Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A feedlot finishing lamb study was conducted using 288 wether and ewe lambs to elucidate the advantages of conventional lamb feeding systems in comparison to lambs raised in accordance with naturally raised guidelines. Voluntary standards released by the Agriculture Marketing Service provide feedlot operations with procedures to produce naturally raised lamb in agreement with consumer perceptions of the product. If lambs can be raised within these guidelines as cost effectively as lambs raised in a best management practice operation and sold at a premium, it could provide lamb feedlot operations with an alternative to conventional programs while increasing profitability. Steve Eckerman, M. S. candidate, presented information on this lamb study to the annual meeting of the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Growers (Nov. 2009), the annual convention of state sheep producers. Organized and scheduled a producer workshop, the Third Annual HREC Beef Research Review: Management Alternatives to Improve Your Bottom Line, for January 28, 2010. Because of inclement weather and lack of power at the meeting location, the field day event was rescheduled for December 7, 2010. Presented research results on feeding cull cows at the NDSU Beef College in Bismarck, ND (Feb. 11, 2010). This symposium was attended by one hundred cattle producers and NDSU research scientists. Taught and mentored a Dickinson State University Junior/Senior project class (30 students; Feb. 18, 2010) regarding past HREC research and discussed possible research projects the students could develop and conduct for their respective senior projects. Collaborated with NDSU county extension agents from Multicounty Programming Units 9 and 10 (Feb. 25, 2010) to discuss livestock research needs for their respective counties, discuss previous research conducted at the Southwest Feeders feedlot and foster collaborative relationships. Wrote and disseminated the final research report on natural and conventional calf feeding research for the North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education and North Dakota Corn Council (May 28, 2010). Presented research results on the effects of raising feedlot calves either by natural versus conventional diets and management in Denver, CO for the joint annual meeting of the American Dairy Science, Poultry Science, Canadian Society of Animal Science, and American Society of Animal Science Societies JAM meeting (July 15, 2010). The meeting was attended by over 1,500 research scientists, graduate students and producers from across the U.S. as well as South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. PARTICIPANTS: Michele Thompson (PI) provided oversight to research including design, sampling, analyses and reporting. She also contributed to publications from this research. Chris Schauer (Co-PI) advised on experimental design, statistical analyses and interpretation and reporting. He also provided oversight to graduate students, coordinated labor and equipment needs to complete feeding study and contributed to presentations and publications from this research. Greg Lardy (Co-PI) advised on experimental design and interpretation, provided oversight to graduate student, and contributed to publications from this research. Paul Berg (Co-PI), meat scientist from the NDSU Animal Sciences Department, conducted carcass data collections on harvested lambs. Steve Eckerman, M. S. candidate, conducted research, sampling, data entry and analysis, report writing, presentation of results towards completion of M.S. thesis. Megan Van Emon, PhD candidate, conducted research, sampling, data analysis, and report writing. She also contributed to publications from this research. Bryan Neville, PhD candidate, helped with data analysis, report writing and contributed to publications from this research. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this research include beef and lamb producers, university research and extension personnel, livestock association (beef, lamb) member, Vocational Agriculture Instructors, and agricultural lenders and loan officers. Presentations of research were conducted at field day, Extension Center advisory board meetings, North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers convention and at the joint annual meeting of the American Dairy Science, Poultry Science, Canadian Society of Animal Science, and American Society of Animal Science Societies JAM meeting. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Conventional lambs had increased average daily gain and subsequently increased gain over the 112 day trial, illustrating the growth effects of CTC, lasalocid, and zeranol implants (36 mg zeranol) displayed in previous research. Conventional lambs gained five pounds more as compared to naturally raised lambs. The implants cost roughly one dollar per head, and the five pounds gained (assuming market price of one dollar per pound) covered the cost of implants as well as provided a four dollar increase in profit compared to naturally raised lambs (not including labor). Conventional lambs had a trend of increased dry matter intake; however, overall economic effects were minimal. Lambs were slaughtered at an average weight of 159 lb. and differences between treatments may have diminished as gain decreased in the larger conventional lambs late in the trial. Naturally raised lambs had larger rib eye area when compared to conventional lambs; however the numeric difference was less than one tenth of an inch (2.66 vs. 2.57 in2). Naturally raised lambs also had thicker body wall and greater boneless, closely-trimmed retail cuts as compared to conventional lambs, which may have been influenced by the extended trial length. The conventional treatment had twelve rectal and vaginal prolapses. Some of the prolapsed lambs had to be treated repeatedly and eventually four died. The advantages of increased gain are most likely negated by the cost of treating prolapsed lambs and mortality as a result of complications from prolapses. Decreased growth performance in naturally raised lamb demands premiums be offered to lamb producers in order for natural lamb production to be an economically viable practice. Alternatively, the increased performance in conventionally raised lambs, which may be attributed to zeranol implants, offers economic opportunities if zeranol dosage levels can be found to improve growth without increasing incidences of prolapse. Future research will focus on determining if decreased levels of zeranol will produce increased gain without increased prolapses and decreased carcass quality.
