Browsing by Author "Albin, Robert C."
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Item An evaluation of the role of organic selenium in immune function in cattle.(Texas Tech University, 2008-05) Covey, Tanya L.; Galyean, Michael L.; Wester, David B.; Defoor, Paul J.; Albin, Robert C.Selenium (Se) plays a vital antioxidant role as a constituent of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Newly received feedlot cattle are exposed to multiple factors that can lead to oxidative stress, including viral infection. The objective of the research conducted for this dissertation was to evaluate the effects of different Se sources on immune function (Exp. 1) of calves challenged with infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) and on health and performance in a field study (Exp. 2). In Exp. 1, 24 Holstein steers (BW = 148.2 ± 2.79 kg) were assigned randomly to treatments, including: 1) Control = no supplemental Se; 2) Sel-Plex = 1 mg/(steer•d) of Se from Se yeast (Sel-Plex; Alltech Inc., Nicholasville, KY); or 3) Selenite = 5 mg/(steer•d) of Se from sodium selenite. The Se sources were fed for 28 d before steers were intranasally inoculated with IBRV (d 0) and continued through 21 d after the challenge. Treatments did not affect body weight (P > 0.05) or feed intake (P > 0.30) before or after the challenge. Whole blood Se concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) when Sel-Plex was fed than with the other two groups, but GSH-Px activity (P > 0.20) was not affected by treatment. Supplemental Se tended (P = 0.08) to increase IBRV titer values on d -14 but to decrease (P = 0.06) titers on d 21. Steers fed Sel-Plex tended (P = 0.08) to have lower rectal temperatures for 18 h before the challenge than steers fed selenite, but there were no other differences (P > 0.10) in rectal temperature. Serum interleukin-1b concentrations were lower overall (P = 0.02) and tumor necrosis factor-á concentrations 12 h after the challenge were greater (P = 0.04) in steers fed Sel-Plex than in those fed Selenite. In Exp. 2, crossbred newly received heifers (4 pens/treatment) were fed the same treatments as in Exp. 1, except that Selenite supplied 1 mg/(heifer•d). No differences (P > 0.10) among treatments were noted for performance or health during the 28-d study. Additional research is needed to clarify how providing Se in the form of Sel-Plex affects immune response to viral infections in cattle.Item Effects of corn processing method on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle fed diets containing sorghum wet distillers grain plus solubles(2008-05) Leibovich, Jose; Galyean, Michael L.; Albin, Robert C.; Brown, Michael S.Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of corn processing method and inclusion of sorghum wet distillers grains plus solubles (SWDGS) in beef cattle finishing diets. In Experiment 1, 160 crossbred steers (BW = 397.6 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of corn processing method on performance and carcass characteristics in the following diets : (1) a dry-rolled corn (DRC)-based diet with no inclusion of SWDGS (DRC-0); (2) a DRC-based diet with inclusion of 15% (DM basis) SWDGS (DRC-15); (3) a steam-flaked corn (SFC)-based diet with 0% SWDGS (SFC-0); and (4) a SFC-based diet with 15% SWDGS (SFC-15). No interactions (P ¡Ý 0.20) were noted for performance and carcass characteristics, except for marbling score and % of carcasses grading USDA Choice or greater. Results showed lower (P < 0.01) G:F with DRC- than for SFC-based diets. Steers fed SFC-based diets had greater fat thickness at the 12th rib (P = 0.03), greater yield grade (P = 0.02), and a smaller LM area (P = 0.08) than steers fed the DRC-based diets. Inclusion of 15% SWDGS resulted in lower G:F (P < 0.01) than for diets without SWDGS. In addition, steers fed SWDGS had lower HCW (P = 0.01) and dressing percent (P = 0.03) than those fed no SWDGS. In Experiment 2, feed samples from Experiment 1 were used to evaluate rate of in vitro gas production, in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations in gas using different types of in vitro fermentation systems. No significant interactions were noted for IVDMD, H2S production, and for mathematically fitted gas production parameters, except for the predicted maximum value of gas production. The SFC-based diets had greater IVDMD (P = 0.01), area under the gas production curve (P < 0.02), and rate (k) of gas production (P < 0.02) than DRC-based diets. Inclusion of 15% SWDGS in the substrates decreased IVDMD (P < 0.01), AUC (P = 0.03), and k value (P = 0.04) vs. 0% SWDGS. No differences in H2S production (P = 0.15) or lag time (P = 0.51) were found at 15% SWDGS. Results of both experiments suggest that the response to 15% (DM basis) SWDGS in finishing diets was not affected by corn processing method. The inclusion of 15% SWDGS decreased G:F and fermentation measurements to approximately the same extent as replacing all the SFC in the diet with DRC.Item Effects of degraded intake protein concentration in diets containing wet sorghum distiller's grains plus solubles on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef steers fed steam-flaked corn based diets(2006-12) Shaw, Landon M.; Galyean, Michael L.; Johnson, Jay W.; Albin, Robert C.Two hundred crossbred steers (initial body weight [BW] = 359.4 kg) were used to determine the effects of degraded intake protein (DIP) concentration in diets containing 10% of the dry matter (DM) as sorghum wet distiller’s grains plus solubles (SWDG) on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing beef cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based (SFC) diets. Treatments consisted of a SFC-based control diet (without SWDG; Control; formulated to contain 13.5% CP) and three diets with 10% SWDG. Among the three SWDG diets, one diet (0 DIP) was formulated to have the same CP concentration as the Control diet (and therefore be potentially deficient in DIP), one diet had urea added to restore 50% of the difference in the DIP concentration between the 0 DIP diet and the Control diet (50 DIP), and one diet had urea added to restore 100% of the difference in the DIP concentration between the 0DIP diet and the Control diet (100 DIP). A completely randomized block design was used with pen as the experimental unit (10 pens/treatment). The average final BW was 605.3, 596.2, 586.7, and 582.6 kg for the Control, 0DIP, 50DIP, and 100DIP diets, respectively, with the BW of steers fed the Control diet being greater than that of all SWDG diets (P = 0.03). Cattle fed the Control diet also were greater than all SWDG diets in dry matter intake (DMI) for d 0 to 35, d 0 to 70, and d 0 to 105 (P = 0.01, 0.04, and 0.09, respectively). There was a linear decrease in DMI as level of DIP restored was increased for d 0 to 105 (P = 0.03) and d 0 to end (P = 0.02). During the entire study, ADG was superior for cattle fed the Control diet compared with the mean of all three SWDG diets (P = 0.04), whether based on live BW or carcass-adjusted BW (P = 0.04). As with DMI, there was a linear decrease in overall ADG as level of DIP restored increased (P = 0.08). For gain:feed ratio, the Control diet was greater (superior efficiency) than the average of all SWDG diets throughout the whole trial, both on a live BW basis (P = 0.05) and on a carcass-adjusted basis (P = 0.07). Not surprisingly, hot carcass weight was greater for cattle fed the Control diet compared with all SWDG diets (P = 0.03). The carcasses of steers fed the Control diet had greater values for both fat thickness at the ¾ measure opposite the split lean surface between the 12th and 13th ribs (P = 0.02) and USDA yield grade (P = 0.01). The percentage of carcasses that graded USDA choice did not differ (P >0.42) among treatments. Because of conflicting data with other research involving wet distiller’s grain, it is recommended that further studies are needed to determine the cause for the poorer performance when feeding SWDG under the conditions of this experiment and the negative response to increasing DIP level.Item Effects of levucell sb yeast on average daily gain, feed intake, and morbidity of newly received cattle(Texas Tech University, 2006-05) Keyser, Sara A.; Galyean, Michael L.; Johnson, Jay W.; Albin, Robert C.Three separate loads of beef heifers (n = 277 heifers) were transported to the Texas Tech Burnett Center in New Deal, TX to examine the effects of a yeast supplement (Levucell SB yeast; Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Milwaukee, WI) on health and performance of feedlot cattle. In Load 1, 91 beef heifers (average BW = 223.5 kg) were shipped 1,403 km from an order buyer facility in Meridian, MS. On arrival, cattle were weighed and processed and assigned randomly to one of two treatments (five pens per treatment) during a 35-d receiving period: 1) Control (C) = a 65% concentrate receiving diet; or 2) Yeast (Y) = a 65% concentrate receiving diet with Levucell SB yeast added to supply 0.5 g of yeast/(heifer•d). Diets were changed to 72% concentrate on d 21 to 35. Following processing, cattle were moved to their assigned