Body temperature and respiratory dynamics in un-shaded beef cattle.

In this study body temperature (BT, °C) and panting score (PS, 0-4.5; where 0 = no panting/no stress and 4.5 = catastrophic stress) data were obtained from 30 Angus steers housed outside over 120 days Steers were implanted with a BT transmitter on day -31, BT was recorded at 30-min intervals to a data logger and downloaded each day to a database. The cattle were housed in ten outdoor un-shaded pens with an earthen floor, eight of which had a pen floor area of 144 m2 (three transmitter steers plus five non-transmitter steers; 18 m2/steer) and two had an area of 168 m2 (three transmitter steers and six non-transmitter steers; 18.7 m2/steer). Only data from the transmitter steers were used in this study. The PS of the steers was obtained daily (± 15 min) at 0600 hours (AM), 1200 hours (MD) and 1600 hours (PM). At the same times climate variables (ambient temperature, black globe temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, wind speed and rainfall) were obtained from an on-site weather station. PS observations were made from outside the pens so as not to influence cattle responses. The two closest BT values to the time when PS was obtained were downloaded retrospectively from a logger and averaged. A total of 8,352 observations were used to generate second order polynomial response curves: (AM) y = 39.08 + 0.009 x + 0.137x2 (R2 = 0.94; P < 0.001) (MD) y = 39.09 + 0.914x − 0.080x2 (R2 = 0.89; P < 0.001) and (PM) y = 39.52 + 0.790x − 0.068x2 (R2 = 0.83; P < 0.001) where y = BT (°C) and x PS. These data suggest that PS is a good indicator of body temperature. The BT at MD corresponded to slightly lower PS compared with PM, e.g., for PS 1; BT at MD = 39.1 ± 0.05 °C whereas BT at PM = 39.5 ± 0.05 °C. However during AM, BT was lower (P < 0.05) at PS 1, 2 and 2.5 compared with MD and PM. For example, when PS was 2.5 the BT at AM was 40.2 ± 0.04 °C, at MD it was 40.9 ± 0.04 °C and at PM BT was 41.1 ± 0.04 °C. When PS was 0 the BT at AM and MD were similar. The AM response curve suggests animals attempt to increase heat dissipation during the cooler AM period relative to MD and PM. Morning observation of cattle (before feeding) are crucial for effective heat load management especially on days when high heat load is expected. The MD and PM observations provide a good indication of the impact of high environmental heat load on cattle. Differences in PS between AM and PM observations suggest that more research is needed to determine the effect of night time conditions on BT, PS and overall respiratory dynamics of cattle during periods of hot weather.

Tympanic temperature in confined beef cattle exposed to excessive heat load.

Angus crossbred yearling steers (n = 168) were used to evaluate effects on performance and tympanic temperature (TT) of feeding additional potassium and sodium to steers exposed to excessive heat load (maximum daily ambient temperature exceeded 32°C for three consecutive days) during seasonal summer conditions. Steers were assigned one of four treatments: (1) control; (2) potassium supplemented (diet containing 2.10% KHCO3); (3) sodium supplemented (diet containing 1.10% NaCl); or (4) potassium and sodium supplemented (diet containing 2.10% KHCO3 and 1.10% NaCl). Overall, additional KHCO3 at the 2% level or NaCl at the 1% level did not improve performance or heat stress tolerance with these diet formulations. However, the addition of KHCO3 did enhance water intake. Independent of treatment effects, TT of cattle displaying high, moderate, or low levels of stress suggest that cattle that do not adequately cool down at night are prone to achieving greater body temperatures during a subsequent hot day. Cattle that are prone to get hot but can cool at night can keep average tympanic temperatures at or near those of cattle that tend to consistently maintain lower peak and mean body temperatures. In addition, during cooler and moderately hot periods, cattle change TT in a stair-step or incremental pattern, while under hot conditions, average TT of group-fed cattle moves in conjunction with ambient conditions, indicating that thermoregulatory mechanisms are at or near maximum physiological capacity.

Assessing the heat tolerance of 17 beef cattle genotypes.

