Source: KANSAS STATE UNIV submitted to
FEEDLOT CATTLE NUTRITION AND MANAGEMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0222886
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
KS451
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 2011
Project End Date
Dec 31, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Drouillard, J. S.
Recipient Organization
KANSAS STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MANHATTAN,KS 66506
Performing Department
Animal Science & Industry
Non Technical Summary
Approximately 10 to 15 feedlot experiments will completed each year, along with supporting in vitro laboratory experiments, supporting 8 key research thrusts: 1) Understanding factors that influence prevalence and shedding of food-borne pathogens in feedlot cattle, 2) development and(or) refinement of feed manufacturing processes aimed at improving process efficiency & nutritive value of feeds, 3) exploitation of a novel, anaerobic bacterium to control feedlot acidosis, and using the product to effect improvements in production efficiency and waste excretion from feedlots; 4) identifying optimal use of alternative feeds in beef cattle production systems; 5) assessing nutritional and management factors that influence quality and composition of beef products; 6) evaluating use of exogenous growth promotants in feedlot cattle; and 7) understanding the interface between animal management practices, cattle behavior, cattle health, well-being, and productivity, and product quality and composition, and 8) assessing the impact of preconditioning calves on feedlot performance and profitability. Our expectation is that the successful completion of this research will lead to: 1) an improved understanding of factors affecting proliferation and shedding of food-borne pathogens, which will facilitate our ability to develop effective mitigation strategies, 2) identification of processing strategies that will decrease energy expenditure (by 20%) associated with processing of grains for cattle feeding, 3) identification of methods for use of Megasphaera elsdenii that will reduce roughages fed to cattle by more than 25 lbs/finished animal while imposing no greater risk of acidosis, 4) improvements in digestibility of distiller's grains when added to flaked grain diets, 5) development of a production strategy that will consistently increase the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in beef by 10-15-fold compared to beef from conventionally fed animals, 6) improved understanding of the optimal use and application of various growth promoting products, 7) an understanding of the impact of physical activity on animal well being and productivity, and 8) enhanced ability of the feedlot industry to prevent, monitor, and treat disease.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1333399110020%
3023399101034%
3073399106013%
3113399110033%
Knowledge Area
133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation; 311 - Animal Diseases; 307 - Animal Management Systems; 302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3399 - Beef cattle, general/other;

