Effects of zinc supplementation and implant abscess on the immune system and growth performance of growing beef steers.

Seventy-two Angus-cross steers (261 ±â€…14 kg) were utilized to determine the effects of supplemental Zn sulfate on growth, trace mineral status, circulating immune cells, and functional innate immune responses. Steers were stratified by weight and implanted with a Component E-S with Tylan implant (Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) on day 0. Dietary treatments included: control (CON; no supplemental Zn), Zn100 (100 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM), and Zn150 (150 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM). Analyzed dietary concentrations of Zn were 58, 160, and 207 mg Zn/kg DM, respectively. On days 13 and 57, blood from nine steers per treatment was collected for immune analyses (cell phenotyping and response to stimulus). On day 16, implant abscesses were evaluated by palpation and visual appraisal. Sixty percent of steers had abscesses; however, there were no differences in abscess prevalence due to treatment (P = 0.67). Data were analyzed as a split-plot design using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with effects of dietary treatment, abscess, and their interaction. There was a tendency (treatment × abscess; P ≤ 0.09) for steers without abscesses to have greater average daily gain (ADG; treatment × abscess P = 0.06) and gain:feed (G:F; treatment × abscess P = 0.09) from d 14 to 27 in CON and Zn100 while within Zn150 steers without abscesses tended to have lesser ADG and G:F than abscessed steers. There were no other treatment × abscess effects for growth performance, but steers with abscesses tended to have decreased final body weight (P = 0.10) and overall G:F (days 0 to 57; P = 0.08). There was no interaction of treatment and abscess on immune cell populations on days 13 or 58 (treatment × abscess P ≥ 0.11). On day 13, Zn150 steers had increased CD45RO + gamma delta (P = 0.04) T cells. Abscessed steers had increased CD21 + B cells (P = 0.03) and tended to have increased CD21 + (P = 0.07) and CD21 + MHCIIhi (P = 0.07) B cells in circulation. This study shows zinc supplementation and implant abscesses can alter the immune system and growth performance of growing beef steers.

The influence of steroidal implants and manganese sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, hepatic gene expression, hepatic enzyme activity, and circulating metabolites in feedlot steers.

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 359 kg ±â€…13.4) were used to assess the effect of dietary Mn and steroidal implants on performance, trace minerals (TM) status, hepatic enzyme activity, hepatic gene expression, and serum metabolites. Steers (n = 6/pen) were stratified by BW in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (experimental unit = steer; n = 24/treatment). Dietary treatments included (MANG; 8 pens/treatment; Mn as MnSO4): (1) no supplemental Mn (analyzed 14 mg Mn/kg DM; Mn0); (2) 20 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn20); (3) 50 mg supplemental Mn/kg DM (Mn50). Within MANG, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: (1) no implant; NO; or (2) combination implant (Revalor-200; REV). Liver biopsies for TM analysis and qPCR, and blood for serum glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, and urea-N (SUN) analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 77. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block with a factorial arrangement of treatments including fixed effects of Mn treatment (MANG) and implant (IMP) using PROC MIXED of SAS 9.4 using initial BW as a covariate. Liver TM, serum metabolite, enzyme activity, and gene expression data were analyzed as repeated measures. No MANG × IMP effects were noted (P ≥ 0.12) for growth performance or carcass characteristic measures. Dietary Mn did not influence final body weight, overall ADG, or overall G:F (P ≥ 0.14). Liver Mn concentration increased with supplemental Mn concentration (MANG; P = 0.01). An IMP × DAY effect was noted for liver Mn (P = 0.01) where NO and REV were similar on day 0 but NO cattle increased liver Mn from days 0 to 20 while REV liver Mn decreased. Relative expression of MnSOD in the liver was greater in REV (P = 0.02) compared to NO and within a MANG × IMP effect (P = 0.01) REV increased liver MnSOD activity. These data indicate current NASEM Mn recommendations are adequate to meet the demands of finishing beef cattle given a steroidal implant. Despite the roles of Mn in metabolic pathways and antioxidant defense, a basal diet containing 14 mg Mn/kg DM was sufficient for the normal growth of finishing steers. This study also provided novel insight into how implants and supplemental Mn influence genes related to arginine metabolism, urea synthesis, antioxidant capacity, and TM homeostasis as well as arginase and MnSOD activity in hepatic tissue of beef steers.

Steroidal implants improve cattle growth and efficiency partially through increased net protein synthesis resulting in increased skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Necessary to support this increased growth are trace minerals (TM). Manganese (Mn) is essential, serving as a cofactor and activator of various enzymes. Manganese plays a crucial role in ruminant animals by supporting nitrogen recycling while also being essential for mitochondrial antioxidant defense. Consulting nutritionists routinely supplement Mn, amongst other TM, at concentrations greater than current recommendations. However, there is limited research on the impact of supplemental Mn in implanted finishing cattle. Our prior work suggests steroidal implants decrease liver Mn concentration. This is of interest as liver Mn concentration is tightly regulated. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of steroidal implants and manganese sulfate supplementation on cattle growth performance, trace mineral status, expression of relevant hepatic genes, hepatic enzyme activity, and circulating metabolites in feedlot steers. In this study, supplementing Mn at the recommended concentration did not influence the growth of both implanted and non-implanted cattle.

Dietary Zinc Supplementation in Steers Modulates Labile Zinc Concentration and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Circulating Immune Cells.

