kg BW) were fed diets containing DRC, DRC/WCGF, high-moisture corn (HMC), HMC/WCGF, and DRC/HMC; each was fed without or with supplemental EP. An energy source x protein supplement interaction was detected for gain (P < .05) and efficiency (P < .01). Results suggest that WCGF has a NEg greater than DRC in receiving diets and a NEg similar to that of DRC but lower than that of HMC in finishing diets.

Effect of wet corn gluten feed, supplemental protein, and tallow on steer finishing performance.

Two trials evaluated the effects of level of wet corn gluten feed (WCGF), type of supplemental protein, and supplemental tallow on steer finishing performance. In Trial 1, WCGF was fed at 0, 25 (two diets), or 50% of the dietary DM replacing dry-rolled corn (DRC), molasses, and a portion of the supplement. The DRC control diet and one 25% WCGF diet were supplemented with a combination of protein sources. The second 25% WCGF diet was supplemented with urea alone. The 50% WCGF diet contained no additional protein supplementation. No differences in DMI (P > .10) were observed. Calves fed 25% WCGF plus a combination of protein sources or 50% WCGF gained faster (P < .10) and more efficiently (P < .10) than calves fed the DRC control. Calves fed 25% WCGF plus urea gained faster (P < .10) and tended (P = .14) to be more efficient than calves fed the DRC control. In Trial 2, WCGF was fed to replace 0 or 50% of the DRC and the molasses-urea supplement (DM basis). Both diets were fed with or without 3% tallow. Steers fed WCGF gained faster (P < .01) and more efficiently (P < .01) than steers fed DRC. Inclusion of 3% tallow increased gain (P < .05) and improved efficiency (P < .05). Feed efficiency is improved by the addition of WCGF or tallow to DRC finishing diets.

Effect of degradable intake protein level on finishing cattle performance and ruminal metabolism.

Two finishing trials and a metabolism trial were conducted to evaluate level of supplemental degradable intake (crude) protein (DIP) in finishing diets on cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal metabolism. Finishing trials were conducted in two consecutive years using 128 crossbred yearling steers (BW = 343+/-5 kg, Trial 1) and 176 crossbred yearling steers (BW = 375+/-4 kg, Trial 2) in a randomized complete block design. Steers were fed dry-rolled corn diets containing urea at 0, .88, 1.34, or 1.96% (DM basis). No differences in DMI, daily gain, or feed efficiency were noted among steers receiving diets containing supplemental urea. However, steers fed diets supplemented with urea were 5.4% more efficient (P < .01) and gained 6.6% faster (P < .01) than steers receiving no supplemental urea. Metabolizable protein (MP) content of all diets exceeded the steers' requirements. However, diets containing no urea were deficient in DIP. In the metabolism trial, four ruminally fistulated steers (BW = 380+/-22 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design and fed (ad libitum) diets similar to those used in the finishing trials. Nitrogen intake and ruminal ammonia N concentration increased linearly (P < .05) with increasing level of urea supplementation. Diets containing no supplemental urea were calculated to be deficient in DIP, resulting in reduced bacterial synthesis. Results indicate that dry-rolled corn finishing diets containing no supplemental N are deficient in ruminally degradable N. Supplementing these diets with an inexpensive source of ruminally degradable N improved animal performance. However, supplementation with urea above .88% was not beneficial.

Evaluation of wet distillers composite for finishing ruminants.

Two trials evaluated the effect of a composite of feed ingredients formulated to be similar in nutrient composition to wet distillers byproducts on finishing performance of sheep and cattle. Trial 1 used 60 crossbred lambs (31 kg) assigned to one of four treatments: dry-rolled corn (DRC) control, dried distillers grains plus solubles, wet corn gluten feed (WCGF), and wet distillers grains composite (COMP1). The COMP1 consisted (DM basis) of 47.5 WCGF, 11.9% condensed distillers solubles, 30.5% corn gluten meal, 9.7% tallow, and .4% dicalcium phosphate and was fed at 40% of the diet DM. Lambs fed the COMP1 diet were 27% more efficient (P < .10) than lambs fed WCGF and 12% more efficient (P > .10) than lambs fed DRC. In Trial 2, 60 yearling crossbred steers (272 kg) were assigned to one of five treatments: DRC control, WCGF, wet distillers grains composite (COMP2), COMP2 minus tallow (-FAT), or COMP2 minus corn gluten meal (-CGM). the COMP2 consisted (DM basis) of 65.7% WCGF, 26.3% corn gluten meal, and 8.0% tallow and was fed at 40% of the diet DM. Steers fed COMP2 were more efficient (P < .10) than steers fed DRC or WCGF, and the steers fed -FAT and -CGM were intermediate to these three dietary treatments. A composite diet of WCGF, condensed distillers solubles, corn gluten meal, and tallow, formulated to be similar in nutrient composition to wet distillers byproducts, may improve feed efficiency compared with WCGF or DRC.