Publications
- Ilse, B. R., V. L. Anderson, M. M. Thompson and C. S. Schauer. 2009. Effect of distillers grains on natural vs. conventional supplements and production methods on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report. 32:41-44.
- Thompson, M. M., C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson, B. R. Ilse and R. J. Maddock. 2009. Impact of weaning date on calf growth and carcass traits. NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report. 32:30-36.
- Neville, B. W., C. S. Schauer, K. Karges, M. L. Gibson, M. M. Thompson, L. A. Kuschten, N. W. Dyer, P. T. Berg and G. P. Lardy. 2010. Effect of thiamine concentration on animal health, feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentrations in lambs fed diets based on 60% distillers dried grains plus solubles. J. Anim. Sci. 88:2444-2455.
- Eckerman, S. E., G. P. Lardy, M. M. Thompson, B. Neville, M. Van Emon, P. B. Berg, and C. S. Schauer. 2010. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of conventionally raised lambs implanted with zeranol versus naturally raised lambs. NDSU Sheep Report. 51:3-7.
- Thompson, M. M., C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson, B. R. Ilse, R. J. Maddock, K. K. Karges, and M. L. Gibson. 2010. Natural and conventional diet and management effects on steer feedlot performance, carcass traits and economics. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 61:232-235.
- Eckerman, S. E., C. S. Schauer, M. M. Thompson, B. W. Neville, M. L. Van Emon, P. T. Berg and G. P. Lardy. 2010. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of conventionally raised lambs implanted with zeranol versus naturally raised lambs. Proc. West. Sect. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 61:3-6.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The third year of evaluating the effects of two different weaning dates (early and normal) for May-born calves on calf health, growth, and carcass traits was completed and data analyzed. A second study investigated the production costs and best management practices involved in natural beef production starting with the receiving and backgrounding phases of feedlot finishing. Natural production objectives will not allow meat animals to consume any animal byproducts from mammalian, avian and/or aquatic sources, growth-promoting implants and ionophores or antibiotics. The natural treatment was compared to a conventional production treatment in which ionophores were fed, growth-promoting implants and antibiotics for morbidity were used. Reports of large premiums have been reported for calves marketed as natural in the market place and another objective to this study was to determine the premium paid for natural calves harvested at a North Dakota abattoir (North Dakota Natural Beef LLP). A finishing lamb study examined the effects of level of thiamin supplementation on feedlot performance, carcass quality, and incidence of polioencephalomalacia in lambs fed a 60% distillers dried grains with solubles finishing ration. Levels of thiamin evaluated were control (no supplemental thiamin), low (15.8 mg/hd/d thiamin), medium (48.4 mg/hd/d thiamin) and high (53.0 mg/hd/d thiamin). Results from the lamb finishing trial were presented by a Dr. Chris Schauer (CO-PI) to the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Growers annual convention on Nov. 22, 2008, the NDSU Shepherd's Clinic held Mar. 19, 2009, the Mountain/Plains States Sheep and Goat Conference on Nov. 14, 2008, and the national American Sheep Industry meetings held Jan. 22, 2009. Organized and moderated the Second Annual HREC Beef Research Review: Strategies to Enhance Production Profitability in Uncertain Times field day. This field day was held at NDSU HREC on Feb. 5, 2009. This program showcased study results from the feeding market cows; use of livestock risk protection; use of very large scale aerial imagery for monitoring and assessing rangelands; the effects of short-term oilseed supplementation on plasma fatty acid composition in lactating beef cows; and natural beef production in North Dakota for North Dakota Natural Beef. Thirty beef producers from Hettinger, ND and surrounding towns in North Dakota and South Dakota attended this event. Event was covered by the local newspaper and KFYR-TV news affiliate. Published outlets for the research are the NDSU sheep Research Report, Animal and Range Sciences/Agricultural Experiment Station Beef Cattle and Range Research Report, and the Western Section Proceedings of the American Society of Animal Science. PARTICIPANTS: Michele Thompson (PI) provided oversight and conducted the research, including design, sampling, analyses, and reporting. She also coordinated labor and equipment needs to complete the feeding studies. Chris Schauer (Co-PI) advised on experimental design, statistical analyses and interpretation and reporting. He also provided oversight to graduate student, coordinated