| Title |
Investigators | Department | Objectives | Approach Keywords | Progress Reports | Impact Statements | Publications | |
Project * COL00606 | |
| Title | Nutrition and Management of Feedyard Cattle to Enhance Performance, Carcass Value and Environmental Sustainability |
| Investigator(s) | Engle, TE; |
| Department | Animal Science |
| Objectives | 1. To discover and develop management strategies that facilitates feedlot cattle production in an environmentally and economically sustainable manner. 2. To enhance the quality and safety of beef through development and application of emerging technologies. 3 . To investigate alternative feeding programs and management strategies to enhance cattle health, well-being, performance, and carcass value. |
| Approach | A major focus of this project will be the development of management strategies that facilitate production of beef in an environmentally sustainable manner. The first approach in this realm will be to continue to conduct beef cattle nutrition and management research to limit phosphorus, salt and potassium losses to the environment. These studies will be conducted at ECRC, Akron and ARDEC, Fort Collins. New EPA regulations and societal concerns regarding the impact of confinement of livestock on the environment provide ample justification of our research thrust in this area. The feedyard industry is a major utilizer of by-products from the food and grain processing industries. Optimizing capture of the nutrients through livestock digestion and retention from the by-product industries has important environmental and economic implications. Another concern in Colorado and other states is for confined animal agriculture to be able to co-exist next to urban areas. Probably the major issue in this conflict is odor followed by dust and flies. Our intention is to focus on management strategies and technologies that have the potential to mitigate this urban/rural conflict while withstanding economic scrutiny. These studies will be conducted at confined animal feeding operations in northern Colorado. Research will also be planned to investigate the effects of nutrition and pre-harvest management on the quality and safety of beef. Sustaining a safe and wholesome food supply continues to be a major challenge in the USA (2). The presence of E. coli 0157:H7 in feedlot cattle and on beef carcasses continues to raise food safety concerns. Alternative feeding programs will be evaluated as to their potential for reducing pathogenic microorganisms. |
| Keywords | finishing cattle, environmental sustainability, odor and dust |
| Progress Reports | |
| 1993 | Fifty seven crossbred steers were individually fed in Calan gates and were used in a randomized block design with three treatments: 1) Control with no soybeans and a urea protein supplement, 2) 12.5% roasted whole soybeans (WRS) on a DM basis with no urea, 3) 25% roasted whole soybeans on a DM basis with no urea. Steers fed 12.5% WRS had higher feed intake (P=.03) than controls whereas steers fed WRS at the 25% level had higher average daily gain (P=.01) than the control. Feed efficiency trended lower for those steers fed WRS although significance only appeared in the first 28 days (P=.009). The only carcass parameters that were different were KPH fat with the 25% level being higher than the urea control (P=.0536 respectively). Cost of gain was higher for increasing amounts of WRS with treatments 1, 2, and 3 being $24.59 , $28.02, and $32.29 dollars/hundred weight of gain respectively. This study suggests that the 12.5% WRS level improved gain and feed efficiency compared to a urea based protein and the 25% WRS level was only slightly superior to 12.5% WRS level therefore the optimum amount may be lower than l2.5%. Due to the high cost of soybeans, optimization is of utmost importance. Soybeans had little effect on carcass characteristics with the exception of internal fat deposition. |
| 1994 | Sixty British and British crossbred steers were used to evaluate the effect of protein level and implant type on steer performance from reimplant to slaughter. Steers were fed either 11% or 13% (supplemental protein from soybean meal) crude protein diets and implanted with either Revalor-S or Implus-S. Daily dry matter intake throughout the entire trial (0-77 d) was not affected (P>.10) by protein level or implant treatment. Daily gain was reduced (P<.05) in steers receiving the 13% crude protein diet when compared to steers consuming the 11% crude protein diet throughout the entire trial. Feed efficiency was reduced by 19% in steers implanted with Implus-S and fed 13% crude protein, but Revalor-S treated steers consuming 13% crude protein diet were not affected. Steers implanted with Implus-S were just as efficient as steers implanted with Revalor-S when fed 11% crude protein. There were no significant differences in carcass traits across implant treatments. However, cattle fed 13% crude protein had 34% more carcass grade choice than those fed 11% crude protein. Two hundred sixty-one crossbred calves were used to determine whether there were any interactions between grain processing and protein source on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Daily dry matter intake was not different across treatments over the entire trial. Average daily gain was greatest (P<.05) in steers fed diets containing whole shelled corn compared to steers consuming steam flaked corn and urea. |