Field Of Science
1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1010 - Nutrition and metabolism; 1100 - Bacteriology;
Goals / Objectives
Project goals are to study factors that influence prevalence and shedding of food-borne pathogens in feedlot cattle, develop feed manufacturing processes aimed at improving process efficiency & nutritive value of feeds, evaluate Megasphaera elsdenii as a preventative for ruminal acidosis, determine optimal use for alternative feed ingredients, assess management factors that influence health, growth efficiency, and quality and composition of beef products, evaluate and optimize use of exogenous growth promotants, and investigate behavioral and management factors that influence production efficiency, health, and well-being of feedlot cattle. Approximately 8 to 12 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 10 to 15 scientific abstracts/presentations, 8 to 12 experiment station reports, and one or more intellectual property disclosures are anticipated for each year of the project. It is expected that the project will yield nutrition/management strategies that can be applied to mitigate shedding of food-borne pathogens in feedlot cattle prior to harvest, and improved feed manufacturing processes and or production methods to result in a 20% reduction of energy expenditure per unit of digestible energy used by cattle. Acidosis research will determine the degree to which acidosis can be prevented with administration of Megaspharea elsdenii, and studies with byproduct feeds will provide valuable information for consulting nutritionists and feedlot operators relative to optimal use in feedlot production systems based on steam-flaked cereal grains. Investigations will support development of a beef product with lipid profiles that are markedly improved, in terms of proportions of omega-3 fatty acids, in comparison to commodity beef. Investigations with novel growth promotants will result in improved efficiency of cattle growth, and improved health management practices will reduce incidence of disease, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental footprint of cattle production. Animal behavior investigations will contribute valuable data to improve our understanding of the relationships between management, animal behavior, animal well-being/health, and animal performance.
Project Methods
Eight key project thrusts are identified in the paragraphs that follow. Food-borne pathogen control in feedlot cattle. Population studies will involve large groups of animals, for which prevalence of pathogens (qualitative measure) in feces will be determined using fecal grab samples. Additionally, a pre-screening method will be employed to identify sub-populations of cattle that are confirmed as being colonized by pathogens of interest. Treatments are imposed on this smaller sub-population, thus making quantitative measures logistically feasible. Feed processing technologies: Models will consist of manufacturing experiments in which we determine the effects of various processing strategies and additives on electrical energy and steam use. Nutritional value of processed grains will be determined in digestion/metabolism studiesn addition to flaking, we will assess opportunities for implementation of alternative grain processing technologies that can be applied to smaller feeding operations for which major capital investments in grain processing infrastructure are impractical. Acidosis in Cattle Fed High-Concentrate Diets: We will evaluate use of Megasphaera elsdenii in a range of feedlot diets that contain both processed grains and grain byproducts; conduct studies to improve shelf-life of live Megasphaera cultures; and 5) evaluate alternative means for administration of probiotics. Utilization of Alternative Feeds: We will conduct a series of in vitro experiments to further establish the types and(or) combinations of fungal enzymes that improve digestion when added to a mixed culture of rumen microorganisms. Furthermore, we will conduct in vivo studies to measure site and extent of digestion, as well as changes in animal performance when these additives (or sources thereof) are incorporated into feedlot diets. Nutritional Factors Influencing Quality and Composition of Beef: Our experiments typically will consist of oral administration of plant or animal sources of omega-3 fatty acids to relatively small groups of cattle, and subsequent harvest to determine the impact on tissue fatty acid composition. Harvested tissues may be further evaluated to determine changes in susceptibility to. Evaluation of Exogenous Growth Promotants: Studies may include measures of growth performance, diet digestion/metabolism, blood metabolite concentrations, carcass quality attributes, tissue composition, and sensory properties of meat. Behavioral Research: Treatments will consist of exercise regimes, as follows: 1) a control group that includes no provisions for routine exercise; 2) a group that is subjected to 20 minutes of forced moderate exercise 3 times per week; 3) a group that is subjected to 20 minutes of forced moderate exercise once each week; and 4) a group that is allowed 60 minutes of voluntary activity outside of their pen once per week. Observational measurements will be obtained to determine if exercise protocols impact cattle behavior. Preconditioning calves: Investigations will entail an evaluation of strategies aimed at managing acidosis as a means of decreasing use of antibiotics for respiratory disease treatment.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Peer scientists, beef cattle industry consultants, livestock feed manufacturers, undergraduate and graduate students, and livestock producers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A large number of foreign interns, undergraduate students, and graduate students became engaged in the research experiemntssupported through this project. These experiments provided a foundation for thesis or dissertation research, undergraduate research programs, and formed the basis for outreach efforts aimed at livestock producers. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The priomary vehicles for dissemination have been scientific journals, experiemnt station reports, scientific conference presentations, campus events aimed at livestock producers, and through incoprtation of results into classroom lectures. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1We evaluated several dietary factors that influence prevalence and shedding of food-borne pathogens in feedlot cattle, as well as development of antimicrobial resistance in gut microorganisms. Twoprocesses were developed encapsulation of nutrients, both of which imporve efficiency of nutreint utilization by preventing premature degradation by micrrorganisms within the foregut of cattle. Extensive research was conducted with the propbiotic bacterium, Megasphaera elsdenii, demonstrating capacity to prevent ruminal acidosis while improving cattle performance, health, and well-being. Numerous experiments were conducted to evaluate alternative feedstuffs (including byproducts feeds) with resepct to impact on growth performance,carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Additional studies were conducted with exogenous growth promoters to improve understanding of their impact on growth performance and meat quality attributes. Collectively, these experiments have led to: 1) an improved understanding of factors affecting proliferation and shedding of food-borne pathogens; 2) development of feed processing strategies that have substantially increased nutrient utilization; 3) improved methods for transitioning cattle to high-grain diets using Megasphaera elsdenii as an intervention against ruminal acidosis; 4)development of a production strategy that increases the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in beef; and 5)improved our understanding of the optimal use and application of beta adrenergic agonists and growth promoting immplants; various growth promoting products.