Zinc (Zn) is critical for immune function, and marginal Zn deficiency in calves can lead to suboptimal growth and increased disease susceptibility. However, in contrast to other trace minerals such as copper, tissue concentrations of Zn do not change readily in conditions of supplementation or marginal deficiency. Therefore, the evaluation of Zn status remains challenging. Zinc transporters are essential for maintaining intracellular Zn homeostasis, and their expression may indicate changes in Zn status in the animal. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary Zn supplementation on labile Zn concentration and Zn transporter gene expression in circulating immune cells isolated from feedlot steers. Eighteen Angus crossbred steers (261 ± 14 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (58 mg Zn/kg DM, no supplemental Zn) or control plus 150 mg Zn/kg DM (HiZn; 207 mg Zn/kg DM total). After 33 days, Zn supplementation increased labile Zn concentrations (as FluoZin-3 fluorescence) in monocytes, granulocytes, and CD4 T cells (P < 0.05) but had the opposite effect on CD8 and γδ T cells (P < 0.05). Zn transporter gene expression was analyzed on purified immune cell populations collected on days 27 or 28. ZIP11 and ZnT1 gene expression was lower (P < 0.05) in CD4 T cells from HiZn compared to controls. Expression of ZIP6 in CD8 T cells (P = 0.02) and ZnT7 in B cells (P = 0.01) was upregulated in HiZn, while ZnT9 tended (P = 0.06) to increase in B cells from HiZn. These results suggest dietary Zn concentration affects both circulating immune cell Zn concentrations and Zn transporter gene expression in healthy steers.

Matrix metalloproteinase- 9 may contribute to collagen structure modification during postmortem aging of beef.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are responsible for the turnover of intramuscular connective tissue in live animals. We hypothesize that MMPs may play a role in postmortem aging of beef muscles for the degradation of connective tissues. Four different experiments were performed to: 1) characterize MMP activity during postmortem aging of beef; 2) determine if the native beef MMP can contribute to connective tissue degradation in a simulated standard industry postmortem aging condition; 3) explore approaches to improve the native beef MMP activity and 4) characterize MMP activity in beef from cattle supplemented with supranutritional level of Zn. In experiment 1, MMP was active throughout the entire aging periods (3, 21, 42 and 63 d) for beef muscles Longissimus lumborum, Gluteus medius and Gastrocnemius, and the unknown MMP responsible for the collagen degradation was identified as MMP-9 by Western Blot. In experiment 2 and 3, MMP-9 activity was noticeable in the gels after 42 d of storage in the cooler. Moreover, the addition of ZnCl2 in the model system significantly increased MMP-9 activity when compared to the control (P < 0.01). In experiment 4, Longissimus thoracis from animals supplemented with a supranutritional Zn level had increased Zn availability and MMP-9 activity than those from animals fed with a control diet (P < 0.05). Further research is needed better understand MMP-9 mechanism during postmortem aging of meat. With a better understanding of MMP-9 in the aging process, the beef industry can provide better connective tissue management strategies for lower-quality beef cuts.

Effects of supplemental zinc on growth, carcass characteristics, and liver abscess formation in steers with experimentally induced ruminal acidosis challenge.

The study's aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary Zn supplementation on steer performance, biomarkers of inflammation and metabolism, and liver abscess formation in response to a mild acidosis challenge. Forty-two steers (417 ± 3.99 kg; n = 6/pen) were housed in pens with bunks designed to measure individual dry matter intake (DMI) and fed one of two diets containing either 0 (CON; n = 18) or 90 mg Zn/kg from a Zn-amino acid complex (Zn-AA; n = 18; AvailaZn; Zinpro) for 109 d. Six additional steers were fed the CON diet and did not undergo the acidosis challenge (NON; n = 6). The acidosis challenge included restricting steers to 50% of the previous 7 d daily DMI on days 46 and 47, steers were individually provided 10% of DMI as cracked corn (as-fed) at 0800 h followed by ad libitum feed access 2 h post-grain consumption. Steer was the experimental unit, and two contrasts were constructed: NON vs. CON and CON vs. Zn-AA. Blood samples were collected on days 40, 48, 53, 69, 80, and 108 and analyzed as repeated measures. Final body weight and overall average daily gain (2.29, 2.30, and 2.31 ± 0.920 kg/d for CON, Zn-AA, and NON, respectively) were not different (P ≥ 0.74) between treatments. By design, DMI was greater (P < 0.01) for NON compared to CON on day 46 but was not different (P ≥ 0.41) for the rest of the experiment. While hot carcass weight (423, 428, and 424 ± 7.9 kg for CON, Zn-AA, and NON, respectively) and ribeye area were not different (P ≥ 0.53) due to treatment, marbling score tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in CON compared to Zn-AA. The 12th rib backfat thickness was greater (P = 0.05) in NON vs. CON steers. Liver abscess incidence tended to be greater (P = 0.12) in CON (24% abscesses) vs. Zn-AA (6% abscesses). NON had a greater incidence (P = 0.05; 50% abscesses) compared to CON. Overall, blood fibrinogen and leukocyte counts were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.67); however, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio tended to be greater in NON vs. CON (P = 0.08). Serum aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase concentrations were greater in NON vs. CON (P ≤ 0.02), and serum alkaline phosphatase concentration was lesser in CON vs. Zn-AA (P < 0.01). Overall, dietary Zn supplementation tended to lessen incidence of liver abscesses with limited impacts on overall cattle performance. Shifts in liver enzymes may represent opportunities to identify cattle with liver abscesses earlier in the feeding period.

Effects of feeding a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product and ractopamine hydrochloride to finishing beef steers on growth performance, immune system, and muscle gene expression.