Cattle production plays a significant role in terms of world food production. Nearly 82% of the world's 1.2 billion cattle can be found in developing countries. An increasing demand for meat in developing countries has seen an increase in intensification of animal industries, and a move to cross-bred animals. Heat tolerance is considered to be one of the most important adaptive aspects for cattle, and the lack of thermally-tolerant breeds is a major constraint on cattle production in many countries. There is a need to not only identify heat tolerant breeds, but also heat tolerant animals within a non-tolerant breed. Identification of heat tolerant animals is not easy under field conditions. In this study, panting score (0 to 4.5 scale where 0 = no stress and 4.5 = extreme stress) and the heat load index (HLI) [HLI(BG<25°C) = 10.66 + 0.28 × rh + 1.30 × BG - WS; and, HLI (BG> 25°C) = 8.62 + 0.38 × rh + 1.55 × BG - 0.5 × WS + e((2.4 - WS)), where BG = black globe temperature ((o)C), rh = relative humidity (decimal form), WS = wind speed (m/s) and e is the base of the natural logarithm] were used to assess the heat tolerance of 17 genotypes (12,757 steers) within 13 Australian feedlots over three summers. The cattle were assessed under natural climatic conditions in which HLI ranged from thermonuetral (HLI < 70) to extreme (HLI > 96; black globe temperature = 40.2°C, relative humidity = 64%, wind speed = 1.58 m/s). When HLI > 96 a greater number (P < 0.001) of pure bred Bos taurus and crosses of Bos taurus cattle had a panting score ≥ 2 compared to Brahman cattle, and Brahman-cross cattle. The heat tolerance of the assessed breeds was verified using panting scores and the HLI. Heat tolerance of cattle can be assessed under field conditions by using panting score and HLI.

Performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed with two levels of metabolizable energy intake during summer and winter season.

Climate change is producing an increase on extreme weather events around the world such as flooding, drought and extreme ambient temperatures impacting animal production and animal welfare. At present, there is a lack of studies addressing the effects of climatic conditions associated with energy intake in finishing cattle in South American feed yards. Therefore, two experiments were conducted to assess the effects of environmental variables and level of metabolizable energy intake above maintenance requirements (MEI) on performance and carcass quality of steers. In each experiment (winter and summer), steers were fed with 1.85 or 2.72 times of their requirements of metabolizable energy of maintenance. A total of 24 crossbred steers per experiment were used and located in four pens (26.25 m2/head) equipped with a Calan Broadbent Feeding System. Animals were fed with the same diet within each season, varying the amount offered to adjust the MEI treatments. Mud depth, mud scores, tympanic temperature (TT), environmental variables, average daily gain, respiration rates and carcass characteristics plus three thermal comfort indices were collected. Data analysis considered a factorial arrangement (Season and MEI). In addition, a repeated measures analysis was performed for TT and respiration rate. Mean values of ambient temperature, solar radiation and comfort thermal indices were greater in the summer experiment as expected (P<0.005). The mean values of TT were higher in steers fed with higher MEI and also in the summer season. The average daily gain was greater during summer v. winter (1.10±0.11 v. 0.36±0.06) kg/day, also when steers were fed 2.72 v. 1.85 MEI level (0.89±0.12 v. 0.57±0.10) kg/day. In summer, respiration rate increased in 41.2% in the afternoon. In winter, muddy conditions increased with time of feeding, whereas wind speed and rainfall had significant effects on TT and average daily gain. We conclude that MEI and environmental variables have direct effects on the physiology and performance of steers, including TT and average daily gain, particularly during the winter. In addition, carcass characteristics were affected by season but not by the level of MEI. Finally, due to the high variability of data as well as the small number of animals assessed in these experiments, more studies on carcass characteristics under similar conditions are required.

Effect of implant sequence and dose on feedlot cattle performance.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of delayed implanting or the use of a low-dose implant followed by a higher-dose implant in feedlot cattle. In the first study, 150 steers were allotted to 15 pens (three pens/treatment) and assigned to a nonimplant treatment (control), a single zeranol (36 mg) implant (R), or a double zeranol implant (DR) administered at the start of a 140-d finishing period, or a single zeranol implant administered at the start of an 80-d growing period, followed by a single (RR) or double (RDR) zeranol implant administered at the start of the finishing period. Steers managed under the DR, RR, and RDR implant schemes had greater (P < .10) finishing period gains and intakes than the control steer group. However, only DR and RDR steer groups had improved (P < .10) finishing period feed conversions compared with control steers. In combined growing and finishing periods, the RDR steer group displayed the lowest (P = .12) feed:gain ratio. In a second trial, conducted concurrently to the zeranol trial, steers that did not receive an initial implant containing 20 mg of estradiol benzoate plus 200 mg of progesterone (S) but were subsequently implanted twice, once at the start of the finishing period and again 80 d later, had a lower (P < .11) finishing period feed:gain ratio (6.08 vs 6.51) than steers implanted all three times.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of feeding Sarsaponin in cattle and swine diets.