labor and equipment needs to complete feeding studies, and contributed to presentations and publications from this research. Greg Lardy (Co-PI) advised on experimental design and interpretation, provided oversight to graduate student, and contributed to publications from this research. Dan Nudell (Co-PI) advised on publications from this research. Vern Anderson, Animal Scientist, and Breanne Ilse, Research Specialist from the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center were collaborators and completed the finishing feedlot production phase of this research. Vern Anderson also advised on experimental design, sampling, statistical analyses and interpretation. He also contributed to publications from this research. Breanne Ilse also contributed to statistical analysis and publications from this research. Robert Maddock and Paul Berg, Meat Scientists from the NDSU Animal Sciences Department, conducted carcass data collections on harvested calves and lambs. Bryan Neville, PhD candidate, conducted data entry and analysis, report writing, and presented and published research results. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this research include beef and lamb producers, university research and extension personnel, livestock association (beef, lamb) members, Vocational Agriculture Instructors, and agricultural lenders and loan officers. Presentations of research were conducted at a field day, Extension Center advisory board meetings, and at the annual Western Sectional meetings of the American Society of Animal Science. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
May-born calves that were weaned normally (early Nov.) had lower dry matter intakes and greater feed efficiency than those weaned at 227 days of age. Carcass measurements were not different between early weaned or normally weaned calves when they were managed collectively during the finishing phase. Days on feed had a direct influence on weight gained during the feeding period. Early weaning of May-born calves appears to be a feasible production option for cattle producers who calve between mid April and mid June. More research is warranted to determine what effects early weaning has during the finishing phases of feedlot feeding. Calves that were managed as natural, with no growth-promoting implants, ionophores or antibiotics, gained approximately 0.30 lb/day less during backgrounding as compared to their contemporaries that were managed conventionally (implanted with a implant, fed an ionophore, and treated with antibiotics during periods of morbidity). Conventional calves had lower feed costs and greater feed efficiencies than natural calves after the background period. Calves that were managed conventionally during the finishing period had a greater live weight, dry matter intake and average daily gain, but a lower gain efficiency than steers finished naturally. Hot carcass weights of the conventional calves were significantly heavier, had larger ribeye areas, and more backfat than naturally raised calves. However, natural calves had greater marbling and kidney-pelvic-heart fat as compared to conventional calves. No effect across treatment was observed for final yield grade determinations. Continued evaluation of breakeven costs and pen closeouts for naturally raised verses conventionally raised calves is necessary, especially in times of high feed costs. Feedlot lambs fed the control, low and medium thiamin levels on 60% distillers dried grains diets finished heavier and gained weight faster than the high thiamin group. Feed dry matter intake, feed and gain efficiency were affected cubically by level of thiamin supplemented. No difference in mortality was observed and no cases of polioencephalomalacia were seen during the 110-day feeding study. Although hot carcass weight and leg score was higher for the control, low and medium thiamin levels as compared to the high treatment, no differences were observed for fat depth, body wall thickness, ribeye area, flank streaking, quality grade, yield grade and percent boneless closely trimmed retail cuts across treatments. This research has demonstrated that dried distillers grains plus solubles can be included in lamb finishing rations at levels up to 60% dietary dry matter in limited situations. Feeding dried distillers plus solubles at 60% of dietary dry matter does not appear to increase the incidence of polioencephalomalacia in lambs when water with low sulfur (141-ppm sulfate) is available. However, producers are still strongly advised to have feed samples as well as water samples tested before determining their livestock's risk to developing PEM due to sulfur toxicity.
Publications
- Neville, B. W., C. S. Schauer, M. M. Thompson, P. B. Berg and G. P. Lardy. 2009. Influence of thiamin supplementation on feedlot performance and carcass quality of lambs fed a 60% distillers dried grain plus solubles finishing ration. NDSU Sheep Report, 50: 5-10.