pens and fed their respective diets ad libitum once daily at 0800. Cattle were observed daily for symptoms of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and treated as needed when rectal temperature was > 39.7 °C. Loads 2 and 3 (93 heifers each; average BW = 223.5 kg and 226.1 kg respectively) were processed and assigned to treatments and pens as described for Load 1. Averaged over the three loads, feeding Levucell SB yeast did not affect the overall (P > 0.12) dry matter intake (DMI) or average daily gain (ADG) during the 35-d study. Although, numerical advantages in ADG for the Y treatment were evident from d 0 to 14 and 0 to 28, changes in ADG were inconsistent among the three loads. As with ADG, concentrate DMI for the various measurement periods did not differ between treatments, but a trend was evident for a slight increase from d 0 to 35 in concentrate DMI for the Y vs. C treatment for Loads 1 and 3, but not with Load 2. Because treatment effects on ADG and DMI were not significant, G:F did not differ between treatments. Within loads, no differences (P = 0.21 to 0.28) were noted for the percentage of cattle treated once or more for BRD; however, a consistently smaller proportion of the cattle in the Y treatment group were treated compared with those in the C group. Thus, averaged over the three loads, an increase (P = 0.04) in the percentage of C heifers treated once or more compared with Y heifers (24.0 vs. 13.78% respectively) was observed. An odds ratio of 1.99 for C vs. Y indicated that C heifers were approximately twice as likely to be treated once or more for BRD than were Y heifers. From the results of the three loads of newly received heifers used in this experiment, the addition of 0.5 g/heifer daily of Levucell SB yeast to the diet of newly received cattle plus oral dosing of approximately 1 g/heifer at the time of arrival processing resulted in fewer heifers being treated for BRD. The feeding of Levucell SB yeast during the receiving period had limited effects on performance of the 277 heifers used in the experiment.Item Effects of optaflexx (ractopamine hydrochloride) on performance, rate and variation of intake, and acid-base balance in feedlot cattle(2006-05) Abney, Cassie S.; Galyean, Michael L.; Vogel, Gary J.; Albin, Robert C.; Wester, David B.Research was conducted to determine the effects of Optaflexx (OP) in feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, a 3 x 3 factorial was used to study optimal dose (0, 100, or 200 mg•steer-1•d-1) and duration of feeding (28, 35, or 42 d) of OP in a randomized complete block design (n = 360; BW = 545 ± 33 kg). As OP dose increased, there was a linear increase in final BW (FBW; 1.6%; P = 0.011), average daily gain (ADG; 18.2%; P < 0.001), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; 15.6%; P < 0.001). As duration of feeding increased, there were quadratic (P = 0.04) and linear (P < 0.004) effects on ADG, with tendencies (P < 0.10) for quadratic effects for FBW, dry matter intake, and G:F. Hot carcass weight increased linearly (1.9%; P = 0.016) as dose of OP increased. Increasing dose of OP from 0 to 200 mg•steer-1•d-1 and duration of feeding from 28 to 42 d, improved feedlot performance, although quadratic responses for duration of feeding indicated little improvement as duration was extended from 35 to 42 d. In Exp. 2, 12 crossbred beef steers (BW = 593 ± 16 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate effects of OP (0 or 200 mg•steer-1•d-1) on rate of intake, daily deviation in intake, and acid-base balance. There were no differences in feedlot performance, urine pH, blood gas measurements, or daily deviations in intake between treatments; however, cattle fed OP at 200 mg•steer-1•d-1 had increased longissimus muscle area, decreased yield grade, and increased time to consume 50 and 75% of daily intake compared with control cattle. In Exp. 3, feed delivery data from three dose and duration trials were analyzed for day-to-day variation in feed deliveries. Based on analyses of adjusted absolute daily deviations in feed delivered, data indicated that OP did not affect daily variation; however, cattle tended to consume feed sporadically. These studies indicate that feeding OP for 35 d at 200 mg•steer-1•d-1 provided optimal improvement in feedlot performance, and that OP did not affect acid-base balance or variation in feed intake.Item Effects of optaflexx (ractopamine hydrochloride) on performance, rate and variation of intake, and acid-base balance in feedlot cattle(Texas Tech University, 2006-05) Abney, Cassie