In four trials, steer calves were received in the feedlot, processed and fed diets supplemented with soybean meal (SBM), 1% urea (UR) or 1% urea plus sarsaponin (S) over a 28-d period. In trials 1 and 2, the feeding period was extended to approximately 62 d, in which steers were fed a common (SBM) diet the last 34 d. In trials 3 and 4, a SBM plus S diet treatment was included. During the first 28 d (four trial summary) daily gains of steers fed urea plus S (.74 kg) were intermediate to and significantly different from gains of steers fed SBM (.84 kg) or UR (.66 kg) diets. However, at the end of the 62-d feeding period (two trial summary) daily gains, feed intakes and feed efficiency did not differ (P greater than .05) among treatments. No significant improvements in performance were found in steers fed SBM diets supplemented with S. In swine trials, pigs were fed diets containing no additive, 63 mg S X kg-1, 55 mg chlortetracycline (C) X kg-1 or S plus C in a grower-finisher (GF) and grower (G) trial. In the GF trial, overall efficiency of feed conversion was improved (P less than .05) by feeding S or S plus C. In the G trial, daily gains and intakes were greatest for pigs fed S plus C and differed (P less than .1) from those of pigs fed S or C in the diet. Compared with feeding S or C alone, gain and intake of growing pigs were stimulated to a greater extent when S was fed in combination with C. Feeding S with or without C improved efficiency of feed conversion in finishing pigs.

Effect of management strategies on reducing heat stress of feedlot cattle: feed and water intake.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate management strategies designed to decrease heat stress of cattle finished during the summer. In Exp. 1, 144 Angus crossbred yearling steers were assigned to three treatments: 1) ad libitum access to feed at 0800 (ADLIB); 2) fed at 1600 with feed amount adjusted so that no feed was available at 0800 (BKMGT); and 3) fed at 1600 at 85% of predicted ad libitum levels (LIMFD). Treatments were imposed for 23 d of an 82-d study, after which all steers were fed ad libitum at 0800. Treatment did not affect (P > 0.10) overall DMI, although ADLIB cattle tended to consume less feed. Overall water intake was decreased (P < 0.05) by 6.8 L x animal(-1) x d(-1) for LIMFD vs. ADLIB steers. In Exp. 2, 96 Angus crossbred yearling steers were assigned to three treatments: 1) control, no water application; 2) water applied to the pen surfaces between 1000 and 1200 (AM); and 3) water applied to pen surfaces between 1400 and 1600 (PM). Water intake and DMI did not differ among treatments; however, feed efficiency of AM steers was superior (P = 0.06) to that of PM steers. Conversely, marbling scores of PM steers were higher (P = 0.06) than those of AM steers. In Exp. 3, 192 crossbred steers were used to determine the effects of feeding time (0800 [AMF] vs. 1400 [PMF]), with (WET) and without (DRY) sprinkling (20 min every 1.5 h between 1000 and 1750). Feed DMI did not differ among treatments; however, water intake and marbling scores were highest (P < 0.05) for AMF/DRY steers. During these experiments, bunk scores (0 = <10% of feed delivered remaining; 1 = 10 to 50% of feed remaining; 2 = >50% of feed remaining) were assigned to each pen at various times during the day. In Exp. 1, bunk scores of BKMGT pens remained similar (P > 0.20) under varying environmental conditions, whereas LIMFD steers had lower scores (P < 0.05) as days on feed increased, even under hot environmental conditions. In Exp. 3, bunk scores of PMF/WET steers tended to be lower (P < 0.10) at 1700 and 2000 compared with PMF/ DRY pens under mild heat stress but not under severe heat stress. Alternative feeding regimens and sprinkling can alter the feed intake pattern of steers. Heat stress management strategies imposed in these experiments had minimal effects on cattle performance. Such strategies would be most useful for decreasing the susceptibility of cattle to hyperthermia and reducing related feedlot cattle deaths without adversely affecting performance.

Effects of growth-promoting agents and season on yearling feedlot heifer performance.

