The influence of maternal energy status during mid-gestation on beef offspring tenderness, muscle characteristics, and gene expression.

The objective of this study was to determine if maternal energy status during mid-gestation influences the expression of genes regulating muscle and fat development, and muscle characteristics that may impact meat tenderness. Cows grazed dormant, native range (Positive Energy Status [PES]) or were fed at 80% of maintenance energy requirements (Negative Energy Status [NES]) during mid-gestation. Steer offspring were harvested after 21 d in the feedlot (weaning subsample) or after 208 d in the feedlot (final subsample). Greater 21-d tenderness was observed in NES steers, resulting from reduced collagen content in longissimus lumborum steaks. In the semitendinosus, NES steers had greater soluble collagen, and down-regulated expression of MHC-IIA and TIMP-3 at weaning, while MHC-IIA expression was up-regulated in NES steers in the final harvest. Data show mid-gestational maternal energy status may impact offspring tenderness and collagen, but differences were not detected in expression of genes important in myogenesis and adipogenesis in muscle samples obtained from steers at weaning or slaughter.

The influence of maternal energy status during midgestation on beef offspring carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Research has suggested that maternal undernutrition may cause the development of a thrifty phenotype in the offspring, potentially resulting in greater adiposity and reduced muscle mass. These alterations in adipose and muscle development could have lasting impacts on offspring growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. However, limited research exists evaluating the impact of maternal energy status on these economically important traits of the offspring. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the influence of maternal energy status during midgestation on offspring carcass characteristics and meat quality. To alter maternal energy status, cows either grazed dormant, winter range (positive energy status [PES]) or were fed in a drylot at 80% of the energy requirements for BW maintenance (negative energy status [NES]) during a mean period of 102 ± 10.9 to 193 ± 10.9 d of gestation. Changes in BCS, BW, LM area (LMA), and 12th rib backfat were measured throughout midgestation. At the end of midgestation, cows in the NES group had a reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in BCS, BW, LMA, and 12th rib backfat when compared with PES dams. Cows and calves were managed similarly after midgestation through weaning and calves were managed and fed a common diet through the receiving, backgrounding, and finishing phases in the feedlot. Calves were harvested after 208 d in the feedlot, carcass characteristics were recorded, and strip loins were recovered for analysis of objective color and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF). Maternal energy status had no influence on offspring HCW, dressing percent, LMA, percent KPH, marbling score, percent intramuscular fat, objective color, or WBSF (P > 0.10). Progeny of NES cows tended to have improvements in 12th rib backfat and USDA yield grade (P < 0.10). Greater ratio of marbling score to 12th rib fat thickness and ratio of percent intramuscular fat to 12th rib fat thickness (P < 0.05) were discovered in progeny from cows experiencing a NES during midgestation. These results suggest that maternal energy status during midgestation may impact fat deposition in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat depots without impacting muscle mass.

The influence of growth stage on carcass composition and factors associated with marbling development in beef cattle.

Subcutaneous fat and marbling both increase in beef cattle during the feeding phase but are antagonistic in regard to their contribution to beef carcass value. The objective of this study was to determine whether cellular factors associated with marbling development change with growth stage throughout the feeding period and whether they are correlated to marbling relative to carcass composition. Twenty-four steers of known origin with the cytosine and thymine (CT) leptin genotype were allotted to 3 harvest groups. Six steers per harvest group were harvested at the following predetermined points: 35 d on feed (early feeding period, EF), average live weight of 464 kg (middle feeding period, MF), and 1.17-cm 12th-rib subcutaneous fat thickness (late feeding period, LF). Longissmus muscle samples were collected within 30 min postmortem and snap frozen for real-time PCR and Western blot analysis of lipoprotein lipase, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα), stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD), PPARγ, C/EBP-ß, and myostatin. Carcass data were recorded, and LM samples were collected and aged 2, 7, 14, and 21 d postmortem for Warner-Bratzler shear force determination. Carcass composition was estimated by dissection of the 9-10-11 rib section and subsequent proximate analysis of the soft tissue. Intramuscular fat content of the LM increased linearly throughout the feeding period, giving additional support to marbling as an early developing tissue. Expression of AMPKα was found to be downregulated, whereas SCD expression was upregulated in the LF group relative to the first 2 harvest groups. Additionally, SCD and PPARγ were downregulated in the EF group relative to the latter 2 harvest groups. These changes in gene expression resulted in a linear increase in only PPARγ protein abundance, whereas myostatin tended to increase quadratically. A correlation was found between intramuscular fat and PPARγ abundance. This gives further evidence of the importance of adipocyte hyperplasia in increasing marbling. Targeting and increasing PPARγ expression may serve as a mechanism to increase marbling deposition. Last, LF steaks were more tender than MF or EF steaks, indicating improved tenderness with increased days on feed.