The objective of this study was to determine impacts on immune parameters, anti-oxidant capacity, and growth of finishing steers fed a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; NaturSafe; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) and ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC; Optaflexx; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN). Angus-crossbred steers (N = 288) from two sources were utilized in this 90-d study. Steers were blocked by source, stratified by initial body weight to pens of six steers, and pens randomly assigned to treatments (16 pens per treatment). Three treatments compared feeding no supplemental SCFP (control; CON) and supplemental SCFP for 57 d (SCFP57), and 29 d (SCFP29) before harvest. Supplementation of SCFP was 12 g per steer per d, and all steers were fed RAC at 300 mg per steer per d for 29 d before harvest. Blood samples were collected from3 steers per pen, and muscle samples were collected from 1 steer per pen at 57, 29 (start of RAC), and 13 (midRAC) days before harvest. Blood was analyzed from 2 steers per pen for ferric reducing anti-oxidant power (FRAP). Muscle gene expression of myokines, markers of anti-oxidant and growth signaling were assessed. Individual animal BW were also collected on 57, 29, 13, and 1 d before being harvested at a commercial facility (National Beef, Tama, IA). Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit. The model included fixed effects of treatment and group. Increased BW compared to CON was observed days -29, -13, and -1 in SCFP57 steers (P ≤ 0.05), with SCFP29 being intermediate days -13 and -1. Overall G:F was improved in SCFP29 and SCFP57 (P = 0.01). On day -29, FRAP was greater in SCFP57 than CON (P = 0.02). The percent of gamma delta T cells and natural killer cells in both SCFP29 and SCFP57 was greater than CON on day -13 (P = 0.02). There were no treatment × day effects for muscle gene expression measured (P ≥ 0.25). Interleukin 6 tended to decrease in SCFP29 and SCFP57 on day -13 (P = 0.10). No other treatment effects were observed for muscle gene expression. Muscle gene expression of interleukin 15 was increased (P = 0.01), and expression of interleukin 8 was decreased (P = 0.03) due to RAC feeding. Increased growth in SCFP-fed cattle may be related to changes in anti-oxidant capacity and the immune system.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) can provide additional support for improved growth performance. This study investigated the effects of supplementing a SCFP (NaturSafe; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA; 12 g per steer per d) for 29 (SCFP29) or 57 (SCFP57) d before harvest when also feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC; 300 mg per steer per d; Optaflexx, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) for 29 d before harvest. Compared to steers not fed SCFP (CON), SCFP29 and SCFP57 had improved gain:feed for the entire feeding period. Steers supplemented with SCFP had increased percentages of gamma delta T cells and natural killer cells 13 d before harvest compared to CON. Gene expression of cytokine and anti-oxidant signaling in muscle were changed in all treatments during RAC compared to before RAC. Improvements in growth during RAC with SCFP supplementation may be due to the changes in anti-oxidant and cytokine signaling in muscle.

Effects of injectable vitamin E before or after transit on receiving phase growth performance, health, and blood parameters of beef steers.

The objective was to determine the effects of injectable vitamin E (VE) before or after transit on feedlot cattle receiving performance, health, and blood parameters. Angus × Simmental steers (n = 196; body weight [BW] = 163 ± 29 kg) were utilized in a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: intramuscular injections of saline pre- and post-transit (CON), intramuscular injections of VE (2,000 mg d-α-tocopherol) pre-transit and saline post-transit (PRE), or intramuscular injections of saline pre-transit and VE (2,000 mg d-α-tocopherol) post-transit (POST). Pre-transit injections were administered on day 0, and steers were transported on day 7 for approximately 4 h (348 km). After arrival, steers were fed a common corn silage-based diet in GrowSafe bunks. Final BW tended to be greater (P = 0.08) for CON steers compared with POST steers while PRE steers were intermediate. From days 7 to 63, treatment affected average daily gain (ADG) with PRE and CON steers exhibiting (P = 0.04) greater ADG compared with POST steers. Dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, and gain to feed from days 7 to 63 were not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by treatment. Day 0 serum α-tocopherol concentrations were considered marginal (2.3 ± 0.2 mg/l). A treatment × day interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for serum α-tocopherol concentrations. Serum α-tocopherol concentrations were greatest for PRE steers on day 7 (prior to and post-transit), but greater for POST steers on dys 10 and 14. Plasma ferric-reducing antioxidant potential concentrations increased (P = 0.04) for POST steers compared with CON steers and PRE steers being intermediate. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations exhibited a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04) with CON and POST steers being 16% and 14% greater than PRE steers on day 14, respectively. On day 21, NEFA concentrations were greatest for POST steers compared with PRE steers and CON steers being intermediate. There was no main effect (P ≥ 0.14) of treatment on the number of bovine respiratory disease morbidity treatments. Hair cortisol concentrations were decreased (P < 0.01) 14 days after transit for PRE and POST steers compared with CON steers. Overall, injectable VE administered before or after transit increased serum tocopherol concentrations while reducing stress, but did not improve the growth performance of beef steers during the receiving phase.

Cattle are transported multiple times throughout their lifespan due to the geographic distribution of the United States beef industry. However, transportation can elicit a variety of stressors that jeopardize cattle growth performance and health. Lightweight feeder calves are at the greatest risk for stress-related morbidity and mortality during the feedlot receiving phase. This study evaluated the effects of injectable vitamin E (VE) before or after transit on feedlot receiving phase growth performance, health, and blood parameters of lightweight beef steers. Steers receiving an injection of VE before or after transit had increased serum α-tocopherol concentrations. However, treatment with VE did not improve growth performance and feed intake. Steers injected with VE before or after transit experienced a decrease in hair cortisol concentrations 14 d after transit while steers injected with VE after transit had improved antioxidant status 14 d after transit compared with control steers and those receiving VE before transit. These results indicate that an injection of VE around the time of transit had no effect on growth performance and intake but can improve antioxidant status during the receiving phase.

Effects of injectable vitamin C at weaning and prior to transit on growth performance of early-weaned beef steers.