| 1995 | Fifty-one crossbred heifers were used to study the effects of supplemental N from urea, soybean meal with added soybean oil, or whole roasted soybeans (WRS) on performance. Performance advantages from WRS were minimal whether fed for the first 84 days or for the entire trial. Apparent digestibility of organic matter and crude protein were not altered by supplemental N source; however, apparent digestibility of ether extract was higher for the soybean meal/oil and WRS supplemented diets compared to the urea supplemented diet. The amount and digestibility of oil provided by WRS may increase the energy density of the diet and could account for the performance advantages seen in previous trials with steers. Eighty-four British crossbred steers were fed for 123 d to evaluate the effects of urea level, corn processing (whole or cracked), and reimplant type (Implus-S or Revalor-S) on finishing performance. Effectiveness of urea supplementation depended on corn processing; cattle fed whole corn did not respond to either supplemental urea level while cattle fed cracked corn gained the fastest when fed 1.4% urea. Feed efficiency was not affected by corn processing or urea level. During the first 55 d, as urea level increased, steers given Implus gained slower and were less efficient, while steers given Revalor gained faster and were more efficient. Reimplanting with Revalor improved daily gain for the first 84 d compared to Implus, but no differences were detected in daily gain or feed efficiency. |
| 1996 | Ninety-nine steers and 44 heifers were used in a randomized block design that evaluated 2 treatments with 2 pens of steers and 1 pen of heifers/treatment. Treatments included an unbedded control group (3 pens) and a bedded group (3 pens). Bedding was administered 10 times during the study at 15.5 kgs/head. Feed intake was not increased by bedding pens with chopped wheat straw. Average daily gain and dressing percent were significantly improved by bedding pens. Feed efficiency and feed cost of gain tended to be improved. Bedding an area of the pen during mild to severe mud conditions returned $8 per head. Fifty-nine steers were used in a randomized block design to examine the effects of supplemental protein source during the early growth phase on finishing steer performance and carcass characteristics. The four supplemental N treatments were: 1) urea (urea control), 2)solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM), 3) expeller-processed soybean meal (SoyPLUS), and 4) dried brewers grains (DBG). The diets were isonitrogenous (13% CP) and fed for 84 d. From d 85 to 194, all steers were fed the urea-supplemented diet. Steers supplemented with natural protein compared to urea consumed 13% more feed (P<.01) and gained 11% faster, but the effect was not significant (P=.20). Feed efficiency was not altered by treatment (P>.10). There were no differences (P>.10) in steer performance among natural protein sources. Previous supplemental N source did not affect (P> ,10) growth performance of steers after 84 d. |
| 1997 | Fifty-nine steers were used in a randomized block design to examine the effects of supplemental protein source on finishing steer growth performance and carcass characteristics. The four supplemental N treatments were: 1) urea (urea control), 2) solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM), 3) expeller-processed soybean meal (SoyPLUS(R); SP), and 4) dried brewers grains (DBG). The diets were isonitrogenous (13% CP dry matter basis) and fed for 84 d. From d 85 to 194, all steers were fed the urea-supplemented diet. Steers supplemented with natural protein compared to urea consumed 13% more feed (P < 0.01) and gained 11% faster but the effect was not significant (P = 0.20). Feed efficiency was not altered by treatment (P > 0.10). There were no differences (P > 0.10)in steer performance among natural protein sources. Previous supplemental N source did not affect (P > 0.10) growth performance of steers after 84 d. Feed cost of gain for the DBG-supplemented diet was the highest (P < 0.05). Steers fed supplemental true protein had heavier carcasses, but the difference was not detected statistically (P > 0 .10). The combination of competitive cost of gain and heavier carcasses for steers supplemented with SBM and SP resulted in average returns per head $9.23 and $15.79 higher than for steers supplemented with urea. |
| 1998 | Two hundred eight-four steers were used in a 2x2 factorial arrangement with 4 treatments to evaluate the effects of supplementing different levels of phosphorus and copper on growth performance and carcass characteristics. The 4 treatments were: 1) .34 percent phosphorus and 56 ppm copper (High P/High Cu), 2) High phosphorus and 10 ppm copper (High P/Low CU), 3) low phosphorus and high copper (Low P/High Cu) and 4) .22 percent phosphorus and low copper (Low P/Low Cu). Steers were fed a finishing ration consisting of 87.7 percent whole corn, 3.4 percent alfalfa, 3.4 percent straw and 5.7 percent protein supplement. Steers were fed for 170 d. There were no significant differences found for overall growth performance. However, there was a significant difference between the High P/High Cu and the Low P/Low Cu groups in ADG for days 0-28 and between the High P/High Cu and the Low P/High Cu groups in ADG for days 57-84. Feed efficiency was significantly lower for the Low P/Low Cu group when compared to all other groups for days 29-56. No significant interactions (P greater than .05) were found between treatment groups with the exception of unshrunk dressing percent for carcass characteristics. Main effects of high vs. low phosphorus