- Neville, B. W., C. S. Schauer, K. Karges, M. L. Gibson, M. M. Thompson, P. T. Berg and G. P. Lardy. 2009. Influence of thiamin supplementation on feedlot performance, carcass quality, and incidence of polioencephalomalacia in lambs fed a 60% distillers dried grains with solubles finishing ration. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 60: 135-139.
- Thompson, M. M., C. S. Schauer, R. J. Maddock and C. L. Wright. 2009. Market cow feeding using different management strategies. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 60: 392-395.
- Thompson, M. M., C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson, B. R. Ilse, J. C. Galbreath and R. J. Maddock. 2009. Effect of weaning and production management strategies on calf growth and carcass traits. NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Report, p. 28-33.
- Thompson, M. M., C. S. Schauer, R. J. Maddock and C. L. Wright. 2009. Effects of feeding strategy on market cow performance, carcass quality and economics. NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Report, p.41-45.
- Loken, B. A., R. J. Maddock, M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, I. Rush, S. Quinn and G. P. Lardy. 2009. Growing rate of gain on subsequent feedlot performance, meat, and carcass quality of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 87:3791-3797.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The second year of investigating the effects of two different weaning dates (early and normal) on calf performance, health, and carcass characteristics of May born calves was completed in 2007. In addition to weaning date, an additional production management scheme was applied to these calves to explore the effects and economics involved with natural beef production (calves were raised by either natural or conventional production practices). Local beef producers have questions regarding the best management practices and economic costs involved in raising calves naturally and this research will help to address this deficiency. A second research study examined the economics of feeding market (cull) cows using different management strategies. This study's objective was to evaluate traditional and self-fed feeding systems on the performance and carcass characteristics of market cows and the profitability associated with each system. Three dietary treatments were fed to the market cows: (1) cracked corn and mixed hay fed by a mixer wagon, (2) whole barley and barley silage fed by a mixer wagon, and (3) a self-fed diet using a controlled intake system containing monensin. A finishing lamb study examined the effects of thiamin supplementation on feedlot performance and carcass quality of lambs fed a 60% distillers dried grain plus solubles finishing ration. The lamb study's objective was to determine the influence of thiamin level on feedlot lamb performance, carcass characteristics, dry matter intake, and incidence of polioencephalomalacia (PEM). Research results from the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and low input cattle production system study and its impacts on ring-necked pheasant production was presented at the 2008 Cattlemen's Day Meeting at NDSU NCREC on January 9, 2008 via Interactive Video Network (IVN). Fifty beef cattle producers attended this beef producer seminar from the Minot and surrounding areas. Organized, moderated, and presented study results at the First Annual HREC Beef Research Review: Developing and Enriching the Region's Production Resources for a More Profitable Future. This beef field day was held at NDSU HREC on January 10, 2008. This program showcased study results on the influence of weaning date on May born calves; the use of spatial analysis to locate feedlots; rate of gain impacts on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics and Warner-Bratzler shear force; producing quality beef for global markets; production and marketing practices of Northern Plains cow-calf producers, and the Montana BVD-PI herd biosecurity project. Thirty-two beef producers from Hettinger, ND and surrounding towns in North Dakota and South Dakota attended this event. Published outlets for the research will be the NDSU Sheep Research Report, Animal and Range Sciences/Agricultural Experiment Station Beef Cattle and Range Research Report, NDSU Beef Feedlot Report, and the Western Section Proceedings of the American Society of Animal Science. Research results will be presented at the next NDSU HREC Beef Research Review and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers annual meeting. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
During the past six years, this area was impacted by drought, drastically reducing winter-feed supplies for gestating/lactating beef cows. One management practice regional cattle producers use to spare forage for grazing gestating/lactating beef cows is to early wean calves. Early weaning is a viable option for producers who feed their calves postweaning. However, additional research is required with larger numbers of calves during multiple years to evaluate the economics of early weaning May-born calves. Self-feeders can be used as a system of feeding and improving market cow value. In the future, the use of self-feeders over traditional methods may become more prevalent as fuel prices continue to escalate. Additional days on feed will improve body condition, carcass quality and economic value of market (cull) cows. However, realization of increased profits by the market cow producer will be highly dependent on availability of local resources, initial cow body condition, feed cost and availability, days on feed and final carcass characteristics. Level of thiamin supplementation may influence performance and dry matter intake; however, thiamin supplementation did not have an effect on the incidence of PEM in feedlot lambs. Feeding dried distillers grains plus solubles at 60% of dietary dry matter provided acceptable lamb performance and carcass composition. This lamb study illustrates the need for additional research to determine the interactive affects of sulfur, thiamin supplementation, and dietary grain concentration in finishing rations, and the effect they collectively have on the incidence of PEM.