Publications


    Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Peer scientists,livestock feed and pharmaceutical manufacturers, and livestock producers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Eight scientific posters wereprepared and presented at the annual Kansas State University Cattlemen's Day program. Six scientific abstracts were presented at scientific meetings, and 7 peer reviewed manuscripts were published. Four separate meetings with individual producers and feed manufacturers also provided venues to present and discuss results of the work. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We wil continue work with supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids to cattle in an attempt to improve carcass deposition of these fats. A portion of this work will be devoted to implementation of ruminal encapsulation to protect fats from biohydrogenation, as well as using sources of long-chain fatty acid, such as docosahexaenoic acid, to promote assimilation of these fats into carcass tissues. Additional efforts are planned to utilize probiotic cultures, specifically Megasphaera elsdenii, to prevent ruminal acidosis and improve feedlot cattle performance. Additionally, we will focus on use of several byproducts as feed resources for cattle.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? A series of studies were conducted to assess impact of management and nutrition on the prevalence and shedding of E. coli O157:H7. Additionally, we attempted to establish relationships between prevalence of the organism and fatty acid components of feces as a possible means of screening samples. Thes studies revealed that short-term transport stress can influence fecal shedding of pathogens. Additionally, glycerin, which is a byproduct of biodiesel fuel production, suppressed growth of pathogens in cattle. Our attempts to use fatty acids as a surrogate measure for patheogen presence were not successful, as not meaningful reltionships were identified. Our continued work with lipid supplementation investigated to postential for suppressing ruminal hydrgenation of fats by supplementing increased concentrations of copper. Lipid profile of beef tissue can be altered to increase the proprtion of omega-3 fats, but copper supplementation had no discernible effect biohydrogenation. Finally, we used a combination of yeast, yeast derivatives, and organic trace minerals as an alternative to tradition antibiotics, ionophores, and endocrine modifiers. Antibiotics and ionophores could be replaced without adversely affecting performance, but elimination of beta agonists and steroidal implants resulted in marked decreases in growth and feed conversion that could not be reversed with the aforementioned mixture.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Phelps, K.J., J.S. Drouillard, J.S. Jennings, B.E. Depenbusch, C.L. Van Bibber-Krueger, K.A. Miller, M.A. Vaughn, D.D. Burnett, S.M. Ebarb, T.A. Houser, S.E. Johnson, and J.M. Gonzalez. 2014. Effects of PN beef program on meat quality characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. 92:1780-91.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Aperce, C.C., J.M. Heidenreich, C.S. Schneider and J.S. Drouillard. 2014. Effect of crude glycerin on fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157 in growing and finishing cattle. Intern. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 11(3):208-217.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Aperce, C.C., C. A. Alvarado, K. A. Miller, C. L. Van Bibber-Krueger, and J. S. Drouillard. 2014. Transit effects on fecal Escherichia coli O157 prevalence and coliform concentrations in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 92:676-82.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Aperce, C.C., J. J. Higgins, and J. S. Drouillard. 2014. Long-chain fatty acid profile of cattle fecal samples as an indicator for the shedding of Escherichia coli O157. Prof. Anim. Sci. 30:362-5.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: " Aperce. C.C., J.M. Heidenreich, and J.S. Drouillard. 2014. Capacity of the bovine intestinal mucus and its components to support growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Animal. 8:731-7.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: " Alvarado-Gilis, C.A., C.C. Aperce, K.A. Miller, C.L. Van Bibber-Krueger, S. Uwituze, J.S. Drouillard, and J.S. Higgins. 2014. Effects of feeding diets rich in ?-linolenic acid and copper on performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profiles of feedlot heifers. J Anim. Sci. 2014 Dec;92(12):5612-21
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: " Phelps, K.J., J.S. Drouillard, J.S. Jennings, B.E. Depenbusch, M.A. Vaughn, D.D. Burnett, S.M. Ebarb, G.L. Dietz, J.D. Heitschmidt, J.A. Noel, T.A. Houser, and J.M. Gonzalez. 2014. Effect of the Programmed Nutrition Beef Program on moisture retention of cooked ground beef patties and enhanced strip loins. Meat Sci. Oct 25;100C:189-194. doi: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2014.10.021. [Epub ahead of print].


    Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

    Outputs
    Target Audience: Peer scientists, feedlot industry professionals, and meat industry professsionals. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been disseminated through peer-reviewed journal manuscripts, professional scientific meetings, and livestock producer field day events. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Additonal work will be conducted with ruminally-protected forms of omega-3 fatty acids in an attempt to increase assimilation of these fats into edible tissues. Novel lipid sources (i.e., cultivated algae) will be evaluted as sources of long-chain polyunsaturated fats. Methods for altering ruminal degradability of protein will be evaluated, more specifically a process that employs an induced Maillard reaction to improve resitance of proteins to ruminal degradation. A method for improving digestibility of grape pomace will be evaluated. Megasphaera elsdenii will be the subject of multiple experiments aimed at improving stability of the organism, and identifying dosing protocols or forms that will facilitate administration to livestock, and well as novel applications of the organism to improve efficiency of food aniimal production.