Use of soybean hulls as a replacement for dry rolled corn in beef cattle feedlot receiving diets.

Consecutive receiving studies were used to evaluate the replacement of starch (dry rolled corn; DRC) with a nonforage fiber source (soybean hulls; SBH) on performance, mineral, and blood metabolite status of newly arrived feedlot steer calves. Steers in yr 1 (Y1; 9 pens/diet, 8 to 10 animals/pen) and yr 2 (Y2; 6 pens/diet, 9 to 10 animals/pen) were blocked by weaning management, and then stratified by BW and randomly assigned to pens. Pens were randomly assigned to an oat silage-based diet containing starch (HS) from DRC or digestible fiber (HF) from SBH. Diets were formulated for 12% CP (DM basis) and to meet or exceed NRC (1996) nutrient requirements for Ca, P, and vitamins A and E. Mineral status was assessed in Y1 only via liver biopsies and serum samples collected on d 3 and 28. Mineral concentrations on d 28 were compared using d 3 concentrations as a covariate. Glucose, NEFA, and plasma urea N status were assessed in Y2 only via blood collections on d 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 59. Morbidity (<10%) and mortality rates were not different (P > 0.10) between treatments across years. Daily BW gain was similar (P > 0.10) between treatments both during the receiving period and cumulatively across years. Overall, feed intake was greater (P = 0.007) for steers fed HF compared with steers fed HS in Y1, but was not different in Y2 (P = 0.13). Steers consuming the HS diet tended (P = 0.07) to have better BW gain efficiency in Y1 only. Across years, BW gain efficiency and ADG were similar between treatments (P > 0.10), although DMI was greater for steers fed HF (P = 0.003). Based on 2 yr of performance, the calculated ME content of SBH was estimated at 92.5% of the ME value of DRC (2.74 vs. 2.96 Mcal/kg, respectively). Mineral concentrations on d 28 were similar (P > 0.10) for most minerals assayed. There was a steeper (P = 0.005) decline in hepatic Cu concentrations early in the feeding period for steers fed HF, resulting in decreased (P = 0.001) d 28 hepatic concentrations. Hepatic Mn was greater (P = 0.003) in steers fed HF on d 28 as a result of greater (P = 0.006) Mn accumulation during the initial 28 d on feed. Blood metabolites in Y2 (using d 0 values as a covariate) were similar (P > 0.10) across treatments, except for reduced (P = 0.025) plasma urea N concentrations on d 7 and greater (P = 0.050) NEFA concentrations on d 28 for steers fed HS. These studies indicate that the use of SBH in receiving diets can support BW gain similar to the use of DRC.

Circulating ghrelin and leptin concentrations and growth hormone secretagogue receptor abundance in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue of beef cattle exhibiting differences in composition of gain.

Data from species other than cattle indicate that ghrelin and GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) could play a key role in fat deposition, energy homeostasis, or glucose metabolism by directly affecting liver and adipose tissue metabolism. Beef steers (n = 72) were used to test the hypothesis that plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations and abundance of the GHS-R in liver, muscle, and adipose tissues differ in steers exhibiting differences in composition of gain. At trial initiation (d 0), 8 steers were slaughtered for initial carcass composition. The remaining 64 steers were stratified by BW, allotted to pen, and treatment was assigned randomly to pen. Steers were not implanted with anabolic steroids. Treatments were 1) a low-energy (LE) diet fed during the growing period (0 to 111 d) followed by a high-energy (HE) diet during the finishing period (112 to 209 d; LE-HE) or 2) the HE diet for the duration of the trial (1 to 209 d; HE-HE). Eight steers per treatment were slaughtered on d 88, 111, 160, and 209. Carcass ninth, tenth, and eleventh rib sections were dissected for chemical composition and regression equations were developed to predict compositional gain. Liver, muscle, and subcutaneous adipose tissues were frozen in liquid nitrogen for subsequent Western blotting for GHS-R. Replicate blood samples collected before each slaughter were assayed for ghrelin and leptin concentrations. When compared at a common compositional fat end-point, the rate of carcass fat accretion (g·kg of shrunk BW(-1)) was greater (P < 0.001) in HE-HE steers whereas the rate of carcass protein accretion (g·kg of shrunk BW(-1)) was less (P < 0.001) compared with LE-HE steers. When compared at a common compositional fat end-point, plasma leptin, ghrelin, and insulin concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for HE-HE compared with LE-HE steers. Abundance of the GHS-R, to which ghrelin binds, increased over time in liver and adipose tissue but did not differ as a result of treatment. Plasma ghrelin concentrations were increased for cattle continuously fed the HE diet as they became increasingly fatter; however, abundance of the GHS-R in liver, muscle, and subcutaneous adipose tissue was not different between treatment groups. The role of ghrelin in cattle metabolism warrants further investigation as it could have a significant effect on composition of BW gain, feed efficiency, and metabolic disorders such as ketosis and fatty liver.