This study investigated the effects of injectable vitamin C (VC) at weaning and prior to transit on growth performance and immune function in early-weaned beef steers. On day 0, 91 Angus × Simmental steers (92 ± 4 kg) were weaned (65 ± 11 d of age), given vaccination boosters, blocked by age, and randomly assigned to weaning (WEAN) treatments: intramuscular injections (20 mL per steer) of VC (250-mg sodium ascorbate per mL; 5 g per steer) or saline (SAL). From days 0 to 48, steers were housed at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center (Simpson, IL) in pens (six pens; N = 14 to 16 steers per pen) equipped with two to three Vytelle bunks to measure individual daily feed disappearance. On day 49, half of the steers in each WEAN treatment were randomly assigned to an additional injection treatment (20 mL per steer) of VC or SAL prior to transport (TRANS). After administering pretransit injections, all steers were loaded onto a commercial livestock trailer with equal representation of treatments across compartments. Steers were transported for 6 h (approximately 480 km) to the Illinois Beef and Sheep Field Laboratory (Urbana, IL). Upon arrival, steers were sorted into pens (six pens; N = 13 to 17 steers per pen) with 2 Vytelle bunks per pen. Steers were weighed on days 0, 1, 14, 48, 49, 64, 78, 106, and 107. Blood was collected (WEAN = 24 steers per treatment; TRANS = 12 steers per treatment) on days 0, 1, 2, 14, 49 (pre- and posttransit), 50, and 51. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 with fixed effects of age block, WEAN, TRANS, and WEAN × TRANS. Plasma ascorbate concentrations were greater (WEAN × time P < 0.01) on days 1 and 2 for steers that received VC at weaning. Similarly, for steers that received VC on day 49 pretransit, ascorbate concentrations were greater (TRANS × time P = 0.04) on days 49 posttransit, 50, and 51. Treatments did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) body weight, average daily gain, or gain to feed throughout the trial. Serum Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and 2 antibody titers on days 14 and 51 were not affected (P ≥ 0.32) by treatment. Injectable VC administered to early-weaned beef steers at the time of weaning or pretransit increased plasma ascorbate concentrations but did not improve growth performance or antibody response to vaccination booster.

Weaning and transit represent the primary stressors for beef calves in the United States and are responsible for increasing inflammation, suppressing the immune system, and decreasing antioxidant status. These adverse physiological responses to stressors may decrease growth and increase morbidity in beef calves. Vitamin C is the primary water-soluble antioxidant in plasma and when provided intramuscularly prior to the stress event, may be able to attenuate aspects of a stress response on growth and immune function. This study evaluated the effects of injectable vitamin C given to early-weaned beef calves prior to weaning on day 0 and a 6-h transit on day 49 after weaning. Basal levels of plasma ascorbate were lower than prior studies in older and larger animals. As expected, injectable vitamin C rapidly increased plasma ascorbate concentrations at 24 h, but concentrations also increased in control calves receiving a saline injection. Treatments did not affect overall growth performance or dry matter intake. Treatments also did not impact the immune response to a booster vaccination provided at weaning. While other research has indicated a positive effect of injectable vitamin C prior to transit, additional research is needed to refine the dosage and physiological need for exogenous antioxidants like vitamin C based on the severity and duration of a stress event in lightweight beef calves.

Effects of supplemental Zn concentration and trace mineral source on immune function and associated biomarkers of immune status in weaned beef calves received into a feedlot.

Low-risk, weaned Angus-crossbred steers (n = 72; 284 ± 25 kg) were used in a 42-d receiving study. Steers were housed in pens (n = 6 steers per pen) equipped with GrowSafe bunks for determination of individual animal feed disappearance. Dietary treatments (n = 24 steers per treatment) included: 1) trace minerals (TM) from an organic source (Availa4; Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) at 7 g·steer-1·d-1; for 42 d (ORG); 2) ORG for entire 42-d plus AvailaZn (Zn amino acid complex, Zinpro Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) to provide 1,000 mg Zn·steer-1·d-1 for first 14 d (ORG+Z); 3) inorganic TM sources to supplemented at equivalent concentration as in ORG for 42-d (ING). Cattle were weighed on day -1, 0, 14, 41, and 42. Whole blood was collected (n = 72 steers) on day 0, 14, and 42. Liver biopsies were conducted (n = 36 steers; 3 steers per pen) on day 0, 14, and 42. Flow cytometry measures were conducted using whole blood on day 1, 14, and 42 for determination of circulating frequencies of immune cell populations. There was a tendency for improved overall average daily gain (P = 0.07) where both ORG and ORG+Z were greater than ING. Final body weight did not differ (P = 0.21) and overall dry matter intake was unaffected by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.18). However, overall gain-to-feed ratio was improved (P = 0.01) in steers supplemented organic TM (ORG and ORG+Z) compared to ING. Plasma Zn concentration did not differ at any time point during the study (P ≥ 0.20). Liver Zn concentration did not differ between treatments on day 0 or 42; however, on day 14 ING tended (P = 0.09) to be greater than ORG+Z with ORG being intermediate. Plasma Cu was unaffected by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.34) on day 0, 14, and 42. Plasma Fe did not differ on day 0 or 42 but tended to be greater in ORG and ORG+Z compared to ING (P = 0.08) on day 14. Dietary treatment did not alter (P ≥ 0.22) liver Fe or Mn concentration at any time point. Frequency of total circulating natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells measured on day 0, 14, and 42 did not differ (P ≥ 0.07). However, cell surface markers of activation (CD16, CD44, and CD8) on NK cells measured on day 14 did differ because of treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Results presented herein indicate TM from an organic source supplemented to steers during receiving can positively influence growth rate and feed efficiency. Regardless of source, TM supplementation affected markers of immune function but did not influence the prevalence of circulating NK and CD8 T-cell populations.

The receiving phase of the beef cattle production cycle occurs when calves are initially placed into the feedlot. During this time cattle are often exposed to stressors such as new environments, unfamiliar feedstuffs, and new pathogens. Together these stressors can result in lesser feed consumption. Along with lower total feed consumption, it is during this time that cattle likely require greater amounts of specific trace minerals (TM) to mount an effective immune response and maintain adequate growth. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplemental Zn concentration and TM source on the immune function and associated biomarkers of immune status in weaned beef calves received into a feedlot. In this study, the more bioavailable, organic TM source supplemented to steers during receiving positively influenced growth rate and feed efficiency. Plasma TM concentration of steers in this study was adequate and was minimally influenced by TM source or concentration. These results also show TM supplementation, regardless of source, can alter markers of activation within immune cell populations.

Early postmortem muscle proteome and metabolome of beef longissimus thoracis muscle classified by pH at 6 hours postmortem.