Angus x crossbred heifers (270 per trial) were used in an experiment conducted over one 105-d summer and one 104-d winter feeding period. Treatments were identical for each trial and included: 1) control, 2) estrogenic implant (E), 3) trenbolone acetate implant (TBA), 4) E + TBA (ET), 5) melengestrol acetate (MGA) in the feed, and 6) ET + MGA (ETM). Each treatment was replicated in five pens, with nine heifers per pen in each season. Initial weights (mean = 384 kg, SE = 57) were the same for each season. There were no treatment x season interactions for final BW, ADG, G:F, water intake, or carcass characteristics. Heifers receiving a growth-promoting agent were 11.6 kg (SE = 4.08) heavier and gained 0.108 kg/d (SE = 0.04) more (P < 0.05) than control heifers. Heifers receiving ET gained 0.09 kg/d (SE = 0.032) more (P = 0.05) than heifers not receiving ET. Heifers receiving ET (with and without MGA) had greater G:F (P < 0.05) than control, E, and TBA heifers. Carcass weights of ET-treated heifers were greater (P < 0.05) than carcass weights for unimplanted heifers, those fed MGA only, and heifers receiving either E or TBA implants. Marbling scores were increased (P < 0.05) by feeding MGA to ET-treated heifers. Water intake was greater (P < 0.01) in the summer (31 L/d) than in the winter (18 L/ d), with no difference among implant treatments. Heifers fed in the winter had heavier carcasses, less 12th-rib fat, greater marbling scores, larger LM area, and a greater incidence of liver abscesses than heifers finished in the summer (P < 0.01). A treatment x season interaction (P = 0.07) was evident for DMI during the 35-d coldest and hottest portions of the year. Heifers fed MGA and implanted with ET tended (P = 0.07) to have greater DMI in the summer but lesser DMI in the winter. In general, differences among growth-promotant programs were relatively similar over the entire summer and in winter.

Growth-promoting systems for heifer calves and yearlings finished in the feedlot.

In a 172-d finishing trial (Exp. 1), 210 recently weaned crossbred heifers were allotted to six growth promotant treatment groups, involving implanting initially with Synovex-C (C) or H (H) followed by reimplanting with Finaplix-H (F) or H and F. Melengestrol acetate (MGA) was provided in the diet to four of the treatment groups. Heifers fed MGA and administered only F as the terminal implant had the greatest (P = .01) number of mature ovaries with follicles but also had lower (P = .01) gain/DMI. In a 182-d finishing study (Exp. 2), 270 recently weaned crossbred heifers were allotted to the following six implant (d 0)/ reimplant (d 70) groups using no implant (N), Ralgro (R) or H: N/R, R/H, R/R, N/R, H/H and R/R for Treatments 1 through 6, respectively. On d 70, all heifers were implanted with F. Heifers were fed MGA from d 70 to 182 (Treatments 1, 2, and 3) or for the entire trial (Treatments 4, 5, and 6). Implanting on d 0 increased (P < .05) overall ADG. Differences (P > .05) in performance were not found between MGA treatment groups. Using an H implant/reimplant regimen decreased (P = .01) ovarian and(or) follicular development when compared with an R implant/reimplant regimen. In a 126-d finishing trial (Exp. 3), 360 crossbred yearling heifers were used to evaluate F and estrogen (Implus-H) implants when used in combination with an MGA feeding program. Heifers receiving only F in combination with MGA had greater (P < .05) ADG, whereas all heifers fed MGA had greater (P < .05) gain/DMI than heifers not fed MGA. These data suggest that feeding MGA was not beneficial for young heifers, particularly if they are provided an initial estrogenic implant followed by a second implant. In older (yearling) heifers, increased gains and gain/DMI were obtained by feeding MGA and implanting initially or 56 d later with F.

Wind protection effects and airflow patterns in outside feedlots.

Steers were finished in three different sets of outside lots: 1) pens with overhead shelter on the north side; 2) pens south and southeast of a shelterbelt; and 3) pens with no shelter or windbreak. In trials conducted over a 3-yr period with predominantly British and British x Continental crossbred yearlings, performance improvements due to providing shelter or wind protection in the winter were not detected; however, in the summer, providing wind protection or shelter resulted in decreased (P < .10) cattle gains. Cattle fed in the unprotected area had greater (P < .05) fat thickness in the winter and greater marbling scores in the winter (P < .05) and autumn (P < .10) than cattle fed in protected areas. When averaged across facilities, season effects were detected for DMI (autumn > summer > winter > spring; P < .05). Feed:gain ratios followed a similar trend among seasons (summer and autumn > winter > spring P < .05). As a percentage of BW, winter (2.21), spring (2.19), and summer (2.18) DMI were less (P < .05) than autumn (2.35) DMI. Wind velocity data indicated that greater air flows tends to be found on mounds and less at the feedbunk in pens protected by shelterbelts. In unprotected, unsheltered pens, the greater airflow tends to be at the highest point in the pen (bunks and mounds). In Nebraska, benefits realized from feeding cattle in sheltered or protected areas under average or slightly milder than average winter weather conditions may be offset by lower performance experienced by cattle fed in those same areas in the summer. In addition, fat deposition seems to be enhanced in cattle exposed to moderate cold stress.