Circulating ghrelin concentrations fluctuate relative to nutritional status and influence feeding behavior in cattle.

The objective of these experiments was to establish the relationship of plasma ghrelin concentrations with feed intake and hormones indicative of nutritional state of cattle. In Exp.1, 4 steers (BW 450 +/- 14.3 kg) were used in a crossover design to compare plasma ghrelin concentrations of feed-deprived steers with those of steers allowed to consume feed and to establish the relationship of plasma ghrelin concentrations with those of GH, insulin (INS), glucose (GLU), and NEFA. After adaptation to a once-daily feed offering (0800), 2 steers continued the once-daily feeding schedule (FED), whereas feed was withheld from the other 2 steers (FAST). Serial blood samples were collected via indwelling jugular catheter from times equivalent to 22 h through 48 h of feed deprivation. Average plasma ghrelin concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in FAST compared with FED (690 and 123 +/- 6.5 pg/mL) steers. Average plasma ghrelin concentrations for FED steers prefeeding were elevated (P < 0.001) when compared with those postfeeding (174 and 102 +/- 4.2 pg/mL, respectively). Average plasma GH concentration was elevated (P < 0.05) for FAST steers compared with FED steers. Plasma GLU concentrations were not different; however, for FAST steers, NEFA concentrations were elevated (P < 0.001) and INS concentrations were decreased (P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, 4 steers (BW 416 +/- 17.2 kg) were used in a crossover design to determine the effects of i.v. injection of bovine ghrelin (bGR) on plasma GH, INS, GLU, and NEFA concentrations; length of time spent eating; and DMI. Steers were offered feed once daily (0800). Serial blood samples were collected from steers via indwelling jugular catheter. Saline or bGR was injected via jugular catheter at 1200 and 1400. A dosage of 0.08 microg/kg of BW bGR was used to achieve a plasma ghrelin concentration similar to the physiological concentration measured in a FAST steer in Exp. 1 (1,000 pg/mL). Injection of bGR resulted in elevated (P < 0.005) plasma GH concentrations after the 1200 but not the 1400 injection. Plasma INS, GLU, and NEFA concentrations were not affected by bGR injection. For the combined 1-h periods postinjection, length of time spent eating was greater (P = 0.02) and DMI tended to be increased (P = 0.06) for bGR steers. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ghrelin serves as a metabolic signal for feed intake or energy balance in ruminants.

The effect of stage of growth and implant exposure on performance and carcass composition in steers.