and high vs. low copper also did not exhibit significant differences for growth performance or carcass characteristics with the exception of the effect of the level of phosphorus supplementation on unshrunk dressing percent. Two hundred and eighty-eight British cross steer calves were used in a randomized block design with 4 levels of cull great northern beans (GNB). GNB were included in the diets dry matter at 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent. GNB were substituted for corn. Over the 30 day trial, feed intake and average daily gain decreased linearly (P less than .001) as the level of GNB increased in the diet dry matter. Feed efficiency (F/G) increased linearly (P less than .001) as the bean level increased in the diet. Since there was a water diarrhea associated with feeding the beans, the trial was terminated after 30 days. Steers that were fed the beans were then switched to the control treatment and finished. No other detrimental side effects were noted after withdrawing the beans from the diet. It does not appear that feeding cull GNB at 5 percent or above of the diet dry in finishing diets is advisable. Sixty-four Hereford steers (760 lbs) were used in a 4 treatment randomized design with 16 individually fed steers per treatment. Cull great northern beans (GNB) were included in the diet dry matter at: 0 percent, 0.5 percent, 1 percent and 2 percent of dietary dry matter. Feed intake increased (less than 0.5) linearly as the level of beans increased in diet days 29-56 and 0-113 of the trial. Feeding beans impacted average daily gain quadratically (P less than .05) days 0-28 and 0-113. Feed efficiency was impacted linearly and quadratically (P less than .05) the first 28 days as the bean level increased in the diet. It would appear that including GNB in diet up to 1 percent would not be detrimental to growth performance. |
| 1999 | Two hundred eighty-three steers were used in a 2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate the effects of supplementing Vitamin D and phosphorus on growth performance and slaughter data. The basal ration was analyzed to contain 0.24 percent phosphorus. Treatments were formulated to contain: 1) 0.35 percent phosphorus and 114 IU vitamin D/kg of DM (The basal ration was supplemented with 0.11% phosphorus/114 IU vitamin D)/kg, 2) 0.35 percent phosphorus and no added vitamin D (the basal ration supplemetned with 0.11 percent phosphorus only, .35 percent P/ 0 IU Vitamin D), 3) 0.24 percent phosphorus and no added vitamin D (the basal ration only, .24 percent P/ 0 IU vitamin D), and 4) 0.24 percent phosphorus and 114 IU vitamin D/kg of DM (the basal ration supplemented with 114 IU/kg vitamin D only, .24 percent P/114 IU vitamin D). Steers were fed a finishing ration consisting of 83.16 percent whole corn , 7.10 percent alfalfa hay, 3.04 percent corn stalks, and 6.69 protein supplement. There were no differences (P less than .05) found for overall performance or slaughter data between treatments. Main effects of vitamin D and phosphorus treatments did not exhibit any overall significant differences. However, for the vitamin D treatments, there were significant differences for DM intake for periods 1 and 3 (8.21 vs. 8.57 kgs/d, 114 IU vitamin d vs. 0 IU vitamin D, respectively and 9.35 vs. 8.79 kg/d/114 IU vitamin D vs. 0 IU vitamin D, respectively).Two hundred eight-eight British crossbred steer calves were used in a randomized design to evaluate four concentrations of cull great northern beans (GNB). Beans were included in the dietary DM at 0, 5, 10 and 15 percent and were substituted for corn. Over the 30-d trial, feed intake and ADG decreased linearly (P less than 0.001) as the level of GNB increased. Feed efficiency increased linearly (P less than 0.001) as the bean concentration increased in the diet. Because there was a dramatic reduction in performance and a watery diarrhea associated with feeding the beans, the trial was terminated after 30 d. In the second trial, 64 Hereford steers (345 kg) were used in a four-treatment randomized design with 16 individually fed steers per treatment. Cull GNB were included in the dietary DM at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 percent. Feed intake increased (P less than 0.05) linearly as the concentration of beans increased in the diet. Feeding beans improved ADG quadratically as the concentration increased to 1% and then declined at the 2 percent concentration for d 0 to 28 and 0 to 113. Feed efficiency improved quadratically (P less than 0.05) as the bean concentration increased to 1 percent and then increased at 2 percent level. Feeding GNB at greater than 2 percent of the dietary DM in finishing diets is contra-indicated. |