    Impacts
    What was accomplished under these goals? Multiple experiments were conducted to evaluate efficacy of a novel, cost-effective feed manufacturing process aimed at decreasing ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essentially, forming a matrix consisting of ground oilseeds and dolomitic lime hydrate yields a source of polyunsaturated fats with improved resistance to biohydrogenation, increasing assimilation into the blood stream by 150 to 400 percent. This has resulted in substantial improvements in accretion of key polyunsaturated fats within muscle and adipose tissues. Additional work has been completed with Megasphaera elsdenii as an acidosis preventative. Dosing lightweight animals classified as at-risk for bovine respiratory disease with MEgasphaera upon arrival at the feedlot effectively decreased the number of animals requiring treatment for respiratory ailments. Furthermore, we ahve evaluated different dose sizes in an attempt to improve oral retention of the orally drenched culture. Glycerin was used as substitute for moolasses in chemically hardened blocks by combining crude glycerin with soybean meal, soybean hulls, and metal oxides, along with sufficient water to promote hydration. This process resulted in the formation of a very acceptable end produict that will be further evaluated for acceptance by livestock. Beta adrenergic agonists (ractoapamine and zilpaterol) were evaluated with respect to impact on feedlot performance and carcass quality and composition. A ruminally-protected form of choline was evaluated in feedlot cattle, and yielded an 8% improvement in growth efficiency, but had no measurable impact on assimilation of dietary polyunsaturated fats. and partial recarbonation.

    Publications

    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Aperce, C.C., C. A. Alvarado, K. A. Miller, C. L. Van Bibber-Krueger, and J. S. Drouillard. 2013. Transit effects on fecal Escherichia coli O157 prevalence and coliform concentrations in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. Dec 18, 2013. Epub ahead of print.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Aperce, C.C., J.M. Heidenreich, C.S. Schneider and J.S. Drouillard. 2013. Effect of crude glycerin on fecal shedding of Escherichia coli O157 in growing and finishing cattle. Intern. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 11(3):208-217.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Miller, K.A., C.L. Van Bibber-Krueger, L.C. Hollis, and J.S. Drouillard. 2013. Megasphaera elsdenii dosed orally at processing to reduce BRD and improve gain in high-risk calves during the receiving period. Bovine Prac. 47(2):137-143.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Amachawadi, R. G., H. M. Scott, C. A. Alvarado, T. R. Mainini, J. Vinasco, J. S. Drouillard, and T. G. Nagaraja. 2013. Occurrence of the transferable copper resistance gene, tcrB, among fecal enterococci of U.S. feedlot cattle fed copper-supplemented diets. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 79(14):4369-75.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hawkins A., K. Yuan, C.K. Armendariz, G. Highland, N.M. Bello, T. Winowiski, J.S. Drouillard, E.C. Titgemeyer, and B.J. Bradford. 2013. Effects of urea formaldehyde condensation polymer treatment of flaxseed on ruminal digestion and lactation in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 96:3907-13.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cleale R.M., D. Amodie, D.T. Bechtol, J.S. Drouillard, J.D. Edmonds, M. Edmonds, B.D. Hunsaker, L. A. Kraft, T.E. Lawrence, R.D. Rulli, and A.R. Waite. 2013. Effects of estradiol benzoate and trenbolone acetate, alone or in combination at dose levels present in Synovex Choice, on performance by feedlot heifers. J Anim Sci. 91:970-7.
    • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: 8. Cleale, R.M., D.T. Bechtol, J.S. Drouillard, J.D. Edmonds, M. Edmonds, B.D. Hunsaker, L.A. Kraft, T.E. Lawrence, S. Brewbaker, and A.R. Waite. 2013. Synovex Plus implants coated with a polymeric, porous film improve performance by beef steers and heifers fed in confinement for up to 200 d. J Anim Sci. 90:5056-66.


    Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Research experiments were completed in several key areas, including: 1) interaction between trace element nutrition and metabolic responses to beta adrenergic agonists; 2) relationship between handling stress and fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7.; 3) impact of essential oils on expression of antimicrobial resistance patterns in gut microflora of feedlot cattle; 4) prevention of respiratory disease in high-risk feeder cattle with administration of the lactate utilizing bacterium, Megasphaera elsdenii; 5) improving assimilation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into beef tissues by encapsulating oilseed with alkaline metals. Results of our research were the topics of invited presentations in Italy and Brazil. Six scientific abstracts were presented at the joint annual meeting of the American Society of Dairy Science and American Society of Animal Science in Phoenix, AZ. A poster presentation (accelerating transition to high-concentrate diets with Megasphaera elsdenii) by doctoral student Kevin Miller was awarded first place in the graduate student competition of the Plains Nutrition Council in San Antonio, TX. Eight poster presentations were included as educational exhibits for the annual K-State Cattlemen's Day event. One patent application was submitted pertaining to the use of alkaline metals for improving ruminal stability of micronutrients. A provisional application was submitted describing a method for selection and propagation of elite genetic lines of cattle, and a notice of allowance was received from USPTO for a patent related to improving blood lipid profiles of livestock. PARTICIPANTS: James Drouillard, Larry Hollis, Chris Reinhardt, Terry Houser, John Gonzalez, Teresa Douthit, TG Nagaraja, H. Morgan Scott. Partner Organizations: Lhoist North America , MS-Biotec, Kansas Bioscience Authority. TARGET AUDIENCES: Cattle producers, ethanol producers, peer scientists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No significant changes.

    Impacts
    Results of our research trials with Megasphaera elsdenii have formed the basis for recommendations of use in the cattle feeding industry, and approximately 100,000 animals are now dosed with the product each month. This information has made it possible to dramatically decrease forage use in feedlots at a time of severe drought and decreased roughage availability. The nutrient encapsulation strategy that employs dolomitic lime hydrate as an encapsulating material offers a highly effective and economical alternative to existing encapsulation technologies.

    Publications

    • Miller, K.A., C.L. Van Bibber, and J.S. Drouillard. 2012. Accelerated step-up Regimes for Feedlot Heifers Following Oral Dosing with Lactipro (Megasphaera elsdenii strain NCIMB 41125). Cattlemen's Day 2012 Research Report. Report of Progress 1065. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 71-77.
    • Van Bibber, C.L. and J.S. Drouillard. 2012. Zilmax Alters Blood Constituents of Finishing Cattle. Cattlemen's Day 2012 Research Report. Report of Progress 1065. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 78-80.
    • Drouillard, J. S., P.H. Henning, H.H. Meissner, K.J. Leeuw. 2012. Megasphaera elsdenii on the performance of steers adapting to a high-concentrate diet, using three or five transition diets. S. African J. Anim. Sci. 42(2):195-199.
    • Walker, C.E. and J.S. Drouillard. 2012. Effects of catecholamines on gut microflora and potential for beta-adrenergic agonists to impact ruminal fermentation. Bentham Open. Open Agric. J. 6:57-66.
    • Drouillard, J.S. 2012. Utilization of crude glycerin in beef cattle. In: Biofuel co-products as livestock feed - Opportunities and challenges, edited by H.P.S. Makkar. FAO, Rome.
    • Miller,N., B. Gerlach, H. Glynn, K. Miller, C. van Bibber, L. Edwards-Calloway, J. Drouillard, and T. Houser. 2012. Routine exercise of feedlot cattle: Implications for stress response, productivity, and beef quality. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):241.
    • Aperce,C.C., C. A. Alvarado, C. L. Van Bibber, K. A. Miller, and J. S. Drouillard. 2012. Transit effects on fecal E. coli O157:H7 prevalence and coliform concentrations in feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):335.
    • Caetano, M., R. S. Goulart, P. M. Rizzo, S. L. Silva, P. R. Leme, J. S. Drouillard, and D. P. D. Lanna. 2012. Effects of roughage level and corn processing method on finishing performance of Nellore bulls. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):372.
    • Miller, K.A., C.L. Van Bibber-Krueger, and J. S. Drouillard. 2012. Accelerated step-up regimens for feedlot heifers following oral dosing with Lactipro (Megasphaera elsdenii). J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):670.
    • Miller, K.A., C.L.Van Bibber-Krueger, and J. S. Drouillard. 2012. Oral dosing with Lactipro (Megasphaera elsdenii) decreases roughage required for feedlot finishing. J. Anim. Sci. 90(Suppl. 3):670.
    • Gerlach B.M., Miller N.A., Glynn H.D., Goehring B.L., Skaar G.R., Stickel A.D., Tapian A.M., Miller K.A., Van Bibber C.L., Houser T.A., Gonzalez J.M., Edwards-Callaway L.N., and Drouillard J.S. 2012. The effects of routine exercise of feedlot cattle on beef strip-loin quality and composition. Reciprocal Meat Conference. Fargo ND., U.S.A. Abstract # 13.
    • Aperce, C. and J.S. Drouillard. 2012. Effect of transportation on E. coli O157:H7 prevalence and coliform concentrations in feces of feedlot cattle. Cattlemen's Day 2012 Research Report. Report of Progress 1065. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 29-32.
    • Alvarado, C.A., C.C. Aperce, K.A. Miller, C.L. Van Bibber, S. Uwituze, J.S. Drouillard, and J.J. Higgins. 2012. Influence of Linpro and dietary copper on feedlot cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of beef. Cattlemen's Day 2012 Research Report. Report of Progress 1065. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 67-70.
    • Aperce, C. and J.S. Drouillard. 2012. Feeding Crude Glycerin Decreases Fecal Shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in Growing Cattle. Cattlemen's Day 2012 Research Report. Report of Progress 1065. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 81-83.
    • Aperce, C. and J.S. Drouillard. 2012. Carryover Effects of Crude Glycerin Fed During the Growing Phase on Finishing Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristic. Cattlemen's Day 2012 Research Report. Report of Progress 1065. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 84-86.


    Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

    Outputs
    OUTPUTS: Experiments were conducted to evaluate 1) impact of cattle exercise on cattle behavior, stress response to handing, growth performance, and carcass characteristics; 2) impact of elevate sulfur concentrations on feedlot diet digestion, cattle health, and growth performance; 3) impact of glycerin supplementation on prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 shedding in cattle; 4) influence of manipulating dietary fats on cattle performance and omega-3 fatty acid content of beef; 5) depletion of dietary calcium to induce post-mortem changes in muscle tenderness; 6) oral administration of Megasphaera elsdenii to prevent acidosis and improve feedlot performance during the period of transition from forage- to grain-based diets; and 7) encapsulation of vitamins and amino acids with wheat gluten films to enhance ruminal stability, and 8) conditioning of grains with glycerol to enhance ruminal starch digestion. Results of our research were presented at 3 separate international symposia (2 invited papers and 6 other presentations) in the U.S.A., Canada, and Wales, as well as an invited presentation to beef and dairy producers in Germany. Results also were disseminated at the Midwest Sectional (2 abstracts) and Annual National meetings (6 abstracts) of the American Society of Animal Science. Six poster presentations were included in educational exhibits for the annual K-State Cattlemen's Day event. One doctoral student (Solange Uwituze) and two M.S. students (Leanne Litton and Kirsty Blaine) from our program were awarded degrees. Dr. Uwituze conducted research with sulfur metabolism in cattle fed diets containing distiller's grains. Leanne Litton conducted research to identify means of altering fatty acid composition of beef by feeding cattle diets containing sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Kirsty Blaine's program pertained to utilization of wheat-gluten films for encapsulation of micronutrients. PARTICIPANTS: K-State Faculty: Terry Houser, Lily Edwards, Larry Hollis, KC Olson, Michael Dikeman, Dale Blasi, John Unruh, Tim Rozell, John Jaeger, Jim Higgins, and Charles Lee. Partner Organization: Kansas Corn Commission; Cattlemen's Beef Board; Dakota Gold Research Association; Agricultural Utilization Research Initiative (AURI). TARGET AUDIENCES: Cattle producers, ethanol producers, peer scientists PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: No significant changes.

    Impacts
    Our pilot experiment with exercise in feedlot cattle has revealed that routine moderate exercise can be utilized to alter physiological and behavioral responses to handling. After several weeks of being exercised 3 days per week for bouts of 20 to 40 minutes each day, circulating concentrations of cortisol and epinephrine were substantially less in exercised cattle compared to their sedentary counterparts. Exercised cattle also had lower concentrations of plasma glucose and insulin, leaner carcasses with larger loin eyes, and decreased feed intake, but with no negative impact on gain. The impact of exercise on catecholamines was of particular interest, as previous studies in our laboratory have revealed that elevated catecholamines in cattle are associated with greater fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7. We have observed large changes in fecal shedding of pathogens in relationship to time of cattle handling, which could have important consequences for beef safety in abattoirs. Our research with glycerin has suggested that cattle adapt gradually to the presence of glycerin in the diet. Glycerin initially depresses performance, but with additional days on feed animals become increasingly efficient. There also was a large carryover effect of glycerin feeding when animals subsequently were fed byproduct feeds, which may themselves contain glycerin. Additionally, presence of glycerin at 2-4% of the diet dry matter decreased fecal prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle fed diets consisting of approximately 50% concentrate and 50% roughage. Feeding diets based on distiller's grains with elevated levels of sulfur generally depressed feed consumption and rate of gain, but efficiency was not altered. Cattle appeared to respond rather quickly to changes in diet sulfur levels. Intermittent exposure to elevated sulfur was no more or less deleterious than continuous exposure to high dietary concentrations of the element. Negative effects of excessive sulfur are not limited to increased incidence of metabolic disorders (i.e., polioencephalomalacia), as increased levels manifest in the form of reduced feed intake. Our studies with addition of flaxseed to the diets of finishing cattle clearly demonstrate that it is possible to increase concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in edible tissues by 5- to 10-fold. Moreover, feeding flaxseed or linseed meal may interact with steroidal implants, slightly decreasing their effectiveness. Oral administration of Megasphaera elsdenii, a Gram-negative lactate-utilizing bacterium, was evaluated in experiments to determine the feasibility of placing cattle directly onto high-concentrate finishing diets without employing a step-up program in which cattle are gradually transitioned from forage to concentrate. Cattle were successfully adapted to high-concentrate diets with no transition period, resulting in substantial decreases in forage use and lower manure output. Compared to cattle subjected to a traditional, 3-week adaptation period, cattle placed directly onto feed after oral dosing with Megasphaera ate less feed, but yielded carcasses of comparable weightand improved quality grades.