Roughage sources in beef cattle finishing diets.

In four feeding trials with beef steers, corn silage (CS), alfalfa hay (AH), and alfalfa silage (AS) were compared as roughage sources in dry-rolled (DRC); dry whole (DWC); ground, high-moisture (GHMC); and whole, high-moisture corn (WHMC) fattening diets. In processed corn diets (DRC and GHMC), steers fed CS had lower DMI (P less than .05) and feed:gain ratios (P less than .10) than steers fed AS as the roughage source. In a separate trial, greater gains (P less than .10) and lower feed:gain ratios (P less than .05) were found during the initial feeding period, which included the adaptation phase, for steers fed CS vs steers fed AH as the roughage source. Over the entire feeding period, lower (corn type x roughage source interaction, P less than .05) feed:gain ratios were found in GHMC diets when CS was fed as the roughage source; feed:gain ratios were similar in steers fed DRC diets containing either CS or AH. Over the entire feeding period, similar performance was found among steers fed the various roughage sources in DWC diets; however, with WHMC diets, steers fed AS as the roughage source had lower feed:gain ratios than did steers fed AH (P less than .05) or CS (P greater than .10). In the processed corn diets, high correlations were found between diet NDF digestibility and gain (r = .80), intake (r = .68), and feed:gain ratios (r = -.66); similar trends were found in WHMC diets but not in DWC diets. These results suggest that the ideal roughage source to complement finishing diets may depend on corn processing method and feeding period (adaptation vs finishing).

Feeding strategies for managing heat load in feedlot cattle.

Eighty-four Bos taurus crossbred steers were used to investigate effects of level and duration of limit-feeding feedlot cattle in a hot environment. Pens (four/treatment) of steers (seven/pen) were fed feedlot finishing diets and randomly assigned to the following treatments: 1) restricted to approximately 75% of feed consumed when offered ad libitum for 21-d duration (RES21); 2) restricted to approximately 75% of ad libitum for 42-d duration (RES42); and 3) feed offered ad libitum (ADLIB). Tympanic temperatures (TT) were measured via thermistors placed in the ear canal and attached to data loggers. Restricting feed intake for both 21- and 42-d reduced tympanic temperature when compared with ADLIB treatment groups under hot environmental conditions. Temperature reductions exceeded 0.5 degrees C (P < 0.05) depending on time of day. The reduced tympanic temperature is likely due to a reduction in metabolic heat load and/or a concurrent reduction in metabolic rate. Within respective periods, no differences (P > 0.05) were found among treatments for panting or bunching score. However, different proportions of cattle were found to be bunching and panting with ADLIB cattle displaying a greater number of bunched steers that were panting when compared with the other groups. When averaged across diet treatments, dark-colored cattle had the greatest percentage of cattle showing moderate to excessive panting, while light-colored cattle displayed the least panting under thermoneutral climatic conditions. Under hot (mean daily temperature-humidity index >74) conditions, dark-colored cattle tended to bunch more (P = 0.073) and pant more (P < 0.01) than light-colored cattle. Mean TT were 0.2 to 0.6 degrees C (P < 0.05) greater for dark- vs light-colored cattle under hot conditions. Limit-feeding feedlot cattle during early summer is a successful tool for enhancing animal comfort by alleviating the combined effects of high climatic and metabolic heat load.

Effect of monensin or ruminal fermentation, forage intake and weight gains of wheat pasture stocker cattle.

