Relationships of milk yield and quality from six breed groups of beef cows to preweaning average daily gain of their calves.

Milk yield and quality influence calf preweaning growth and ultimately the sale value of the calf at weaning. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationships of milk production and quality of beef cows to calf preweaning ADG in beef cows sired by Bonsmara, Brangus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, and Romosinuano and from Brangus dams to determine whether the relationships were homogeneous across cow breed group. Approximately 50 cows/yr were milked monthly for 6 mo in each of the 7 yr of this study. Milk traits were included in models as linear and quadratic covariates along with interactions of the covariates with sire breed. Tests for curvilinearity and homogeneity of regression coefficients indicated the relationship of calf preweaning ADG to milk yield and quality was quadratic and homogeneous across Charolais and Gelbvieh; linear and homogeneous across Bonsmara, Brangus, and Romosinuano; and linear and different from other sire breeds in Herefords (P < 0.05). Exceptions to this were in the regression of calf preweaning ADG on the natural logarithm of somatic cell count (SCC) and milk urea nitrogen (MUN). The relationship of calf preweaning ADG to SCC was quadratic in Brangus (P < 0.05) and linear in Gelbvieh (P < 0.05) with little evidence (P > 0.05) of a relationship in Bonsmara, Charolais, Hereford, or Romosinuano. There was little evidence (P > 0.05) of a relationship of calf preweaning ADG to MUN in any of the sire breed groups. Results from this study confirmed the importance of the influence of milk yield and quality on calf preweaning growth but indicated this influence can depend on the breed composition of the cow. Furthermore, results suggest that breed origin or adaptation may have influenced the relationships of calf preweaning ADG to cow milk yield and quality.

Carcass parameters and meat quality in meat-goat kids finished on chicory, birdsfoot trefoil, or red clover pastures.

This study was conducted during the 2009 and 2010 grazing seasons to assess carcass parameters and chevon (goat meat) quality when meat-goat kids (n=72) were finished on pastures of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RCL), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.; BFT), or chicory (Cichorium intybus L.; CHIC). Final live weight (P<0.05) and carcass weight (P=0.10) were greater when goats were finished on RCL compared to CHIC with BFT being intermediate. Ribeye area, backfat thickness, body wall thickness, internal fat score, and leg score were not different (P>0.10) among treatments when adjusted for the covariate of carcass weight. Finishing meat-goat kids on RCL, BFT, or CHIC impacted concentrations of fatty acids (FAs) 18:1 trans-10, 18:1 cis-11, 18:2, 18:3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-6, omega-3, and PUFA:saturated fatty acid ratio in longissimus lumborum samples. Finishing meat-goat kids on CHIC, RCL, or BFT pastures produced carcass weights acceptable for most ethnic markets in the USA.

Meat goat kids finished on alfalfa, red clover or orchardgrass pastures: carcass merit and meat quality.

This experiment was conducted in 2005-2007 to evaluate carcass and chevon (goat meat) quality parameters when meat-goat kids (n=72) were finished on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L; ALF); red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RCG); or orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.; OGR) pastures. Carcass conformation score was greater (P=0.08) when meat-goat kids were finished on ALF compared to OGR with RCG intermediate. Chevon meat samples from goats finished on the three pasture treatments did not differ in ash, intramuscular fat, or crude protein content or in concentrations of omega6 and omega3 fatty acids, or the omega6 to omega3 ratio. Goats finished on OGR had higher (P<0.001) 18:1 trans-11 fatty acids (FA) compared to ALF or RCG. Overall, meat-goat kids finished on ALF, RCG, or ORG produced desirable carcass weights for most niche markets in the USA. Chevon is a low-fat meat option with high desirable fatty acids for human diets.

Carcass merit and meat quality in Suffolk lambs, Katahdin lambs, and meat-goat kids finished on a grass-legume pasture with and without supplementation.

The experiment evaluated traditional U.S. sheep (Suffolk), hair sheep (Katahdin), and meat goat (Boer crossbred; Goat) carcass and meat quality parameters when finished on pasture with and without supplemental whole cottonseed (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Supplemented animals had greater ribeye area (P<0.01), body wall thickness (P<0.001), and lean quality score (P<0.05) than unsupplemented animals. Whole cottonseed increased fatty acids (FA) 18:1 trans-10, 18:1 trans-12, 18:2, and Omega6:Omega3 ratio and decreased FA 18:1 trans-11, 18:3, and Omega3 in longissimus muscle (LM). Katahdin LM had greater (P<0.001) intramuscular fat compared to Suffolk and Goat. Goat LM had less (P<0.001) FA 14:0, 18:0, 18:1 t11, 18:3, 20:3n-6, and saturated FA when compared to Suffolk or Katahdin. Carcass weights from pasture-finished sheep and goats would be acceptable for most ethnic markets in the USA. Omega6:Omega3 ratios in chevon and lamb were within the guidelines for meats that can improve human diets and health.