| 2000 | A) One hundred seventy-two cattle were used in a two treatment randomized design evaluating either a (1) high concentrate diet or (2) switching to a hay diet five days prior to slaughter . Growth performance, carcass characteristics and generic fecal E. coli counts were measured. Feed intake was reduced (P less than 0.05) over 3.2 kgs per head per day by switching to a hay diet the last five days of the feeding period. Cattle fed hay lost weight and had a negative feed conversion when fed hay. Off-test weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percent and percent choice all tended to be reduced when cattle were fed hay prior to slaughter. Total coliform counts and generic E. coli counts were lower in feces of cattle switched to a hay diet. B) One hundred sixty-one beef steers and 157 heifers were used in a randomized experimental design to examine growth performance and carcass characteristics. Four levels of Profi peas were fed (0, 5, 10 and 20 percent) on a dry matter (DM) basis. Carcass, morbidity, average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake for the first 3 feeding periods were not improved (P less than 0.05) with increasing level of Profi peas in the total mixed ration. However, feed intake, feed efficiency and mortality were all improved (P less than 0.05) linearly as pea level increased. Profi peas may offer potential for an economical supplemental protein source. C) Sixty-four steer calves were used to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic trace minerals in the presence of high dietary mineral antagonists on performance, health and carcass characteristics. Calves were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial; with factors being 2 levels of organic and 2 levels of inorganic trace minerals. Calves were fed 28 days on the ranch in 2 pens of 8 head per treatment before a simulated transport stress. After being loaded, hauled eighty miles, unloaded with an overnight stand without feed and water and reloaded, they were shipped to the CSU research feedyard and placed in individual pens. Calves fed the organic low level and inorganic high level gained better (P less than .05) the first 28 days than calves fed the organic high level or inorganic low level trace minerals. Overall growth performance was not influenced by trace mineral types or levels. Ribeye area was higher (P less than .05) for calves fed the low level organic trace minerals compared to those fed the low level inorganic trace minerals. Liver cobalt was increased (P less than .05) at the November sampling when inorganic trace minerals were fed. Liver copper was highest (P less than .05) at March sampling for calves fed low level inorganic trace minerals followed by calves fed organic high level trace minerals. Liver iron was lower (P less than .05) in calves at the March sampling when organic trace minerals were fed. Liver zinc was elevated (P less than .05) in November by feeding the inorganic low level trace minerals and in March liver zinc was higher (P less than .05) for calves fed the low levels of trace minerals. |
| 2001 | Four levels of supplemental salt (sodium chloride) were fed in a trial at the Eastern Colorado Research Center (ECRC) starting November 29, 1999. A randomized experimental design was used to evaluate growth performance of 288 beef steers. Steers were randomized by weight, stratified by breed and assigned to one of the four treatment groups. The treatments consisted of 1) 0 percent supplemental salt, 2) 0.125 percent, 3) 0.25 percent added supplemental salt or 4) a salt block added to the feed bunk (DM basis) and fed with the same diet as treatment 1: 0 percent supplemental salt. Each treatment group consisted of 72 animals per treatment in six pens. Feed intake tended to increase days 0 to 38 as dietary salt increased in the diet. Over the 163 day study, dietary salt level did not affect feed intake, average daily gain or feed efficiency. Feed cost of gain was not influenced by dietary salt level. Off test weight was not affected by dietary salt, although weight tended to decrease as dietary salt increased . Shrunk dressing percent was reduced linearly as dietary salt increased. Hot carcass weight also decreased linearly as the salt level increased in the diet resulting in almost a 9 kg decrease from the lowest to highest salt treatment. Quality and yield grade were not affected by salt treatment. A performance, carcass or cost advantage to supplementing finishing rations with salt at or above NRC (1996) recommended levels was not apparent in this trial. The value of manure from feedlots may be enhanced without reducing growth performance by reducing dietary salt levels in calf finishing diets and also decreasing the amount of salinity in manure. Cattle consumed approximately 21 mg of salt/head/day from salt blocks. A randomized experimental design was used to evaluate growth performance, and carcass characteristics of 119 beef heifers and 102 steers. Cattle were randomized by weight, stratified by breed and assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Treatments consisted of 0.34 percent phosphorus in the diet for 147 DOF (Continuous equals C) or 0.34 percent phosphorus until day 85 at which time the phosphorus level was reduced to 0.24 percent (Withdrawal equals W) by removing the supplemental phosphorus. Each treatment group consisted of four pens with 25 to 28 head per pen. Each treatment had two pens of steers and two pens of heifers. Growth performance was not affected by removing supplemental phosphorus at re-implant time. Cattle on W tended to have higher feed intake and lower ADG. There appeared to be a slight growth performance advantage by keeping the cattle on the 0.34 percent phosphorus treatment throughout the duration of the finishing period. Hot carcass weight tended to be heavier for cattle on the continuous phosphorus level compared to those on the reduced phosphorus treatment. This has been a consistent trend observed in other phosphorus trials conducted at CSU. Cattle on the phosphorus withdrawal treatment graded slightly lower than those on the 0.34 percent P treatment. |