S.; Galyean, Michael L.; Wester, David B.; Vogel, Gary J.; Albin, Robert C.Research was conducted to determine the effects of Optaflexx (OP) in feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, a 3 x 3 factorial was used to study optimal dose (0, 100, or 200 mg•steer-1•d-1) and duration of feeding (28, 35, or 42 d) of OP in a randomized complete block design (n = 360; BW = 545 ± 33 kg). As OP dose increased, there was a linear increase in final BW (FBW; 1.6%; P = 0.011), average daily gain (ADG; 18.2%; P < 0.001), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F; 15.6%; P < 0.001). As duration of feeding increased, there were quadratic (P = 0.04) and linear (P < 0.004) effects on ADG, with tendencies (P < 0.10) for quadratic effects for FBW, dry matter intake, and G:F. Hot carcass weight increased linearly (1.9%; P = 0.016) as dose of OP increased. Increasing dose of OP from 0 to 200 mg•steer-1•d-1 and duration of feeding from 28 to 42 d, improved feedlot performance, although quadratic responses for duration of feeding indicated little improvement as duration was extended from 35 to 42 d. In Exp. 2, 12 crossbred beef steers (BW = 593 ± 16 kg) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate effects of OP (0 or 200 mg•steer-1•d-1) on rate of intake, daily deviation in intake, and acid-base balance. There were no differences in feedlot performance, urine pH, blood gas measurements, or daily deviations in intake between treatments; however, cattle fed OP at 200 mg•steer-1•d-1 had increased longissimus muscle area, decreased yield grade, and increased time to consume 50 and 75% of daily intake compared with control cattle. In Exp. 3, feed delivery data from three dose and duration trials were analyzed for day-to-day variation in feed deliveries. Based on analyses of adjusted absolute daily deviations in feed delivered, data indicated that OP did not affect daily variation; however, cattle tended to consume feed sporadically. These studies indicate that feeding OP for 35 d at 200 mg•steer-1•d-1 provided optimal improvement in feedlot performance, and that OP did not affect acid-base balance or variation in feed intake.Item Electromagnetic field effects on male gametic cells(Texas Tech University, 2006-05) Smith, Jessica S.; Prien, Samuel D.; Albin, Robert C.; Jackson, Samuel P.Alteration of cellular functions in magnetic fields is well documented. However, more recent data suggest that magnetism might be useful in detection of abnormal cell types due to their response to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). The purpose of the following study was to determine if these observations in abnormal cells might be useful in semen selection and if sperm exposed to ELF-EMF in a gravity flow field would preferentially migrate toward the magnetic poles. Further, as earlier data from this and other laboratories have suggested detrimental effects of ELF-EMF on cellular physiology, we wanted to determine if momentary (< 2 hr) exposure of the cells to the limited ELF-EMF had any effects on routine semen parameters. Bull and boar sperm were exposed to an electromagnetic field of 6 mG in order to evaluate sperm migration and evaluate the possibility of separating semen based on sex, using ELF-EMF. Semen was deposited in a specialized plate in which two anti-parallel electromagnets were placed on the left and right side of the semen. Using a microscope, sperm was evaluated by cell concentration, motility, and forward progression on the right, middle, and left side of the plate at times 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, and 120 minutes of electromagnetic exposure. While the design of the chamber made absolute calculation of concentrations impossible, no stark differences were observed in cellular concentration at any time point. As expected, there was a significant decrease in boar motility and bull motility over time (PItem Nutritional modulation of the immune system of beef cattle(Texas Tech University, 2007-12) Reuter, Richard R.; Galyean, Michael L.; Carroll, Jeffery A.; Albin, Robert C.; Wester, David B.; Villalobos, CarlosExperiments were conducted related to measuring and modulating the acute-phase immune response in beef cattle. In Exp. 1, bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to 9 steers in doses of 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 ¦Ìg/kg of body weight (BW) and the resulting serum cortisol concentration and rectal temperature (RT) were measured. Cortisol increased linearly (P = 0.01) with LPS dose, but RT increased independent