Angus and Angus x Limousin cross steers (n = 182; initial BW = 309 +/- 27.8 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of an estradiol-trenbolone acetate implant (containing 24 mg of estradiol and 125 mg of trenbolone acetate) on production efficiency and carcass traits when administered at specific stages of growth. Treatments were 1) control, no implant (NI); 2) early implant (EI) on d 1 (BW = 309 kg); or 3) delayed implant (DI) on d 57 (BW = 385 kg). Comparisons were also made between the NI and implanted treatments (I; EI + DI). Steers were procured at weaning and were backgrounded (47 d) before the initiation of the experiment. Initial predicted carcass composition was 14.9% protein, 13.3% fat, 54.6% moisture, and 17.2% bone. Days on feed were constant across treatment. After 56 d, ADG and G:F were improved (P < 0.01) by implants, NI vs. EI (1.68 vs. 1.90 kg and 0.227 vs. 0.257). At d 57, predicted carcass composition did not differ among treatments. From 57 to 112 d, DI caused higher ADG than NI or EI (NI = 1.65, EI = 1.57, and DI = 1.78 kg; P < 0.05) and higher G:F (NI = 0.155, EI = 0.150, and DI = 0.173; P < 0.01). Cumulative ADG and G:F were improved by implants (1.65 vs. 1.73 kg; P < 0.05) and (0.175 vs. 0.186; P < 0.01) for NI vs. I, respectively, with no differences between treatments that involved implants. Cumulative DMI was similar for all treatments. Implanting increased dressing percentage (63.5 vs. 64.1%; P < 0.05) and increased (P < 0.01) hot carcass weight (341 vs. 353 kg) and LM area (76.5 vs. 81.4 cm(2)) for NI vs. I, respectively. Rib fat and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat were not affected by treatment, and treatment had no effect on the whole carcass proportions of fat, protein, or water. Implants advanced maturity scores (NI = A(51) vs. EI + DI = A(59); P < 0.01). Marbling scores were decreased (P < 0.05) by EI but not by DI (NI = Small(65), EI = Small(20), DI = Small(36)). The percentage of i.m. fat content of the LM was decreased (P < 0.10) by EI and was not affected by DI (NI = 5.1, EI = 4.0, DI = 4.8%). Treatment affected (P < 0.10) the proportion of carcasses with marbling scores greater than Modest(0) (NI = 23.6, EI = 7.8, DI = 22.6%). The results of this study suggest that growth of i.m. fat is sensitive to anabolic growth promotants administered during early periods of growth.

The relationships among body weight, body composition, and intramuscular fat content in steers.

Angus steers of known age (265 +/- 17 d) and parentage were used in a 2-yr study (yr 1, n = 40; yr 2, n = 45) to evaluate the relationship between percentage of i.m. fat content of the longissimus dorsi at the 12th rib and carcass characteristics during growth of nonimplanted steers. Steers were sorted by age and EPD of paternal grandsire for marbling into high- and low-marbling groups so that steers with varying degrees of genetic potential for marbling were evenly distributed across slaughter groups. All steers were fed a 90% concentrate corn-based diet. Steers were allotted to five slaughter groups targeted to achieve hot carcass weights (HCW) of 204, 250, 295, 340, and 386 kg over the course of the feeding period. Data were analyzed as a completely random design with a factorial arrangement of treatments (year, marbling group, and slaughter group). Marbling group did not affect backfat, LM area, yield grade (YG), or marbling score. Regression equations were developed to quantify the change in carcass characteristics and composition over slaughter groups. Hot carcass weight increased in a linear fashion and differed (P < 0.01) among the slaughter groups as anticipated by design. Yield grade followed a quadratic upward pattern (P < 0.01) as HCW increased. Slaughter group affected the degree of marbling linearly (P < 0.01). There were no slaughter group x marbling group interactions, indicating that no differences occurred in the pattern of marbling attributable to paternal grandsire EPD. Carcasses expressed small degrees of marbling at 266 kg of HCW and obtained a YG of 3.0 at 291 kg of HCW. Fractional growth rates decelerated with increasing HCW. Greater advances in marbling relative to total carcass fatness occurred at HCW less than 300 kg. Management practices early in growth may influence final quality grade if compensatory i.m. fat content development does not occur.

Grain processing: effects on mixing, prehension, and other characteristics of feeds.

The primary objective of most grain processing of cattle diets is to increase starch availability. Evaluation of processing methods is usually based on ruminal or total tract starch disappearance and relative production rates (ADG, DMI, and gain: feed) demonstrated by cattle. Grain processing alters the mixing characteristics of grains and also influences steer preference for a grain and the manner in which grain is consumed. It is possible that mixing characteristics and selective eating influence production rates independent of starch availability when processed grains are fed. The magnitude of influence may depend upon the physical characteristics of other diet ingredients and feed intake. These relationships may work to improve or worsen production efficiencies. There is sufficient evidence to justify a closer evaluation of the influence of grain processing and feed ingredient combinations on mix quality, eating behavior, and true nutrient intakes of group-fed cattle.

Effects of dietary virginiamycin on performance and liver abscess incidence in feedlot cattle.