| 2002 | Two hundred eighty-eight British cross beef steers (average BW = 305 plus or minus 2 kg) were fed for 163 d at the Eastern Colorado Research Center, in a randomized block design to evaluate effects of four levels of supplemental salt (NaCl) on growth performance, cost of gain, carcass characteristics and manure nutrient content. Calves were stratified by breed, randomized by BW and assigned to one of four supplemental NaCl treatments (six pens per treatment); 0.0, 0.125, 0.25 percent or block salt offered in the feedbunk. Average daily feed intake, ADG, feed efficiency and feed cost of gain were not affected (P greater than 0.05) by dietary salt level. Dressing percent and hot carcass weight tended to decrease (P equals 0.08) linearly as salt supplementation increased. As dietary NaCl increased, concentrations of Na and Mg increased linearly (P less than 0.05) in core manure samples taken in pens behind the feedbunk apron. No apparent advantage for NaCl supplementation at or above NRC (1996) recommendation was observed for growth performance or cost of gain. However, by decreasing dietary NaCl levels, hot carcass weight and dressing percentage increased linearly (P less than 0.10) while NaCl concentration decreased linearly (P less than 0.05) in the manure. One hundred nineteen beef heifers and one hundred two beef steers were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the effects of phosphorus levels (0.34 percent for 147 days on feed (DOF) versus 0.34% for 85 DOF then 0.24 percent from 86-147 DOF) on growth performance, cost of gain , serum concentrations of inorganic phosphorus and carcass characteristics. Average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics were not affected (P greater than 0.05) by phosphorus withdrawal at reimplant time. |
| 2003 | An alternative treatment system was installed adjacent to a dairy anaerobic lagoon to convert digestion to aerobic digestion using algae and bacteria addition plus mixing. After six months of operation, dissolved oxygen was significantly increased from 0.04 to an average level of 0 .61 mg/L. The higher oxygen level in the lagoon seemed to substantially reduce odors as soon as three months of operation. The micro-diffuser system appeared to be an adequate mixing system based on the increased level of total dissolved salts (TDS) in the lagoon, followed by a leveling off of TDS levels after three weeks of operation. Algae and bacteria additions plus mixing system evaluated appears to have potential for increasing dissolved oxygen levels without the expense of high horsepower mechanical aeration, while also showing potential for reducing odors that were produced from anaerobic digestion of lagoon waste. No written complaints were received from neighbors after the system was operational. Key Words: Algae, bacteria, aerobic digestion, dairy waste, micro-diffuser, water column mixing |
| 2005 | Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements required by beef cattle for many biochemical functions (Davis and Mertz, 1987). Recent research suggests that feeding physiological concentrations of Cu alters lipid metabolism in beef cattle. Copper supplementation to high concentrate finishing diets (marginal in Cu) fed to steers, decreased subcutaneous adipose tissue deposition (Ward and Spears, 1997; Engle et al., 2000; Engle and Spears, 2000), increased polyunsaturated fatty acid composition and tended to decrease cholesterol concentrations of longissimus muscle (Engle et al., 2000). Furthermore, Sinnett-Smith and Woolliams (1987) reported that Cu supplementation to Cu deficient sheep increased in vitro lipolytic rates of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Furthermore, Spears and Kegley (2002) reported that Zn supplementation (25 mg Zn/kg DM) to finishing steer diets (basal diet contained 26 mg of Zn/kg DM) increased quality grade and marbling score compared to non-Zn supplemented steers. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of Cu and Zn source on performance, trace mineral status, lipid metabolism, and carcass quality in finishing steers. One hundred ninety five steers were blocked by origin, stratified by body weight and sorted into 24 pens. Pens within blocks were then randomly assigned to treatments in a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were 10 mg Cu per kg DM from Cu sulfate or 10 mg Cu per kg DM from organic Cu and 90 mg Zn per kg DM from Zn sulfate or 36 mg Zn per kg DM from organic Zn plus 54 mg Zn per kg DM of Zn from Zn sulfate. Steers were fed a high concentrate finishing diet until they reached an approximate weight of 580 kg . Diets were fed once daily in the morning to allow ad libitum access to feed throughout the day. Daily feed offerings were recorded and feed refusal was measured every 28 d. Body weights were recorded for each steer and blood samples were collected from three steers per pen every 28 d. Post harvest, longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected and evaluated for fatty acid composition. There were no Cu or Zn main effects or Cu by Zn interactions for ADG, DMI, or feed efficiency. The effect of Cu or Zn source was similar across treatments for HCW, dressing percentage, rib eye area, back fat thickness, KPH, and marbling score. Serum cholesterol concentrations, and fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle were similar across treatments. However, there was a Zn effect for calculated yield grade (CYG). Steers receiving organic Zn had a lower CYG than steers receiving inorganic Zn. Current results from this study indicate that trace mineral source had little influence on performance, carcass characteristics, and lipid metabolism. |