Publications
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson, B. R. Ilse, D. M. Stecher, D. Drolc and D. Pearson. 2007. Influence of weaning date (early or normal) on performance, health and carcass characteristics of May-born Angus calves. NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report. 30: 23-28.
- C. S. Schauer, M. M. Stamm, P. B. Berg, D. M. Stecher, D. Pearson and D. Drolc. 2008. Feeding of 60% dried distillers grains in finishing rations results in acceptable lamb performance and carcass quality. NDSU Sheep Research Report. 49: 3-6.
- B. A. Stoltenow, G. P. Lardy, M. M. Stamm and R. J. Maddock. 2008. Impacts of growing rate of gain on subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics and Warner-Bratzler shear force. J. Anim. Sci. 86 (e-Suppl. 3): # 58.
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson and B. R. Ilse. 2008. Weaning date effects on growing and finishing performance of May-born Angus calves. NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Report, pp. 38-42.
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson and B. R. Ilse. 2008. Weaning date impacts on backgrounding and finishing performance of May born Angus calves. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 59: 83-86.
- C. S. Schauer, M. M. Stamm, T. D. Maddock and P. B. Berg. 2008. Feeding of DDGS in lamb rations: Feeding dried distillers grains with solubles as 60 percent of lamb finishing rations results in acceptable performance and carcass quality. Sheep & Goat Research Journal 23: 15-19.
- S. Roesler. 2008. Cull cow, calf performance feeding trials aid management decisions. The Prairie Star Livestock Guide, pp. 22-24.
- S. Roesler. 2008. How much thiamine is needed to feed at 60 percent DDGS The Prairie Star and the Farm & Ranch Guide, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 issues.
- C. S. Schauer, M. M. Stamm, T. Maddock and P. B. Berg. 2008. 60% Dried distillers grains in lamb rations results in acceptable performance and carcass quality. Proc. West. Sec. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. 59: 396-399.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
In collaboration with Eric Eriksmoen, HREC Agronomist, conducted an agronomy study to evaluate the forage, yield, and nutritional characteristics of new awnletted winter wheat variety, Willow Creek, under southwestern ND growing conditions (spring, 2006). Willow Creek winter wheat can grow and perform under southwestern ND environmental conditions. This winter wheat had the second earliest heading date, highest plant height at maturity and the highest dry matter forage yield per acre of the five cereal varieties evaluated. This variety of winter wheat appears to have comparable nutritional attributes to the other four cereal varieties tested. A calf backgrounding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of two different rates of gain (high and low) on growth performance and calf health in fall 2006. Little research exists which has examined the effects rate of gain during the backgrounding period has on the health status, subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, or consumer sensory traits of resulting meat products. The vast majority of existing research has focused on camparing calf feds (cattle placed directly on feed following weaning on high concentrate diets) and yearlings (cattle wintered at a fairly slow growth rates and then grazed on summer pastures prior to finishing on a high concentrate diet). In this study, backgrounding diets were formulated for 2.75 lbs daily gain (high gain; HG) and 2.0 lbs daily gain (low gain; LG). Steers consuming the HG diets out performed the steers consuming the LG diets despite gain: feed ratios not being significantly different among treatments. This research is part of Mrs. Beth Stoltenow's M. S. graduate program (Fargo Main Station). The effects of two different weaning dates (early or normal) on calf performance, health, and carcass characteristics of May born Angus calves during the backgrounding phase was investigated in fall 2006. Most university research on early weaning has focused on early spring (March) calving cowherds; little research has evaluated the impacts of early weaning on late spring (April-June) born calves. In this study, weaning date did not negatively affect average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, calf health and mortality, or carcass characteristics of early-weaned calves. Published outlets for the research results were Western Dakota Crops Days proceedings, Animal and Range Sciences and Agricultural Experiment Station Beef Cattle and Range Research Repot, and Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day proceedings. Results of Willow Creek winter wheat agronomy trial and the calf backgrounding study using annual cereal forage crops presented at the USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory field day (February 27, 2007) for local livestock and crop producers in Bismarck area. Additionally, two papers were submitted for inclusion in the USDA-ARS NGPRL meeting proceedings.