of dose. In Exp. 2, 2.5 ¦Ìg/kg of BW of LPS was administered to 9 Angus steers. Serum concentrations of cortisol, interleukin (IL)-1¦Â, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-¦Á (TNF¦Á), interferon-¦Ã (INF¦Ã), and serum amyloid-A (SAA), rectal temperature (RT), ruminal temperature, and respiration and perspiration rates were all increased following LPS challenge (P < 0.10). Rump perspiration rate, IL-4, and IL-2 were not changed (P > 0.24) by LPS challenge. In Exp. 3, a device was developed to automatically monitor RT in cattle. The autonomous device recorded RT at 1-min intervals in cattle in Exp 2. Rectal temperature measured with the device was related (P ¡Ü 0.02 ) to IL-6 and TNF¦Á concentration following LPS challenge. In Exp 4, two non-nutritive feed additives (Sucram, an artificial sweetener; Omni-GenAF, an immunomodulatory yeast product) were fed to newly received heifers for 44 d. Overall health and growth performance of the cattle were better than expected for heifers of the type and background used, and feed additives had no effect on growth, intake, or health. Nonetheless, the combination of Sucram and Omni-Gen AF decreased haptoglobin concentration on d 16 (P = 0.001). Deleterious effects of the additives on marbling score were evident (P = 0.05), and a long feeding period, relatively free of handling stress, mitigated negative effects of animal temperament on performance. In Exp 5, 70% and 30% concentrate diets were fed ad libitum to beef steers for 28 d (70AL and 30AL, respectively) to test the effects of energy source and energy intake on immune response. A third dietary treatment (70RES) consisted of the 70% fed in an amount restricted to equal the net energy for gain (NEg) intake of the 30AL treatment. Two days before an LPS challenge, 4 steers in each diet treatment were injected with tilmicosin phosphate (1 mL/30 kg of BW), and 4 steers were injected with an equal volume of saline. Steers were catheterized in the jugular vein and then challenged with 2.0 ¦Ìg LPS /kg of BW. Both energy source and energy intake affected the pro-inflammatory immune response; the 30% concentrate diet increased (P ¡Ü 0.05) TNF¦Á and INF¦Ã response to LPS compared with the 70% concentrate diet, and 70RES increased IL-6 (P = 0.003) response compared with 70AL. Tilmicosin accelerated the febrile response (P = 0.01) across all diets, and tilmicosin interacted with energy intake to increase pre-challenge levels of TNF¦Á, INF¦Ã, and IL-6, and SAA response to the challenge, in 70RES compared with 70AL (P ¡Ü 0.05). Nutrition and management practices have immunomodulatory effects in beef cattle. More precisely measuring the acute-phase response, and correlating responses to challenge models with clinical health performance in commercial environments will help researchers make more effective recommendations to cattle producers. Benefits to animals, producers, and the public can be realized when nutrition and management are effectively used to decrease morbidity in beef cattle.Item Some observations on the effect of the diet upon rumen volatile fatty acids, milk free fatty acids, and susceptibility of resulting milk to hydrolytic rancidity(Texas Tech University, 1962-08) Albin, Robert C.Not availableItem The effects of an artificial sweetener on health and performance of feedlot cattle(2005-08) McMeniman, Joseph P.; Galyean, Michael L.; Brown, Mike; Albin, Robert C.; Johnson, Jay W.Two experiments were conducted at the Texas Tech University Burnett Center in New Deal, TX to examine the effects of a dietary sweetener (Sucram C-150; Prince Agri Products, Quincy, IL) on health, performance and dietary preference of feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, two hundred steer and bull calves (British x Continental; average BW = 190.4 kg) were shipped 1,588 km from an order buyer facility in West Point, MS. On arrival, cattle were weighed and processed and assigned randomly to one of two treatments (eight pens per treatment) during a 60-d receiving period: 1) Control (CON) = a 65% concentrate receiving diet; or 2) Sucram C-150 (SUC) = a 65% concentrate receiving diet with 200 mg/kg (DM basis) of Sucram C-150 artificial sweetener. Diets were changed to 75% concentrate on d 29 to 56. Following processing, cattle were moved to their assigned pens and fed their respective diets ad libitum once daily at 0800. Cattle were observed daily for symptoms of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and treated as needed when their rectal temperature was > 39.7oC. Feeding SUC did not affect overall (P > 