Recirculating elutriator for extracting gastrointestinal nematode larvae from pasture herbage samples.

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites present an important limitation to ruminant production worldwide. Methods for quantifying infective larvae of GIN on pastures are generally tedious, time-consuming, and require bulky equipment set-ups. This limitation to expedient data collection is a bottleneck in development of pasture management practices that might reduce pasture infectivity. We modified a soil elutriator concept for extracting GIN larvae from fresh herbage samples. Elutriators were constructed from readily available parts and compared to the Baermann funnel sedimentation method for larvae extraction. More samples could be extracted per day in the elutriator than in a Baermann unit with extraction times of 8 min versus 24h, respectively. Accuracy, measured as maximum recovery of larvae seeded onto herbage samples, did not differ between extraction methods (62.3 vs. 69.8% for elutriator and Baermann, respectively, P>0.05). Larvae recovery from herbage in elutriators showed a strong log(e) relationship with extraction time (r(2)>0.98), which will allow development of accurate correction factors for specific herbages to predict total larvae densities at extraction times less than those needed for maximum recovery. An extraction time of 8 min per sample gave the best compromise of speed, accuracy, and precision as measured by regression confidence bands and root mean square error of analysis of variance. Precision of the elutriator extraction for pasture samples was comparable to published methods and was not affected by forage species or canopy strata. The elutriator method was sensitive enough to detect differences in larvae density as small as 8 larvae g(-1) DM among pasture treatments. Elutriators extracted nematode larvae from herbage samples with accuracy and precision similar to existing methods, but did it much faster. Elutriation shows promise as a rapid method for extracting infective GIN larvae from pasture herbage.

Alpha-tocopherol concentrations and case life of lamb muscle as influenced by concentrate or pasture finishing.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate alpha-tocopherol accumulation in muscle of lambs finished on pasture or concentrates. The objective for Exp. 1 was to compare accumulation of alpha-tocopherol in the longissimus muscle of pasture-fed lambs to that of lambs fed three concentrations (15, 150, and 300 IU/kg of DM) of supplemental vitamin E (all rac alpha-tocopheryl acetate) in all-concentrate diets. The objective in Exp. 2 was to investigate the effect of duration of supplemental vitamin E feeding on alpha-tocopherol content and color change during display case storage of lamb muscle. Treatments evaluated in Exp. 2 were: 15 IU of supplemental vitamin E/kg DM fed to finish; 15 IU/kg followed by 300 IU/kg of DM during the last 21 d; and 15 IU/kg DM until 7 d prior to finish, then 300 IU/kg DM. In Exp. 1, alpha-tocopherol concentration of rotational grazed alfalfa and perennial ryegrass averaged 137 and 169 mg/kg of DM. Vitamin E treatments for lambs fed concentrate diets did not affect ADG (P > 0.15), but ADG was greater (P < 0.01) for concentrate-fed lambs than for grazing lambs. For the concentrate-fed lambs, alpha-tocopherol in longissimus muscle increased quadratically (P < 0.05) as dietary concentrations of vitamin E increased. Predicted maximum alpha-tocopherol concentration in muscle occurred at about 400 IU/kg of diet DM. Longissimus muscle from lambs grazing alfalfa or ryegrass had similar (P > 0.50) alpha-tocopherol concentrations, and those concentrations were similar to values obtained when the concentrate diet supplemented with 150 IU of vitamin E/kg was fed. In Exp. 2, no differences (P > 0.10) in ADG were observed. Concentrations of longissimus alpha-tocopherol were highest when 300 IU supplemental vitamin E was fed for 21 d prior to slaughter. During a 6-d display period, semimembranosus steaks from lambs fed 300 IU of supplemental vitamin E/kg for either 7 or 21 d had higher a* and b* color readings than steaks from lambs fed 15 IU/kg of supplemental vitamin E. Increased consumption of vitamin E either via pasture or supplementation results in higher alpha-tocopherol concentrations in meat.