The effects of dietary virginiamycin level on performance and liver abscesses in feedlot cattle were evaluated in seven dose-response studies. Steers and heifers were fed finishing diets ranging in energy content from 1.34 to 1.51 Mcal of NEg/kg of DM. In all studies, virginiamycin added to the diet improved average daily gain and(or) feed conversion, with no substantial effect on dry matter intake. Pooled analyses of four studies providing virginiamycin at 11.0, 19.3, and 27.6 mg/kg of DM in the complete diet indicated that growth and feed conversion were linearly improved (P < .05); feeding 19.3 mg/kg improved these measurements by 3.0 and 3.8%, respectively. Overall incidence (score 0 vs score 1, 2, and 3) and severity (score 0, 1, and 2 vs score 3) of liver abscesses were reduced (P < .01) by feeding virginiamycin at either 19.3 or 27.6 mg/kg. Linear plateau modeling indicated that the effective dose range for virginiamycin in feedlot diets (DM basis) was 19.3 to 27.3 mg/kg for increasing average daily gain, 13.2 to 19.3 mg/kg for improving feed conversion, and 16.5 to 19.3 mg/kg for reducing liver abscess incidence.

Alternate day supplementation of corn stalk diets with soybean meal or corn gluten meal fed to ruminants.

Four experiments were conducted to determine the effect of adding corn gluten mean (CGM) or soybean meal (SBM) at 24- or 48-h intervals to diets based on corn stalks. In each experiment corn stalks was the primary diet ingredient fed to wethers or steers. Monensin was also fed to determine whether its effects on ruminal fermentation would improve the efficiency of N utilization under these conditions. Evaluation criteria included ruminal fermentation characteristics, DM intake and utilization, N balance in sheep, and steer feedlot performance. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3 N) concentrations measured over time were higher (P < .05) when diets contained SBM. Diet did not influence (P > .10) total VFA concentrations in ruminal fluid. Differences in diurnal shifts in ruminal NH3 N and total VFA due to protein source resulted in diet x hour interactions (P < .05). Dry matter intake response to protein source and frequency of supplement feeding was variable. Dry matter digestibility and nitrogen digestibility were not affected (P > .10) by protein source or feeding interval. The 48-h interval feeding of CGM was favorable compared with 24-h interval feeding (P < .05). The opposite response occurred with SBM, resulting in a diet x feeding interval interaction (P < .05). Nitrogen retention was greater (P < .05) when CGM was fed and with alternate day feeding. Diets that contained CGM supported higher (P < .05) ADG and gain/feed than diets that contained SBM when fed to steer calves. Alternate day feeding of supplements that contained monensin was detrimental to steer performance under the conditions of these experiments. Corn gluten meal is an effective substitute for SBM when alternate day protein supplementation is practiced.

Feeding value of frost-damaged soybeans for lambs.

Three experiments were conducted to determine the relative feeding value of frost-damaged soybeans (FDS) for ruminants. Frost-damaged soybean ether-extract content was variable and differed (P less than .05) from mature soybeans. Isonitrogenous supplementation of corn silage diets with soybean meal (SBM), SBM+soybean oil (SBO), mature raw soybeans (MSB), and FDS was compared in sheep. Acid detergent fiber and apparent N digestion were lower (P less than .001) for supplements containing oil. Nitrogen retention was reduced (P less than .07) only for raw soybean supplements. Ruminal NH3 N and branched-chain VFA concentrations differed (P less than .01) between SBM and supplements containing oil. Maximum tolerable inclusion level of FDS in corn silage diets was tested in wethers using diets containing 0, 7, 14, or 21% FDS. Dry matter and ADF digestibility declined linearly (P less than .01) with increasing dietary FDS. Ether extract digestibility was unchanged due to treatment, but GE digestibility decreased quadratically (P less than .01). The most pronounced decline in GE digestibility occurred when FDS increased from 14 to 21% of the diet. The effects of FDS on corn silage utilization were similar to MSB effects. Oil content and antinutritional factors contributed to detrimental effects. Frost-damaged soybeans should not exceed 14% of corn silage diets fed to growing wethers.

Nitrogen utilization by ruminants during restricted intake of high-concentrate diets.