0.15) DMI at any time during the 60-d study; however, between d 29 to 56 there was a trend (P = 0.10) for increased DMI by cattle consuming SUC (5.71 vs. 6.02 kg/d for CON and SUC, respectively). From d 0 to 28 and d 0 to 56 there was a trend (P = 0.11 and 0.12, respectively) for increased daily gain by steers fed SUC. Gain efficiency was not affected by treatment, except between d 0 to 28 of the study, when SUC increased gain efficiency (P = 0.01). No differences were detected (P > 0.10) for overall morbidity (cattle treated at least once for BRD) between the two treatments (59.6 and 58.0% for CON and SUC, respectively); however, feeding SUC decreased (P = 0.02) the proportion of morbid animals requiring two antibiotic treatments (52.6 and 41.0% for CON and SUC, respectively) and tended (P = 0.10) to decrease the proportion of cattle treated twice that needed additional treatments. During the finishing phase, 180 steers from the receiving period were assigned (nine pens per treatment) to the following treatments: 1) CON receiving/CON finishing; 2) CON receiving/SUC finishing; 3) SUC receiving/CON finishing; 4) SUC receiving/SUC finishing. Diets fed ad libitum once daily at 0800 were 82% concentrate for the first 14-d, and were then switched to a final 90% concentrate diet for the remainder of the experiment. The SUC diets contained 200 mg/kg (DM Basis) of Sucram C-150. Receiving (R) and finishing (F) period main effect means and their interactions (R x F) were analyzed. Over the entire F period, there was a tendency (P = 0.12) for overall ADG (d 0 to end; days on feed ranged from 154 to 203) to be increased by feeding SUC. This effect was, however, not dramatic, and carcass-adjusted gain did not differ among treatments. Daily DMI was affected by the R x F interaction (P ¡Ü 0.09) for all periods of the finishing phase, except from d 0 to 28. This interaction was the result of greater DMI by cattle fed SUC in both the R and F periods than by cattle in the other three treatment groups. Decreased DMI by cattle in the SUC receiving/CON finishing treatment also contributed to this interaction. Performance-based dietary NEm and NEg concentrations were computed from NRC (1996) equations and resulting values did not differ greatly: 2.27, 2.28, 2.26, and 2.25 Mcal of NEm/kg of DM and 1.58, 1.59, 1.57, and 1.56 Mcal of NEg/kg of DM, respectively for CON/CON, CON/SUC, SUC/CON, SUC/SUC treatments respectively. In general, changes in carcass characteristics were minor. Marbling score was increased (P = 0.07) for cattle fed the control diet vs. those fed Sucram C-150 during the R period, although these slight changes did not significantly change quality grade distribution. An R x F interaction was detected for longissimus muscle (LM) area (P = 0.10) and USDA yield grade (P = 0.09), reflecting greater LM area and yield grade for CON/SUC vs. CON/CON and for SUC/CON vs. the SUC/SUC. In Exp. 2, 12 steers (British and Continental breeding; average BW = 378.6 kg) were used in a simultaneously replicated 3 x 3 Latin square dietary preference test. Each Latin square consisted of three pens (two steers per pen) and three time periods. Each of the three feeding periods of the Latin square consisted of a 5-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d data collection period, giving a total time for the experiment of 30-d. Pens had 2.4 m of linear bunk space with a wooden bunk divider affixed halfway along the bunk, providing 1.2 m of linear bunk space on either side of the divider. Dietary treatments consisted of: 1) Control = a 77.5 % concentrate diet delivered daily on both sides of the divider; 2) Sucram = a 77.5 % concentrate diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg DM of Sucram C-150 delivered daily on both sides of the bunk divider; and 3) Choice = a 77.5 % concentrate diet supplemented with or without 200 mg/kg DM of Sucram C-150 delivered daily on either side of the bunk divider. Daily delivery of the Sucram and Control diets in the Choice dietary treatment were alternated randomly between sides of the bunk divider to prevent positional bias. Differences in dietary preference between Control and Sucram C-150 were largely not significant (P = 0.57 to 0.96) except on d 1 to 2 when Control had greater preference (P = 0.01) than Sucram or Choice; this result was not expected, as no dietary choice was provided in these two treatments. A difference in dietary preference was detected on d 0 to 1 (P = 0.01) and d 2 to 3 (P = 0.02) for Control vs. Choice and Sucram vs. Choice comparisons, with cattle provided the