The effects of monensin or ruminal fermentation, forage intake and weight gains of stocker cattle grazed on wheat pasture were studied. In the first of two ruminal fermentation studies, ruminal fluid pH was increased and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations at 4 (p less than .01) and 24 hr postfeeding were decreased in steers fed 200 mg monensin/day. However, no such changes in ruminal fluid pH and total VFA concentrations in monensin-fed steers were observed in trial 2. The ruminal fluid acetic to propionic acid ratio of steers that received monensin was decreased (P less than 0.5) by about 40 and 20% of trials 1 and 2, respectively. Results of two forage intake trials, in which steers received 0 or 200 mg monensin daily, were not consistent, precluding conclusions about the effect of monensin, per se, on stocking rate adjustments when the additive is used in wheat pasture stocker programs. In each of two growth trials, conducted over 2 years, about 125 heifers per year were divided into three groups: one group grazed wheat pasture and received no supplement, and the other two grazed wheat pasture and were fed a pelleted supplement that contained 0 or 100 mg monesin. Daily gains of heifers fed monensin were .08 kg greater (p less than .01) than those fed supplement without monensin. The data indicate that monesin does have potential for use in wheat pasture stocker programs.

Type and mixtures of high-moisture corn in beef cattle finishing diets.

In three experiments consisting of three finishing trials each, five corn storage and(or) feeding treatments were evaluated: 1) dry whole (DWC); 2) whole high-moisture (WHMC); 3) mixture (MHMC) of ground (GHMC) or rolled (RHMC) high-moisture corn with WHMC; 4) GHMC stored in a bunker silo; and 5) RHMC, corn stored whole but fed in rolled form. In Exp. 1, gains and feed intakes of steers fed whole corn (DWC vs WHMC) were similar. Steers fed GHMC and RHMC had lower (P less than .05) gains and intakes than steers fed whole corn. However, feed to gain ratios were 9% better (P less than .10) for steers fed RHMC than for steers fed GHMC. In Exp. 1 and 2, gains of steers fed MHMC were intermediate to gains of steers fed whole (DWC and WHMC) or processed corn (GHMC and RHMC). Feed to gain ratios of steers fed whole or processed corn were similar to feed to gain ratios of steers fed MHMC. In Exp. 3, steers fed 28.6% moisture GHMC had lower (P less than .05) intakes and feed to gain ratios than steers fed 22.5% moisture GHMC. Intakes and feed to gain ratios decreased 1.2 and 1.4%, respectively, for each 1% increase in corn moisture. Data are interpreted to mean that the relative effect of corn moisture content on cattle performance depends on form of corn fed; positive associative effects of MHMC are negligible, but RHMC has a greater feed value than GHMC.

Shade and wind barrier effects on summertime feedlot cattle performance.

In each of three summertime trials conducted over consecutive years, approximately 110 predominantly black and black-white-face steers were blocked by weight and randomly allotted to one of 16 pens in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors consisted of cattle being fed in facilities with or without wind barriers and with or without shade. Steers were fed dry-rolled corn-based diets (1.43 Mcal/ kg, NEg). Mean starting date and days on feed were June 26 and 79, respectively. In unshaded areas, temperature and humidity averaged 21.6 degrees C and 77.9%, and the blackglobe-humidity index (BGHI) at 1500 averaged between 84.0 and 89.1. Each of four 6.1-x6.1-m structures (mean height = 3.4 m) with white steel roofs provided shade (2.65 m2/steer) for two pens. In facilities with wind barriers provided, airflow was reduced from the north and northwest by a 25-m-wide shelterbelt containing six rows of trees. For cattle fed in pens with wind barriers, shade increased (P<.05) gain from 0 to 56 d and decreased (P<.05) DMI/ADG from 0 to 28 d. Differences (P<.05) in performance were not found between shaded and unshaded cattle in any portion of the feeding period for cattle fed in the pens without wind barriers and over the entire feeding period in either type of facility. The shade response in pens with wind barriers seemed to be greater the 1st yr than in subsequent years. Differences in weather patterns among years, especially air temperature, humidity, and solar radiation, may partially explain this interaction. Also, in yr 1, cattle tended to have greater fat thickness at finish than in yr 2 and 3. Correlations between BGHI and DMI tended to be greater during the early portion of the trial (0 to 28 d) than over the entire trial. Correlations between the difference in BGHI under shade vs no shade and percentage of shade use had the greatest magnitude and were significant only in the first 28 d vs over the entire feeding period. Although no heat-related cattle deaths occurred in this study, results suggest that shade improves cattle performance in the summer when they are fed in facilities with winter wind protection available and have not become acclimated to hot conditions. Once cattle are acclimated or hot conditions subside, compensation by unshaded cattle offsets much of the initial benefits of providing shade.