| 2006 | Two hundred seventy crossbred yearling steers were utilized at Southeastern Colorado Research Center to determine the effects of feeding frequency (once versus twice versus three times a day) on performance and carcass characteristics. Steers were used in a previous receiving trial and were re-randomized for this feeding frequency trial upon initiation of the finishing phase. Steers were individually weighed at the initiation and termination of the trial and pen or individual weights were obtained approximately every 42 days. Average daily gain was similar for steers fed once or twice per day. However, average daily gain and daily feed intake were greater in steers fed three times a day as compared with once or twice daily feeding. Feed efficiency was similar across all three treatment groups. Steers fed three times per day had a higher hot carcass weight than steers fed once or twice per day. No differences were detected between the treatment groups for USDA quality or yield grade. These data indicate similar performance between feeding once or twice a day; however, feeding three times a day increased average daily gain, daily intake, and hot carcass weights. Impact: Publications: |
| Impact | |
| 1999 | Nitrogen and phosphorus contamination of ground and surface water are leading environmental issues facing livestock farmers in the eastern United States. Most efforts have focused on manure management; handling nutrients once they accumulated on the farm. Better understanding of phosphorus requirements of cattle will reduce phosphorus excretion. Great northern beans (culls) are sometimes used in beef cattle diets as an ingredient or as a protein "filler." Our study indicates that dietary levels above 2 percent of diet dry matter are detrimental to cattle performance. |
| 2000 | Increasing roughage to reduce generic E. coli counts in feces does not appear to be cost effective. B) Unprocessed Profi peas may have potential as an economical protein supplement in beef finishing diets. C) Cattle growth performance was not influenced by treatment. Longissimus area increased when supplemented Cu was fed in presence of high dietary Mo. |
| 2001 | Reducing dietary salt and phosphorus in finishing cattle diets may enhance the nutrient quality of manure to be used as fertilizer. These reductions do not appear to impact feeding performance. |
| 2002 | Reducing supplemental salt in cattle finishing diets had little negative impact on cattle performance while dramatically reducing manure salinity. Removing supplemental P also has potential to reduce fecal P without hurting cattle performance. |
| 2003 | Supplementation of salt and phosphorus to a corn and hay based diet for finishing cattle does not appear to be necessary. Reduced dietary salt and phosphorus result in lower fecal output and reduced nutrient loading of farm ground when manure is used as fertilizer. |
| 2005 | Effects of trace mineral supplementation on lipid metabolism in feedlot cattle have not been well documented. Further research is needed to determine the role of trace minerals on growth and lipid metabolism in beef cattle fed high concentrate diets. |
| 2006 | Results of this study suggest that feeding frequency may have an impact on steer performance at the Southeastern Colorado Research Center. Further research is needed to determine the role of feeding frequency on growth and carcass merit in beef cattle fed high concentrate diets. |
| Publications | |
| 1993 |
AKHTAR, S. 1993. Influence of supplementation on winter performance, forage utilization and digesta kinetics of beef cows. PhD Diss., CSU, Ft. Collins, 130 pp. GEBAUER, S.L. 1993. The effects of whole roasted soybeans on finishing ruminant performance, digestion and carcass characteristics. MS Thesis, CSU, Ft. Collins, 42 p. GEBAUER, S.L. ET AL. 1993. Effects of level of whole roasted . . . (see attached). GEBAUER, S.L. ET AL. 1993. Effects of time fed whole roasted soybeans prior to slaughter on finishing steer performance. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p 45-51. HUTCHESON, H.P. ET AL. 1993. The effects of three protein sources on feedlot performance of receiving calves. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p 67-73. NOCKELS, C.F. ET AL. 1993. Effects of injectable alpha-tocopherol on gain, feed efficiency and health of light weight heifers. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p 75-83. STANTON, T.L. ET AL. 1993. Potassium level and wintering cow performance. Prof. Anim. Scientist 9:159-162. VAN SCHAACK, P. 1993. Effect of corn processing and roughage level with whole shelled corn on feedlot performance. MS Thesis, CSU, Ft. Collins, CO, 87 pp. VAN SCHAACK, P. ET AL. 1993. Effects of alfalfa level with whole shelled corn on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p 61-66. VAN SCHAACK, P. ET AL. 1993. Effects of grain processing and alfalfa levels with whole shelled corn on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p 53-59. |
| 1994 |
AKHTAR, S., STANTON, T.L. and SCHUTZ, D.N. 1994. Influence of Supplementation on Winter Performance, Forage Utilization and Digesta Kinetics of Beef Cows. The Prof. Anim. Scientist 10:32-39. GEORGE, M.H., NOCKELS, C.F., STANTON, T.L., MORTIMER, R.G. et al. 1994. The Effect of an Organic-Metal Complex Paste and Supplement on Immune Function and Performance in Shipping-Stressed Cattle. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p. 55 HUTCHESON, J.P., LARSON, E.M., STANTON, T.L. and ROBERTSON, O. 1994. The Effects of Two Levels of Protein and Reimplanting with Revalor-S and Implus-S on Finishing Cattle Performance. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p. 73. HUTCHESON, J.P., STANTON, T.L., JOHNSON, D.E., SCHUTZ, D. and POMEROY, T. 1994. Effect of Protein Source and Grain Type on Finishing Calf Performance. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p. 49. LARSON, E.M. and STANTON, T.L. 1994. The Effects of Protein Level and Finaplix-H on Feedlot Heifer Performance. CSU Beef Prog. Rpt., p. 67 |