The objective was to identify metabolome and proteome differences at 1 h and 1 d postmortem between longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle classified based on 6 h pH values. Twenty beef LT rib sections were sorted based on 6 h postmortem pH values into low (LpH; pH < 5.55; n = 9) and high (HpH; pH > 5.84; n = 8) pH classifications. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), desmin degradation, and calpain-1 autolysis were measured. Two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis (3-10, 4-7, and 6-9 pH range) and Tandem mass tagging (TMT) protein analyses were employed to determine how the sarcoplasmic protein profile varied across pH classification. Non-targeted metabolomic analyses were conducted on extracts prepared at 1 h and 1 d postmortem. The LpH classification had a lower WBSF value at 1 d postmortem, which was explained by greater calpain-1 autolysis and desmin degradation at 1 d postmortem. Proteome and metabolome analysis revealed a phenotype that promotes more rapid energy metabolism in the LpH group. Proteome and metabolome analyses identified energy production, apoptotic, calcium homeostasis, and proteasome systems influencing pH classifications that could explain the observed pH, proteolysis, and beef tenderness differences. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to identify proteomic and metabolomic variations early (1 h and 1 day) postmortem that are linked to differences in early (6 h) postmortem pH values and to tenderness differences at 1 day postmortem. This study integrates postmortem biochemical features (protein degradation, proteome, and metabolome variations) to postmortem pH decline and eating quality of beef steaks. Potential biomarkers of more rapid postmortem metabolism linked to earlier tenderization in beef are suggested. Identification of these biochemical features will assist in predicting the eating quality of beef products.

Probing atomic physics at ultrahigh pressure using laser-driven implosions.

Spectroscopic measurements of dense plasmas at billions of atmospheres provide tests to our fundamental understanding of how matter behaves at extreme conditions. Developing reliable atomic physics models at these conditions, benchmarked by experimental data, is crucial to an improved understanding of radiation transport in both stars and inertial fusion targets. However, detailed spectroscopic measurements at these conditions are rare, and traditional collisional-radiative equilibrium models, based on isolated-atom calculations and ad hoc continuum lowering models, have proved questionable at and beyond solid density. Here we report time-integrated and time-resolved x-ray spectroscopy measurements at several billion atmospheres using laser-driven implosions of Cu-doped targets. We use the imploding shell and its hot core at stagnation to probe the spectral changes of Cu-doped witness layer. These measurements indicate the necessity and viability of modeling dense plasmas with self-consistent methods like density-functional theory, which impact the accuracy of radiation transport simulations used to describe stellar evolution and the design of inertial fusion targets.

Survey of feedlot nutritionists gives insight on information-seeking behavior.

Nutrition critically affects feedlot cattle health and growth, and ultimately cost of production. Feedlot producers rely on professionals such as nutritionists, extension educators, feed company representatives, and others to assist them in developing the best nutritional program for their operation. In turn, these professionals depend on feedlot nutrition research to drive decisions for their clients. A survey of feedlot professionals was conducted regarding how published resources are used. Surveys were included in the spring 2020 mailing to potential Plains Nutrition Council meeting attendees; 61 surveys were returned. The objective of this survey was to aid feedlot nutrition researchers to make more informed decisions when publishing new research to maximize impact on the feedlot industry. The survey asked 15 questions regarding the participant's career, professional organization memberships, frequency and intentions of using research, and ranking the importance of resources, peer-reviewed journals, and learning platforms. Survey respondents primarily served the Midwest and Plains regions (83.1%) with employment by feed companies (34.4%), private consulting firms (21.3%), other aspects of feedlot production (26.2%), or were self-employed (18%). Survey participants found great importance in peer-reviewed journals, though the relevance of peer-reviewed journals sometimes differed due to the professional age of respondents. The main strategies for accessing journals were via society memberships and through open access; utilizing open access publishing may increase the number of industry professionals reached. Looking to the future, we may see a shift in resources used by industry professionals due to the differences seen in preferences of early and late career survey participants, specifically increases in the use of technology-based platforms. These data may inform feedlot researchers on the information-seeking behaviors of feedlot professionals, such as the importance of publishing data in open access formats, allowing for greater impact through increased utilization of newly published research.

Effects of including Sweet Bran or modified distillers grains in the diet of feedlot steers and sorting at terminal implant on growth performance, feeding behavior, and liver abscess occurrence.

The objectives were to assess the effects of dietary Sweet Bran (Cargill Corn Milling, Blair, NE) on performance and feeding behavior of feedlot steers and determine if terminal implant pen sorting affects performance, feeding behavior, and liver abscess (LA) rate. Two hundred sixteen Angus-cross steers (253 ± 18 kg) were stratified by body weight (BW) to 36 pens. From d 0 to 60, diets contained 40% Sweet Bran (SWBR) or 25% modified distiller's grains and 15% dry rolled corn (MOD; n = 18 pens/treatment). On d 60, steers began transition within treatments to finishing diets containing 25% Sweet Bran or 25% modified distiller's grains (MDGS). On d 111, half of the pens for each dietary treatment were re-stratified by BW to pens (SORT) while the other half were returned to original pens (NOSORT; n = 9 pens/treatment). Steer BW and pen dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded monthly. Rate of feed disappearance was determined on d 5/6, 53/54, 104/105, and 117/118. Pen was the experimental unit for all analyses. The model included the fixed effect of diet for all pre-sort analyses; post-sort analyses included the fixed effects of diet, sort, and the interaction and the random effects of pen and the interaction of diet and pen. On d 60, SWBR had greater BW than MOD (P = 0.05), and SWBR had a greater average daily gain (ADG) from d 0 to 60 (P = 0.05). Though there were no differences after d 28, SWBR had greater DMI d 0 to 28 (P = 0.05). From d 60 to 88, SWBR tended to have lesser ADG than MOD (P = 0.09). Post-sort (d 111 to 196), SWBR tended to have lesser ADG than MOD (P = 0.06), and SORT had a greater rate of feed disappearance than NOSORT (d 117/118; P = 0.01); there were no differences on other dates (Diet: P ≥ 0.38). For final BW, there was a tendency for MOD to be greater than SWBR, and SORT tended to be greater than NOSORT (Diet: P = 0.06; Sort: P = 0.10). Pre- and post-sort ruminal pH had no treatment by day differences (P ≥ 0.77). LA incidence averaged 25%, though rate was not affected by diet, sorting, or the interaction (P ≥ 0.16). Overall, there were no dietary differences in feed disappearance rates, though SORT steers had greater rate of feed disappearance than NOSORT steers on d 117/118. Nominal differences in feeding behavior were noted and including Sweet Bran in the diet was beneficial in the growing period as cattle adjusted to the feedlot.