Choice treatment consuming 0.49 and 1.72 kg of DM more of the Sucram C-150 diet than the Control diet, respectively. This effect, however, was not consistent across days and average DMI over the 5-d period did not differ (P = 0.81) between dietary treatments. From the results of these two experiments, the addition of 200 mg/kg (DM Basis) Sucram C-150 to the diet of newly received cattle tended to increase receiving period ADG and resulted in fewer repeat antibiotic treatments to recover from BRD. The feeding of Sucram C-150 during the finishing phase had limited effects on performance and carcass characteristics. Dietary preference was not consistently increased by addition of Sucram C-150 to the diet of yearling steers.Item The effects of an artificial sweetener on health and performance of feedlot cattle(Texas Tech University, 2005-08) McMeniman, Joseph P.; Galyean, Michael L.; Brown, Mike; Albin, Robert C.; Johnson, Jay W.Two experiments were conducted at the Texas Tech University Burnett Center in New Deal, TX to examine the effects of a dietary sweetener (Sucram C-150; Prince Agri Products, Quincy, IL) on health, performance and dietary preference of feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, two hundred steer and bull calves (British x Continental; average BW = 190.4 kg) were shipped 1,588 km from an order buyer facility in West Point, MS. On arrival, cattle were weighed and processed and assigned randomly to one of two treatments (eight pens per treatment) during a 60-d receiving period: 1) Control (CON) = a 65% concentrate receiving diet; or 2) Sucram C-150 (SUC) = a 65% concentrate receiving diet with 200 mg/kg (DM basis) of Sucram C-150 artificial sweetener. Diets were changed to 75% concentrate on d 29 to 56. Following processing, cattle were moved to their assigned pens and fed their respective diets ad libitum once daily at 0800. Cattle were observed daily for symptoms of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and treated as needed when their rectal temperature was > 39.7oC. Feeding SUC did not affect overall (P > 0.15) DMI at any time during the 60-d study; however, between d 29 to 56 there was a trend (P = 0.10) for increased DMI by cattle consuming SUC (5.71 vs. 6.02 kg/d for CON and SUC, respectively). From d 0 to 28 and d 0 to 56 there was a trend (P = 0.11 and 0.12, respectively) for increased daily gain by steers fed SUC. Gain efficiency was not affected by treatment, except between d 0 to 28 of the study, when SUC increased gain efficiency (P = 0.01). No differences were detected (P > 0.10) for overall morbidity (cattle treated at least once for BRD) between the two treatments (59.6 and 58.0% for CON and SUC, respectively); however, feeding SUC decreased (P = 0.02) the proportion of morbid animals requiring two antibiotic treatments (52.6 and 41.0% for CON and SUC, respectively) and tended (P = 0.10) to decrease the proportion of cattle treated twice that needed additional treatments. During the finishing phase, 180 steers from the receiving period were assigned (nine pens per treatment) to the following treatments: 1) CON receiving/CON finishing; 2) CON receiving/SUC finishing; 3) SUC receiving/CON finishing; 4) SUC receiving/SUC finishing. Diets fed ad libitum once daily at 0800 were 82% concentrate for the first 14-d, and were then switched to a final 90% concentrate diet for the remainder of the experiment. The SUC diets contained 200 mg/kg (DM Basis) of Sucram C-150. Receiving (R) and finishing (F) period main effect means and their interactions (R x F) were analyzed. Over the entire F period, there was a tendency (P = 0.12) for overall ADG (d 0 to end; days on feed ranged from 154 to 203) to be increased by feeding SUC. This effect was, however, not dramatic, and carcass-adjusted gain did not differ among treatments. Daily DMI was affected by the R x F interaction (P ¡Ü 0.09) for all periods of the finishing phase, except from d 0 to 28. This interaction was the result of greater DMI by cattle fed SUC in both the R and F periods than by cattle in the other three treatment groups. Decreased DMI by cattle in the SUC receiving/CON finishing treatment also contributed to this interaction. Performance-based dietary NEm and NEg concentrations were computed from NRC (1996) equations and resulting values did not differ greatly: 2.27, 2.28, 2.26, and 2.25 Mcal of NEm/kg of DM and 1.58, 1.59, 1.57, and 1.56 Mcal of NEg/kg of DM, respectively for CON/CON, CON/SUC, SUC/CON, SUC/SUC treatments respectively. In general, changes in carcass characteristics were minor. Marbling