    Publications

    • Aubel N.A., J.R. Jaeger, J.S. Drouillard, M.D. Schlegel, L.A. Pacheco, D.R. Linden, J.W. Bolte, J.J. Higgins, and K.C. Olson. 2011. Effects of mineral-supplement delivery system on frequency, duration, and timing of supplement use by beef cows grazing topographically-rugged, native rangeland in the Kansas Flint Hills. J Anim. Sci. 2011 Jun 10. [Epub ahead of print].
    • Depenbusch, B.E., C.D. Lee, and J.S. Drouillard. 2011. Feed depredation by European starlings in a Kansas feedlot. Human-Wildlife Interactions. 5:58-65.
    • Slough, T.L., C.D. Gunkel, L.W. Murray, and J.S. Drouillard. 2011. A comparison of methodologies for measuring glucose concentrations in the horse. Prof. Anim.Sci. 27:204-214.
    • Uwituze, S., G. L. Parsons, C. J. Schneider, K. K. Karges, M. L. Gibson, L. C. Hollis, J. J. Higgins, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Evaluation of sulfur content of dried distiller's grains with solubles in finishing diets based on steam-flaked corn or dry-rolled corn. J. Anim Sci. 89:2582-91.
    • Uwituze, S., G. L. Parsons, K. K. Karges, M. L. Gibson, L. C. Hollis, J. J. Higgins, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Effects of distillers grains with high sulfur concentration on ruminal fermentation and digestibility of finishing diets. J. Anim. Sci. 89:2817-28.
    • Aperce, C., C. Schneider, L. Litton, K. Miller, C. VanBibber, S. Uwituze, C. Alvarado, K. Blaine, J. Higgins, and J. Drouillard. 2011. Carryover effects of crude glycerine fed during the growing phase on finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Proc. 8th Int. Sym. Nutr. Herbivores (ISNH8), Sep. 2011, Aberystwyth, Wales. Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):579.
    • Alvarado, C., C. Aperce, K. Miller, C. Van Bibber, S.Uwituze, J. Drouillard, and J. Higgins. 2011. Effects of supplemental copper and Linpro on performance and carcass traits of finishing heifers. Proc. 8th Int. Sym. Nutr. Herbivores (ISNH8), Sep. 2011, Aberystwyth, Wales. Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):473.
    • Drouillard, J.S. 2011. Strategies to improve feed efficiency using rumen fermentation. Proc. of the 32nd Western Nutr. Conf., Sep 14-15, 2011, Edmonton AB. Ruurd Zijlstra (Ed). pp. 113-120. Univ. Alberta, Edmonton, AL, Canada.
    • Drouillard, J. 2011. Utilization of biofuels byproducts as feedstocks for ruminants. Proc. 8th Int. Sym. Nutr. Herbivores (ISNH8), Sep. 2011, Aberystwyth, Wales. Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):579.
    • Glynn, H., A Stickel, L Edwards, J. Drouillard, T. Houser, T. Rozell, J. Jaeger, L. Hollis, K. Miller, and C Van Bibber. 2011. Moderate exercise affects finishing cattle behavior and cortisol response to handling. Proc. 45th Cong. Int.Soc. Appl. Ethol. (ISAE). July 31-Aug 4, 2011. Indianapolis, IN. E.A. Pajor and J.N. Marchant-Forde (Eds). Wagenhagen Academic Publishers, The Netherlands. Leventhal, H., T. Slough, S. Uwituze, and J. Drouillard. 2011. Megasphaera elsdenii addition to in vitro cultures of equine caecal microorganisms fed oligofructose or starch. Proc. 8th Int. Sym. Nutr. Herbivores (ISNH8), Sep. 2011, Aberystwyth, Wales. Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):422.
    • Miller, K. and J. Drouillard. 2011. Feeding ground flaxseed to increase proportions of omega-3 fatty acids in beef from cull cows. Proc. 8th Int. Symp. Nutri Herbivores (ISNH8). Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):473. Proc. 8th Int. Sym. Nutr. Herbivores (ISNH8), Sep. 2011, Aberystwyth, Wales. Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):274.
    • Van Bibber, C., L. Litton, K. Miller, and J. Drouillard. 2011. Effect of ground flaxseed and exogenous hormones on plasma and muscle fatty acid composition, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle. Proc. 8th Int. Sym. Nutr. Herbivores (ISNH8), Sep. 2011, Aberystwyth, Wales. Adv. Anim. Biosci. 2(2):541.