Evaluation of corn and sorghum distillers byproducts.

Two trials were conducted to determine the feeding value of sorghum distillers byproducts. Trial 1, a finishing trial, used 160 yearling steers (327 kg). Treatments consisted of dry-rolled corn (DRC) control, sorghum wet distillers grains (SWDG), sorghum wet distillers grains plus solubles (SWDGS), and sorghum dried distillers grain plus solubles (SDDGS). Distillers byproducts were fed at 40% of the diet DM. Cattle fed diets containing SWDG, SWDGS, or DRC were similar in efficiency of gain (P > .10); cattle fed SDDGS were less efficient (P < .10) than all other treatments. Sorghum wet distillers grains, SWDGS, and SDDGS contained 96, 102, and 80% relative NEg of corn, respectively. In Trial 2, 16 crossbred lambs (55 kg) were used to determine the digestibility of sorghum and corn distillers byproducts. Byproducts were fed at 80% of the diet DM and treatments consisted of corn wet distillers grains (CWDG), corn dried distillers grains plus solubles (CDDGS), SWDG, and SDDGS. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was not different among treatments (P > .10). Corn wet distillers grains were higher in true nitrogen (P < .001), apparent nitrogen (P < .01), and organic matter digestibility (P < .05) than SWDG. Wet distillers byproducts were higher (P < .01) in apparent organic matter and nitrogen digestibility than dried distillers byproducts. Digestibility of distillers byproducts and subsequent energy values are influenced by type of grain used in the fermentation process and drying of the finished byproduct.

Use of expected progeny differences for marbling in beef: I. Production traits.

Six Angus bulls with HIGH ( > .4) and six bulls with LOW ( < -.16) expected progeny differences (EPD) for marbling were used to evaluate the impact of marbling on progeny production and carcass traits. Bulls were randomly bred to MARC II (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Simmental, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Gelbvieh) composite cows in each of 2 yr to calve in the spring. At weaning, steers and heifers were separated and managed in different production systems. Steers (n = 131) were fed a growing diet (1.1 Mcal of NEg/kg) for 48 d followed by adaptation to a 93% concentrate finishing diet. Heifers (n = 125) were fed a growing diet (.79 Mcal of NEg/kg) for 191 d followed by adaptation to the same 93% concentrate diet. Steers and heifers from each treatment were slaughtered at two times spaced about 60 d apart within both years. Marbling EPD class had no effect on fat thickness, USDA yield grade, carcass weight, finishing daily gain, finishing DMI, or finishing efficiency (P > .18). More (P < .05) carcasses of calves from sires with HIGH EPD for marbling graded USDA Choice than from LOW EPD sires, 74% vs 47%, respectively. Angus sires can be selected to produce progeny that have increased ability to grade Choice without increasing yield grade or decreasing animal growth or feed efficiency.

Use of expected progeny differences for marbling in beef: II. Carcass and palatability traits.

A 2-yr study was conducted to determine the effect of EPD for marbling on marbling score, palatability traits, and carcass fatness in beef. Steer (n = 122) and heifer (n = 123) carcasses were obtained by mating Angus bulls having a high ( > .4) or low ( < -.16) EPD for marbling to MARC II cows (1/4 Angus, 1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Simmental, and 1/4 Gelbvieh). Carcass traits, composition of primals, quarters, and sides, palatability, and shear force data were obtained and adjusted to the mean number of days on feed, equal marbling score (Small50), fat thickness (1.0 cm), and carcass weight (318 kg) end points. Steer carcasses from the high marbling EPD group, adjusted to the mean number of days on feed, had significantly more marbling (P < .01) and less subcutaneous fat in the side and the hindquarter (P < .10) than their low marbling EPD counterparts. Adjusting steers to Small50 marbling produced smaller longissimus muscle area (by 5 cm2), less fat thickness (1.15 vs 1.28 cm), and lighter side weights (306 vs 333 kg) for high marbling vs low marbling EPD groups, indicating a faster rate of marbling deposition. Similar relationships of a greater magnitude were found for heifers, perhaps because the heifers were older than the steers at slaughter. No differences in taste panel ratings or shear force values were noted among steer carcasses. Heifer carcasses from the high marbling EPD group had better (P < .05) ratings for juiciness, muscle fiber tenderness, and overall tenderness than the low marbling EPD group heifers. These results indicate that it is possible, using existing genetic resources, to maintain marbling score and decrease fat in other depots of the carcass without compromising palatability.