score was increased (P = 0.07) for cattle fed the control diet vs. those fed Sucram C-150 during the R period, although these slight changes did not significantly change quality grade distribution. An R x F interaction was detected for longissimus muscle (LM) area (P = 0.10) and USDA yield grade (P = 0.09), reflecting greater LM area and yield grade for CON/SUC vs. CON/CON and for SUC/CON vs. the SUC/SUC. In Exp. 2, 12 steers (British and Continental breeding; average BW = 378.6 kg) were used in a simultaneously replicated 3 x 3 Latin square dietary preference test. Each Latin square consisted of three pens (two steers per pen) and three time periods. Each of the three feeding periods of the Latin square consisted of a 5-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d data collection period, giving a total time for the experiment of 30-d. Pens had 2.4 m of linear bunk space with a wooden bunk divider affixed halfway along the bunk, providing 1.2 m of linear bunk space on either side of the divider. Dietary treatments consisted of: 1) Control = a 77.5 % concentrate diet delivered daily on both sides of the divider; 2) Sucram = a 77.5 % concentrate diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg DM of Sucram C-150 delivered daily on both sides of the bunk divider; and 3) Choice = a 77.5 % concentrate diet supplemented with or without 200 mg/kg DM of Sucram C-150 delivered daily on either side of the bunk divider. Daily delivery of the Sucram and Control diets in the Choice dietary treatment were alternated randomly between sides of the bunk divider to prevent positional bias. Differences in dietary preference between Control and Sucram C-150 were largely not significant (P = 0.57 to 0.96) except on d 1 to 2 when Control had greater preference (P = 0.01) than Sucram or Choice; this result was not expected, as no dietary choice was provided in these two treatments. A difference in dietary preference was detected on d 0 to 1 (P = 0.01) and d 2 to 3 (P = 0.02) for Control vs. Choice and Sucram vs. Choice comparisons, with cattle provided the Choice treatment consuming 0.49 and 1.72 kg of DM more of the Sucram C-150 diet than the Control diet, respectively. This effect, however, was not consistent across days and average DMI over the 5-d period did not differ (P = 0.81) between dietary treatments. From the results of these two experiments, the addition of 200 mg/kg (DM Basis) Sucram C-150 to the diet of newly received cattle tended to increase receiving period ADG and resulted in fewer repeat antibiotic treatments to recover from BRD. The feeding of Sucram C-150 during the finishing phase had limited effects on performance and carcass characteristics. Dietary preference was not consistently increased by addition of Sucram C-150 to the diet of yearling steers.Item Use of unique collection device improves conception rates of bovine and equine(Texas Tech University, 2008-12) Graves-Evenson, Kory K.; Prien, Samuel D.; Albin, Robert C.; Jackson, Samuel P.; Thompson, Leslie D.While the practice of artificial insemination may date back eight centuries, there is still a need for improved techniques for semen handling. Previous research from this laboratory using a canine or equine model, demonstrated that semen collected in a modified collection device, the Device for Improved Semen Collection (DISC), remained fertile for longer periods as compared to samples collected using standard techniques. The object of the present study was to perform controlled breeding trials involving cattle and horses comparing semen collected in the DISC to a traditional control (TC). All sires were collected in both the DISC and the TC. Following collection, all semen samples were processed using standard techniques designed to produce breeding doses consistent with industry standards. Cells were then held a minimum of 24 hrs prior to breeding. In two separate trials, cattle were synchronized with a standard 2-shot prostaglandin protocol. Horses were bred using cells that had been held for periods of 24, 48 or 72hrs post extension. Data collected from the present study supports earlier work, demonstrating extended motility (and in theory fertility) from semen collected in the DISC. Pregnancy data from all three fertility trials demonstrate higher conception rates in animals bred with sperm collected in the DISC unit. Further, to date, no birth defects have been recorded. These data indicate that the DISC to be a superior system for semen collection, resulting in higher conception rates without increased risk of birth defects.