Effect of increasing zinc supplementation on post-transit performance, behavior, blood and muscle metabolites, and gene expression in growing beef feedlot steers.

Fifty-four Angus-cross steers (297 kg ± 12) were stratified by body weight (BW) to pens (six steers per pen) to determine the effects of supplemental Zn on posttransit growth performance and blood and muscle metabolites. Dietary treatments started 25 d before trucking: control (CON; analyzed 54 mg Zn/kg DM), industry (IND; CON + 70 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM), and supranutritional Zn (SUPZN; CON + 120 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM). Supplemental Zn was bis-glycinate bound Zn (Plexomin Zn; Phytobiotics North America, Cary, NC). On day 0, steers were loaded onto a commercial trailer and transported in 18 h (1,822 km). Individual BW was recorded on days -26, -25, -1, and 0 (pre-transit), 1 (posttransit), 6, 27, and 28. Blood was collected on days -1, 1, 6, and 27. Longissimus thoracis biopsies were collected on days -1, 1, and 28. Daily individual feed disappearance was recorded via GrowSafe bunks. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS with fixed effect of diet and steer as the experimental unit (growth performance, blood: n = 18 steers per treatment; muscle: n = 12 steers per treatment). Individual initial BW was used as a covariate in BW analysis. Contrast statements to test linear, quadratic, and Zn effects were used to analyze performance and blood parameters. Repeated measures analysis was used for posttransit DMI recovery and weekly posttransit DMI and Zn intake with the repeated effect of time. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was utilized for statistical analysis of day 1 (off truck) muscle metabolites. Plasma Zn linearly increased due to Zn on days 1, 6, and 27 (P = 0.01), and off-truck (day 1) serum lactate increased over day -1 by 20%, 0%, and 20% in CON, IND, and SUPZN, respectively (Quadratic: P = 0.01). Muscle lactate tended to increase posttransit in CON and IND (P ≤ 0.07) but not SUPZN. Muscle metabolites relating to amino acid and nitrogen metabolism were increased in all treatments posttransit (P ≤ 0.02), and alanine-glucose cycle metabolites tended to increase in CON and IND (P ≤ 0.07). Steers supplemented with Zn recovered pretransit DMI quicker than CON (by d 2: P = 0.01), while IND had greater overall posttransit DMI than CON with SUPZN intermediate (P = 0.04), and Zn-fed steers had greater ADG posttransit (P = 0.04). Zinc supplementation mitigated muscle or serum lactate increases due to transit and increased posttransit ADG.

Transportation is an inevitable event in the lives of beef cattle, but practical management strategies could mitigate negative effects of transit on growth performance and cattle welfare. This study investigated the effects of dietary zinc prior to and after trucking on growth performance and blood and muscle metabolites of steers after an 18-h transit event. Steers fed supplemental zinc had better feed intake and growth after transit than steers not fed supplemental zinc. Muscle metabolites relating to energy metabolism were greater posttransit in all steers regardless of treatment. Interestingly, blood and muscle lactate, an indicator of muscle fatigue, was decreased in zinc-fed steers. Supplementing zinc prior to trucking may help mitigate muscle fatigue and improve cattle welfare during the receiving period.

A laser parameter study on enhancing proton generation from microtube foil targets.

The interaction of an intense laser with a solid foil target can drive [Formula: see text] TV/m electric fields, accelerating ions to MeV energies. In this study, we experimentally observe that structured targets can dramatically enhance proton acceleration in the target normal sheath acceleration regime. At the Texas Petawatt Laser facility, we compared proton acceleration from a [Formula: see text] flat Ag foil, to a fixed microtube structure 3D printed on the front side of the same foil type. A pulse length (140-450 fs) and intensity ((4-10) [Formula: see text] W/cm[Formula: see text]) study found an optimum laser configuration (140 fs, 4 [Formula: see text] W/cm[Formula: see text]), in which microtube targets increase the proton cutoff energy by 50% and the yield of highly energetic protons ([Formula: see text] MeV) by a factor of 8[Formula: see text]. When the laser intensity reaches [Formula: see text] W/cm[Formula: see text], the prepulse shutters the microtubes with an overcritical plasma, damping their performance. 2D particle-in-cell simulations are performed, with and without the preplasma profile imported, to better understand the coupling of laser energy to the microtube targets. The simulations are in qualitative agreement with the experimental results, and show that the prepulse is necessary to account for when the laser intensity is sufficiently high.

Effects of increasing supplemental zinc in beef feedlot steers administered a steroidal implant and beta agonist.