| 1995 |
COSBY, N.T. and STANTON, T.L. 1995. Effects of heated soy protein of finishing steer performance. Proc. West. Sect. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci., pp 460-463. -- COSBY, N.T., ET AL. 1995. Effects of roasted soybeans in whole corn diets on performance and apparent digestibility of finishing heifers. CSU Beef Prog Rpt, pp 21-27 COSBY, N.T., STANTON, T.L. and KOESTER, D. 1995. Effect of level of roasted soybeans in whole shelled corn diets on finishing steer performance and carcass characteristics. CSU Beef Prog Rpt, pp 29-36 GEORGE, M.H., ET AL. 1995. Effect of source and concentration of zinc, copper, manganese and cobalt fed to stressed heifers on feedlot performance and immune function. CSU Beef Prog Rpt, pp 55-65 GEORGE, M.H., ET AL. 1995. The effect of trace element source and crude protein concentration in background diets, and trace element source fed following transport-stress on feedlot performance and immune f... CSU Beef Prog Rpt, pp 67-80 GRAY, K.S., ET AL. 1995. Sunflowers as a protein supplement for wintering beef cows on range. CSU Beef Prog Rpt, pp 1-5 GRAY, K.S., STANTON, T.L., SCHUTZ, D.N. and MALLINCKRODT, C. 1995. Sunflowers as a protein supplement for beef cows grazing winter range. Proc. West. Sect. Amer. Soc. Anim. Sci., pp 456-459 LARSON, E.M., ET AL. 1995. Urea levels for finishing steers fed whole-shelled vs. Dry rolled corn and reimplanted with Implus-S vs. Revalor-S. CSU Beef Prog Rpt, pp 43-48 |
| 1996 |
COSBY, N.T., T.L. STANTON, D. KOESTER, and D. SCHUTZ. 1996. Growth performance and carcass characterstics of heifers fed processed corn diets supplemented with roasted soybeans. Colorado State University Beef Program Report, p. 63-70 COSBY, N.T., T.L. STANTON, D. STIDHAM, and D. KOESTER. 1996. Supplemental protein sources during the early growth phase for finishing steers: Effects on growth and carcass characteristics. Colo. State Univ. Beef Program Report, p. 55-62. GRAY, K.S., T.L. STANTON, and D.N. SCHUTZ. 1996. A comparison of sunflower meal, peanut meal, and cottonseed meal as protein supplements for beef cattle grazing winter range. Colorado State University Beef Program Report, p. 49-54. -- STANTON, T.L. and D.N. SCHUTZ. 1996. Effect of bedding on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Colorado State University Beef Program Report, p. 37-48 |
| 1997 |
COSBY, N.T. and T.L. STANTON, PAS. 1997. Performance of feedlot steers supplemented with natural protein or urea during the early finishing phase. The Professional Animal Scientist 13:124-128 GRAY, K.S., T.L. STANTON, PAS, and D.N. SCHUTZ. 1997. Sunflower seed as a protein supplement for cows grazing winter range. The Professional Animal Scientist 13:8-13 JAROSZ, M.J. and T.L. STANTON. 1997. Depression in performance of steers fed different levels of fat. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 237-240 PATTERSON, H.H., J.C. WHITTIER, T.L. STANTON, and D. SCHUTZ. 1997. Comparison of cull beans, sunflower meal or canola meal as protein sources for beef cows grazing native winter range, Proc. Western Section, Am. Soc. of An. Sci., Vol. 48 STANTON, T.L. 1997. Hidden costs of sorting cattle. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 241-244 STANTON, T.L., C. F. NOCKELS, A.B. JOHNSON, and D. ROBERTSON. 1997. Effect of 4-Plex and protein level on incoming cattle performance and immune function. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 221-236 |
| 1998 |
Hurley, L.A., Stanton, T.L., and Schutz, D. 1998. The effects of supplementing different levels of phosphorus and copper in beef finishing diets. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 115-124 Parsons, C.H., Stanton, T.L., and Ulmann, R. 1998. Restricted feed intake and grain processing effects on finishing Holstein cattle. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 139-145 Parsons, C.H., Stanton, T.L., Davidson, D., and Utmann, R. 1998. Roughage level effects in finishing Holstein cattle diets. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 147-153 Stanton, T.L, Johnson, A.B., and Kimberling, C.V. 1998. Effect of trace mineral type and level in pre- and past-shipment diets on subsequent feedyard performance and immune function, CSU Beef Program Report, p. 155-165 Stanton, T.L. and Robertson, D. 1998. Low levels of cull Great Northern Beans for finishing steers. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 131-133 Stanton, T.L. and Schutz, D. 1998. Growing heifer performance when fed on 10 pct cull Great Northern beans. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 135-138 Stanton, T.L. and Schutz, D. 1998. High levels of cull Great Northern beans for finishing steer calves. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 125-129 |
| 1999 |
Hurley, L.A., Stanton, T.L. and Schutz, D. 1999. Phosphorus and vitamin D in beef finishing diets. CSU Beef Program Report, p. 45-50 |
| 2000 |