Heat tolerance of Boran and Tuli crossbred steers.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the heat tolerance of the following breeds: Hereford (H), Brahman (B), H x B, H x Boran (H x Bo), and H x Tuli (H x T). Heat tolerance was evaluated in a climatically controlled room (Exp. 1) and under summer environmental conditions (Exp. 2) by comparing rectal temperatures (RT), respiration rates (RR), and sweating rates (SW). In Exp. 1, under extremely hot conditions (mean temperature-humidity index [THI] > 90), purebred B had significantly (P < .05) lower RT and RR than other genotypes, which may be indicative of greater surface area per mass to dissipate heat and a lower metabolic rate than other genotypes. Boran and Tuli crosses had RT (39.5 degrees C) that were intermediate to those of B (39.0 degrees C) and H x B (40.0 degrees C). The H genotype had the greatest RT at 40.3 degrees C. Among the breeds, trends in RR were similar to RR observed at THI < 77; B had the lowest RR, and H x B were intermediate. However, in these extreme conditions, RR did not differ among the purebred H and the Boran and Tuli crossbred steers, but H x B steers had lower RR than the other H crossbred steers. Sweating rates were significantly greater for the Bos indicus x Bos taurus crosses (H x B and H x Bo) than for the purebred genotypes (H and B) and the Bos taurus cross (H x T). In Exp. 2, mean RT for B, H x B, H x Bo, and H x T were very similar to those recorded under the moderate heat stress conditions found in Exp. 1. There were no differences in RT among B, H x Bo, and H x T genotypes. The RR increased over time for H only, and RR for other genotypes tended to be elevated only slightly over time. Among genotypes, SW was significantly greater for the H x Bo steers. The ability of the Bos indicus crosses to dissipate heat through enhanced SW and associated evaporative cooling was evident. However, the heat-tolerant nature of the Bos taurus cross (H x T) was not evident through enhanced RR or SW in either experiment. Compared with other genotypes, the lower RR of B steers was clearly evident and is assumed to be due to greater surface area and other skin characteristics that allow them to dissipate heat to maintain lower RT. These data suggest that the H x Bo and H x T are similar to H x B and intermediate to H and B genotypes in maintaining homeostasis when exposed to a high heat load.

Effect of sequential implanting with Synovex on steer and heifer performance.

Studies were conducted using 72 (Exp. 1) and 248 (Exp. 2) steer and heifer calves from 1 to 2 mo of age through slaughter to determine whether preweaning implants affect postweaning feed conversion of cattle that are rapidly grown and(or) finished in the feedlot. In Exp. 1, treatments were three Synovex (S) implants administered 0, 70, and 140 d postweaning (NSSS) or Synovex-C (C) administered preweaning and three implants administered postweaning (CSSS). In Exp. 2, treatments were no implants (NNNN), implants administered 0, 74, and 148 d postweaning to calves that had either received no preweaning implant (NSSS), or C (CSSS), and CSSS plus trenbolone acetate (TBA) administered with the last S implant (CSSS-TBA). Synovex-S or -H implants were administered postweaning to steers and heifers, respectively. Steer and heifer calves implanted with C in the preweaning phase were 9.0 and 13.0 kg (Exp. 1) and 7.5 and 15.0 kg (Exp. 2) heavier (P < .10), respectively, at weaning than nonimplanted steer and heifer calves. In Exp. 1, preweaning implant had no affect on postweaning performance or quality grade. In Exp. 2, preweaning implants (NSSS vs CSSS) decreased (P < .10) steer postweaning gains, whereas postweaning implants (NSSS vs NNNN) increased (P < .10) DM intake; however, feed:gain ratio was not affected by implant strategy. Heifers in Exp. 2 that received implants had greater postweaning (P < .10) DM intakes and daily gains than heifers not receiving implants (NNNN); however, feed:gain ratios among treatment groups were unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Strategies to reduce feedlot cattle heat stress: effects on tympanic temperature.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different management strategies on body temperature of feedlot steers finished in the summer months. In Exp. 1, 24 crossbred steers were chosen to assess the effect of altered feed intake and feeding time on tympanic temperature (TT) response. Managed feeding (MF) treatments were applied for 22 d only and provided 1) ad libitum access to feed at 0800 (ADLIB), 2) feed at 1600 with amount adjusted so that no feed was available at 0800 (BKMGT), 3) feed at 1600 at 85% of predicted ad libitum levels (LIMFD). During heat stress conditions on d 20 to 22 of MF, LIMFD and BKMGT had lower (P < 0.05) TT than ADLIB from 2100 through 2400. A carryover effect of limit-feeding was evident during a severe heat episode (d 36 to 38) with LIMFD steers having lower (P < 0.05) TT than ADLIB. In Exp. 2, TT were obtained from 24 crossbred steers assigned to three treatments, consisting of no water application (CON), water applied to feedlot mound surfaces from 1000 to 1200 (AM) or 1400 to 1600 (PM). From 2200 to 0900 and 1200 to 1400, steers assigned to morning sprinkling treatment had lower (P < 0.05) TT than steers assigned to afternoon sprinkling treatment. In Exp. 3, 24 steers were utilized in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with factors of feeding time [0800 (AMF) and 1400 (PMF)] and sprinkling (WET and DRY). Tympanic temperatures were monitored under hot environmental conditions on d 30 to 32 and 61 to 62. A feeding time x sprinkling interaction (P < 0.001) was evident on d 30 to 32, although AMF/DRY steers had the highest (P < 0.05) TT. On d 61 to 62, TT of PMF steers was higher (P < 0.05) than AMF between 1500 to 1800. Use of sprinklers can effectively reduce TT of feedlot cattle, whereas shifting to an afternoon vs morning feeding time was most beneficial when bunks were empty several hours prior to feeding.