Ninety-two Angus-crossbred steers (424 ±â€…28.3 kg initial body weight) were used in a 98-d study to assess the effects of increasing Zn supplementation on cattle performance, liver and plasma trace mineral concentrations, blood metabolites, and carcass characteristics. All steers were implanted with a Component TE-200 (200 mg trenbolone acetate + 20 mg estradiol; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) on d 0 and fed 300 mg‧steer-1‧d-1 of ractopamine hydrochloride (Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) from d 70 to 98. Cattle were fed via GrowSafe bunks (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, AB, Canada), and steer served as the experimental unit (n = 22 or 23 steers/treatment). Supplemental Zn was administered through the diet at 0, 100, 150, or 180 mg Zn/kg on a dry matter basis from ZnSO4 (Zn0, Zn100, Zn150, or Zn180, respectively). Cattle were weighed on d -1, 0, 9/10, 20, 41, 59, 69, 70, 78/79, 97, and 98. Blood was collected on d 0, 9/10, 69, 78/79, and 97, and liver biopsies on d 9/10 and 78/79 (n = 12 steers/treatment). Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design. Contrast statements were formed to test the linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of Zn supplementation and test Zn0 vs. Zn supplementation. Day 10 and 70 body weight (BW) and d 0 to 10 and 0 to 70 average daily gain were linearly increased with Zn supplementation (P ≤ 0.05), and greater for Zn supplemented steers (P ≤ 0.03). No effects of Zn supplementation were observed on final BW, dressing percentage, ribeye area, 12th rib fat, or marbling (P ≥ 0.11). Hot carcass weight tended to be 7 kg greater for Zn supplemented steers than Zn0 (P = 0.07), and yield grade linearly increased with increasing Zn supplementation (P = 0.02). Day 10 liver Mn concentrations tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.08) with increasing Zn supplementation, though d 79 liver Mn concentrations and arginase activity were not influenced by Zn (P ≥ 0.28). Day 10 liver arginase activity tended to be (r = 0.27; P = 0.07) and d 10 serum urea nitrogen was correlated with d 10 liver Mn (r = 0.55; P < 0.0001). Zinc supplementation linearly increased d 10 liver Zn and d 10, 69, 79, and 97 plasma Zn concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). A cubic effect of Zn was observed on d 79 liver Zn (P = 0.01) with lesser liver Zn in Zn0 and Zn150 steers. These data suggest increasing dietary Zn improves growth directly following the administration of a steroidal implant and that steroidal implants and beta agonists differ in their effects on protein metabolism.

Long-duration transit and food and water deprivation alter behavioral activities and aggressive interactions at the feed bunk in beef feedlot steers.

The objective of these experiments was to assess the effects of food and water deprivation and transit duration on the behavior of beef feedlot steers. In Experiment 1, 36 Angus-cross steers (353 ± 10 kg) were stratified to 6 pens and assigned one of three treatments (n = 12 steers per treatment): control (CON; stayed in home pens with ad libitum access to feed and water), deprived (DEPR; stayed in home pens but deprived of feed and water for 18 h), or transported (TRANS; subjected to 18-h transit event and returned to home pens). In Experiment 2, 60 Angus-cross steers (398 ± 5 kg; 6 steers per pen) were transported either 8 (8H) or 18 (18H) h. Four 8H pens (n = 24 steers) and six 18H pens (n = 36 steers) were used for behavioral analysis. In both experiments, the time to eat, drink, and lay down was recorded for each steer upon return to home pens. Total pen displacements from the feed bunk were also assessed for the 2 h following feed access in both experiments. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS 9.4, with treatment as a fixed effect. Steer was the experimental unit for behavioral activities, while pen was the experimental unit for bunk displacements. Displacements were analyzed as repeated measures with the repeated variable of time. In Experiment 1, the time to eat and drink was similar across treatments (P ≥ 0.17). However, TRANS laid down in 16.5 min while DEPR did not lay down until 70.5 min post-arrival to pen (P < 0.01). Deprived steers had greater bunk displacements in the first 70 min post-feed access than CON or TRANS, though displacements among treatments from 100 to 120 min post-feed access were similar (treatment × time: P = 0.02). In Experiment 2, both 8H and 18H steers laid down approximately 25 min post-home pen arrival (P = 0.14). There was no effect of transit duration or duration by time on bunk displacements (P ≥ 0.20), though displacements were greater from 0 to 20 min than from 20 to 30 min post-feed access (time: P = 0.04). Steers that were deprived of feed and water were highly motivated to access those resources, while transported steers prioritized laying down. Producers should consider these priorities when preparing to receive cattle from a long transit event.

Because of the segmentation of the cattle industry, cattle are transported at least once during their lives. The objective of these two studies was to determine if transportation, feed and water deprivation, and/or transit duration changed the behavior of feedlot steers. The first study found steers transported for 18 h preferred to lay down instead of competing for food, unlike steers that were deprived of food and water for 18 h. Bunk displacements were also increased in steers deprived of food and water, indicating increased aggression. In the second study examining effects of transit duration (8 vs. 18 h), steers from both treatments laid down within 25 min of arrival back to the home pens. There were no differences in the frequency of bunk displacements between treatments. Producers should consider the increased motivation for cattle to lay down after transportation and the increased aggression at the feed bunk in food-deprived cattle when developing post-arrival management strategies.

Effect of zinc source and implant strategy on performance, carcass characteristics, and trace mineral concentrations in finishing feedlot steers.

Seventy-two Angus-crossbred steers (411 ± 16 kg) were assigned to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments to examine the effects of blended Zn source supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and trace mineral parameters of steers administered no implant or a two-implant program. Factors included implant (IMP) strategies and Zn supplementation. During the 126-d study, steers were either not implanted (NoIMP) or implanted (IS/200; Elanco, Greenfield, IN) on days 0 (Component TE-IS; 80 mg trenbolone acetate + 16 mg estradiol) and 57 (Component TE-200; 200 mg trenbolone acetate + 20 mg estradiol). All steers were fed 70 mg Zn/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis from ZnSO4 + 30 mg Zn/kg DM from either basic ZnCl (Vistore Zn, Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ), Zn glycinate (Gemstone Zn, Phibro Animal Health), or ZnSO4 (ZnB, ZnG, or ZnS, respectively). Steers were blocked by weight into pens of 6 and fed a dry rolled corn-based diet via GrowSafe bunks (GrowSafe Systems Ltd.; Airdrie, AB, Canada). Data were analyzed using the Mixed Procedure of SAS, with fixed effects of Zn, IMP, and the interaction. Steer was the experimental unit (n = 12 steers/treatment). Liver and muscle collected on days -5, 14, 71, and 120 were analyzed for Zn concentration, and data were analyzed as repeated measures (repeated effect = Day). An IMP × Zn tendency (P = 0.07) was observed for day 126 body weight with no effects of Zn within NoIMP, whereas ZnS tended to be heavier than ZnB with ZnG intermediate within IS/200. Carcass-adjusted overall feed efficiency (G:F) was greatest for ZnS (Zn; P = 0.02). Implanted cattle had greater DM intake, G:F, and carcass-adjusted performance (P ≤ 0.01). Liver Zn concentrations were greater for IS/200 by day 120 (IMP × Day; P = 0.02). Within IS/200, ZnG tended to have greater muscle Zn than ZnS, whereas ZnB was intermediate (Zn × IMP; P = 0.09). No Zn or IMP × Zn (P ≥ 0.12) effects were observed for carcass data. However, IS/200 had greater hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and ribeye area than NoIMP (P ≤ 0.001). These data suggest that implants improve growth and influence Zn metabolism. Future work should examine Zn sources and supplementation alongside implant strategies.