Flatt, W.R. and Stanton, T.L. 2000. Effect of Profi peas, Pisum arvense, on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. CSU Animal Sciences Research Report. Stanton, T.L, Schutz, D. and Swenson, C. 2000. Trace mineral supplementation in presence of dietary antagonists on growth performance, health and carcass characteristics of transport stressed calves. CSU Animal Sciences Research Report, p. 71-76. Stanton, T.L. and Schutz, D. 2000. Effect of switching from high grain to hay five days prior to slaughter on finishing cattle performance. CSU Animal Sciences Research Report, p. 67-70. |
| 2001 |
Flatt, W.R., Stanton, T.L, Schutz, D., Engle, T.E. and Davis, J. 2001. Effect of phosphorus concentration on blood serum phosphorus concentrations, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cost of gain on finishing cattle, p. 7-10. Flatt, W.R., Stanton, T.L., Schutz, D., and Davis, J. 2001. Effect of salt levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost of gain of finishing cattle. Animal Sciences Research Report, Colorado State University, p. 1-5. |
| 2002 |
Flatt, W.R., Stanton, T.L., Schutz, D., Engle, T.E., and Davis, J. 2002. Effect of phosphorus concentration on blood serum phosphorus, growth performance, carcass characteristics and cost of gain on finishing cattle. Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University. Animal Sciences Research Report, p. 7-10. Flatt, W.R., Stanton,T.L. Schutz, D., Davis, J., and Engle, T.E. 2002. Effect of salt levels on growth performance, carcass characteristics, cost of gain and manure salinity on finishing beef steers. Proceedings Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, Vol. 53, p. 660. |
| 2003 |
Stanton,T. L., W. R. Wailes, S. Reynolds, D. Johnson and J. Davis. 2004. The effect of algae and bacterial additions to a Concentrated Animal Feed Operations (CAFO) lagoon on the conversion from anaerobic to aerobic fermentation. Department of Animal Sciences Research Report. http://ansci.colostate.edu/documents/04ResearchReports/algaeadditiontoCAFOlagoon.pdf Flatt, W.R., Stanton, T.L., Schutz, D., Davis, J., and Engle, T.E. 2003. Case Study: Effects of salt level on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and manure salinity of finishing beef steers. The Professional Animal Scientist, Vol. 19, No. 3, pg. 239. Hurley, L.A., Stanton, T.L., and Schutz, D. 2003. Phosphorus and Vitamin D in Beef Finishing Diets. The Professional Animal Scientist, Vol. 19, No. 3, pg. 251. Johnson, D.E., Phetteplace, H.W., Seidl, A.F., Davis, J.G., Stanton, T.L., and Wailes, W.R. 2003. Estimates of gaseous and phosphorus emissions from cattle operations, Part II: Beef Cattle, Colorado State University Research Report, p. 49. Johnson, D.E., Phetteplace, H.W., Seidl, A.F., Davis, J.G., Stanton, T.L., and Wailes, W.R. 2003. Estimates of gaseous and phosphorus emissions from cattle operations, Part I: Dairy Cattle. Colorado State University Research Report, p. 45. Loza, P.L., Stanton, T.L., Schutz, D., and Couch, D. 2003. Effect of rolled and whole corn in receiving feedlot diets on animal performance. Colorado State University Research Report, p. 59. Loza, P.L., Stanton, T.L., Schutz, D., and Davis, J. 2003. Effects of potassium supplementation on growth performance, serum electrolyte levels, water intake, and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers. Colorado State University Research Report, p. 33. Loza, P.L., Stanton, T.L., Schutz, D., Seidl, A.F., and Rhoads, T.R. 2003. Level of sodium chloride on growth performance, serum electrolyte levels, water intake, and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steer. Colorado State University Research Report, p. 27-32. Rhoads, A.R., Stanton, T.L, Engle, T.E., and Kimberling, C.V. 2003. Effects of concentration and source of trace minerals on performance, immunity, mineral and lipid metabolish, and carcass characteristics of beef steers. The Professional Animal Scientist, Vol. 19, No. 2, pg. 150. |
| 2005 |
Ahola, J. K., Baker, D.S., Burns, P.D., Whittier, J.C., and Engle, T.E. 2005. Effect of copper , zinc, and manganese source on mineral status, reproduction, immunity, and calf performance in young beef females over a two-year period. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:397-304. Ahola, J. K., Sharpe, L.R., Dorton, K.L., Burns, P.D., Stanton, T.L., and Engle, T.E. 2005. Effects of lifetime copper, zinc, and manganese supplementation and source on performance, mineral status, immunity, and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:305-317. |
| 2006 |
Baszczak, J. A., Grandin,T., Gruber,S.L., Engle, T.E., Platter, W.J., Laudert,S.B., Schroeder ,A.L., and Tatum J.D. 2006. Effects of ractopamine supplementation on behavior of British, Continental, and Brahman crossbred steers during routine handling. J. Anim. Sci. 84:3410-3414. Dorton, K. L., Engle,T.E., and Enns, R.M. 2006. Effects of trace mineral supplementation and source, 30 days post-weaning and 28 days post receiving, on performance and health of feeder cattle. Asian-Aust. Anim. Sci. 19:1450-1454. Legleiter, L. R., Ahola,J.K., Engle,T.E., and Spears, J.W. 2006. Decreased brain copper due to copper deficiency has no effect on bovine prion proteins. Biochem. Biophy. Res. Comm. 352:884-888. Murrieta, C. M., Hess, B.W., Scholljegerdes,E.J., Engle, T.E., Hossner,K.L., Moss,G.E., and Rule, D.C. 2006. Evaluation of milk somatic cells as a source of mRNA for study of lipogenesis in the mammary gland of lactating beef cows supplemented with dietary high-linoleate safflower seeds. J. Anim. Sci. 84:2399-2405. Richardson, S. M., Siciliano, P.D., Engle,T.E., Larson, C.K.,and Ward, T.L. 2006. Effect of selenium supplementation and source on the selenium status of horses. J. Anim. Sci. 84:1742-1748. |