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the effects of limit-feeding high-concentrate (LFHC) diets on dietary CP requirements of steer calves. When steer calves were fed 80% concentrate diets at 78 g/kg of BW.75, increasing dietary CP resulted in increased ADG (P less than .001). Average daily gain was increased in steers as daily monensin dosage increased from 120 to 180 mg (P less than .05). Increasing the daily monensin dosage to 240 mg did not increase ADG further. There were no (P greater than .10) CP X monensin interactions, suggesting that the monensin response was caused by improved energy utilization and not be the possible protein-sparing effects of ionophores. Steer calves in the second feedyard experiment expressed similar ADG when provided equal NEg as limit-fed, high-moisture ear corn (HMEC) or when given ad libitum access to corn silage. The basal diet did not affect the steers' daily N requirement for growth. Gain per unit of protein intake declined quadratically (P less than .05) with increasing CP intake, indicating that CP requirements were near NRC estimates on both diets. The corn silage-based diet was less digestible (70.3 vs 77.4%; P less than .01) than the HMEC diet when fed to lambs. Fecal output differed (P less than .10) substantially (342 g/d of corn silage vs 205 g/d of HMEC), whereas fecal N output was only slightly higher (6.97 vs 6.34 g/d, respectively; P less than .10). Limited feeding of higher-concentrate diets to steer calves seemed to be an effective management procedure and did not cause acute digestion upset.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of dietary ammonium chloride and variations in calcium to phosphorus ratio on silica urolithiasis in sheep.

Ammonium chloride was added to diets varying in Ca content to evaluate its potential in preventing silica urolith formation in sheep. A 2 x 2 factorial experiment involved wether lambs with ad libitum access to a diet of 50% grass hay and 50% ground oats plus supplement. The basal diet contained on a DM basis 3.3% SiO2, .31% Ca, .22% P, 11.6% CP, and 26% ADF. Treatments (38 to 39 lambs/treatment) consisted of a control (C), limestone to increase dietary calcium to .6% (L), 1% ammonium chloride (A), and L + A (LA). After a 118-d experimental period, siliceous kidney deposits were found only in C and L, with silica making up 93% to 95% of the urolithic ash. Urolith incidences were 13% (C) and 18% (L), respectively. The lack of urolith development in lambs fed A and LA (ammonium chloride effect, P less than .01) and a trend toward a lower urolith incidence in C vs L (P less than .02) support the hypothesis that acid-forming effects of the diet and a reduction in the dietary Ca to P ratio reduce silica urolith formation.

A calcium-binding protein that may be required for the initiation of chromosome replication in Escherichia coli.

Starvation for isoleucine but not for other amino acids in an ilv- strain or the addition of valine in an ilv+ strain inhibits initiation of chromosome and minichromosome replication in stringent (Rel+) Escherichia coli, but it does not inhibit replication in relaxed (relA) mutants (Guzman et al, 1988). From these results, we concluded that, (1) oriC initiation of replication is inhibited by ppGpp, and (2) isoleucine is not needed for the protein synthesis required at initiation. These results led us to find an isoleucine-free protein whose de novo synthesis is the sole protein synthesis requirement for oriC initiation. We also present evidence that this protein may be a calcium-binding protein located at 73 min in the genetic map.

High dietary calcium to phosphorus ratio and alkali-forming potential as factors promoting silica urolithiasis in sheep.

Sheep were used to study factors previously found to promote silica urolithiasis in a rat model. In addition to high silica, these dietary factors included elevated calcium, a high calcium to phosphorus ratio and alkali-forming effects. Wether lambs had ad libitum access to a diet of 50% of grass hay and 50% ground oats plus supplement. Diet analysis was 3.4% total SiO2, .29% calcium, .25% phosphorus, 11.3% CP and 28% ADF. Treatments (40 lambs/treatment) consisted of a control (C), limestone to increase dietary calcium to .6% (L), L + 1% sodium bicarbonate (LS) and L + 1% ammonium chloride (LA). After a 91-d experimental period followed by a 56-d postexperimental finishing period, silica kidney deposits were found in all treatments, and SiO2 made up 74% to 97% of the urolithic ash. Kidney urolith incidences in the four treatments were C, 7/40; L, 12/40; LS, 20/40; and LA, 9/40. A higher urolith incidence in LS (LS vs C, P less than .05) and a trend toward a higher incidence in L (L vs C, P less than .2), accompanied by elevated urine pH (L = LS greater than C greater than LA, P less than .01), lend support to the concept that high-silica diets having high calcium to phosphorus ratios and alkali-forming potentials contribute to silica urolithiasis.