Effect of slurry mineralogy on slurry ICP-AES.

Direct slurry analysis by FI ICP-AES has been tested on seven iron-containing and five zinc-containing minerals. Results indicate that the method can be applied for traces and majors in a range of different materials.

Use of end-tidal PCO2 and transcutaneous PCO2 as noninvasive measurement of arterial PCO2 in extubated patients recovering from general anesthesia.

This study was designed to assess the accuracy of end-tidal PCO2 and transcutaneous PCO2 as measurements of arterial PCO2 in extubated, spontaneously breathing patients recovering from general anesthesia. In 30 patients, measurement of arterial transcutaneous, and end-tidal PCO2 were taken simultaneously with body temperature approximately every 15 minutes over a 2-hour period. Arterial PCO2 values were corrected for body temperature. Values for PaCO2 were compared with those for PETCO2 and PsCO2 by linear regression analysis and by calculation of bias +/- precision. Thirty-six percent of the capnogram tracings obtained did not develop a plateau phase. We found poor correlation between end-tidal and arterial PCO2 regardless of the shape of the capnogram tracing, as well as poor correlation between transcutaneous and arterial PCO2. Although the measurements of bias and precision of noninvasive PCO2 monitors in this population are comparable to studies in other populations, we advise caution in relying on the routine use of PETCO2 or PsCO2 for the noninvasive assessment of respiratory depression in extubated, spontaneously breathing patients recovering from general anesthesia.

Technical note: sampling technique and drying method effects on chemical composition of tall fescue or fescue-ladino clover pasture samples.

Although esophageal extrusa is the most readily accepted representation of forage consumed by grazing ruminants, esophageal sampling is demanding from the standpoint of animal care and maintenance and extrusa processing. This experiment was conducted with a split-plot design to evaluate the effects of pasture type, pasture sampling technique and drying method on estimation of grazed forage composition. Ten esophageally fistulated steers grazed pastures of either tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) or tall fescue interseeded with ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.); steers were closely observed during four collection periods to determine their exact grazing location. Forage samples were collected either directly from the esophageal fistula (E) or hand-gathered (HG) from the immediate perimeter of the grazed area. Samples of E and HG from each steer were divided and oven-dried at 40 degrees C or lyophilized. Fescue samples had lower (P less than .01) N and ADF N concentrations than fescue-ladino clover samples, and E-collected fescue samples had lower (P less than .05) in vitro digestible OM than E-collected fescue-ladino clover samples. Sampling x drying method interactions were detected (P less than .01) for OM, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose (HEMI), ADL, alkaline peroxide lignin (APL), ADFN and indigestible ADF (IADF). Oven-dried E had higher (P less than .05) NDF, ADF, HEMI, ADL, APL and ADF N than lyophilized E; ADF N and IADF were higher from oven-dried HG than from lyophilized HG. In vitro digestible OM was not modified by oven drying. Hand-gathered samples, whether lyophilized or oven-dried, did not simulate E dried by lyophilization. Standardized collection techniques and drying procedures should be implemented to minimize damage to fibrous components.

Mefluidide treatment of tall fescue pastures: intake and animal performance.

Twelve Hereford heifers were used in a grazing experiment to determine intake and digestibility of tall fescue forage treated with the plant growth regulator mefluidide. Additionally, steer and heifer performance were evaluated after grazing tall fescue pastures or consuming hay harvested from pastures treated with mefluidide. Average forage OM intake by heifers was 47% greater (P less than .05) during July and 50% greater (P less than .05) during August for mefluidide-treated pastures than for untreated pastures. In vitro OM digestibility and indigestible ADF were compared for their ability to predict forage intake. The in vitro digestibility method produced more realistic intake data than the indigestible ADF method; however, trends in estimated forage intake were similar for both methods. Total tract particulate matter passage rates were similar (P greater than .10; 4.5 vs 4.1%/h), but mean retention times were shorter (P less than .05; 37.0 vs 46.9 h) when heifers grazed mefluidide-treated tall fescue. Steers grazing mefluidide-treated forage had greater (P less than .05) total weight gains than did steers grazing untreated tall fescue during a 168-d study (86 vs 69 kg). Heifers fed hay harvested from mefluidide-treated pastures also exhibited similar improvements in gain (49 vs 38 kg) because of increased (P less than .05) forage consumption (8.3 vs 7.3 kg/d) and greater (P less than .05) forage OM digestibility (65 vs 61%). Mefluidide treatment of tall fescue in early spring prolonged higher-quality herbage into midsummer and resulted in greater forage intake and animal performance.