    • Stickel,A., T. Houser, J. Drouillard, KC Olson, A. Pacheco, M. Macek, G. Parsons, K. Miller, L. Thompson, M. Dikeman, J. Unruh, and D. Blasi. 2011.Effects of supplementing dried distillers grains with solubles to heavy, yearling stocker cattle during the last 90 days of grazing to improve performance and carcass characteristics when utilizing a short feeding protocol. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 2):73.
    • Stickel, A. T. Houser, J. Drouillard, K. C. Olson, B. Gerlach, L. Weber, B. Goehring, G. Skaar, M. Dikeman, and J. Unruh. 2011. Effects of supplementing dried distillers grains with solubles to heavy, yearling stocker cattle during the last 90 days of grazing to improve meat quality traits when utilizing a short feeding protocol. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 2):90.
    • Van Cleef, E.H.C.B., S. Uwituze, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Effects of crude glycerin on in vitro gas production, dry matter disappearance, VFA profiles, and composition of fermentative gasses. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 1):613.
    • Stickel, A.D., L. N. Edwards, T. A. Houser, J. R. Jaeger, T. G. Rozell, L. D. Hollis, S. Uwituze, C. L. Van Bibber, K. A. Miller, J. J. Higgins, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Moderate exercise alters blood constituents, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in finishing heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 1):502.
    • Alvarado, C.A., C. C. Aperce, K. A. Miller, C. L. van Bibber, S. Uwituze, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Effects of supplemental copper and Linpro on performance and carcass characteristic of beef heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 1):451.
    • Aperce, C., J. Heidenreich, C. J. Schneider, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Effect of feeding crude glycerin on prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in growing cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 1):197.
    • Uwituze, S., C. L. Van Bibber, K. A. Miller, K. K. Karges, L. C. Hollis, J. J. Higgins, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Feeding distillers grains containing elevated sulfur concentration depresses performance of feedlot steers. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 1):198.
    • Van Cleef, E.H.C.B., S. Uwituze, C. L. Van Bibber, K. A. Miller, C. C. Aperce, K. L. Blaine, J. J. Higgins, and J. S. Drouillard. 2011. Effects of crude glycerin in byproducts diets on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-suppl 1):198.
    • Uwituze, S., L. Hollis, and J. Drouillard. 2011. Dietary sulfur concentration has no effect on in vitro fermentative activity of ruminal mixed microorganisms. Cattlemen's Day 2011 Research Report. Report of Progress 1047. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 43-46.
    • Stickel, A., T. Houser, K.C. Olson, J. Drouillard, B. Gerlach, B. Goehring, A. Pacheco, M. Macek, G. Parsons, K. Miller, L. Thompson, M. Dikeman, J. Unruh, and D. Blasi. 2011. Supplementing dried distillers grains with solubles to heavy yearling stocker cattle grazing native tallgrass pastures during late summer and fall improves animal performance and carcass characteristics. Cattlemen's Day 2011 Research Report. Report of Progress 1047. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 52-54.
    • Stickel, A., T. Houser, K.C. Olson, J. Drouillard, B. Gerlach, B. Goehring, A. Pacheco, M. Macek, G. Parsons, K. Miller, L. Thompson, M. Dikeman, J. Unruh, and D. Blasi. 2011. Increasing days on feed for heavy short-fed yearling stocker cattle improves carcass characteristics. Cattlemen's Day 2011 Research Report. Report of Progress 1047. Kansas Agric. Exp. Sta., Manhattan. Pp 69-72.