Dietary zinc concentration and lipopolysaccharide injection affect circulating trace minerals, acute phase protein response, and behavior as evaluated by an ear-tag-based accelerometer in beef steers.

To assess plasma trace mineral (TM) concentrations, the acute phase protein response, and behavior in response to a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, 96 Angus cross steers (average initial body weight [BW]: 285 ± 14.4 kg) were sorted into two groups by BW (heavy and light; n = 48/group), fitted with an ear-tag-based accelerometer (CowManager SensOor; Agis, Harmelen, Netherlands), and stagger started 14 d apart. Consecutive day BW was recorded to start the 24-d trial (days -1 and 0). Dietary treatments began on day 0: common diet with either 30 (Zn30) or 100 (Zn100) mg supplemental Zn/kg DM (ZnSO4). On day 17, steers received one of the following injection treatments intravenously to complete the 2 × 3 factorial: 1) SALINE (~2-3 mL of physiological saline), 2) LOWLPS: 0.25 µg LPS/kg BW, or 3) HIGHLPS: 0.375 µg LPS/kg BW. Blood, rectal temperature (RT), and BW were recorded on day 16 (-24 h relative to injection), and BW was used to assign injection treatment. Approximately 6, 24 (day 18), and 48 (day 19) h after treatment, BW, RT, and blood were collected, and final BW recorded on day 24. Data were analyzed in Proc Mixed of SAS with fixed effects of diet, injection, diet × injection; for BW, RT, dry matter intake (DMI), plasma TM, and haptoglobin-repeated measures analysis were used to evaluate effects over time. Area under the curve analysis determined by GraphPad Prism was used for analysis of accelerometer data. Body weight was unaffected by diet or injection (P ≥ 0.16), but there was an injection × time effect for DMI and RT (P < 0.05), where DMI decreased in both LPS treatments on day 16, but recovered by day 17, and RT was increased in LPS treatments 6 h post-injection. Steers receiving LPS spent less time highly active and eating than SALINE (P < 0.01). Steers in HIGHLPS spent lesser time ruminating, followed by LOWLPS and then SALINE (P < 0.001). An injection × time effect (P < 0.001) for plasma Zn showed decreased concentrations within 6 h of injection and remained decreased through 24 h before recovering by 48 h. A tendency for a diet × time effect (P = 0.06) on plasma Zn suggests plasma Zn repletion occurred at a greater rate in Zn100 compared to Zn30. These results suggest that increased supplemental Zn may alter the rate of recovery of Zn status from an acute inflammatory event. Additionally, ear-tag-based accelerometers used in this study were effective at detecting sickness behavior in feedlot steers, and rumination may be more sensitive than other variables.

The effect of injectable vitamin C and road transit duration on inflammation, muscle fatigue, and performance in pre-conditioned beef steer calves.

This study examined the effects of injectable vitamin C (VC) before transport and duration of transit on feedlot performance, inflammation, and muscle fatigue in cattle. One hundred thirty-two Angus-cross steers (393 ± 4 kg) were stratified by body weight (BW) to a 2 × 2 factorial of intramuscular injection (INJ; 20 mL/steer): VC (250 mg sodium ascorbate/mL) or saline (SAL) and road transit duration (DUR): 18 h (18-h; 1,770 km) or 8 h (8-h; 727 km). On day 0, steers were weighed and given INJ of VC or SAL immediately before transport. Upon return (day 1), BW and blood were collected before steers returned to pens equipped with GrowSafe bunks. Steers were weighed on days 0, 1, 7, 15, 30, 31, 54, and 55. Data were analyzed via ProcMixed of SAS (experimental unit = steer; 32 to 34 steers/treatment) with fixed effects of INJ, DUR, and the interaction. Blood was collected on days -5, 1, 2, 3, and 7 (n = 9 steers/treatment); blood parameters were analyzed as repeated measures with the repeated effect of day. Area under the curve (AUC) for plasma ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was calculated using R. Final BW was greater for 8 h compared to 18 h (P = 0.05) with no effect of INJ or interaction (P ≥ 0.51). Dry matter intake (DMI) from days 1 to 7 was greater for VC-8, intermediate for VC-18 and SAL-18, and least for SAL-8 (P = 0.02). Overall, DMI tended to be greatest for SAL-18, intermediate for VC-18 and VC-8, and least for SAL-8 (P = 0.08). Days 7 to 31 gain:feed (G:F) was greatest for VC-18 compared to other treatments (INJ × DUR, P = 0.05), and there was no effect of treatment on overall G:F (P ≥ 0. 19). There was no INJ or INJ × DAY (P ≥ 0.17) effect on serum lactate, haptoglobin, or non-esterified fatty acid. However, these blood parameters were greater on day 1 for 18 h compared to 8 h, and both treatments returned to near baseline by day 3 (DUR × DAY, P < 0.01). Plasma ascorbate concentrations on day 1 were greater for VC compared to SAL and returned to baseline by day 2 (INJ × DAY, P < 0.01). Plasma FRAP AUC from days -5 to 3 was greatest for VC-18, intermediate for VC-8 and SAL-8, and least for SAL-18 (INJ × DAY, P = 0.02). This suggests an antioxidant prior to long-haul transit positively influenced antioxidant capacity; however, VC did not improve overall post-transit performance. Although longer transit duration increased indicators of muscle fatigue and inflammation, post-transit performance was not appreciably different between transit durations.