Mefluidide treatment of tall fescue pastures: forage quality.

Spring application of a plant growth regulator, mefluidide, to tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pastures grazed from May to September reduced (P less than .05) available DM and digestible OM per hectare by 51 and 41%, respectively, compared to untreated pastures. However, seasonal averages for N, Ca and P content and in vitro OM disappearance (OMD) were greater (P less than .05) and NDF was lower (P less than .05) in tall fescue from mefluidide-treated pastures than in untreated pastures. Compared to hand-clipped samples, esophageal extrusa of tall fescue was 63% higher (P less than .05) in N (2.7 vs 1.7%) and 26% lower (P less than .05) in NDF (52.6 vs 69.9%) than hand-clipped tall fescue samples, regardless of treatment. Extrusa and hand-clipped herbage samples were similar (P greater than .10) in OMD during May and September, but OMD of extrusa was greater (P less than .05) during June, July and August compared to clipped samples. As a consequence of preventing stem elongation and seedhead formation earlier in the growing season, mefluidide treatment of tall fescue maintained forage quality at a higher level during midsummer.

A comparison of epidural and intramuscular morphine in patients following cesarean section.

This randomized, double-blind study compared epidural (EP) and intramuscular (IM) morphine in 24 healthy parturients for 24 h after cesarean section. The 11 EP subjects received 5 mg of EP morphine and normal saline intramuscularly, and the 13 IM patients received 5 mg of IM morphine and normal saline epidurally. Both injections were given simultaneously just after delivery and then upon request with at least 30 min between each pair of injections. Blood pressure, visual analogue scale pain score, somnolence score, and presence of nausea, vomiting, or pruritus were assessed every 30 min for 1 h after each dose and then hourly. Oxyhemoglobin saturation (Spo2) and respiratory rate (RR) and pattern were monitored continuously with pulse oximetry and respiratory inductive plethysmography. The EP group had significantly lower pain scores (less pain) than the IM (0.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.3 +/- 1.3; mean +/- SD; P less than 0.001) with less morphine (0.3 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.2 +/- 0.6 mg patient-1 h-1; P less than 0.001). There was no difference between groups for RR, Spo2, incidence or frequency of slow respiratory rate (SRR, 5-min mean RR less than 10) and apneas (AP, greater than or equal to 15 s of less than 100 ml tidal volume), incidence of nausea and/or vomiting, pruritus, or hypotension, and hours asleep or drowsy. There were no major respiratory abnormalities. During control monitoring of nine EP and 11 IM subjects while asleep postoperatively, the RR, Spo2, and incidence and frequency of SRR and AP were similar to the study period in both groups. In conclusion, EP morphine was a more effective analgesic than IM morphine, but the side effects of both were similar.

The influence of pregnancy and source of supplemental protein on intake, digestive kinetics and amino acid absorption by ewes.

Three experiments were conducted with ewes to determine the effects of pregnancy and(or) supplemental protein source on amino acid absorption and digestive criteria. In Exp. 1, four mated and five nonmated ewes fitted with abomasal and ileal cannulas were offered 272 g of cracked corn/d and ad libitum alfalfa hay (22% CP). Mated ewes absorbed greater quantities (P less than .10) and percentages (P less than .05) of amino acids presented to the abomasum than did nonmated ewes between d 121 and 124 of gestation. In Exp. 2, three nonmated ewes were used in a latin square design experiment to compare amino acid absorption when timothy hay (6% CP; 67% NDF) was offered alone or with supplements of corn plus either alfalfa hay (ALF) or soybean meal (SBM). Supplementation increased total, essential and nonessential amino acid flow to the abomasum and amino acid disappearance. In Exp. 3, 12 mated and 12 nonmated ewes were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement to compare the effects of production status (gestation followed by lactation vs nonmated) and supplemented protein source (ALF vs SBM) on voluntary intake and digestive criteria. Ewes were pulse-dosed with Yb-marked NDF from hay on d 124 and 137 of gestation and d 26 of lactation. During lactation (d 7 to 28), dietary DM intakes were greater (P less than .05) by ewes consuming ALF compared with SBM and by lactating ewes compared with nonmated ewes. Flow rates were greater (P less than .05) from mated ewes throughout the experiment. It appears that pregnant ewes met their increased nutrient demands by increasing flow rates and by more efficient apparent absorption of amino acids.