Effect of pre- and postweaning zeranol implant on steer calf performance.

One hundred ninety-five steer calves were assigned to five zeranol implant treatment (trial 1). Treatments were no implants (0000), two implants during the finishing period (00XX), three implants during growing and finishing periods (0XXX), one implant at 1 to 2 mo of age during the suckling period and two during the finishing period (X0XX) or four implants (XXXX). The growing period implant was administered at weaning. Weaning weights (211 vs 208 kg) of implanted and nonimplanted suckling calves were not different (P greater than .05). Calves implanted at weaning, before shipment to the feedlot, had greater (P less than .05) weight loss in shipment than nonimplanted calves. In the feedlot, finishing-period daily gains of steers implanted in the growing and finishing period (0XXX) were greater (P less than .05) than gains of steers that had received a suckling period implant (X0XX and XXXX). Nonimplanted steer gains were less (P less than .05) than gains of steers from the other four treatment groups. Postweaning daily gains and final weights were 1.18 and 517 (0000), 1.26 and 533 (00XX), 1.32 and 551 (0XXX), 1.26 and 540 (X0XX) and 1.25 and 533 kg (XXXX), respectively. Gains and final weights of nonimplanted steers were less (P less than .05) than gains of steers implanted only in the feedlot growing and finishing periods (0XXX). In a second trial, 82 steers were assigned either to a 0XXX or XXXX implant scheme. Weaning weights were 11 kg greater (P less than .05) for the implanted steers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Low quality roughages for steers grazing wheat pasture. I. Effect on weight gains and bloat.

The effect of feeding low quality roughages (LQR) on live and carcass weight gains and the incidence and severity of bloat of stocker cattle grazed on wheat pasture was evaluated in a 3 yr study. One hundred eighty-five steer calves (172 kg mean initial weight) grazed clean-tilled wheat pasture and were either fed no LQR or had ad libitum access to wheat straw (WS) or sorghum-Sudan hay (SS). Grazing periods were (I) fall grazing, (II) winter grazing, (III) period of lush spring growth of wheat forage and (IV) period of advancing forage maturity and declining quality. Mean dry matter (DM), crude protein and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content (percentage of DM) of wheat forage averaged across years ranged, respectively, from 23.8 to 33.0, 19.8 to 26.4 and 21.5 to 27.7. Mean daily consumption (kg DM/head) of WS and SS by steers ranged from .076 to .100 and .199 to .248, respectively. Live and carcass weight gains of steers during Periods I through III (i.e., the usual wheat pasture grazing period) were not influenced (P greater than .05) by treatments. Carcass weight gains were about 74% of live weight gains. Bloat was observed only during the last 2 wk of Period III of the first year. The incidence (steer days of bloat) and severity (bloat score) of control, WS- and SS-fed steers were 9.5 and 1.2, .5 and .5 and 2.0 and 1.0, and were not different (P greater than .05) among treatments. Intake of WS and SS [g/body weight (BW).75kg] during Periods I to III was, respectively, only about 5 and 12% of roughage intakes (i.e., 37.5 g/BW.75kg) reported in the literature to "effectively control" or aid the prevention of bloat. It seems unlikely that LQR consumed to amounts similar to those of this study would control bloat of stocker cattle on wheat pasture.