Effects of preconditioning on pre- and post-shipment performance of feeder calves.

A preconditioning (PC) program that involved preweaning vaccination and preshipment weaning was evaluated utilizing 600 calves produced on four South Dakota ranches. Nonpreconditioned (NPC) controls were herd mates that were maintained with their dams during the preconditioning process. All calves were shipped from the ranch to the feedlot on the same date. In Exp. I, PC caused lower (P less than .001) preshipment gains. However, management x ranch and management x year effects indicated that response to PC was variable. Preconditioning reduced (P less than .001) transit shrink in Exp. I but caused greater (P less than .05) shrink in Exp. II. Ranch and management x ranch effects accounted for more of the variation in shrink than PC did. In the feedlot, PC calves consumed more feed initially (d 1 to 28; P less than .001) and during the entire (P less than .10) feeding period when fed to slaughter condition. During the 28-d postshipment period, calves fed higher-grain diets consumed more feed (P less than .001) and were less efficient (P less than .001) than calves fed corn silage. When fed for longer periods (greater than 28 d), higher-energy diets improved feedlot gains and feed efficiency independent of preconditioning. Health and performance responses to this preconditioning procedure were variable. Our preconditioning procedure did not improve beef production efficiency.

Heat stress in the presence of low RNA polymerase activity increases chromosome copy number of Escherichia coli.

A temperature shift-up accompanied by a reduction in RNA polymerase activity in Escherichia coli causes an increased rate of initiation leading to a 1.7- to 2.2-fold increase in chromosome copy number. A temperature shift-up without a reduction in polymerase activity induces only a transient non-scheduled initiation of chromosome replication caused by heat shock with no detectable effect on chromosome copy number.

Functioning of the F-plasmid origin of replication in an Escherichia coli K12 Hfr strain during exponential growth.

The pattern of chromosome replication in the Escherichia coli K12 Hfr strain KL99 was investigated during exponential growth by DNA-DNA hybridization. The levels of chromosomal markers close to the point of insertion of F (near pyrC) were raised in relation to other markers by comparison with the situation in an isogenic F- strain. The data are shown to be consistent with the proposal that the integrated F plasmid was regulating its copy number by a mass-titration mechanism.

Feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed diets containing ammonium salts of the branched-chain fatty acids and valeric acid.

Two trials were conducted to study the effects of feeding a mixture of ammonium salts of isovaleric, 2-methylbutyric, isobutyric and valeric acids (AS-VFA) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing Angus, Hereford and Angus X Hereford steers. In trial 1,192 steers (8 steers/pen, 6 pen/treatment) averaging 251 kg body weight and in trial 2, 240 steers (8 steer/pen, 7 pens/treatment, 9 pens/control treatment) averaging 216 kg body weight were randomly assigned to four anhydrous ammonium salt-volatile fatty acid (AS-VFA) treatment levels: 0 (control), .14, .28 and .42% of the diet dry matter (DM). In each trial, the growing and finishing diets were isocaloric, isonitrogenous and supplemented with monensin (26 mg/kg diet). In both trials, steers received implants of 200 mg progesterone and 20 mg estradiol benzoate. Combined data from the trials confirmed the absence of average daily gain and feed conversion responses during the growing period. During the finishing period, the combined data for gain and feed conversion for the control steers and the steers fed .14, .28 and .42% AS-VFA were 1.43, 7.09; 1.43, 6.99; 1.48, 6.67 and 1.45, 6.80, respectively. Gains increased 3.5% (P less than .10) and feed conversion improved 5.9% (P less than .07) in steers fed .28% AS-VFA compared with gain and feed conversion of the control steers. At the end of the growing period in the first trial, a urea dilution technique was used to estimate the body composition of 12 steers from each treatment. Estimates of percent body fat and percent body protein were similar (P greater than .20) for all steers, irrespective of treatment. At the end of the trials, carcass yield grades for the combined data were 2.6 and 2.8 (P less than .10) for steers fed .28% AS-VFA and for the control steers, respectively. Carcass weight, dressing percentage and marbling score were lower (P less than .10) in steers fed AS-VFA than for steers fed the control. However, in general, carcass characteristics were not greatly influenced by AS-VFA. A possible use for a supplement containing branched-chain fatty acids and valeric acid in finishing steer diets is suggested by the improvement in feedlot performance and by the slight increase in carcass yield.