Impacts
Since Willow Creek is a winter cereal, its workload distribution (fall planting) is highly attractive to livestock producers. Ideally, spring cereal forages (oat and barley) are seeded during the time of year when most ranchers are busy calving. This winter cereal is seeded in the fall when ranchers have more time. It not only spreads out the workload, but some of the production risk as well. Willow Creek winter wheat would be a potentially viable forage alternative for livestock producers in North Dakota. In research work reported previously by Stamm et al. (2007), Willow Creek winter wheat showed promise as a calf backgrounding forage. However, one drawback of winter cereals is that there needs to be fall moisture to get the crop established before the ground freezes up. Research evaluating different rates of gain during the backgrounding period will further define the impact rate of gain has on carcass characteristics of calves. This data should give us insights into further refining backgrounding recommendations for cattle producers in the northern Great Plains. Additional research may be required to determine the optimum level of grain in calf backgrounding diets. Early wean calves were younger and lighter at weaning; however, early wean calves were heavier at the conclusion of the backgrounding period as compared to normal wean calves. Early weaning of May born calves appears to be a viable production option for cattle producers who calve between April 15 and June 15. Additional research is needed to continue assessing the effects of early weaning on May born calves during the backgrounding and finishing phases of feedlot feeding.
Publications
- M. M. Stamm, E. Eriksmoen, N. R. Olson, L. M. M. Surber, and S. D. Cash. 2007. Evaluation of a New Awnletted Winter Wheat Variety: Willow Creek in southwestern North Dakota. Area IV SCD Cooperative Research Farm, USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, 2006 Research and Cropping Results, 23: 43-48.
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, L. M. M. Surber, S. D. Cash, and A. L. Todd. 2007. Final Report: Profitable Calf Backgrounding Integrating Annual Forage Crops. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 48: 4-9.
- M. M. Stamm, E. Eriksmoen, N. R. Olson, L. M. M. Surber, and S. D. Cash. 2007. Evaluation of a New Awnletted Winter Wheat Variety: Willow Creek in southwestern North Dakota. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 48: 10-17.
- M. M. Stamm, G. Lardy, R. Maddock, B. Stoltenow, D. M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2007. Preliminary Report: Backgrounding Rate of Gain Impacts on Health Status, Subsequent Feedlot Performance, Carcass Chacteristics, and Sensory Panel Analysis of Beef Products from Northern Great Plains Calves. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 48: 23-29.
- M. Stamm and E. Eriksmoen. 2006. 2006 Integrating Annual Forage Crops Trial. Western Dakota Crops Day Research Report. NDSU. 23:50.
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, L. M. M. Surber, S. D. Cash, and A. L. Todd. 2006. Final Report: Profitable Calf Backgrounding Integrating Annual Forage Crops. NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report. Carrington Research Extension Center. NDSU. 29: 9-13.
- S. Roesler . Montana, N. D. research compares Willow Creek with other cereal grains. The Prairie Star. April 13, 2007. pp. 29-32.
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, L. M. M. Surber, S. D. Cash, and A. L. Todd. 2007. Final Report: Profitable Calf Backgrounding Integrating Annual Forage Crops . Beef Cattle and Range Research Report (2006 Beef Cattle Report). NDSU. Pp. 20-22.
- M. M. Stamm, C. S. Schauer, L. M. M. Surber, S. D. Cash, and A. L. Todd. 2007. Final Report: Profitable Calf Backgrounding Integrating Annual Forage Crops. Area IV SCD Cooperative Research Farm, USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, 2006 Research and Cropping Results, 23: 37-42.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Twelve cooperating producers from the North Dakota Angus Association (NDAA) consigned multiples of 5 hd of Angus sired spring born calves totaling 70 hd to Southwest Feeders for a 54 d calf backgrounding test. During the test period, initial weights, interim weights, ending weights, ADG, DMI, feed conversions, total cost of gain (COG), health status and illness treatments was collected on individual steers. The ration consisted of 3.64 kgs rolled barley, barley haylage, a commercial calf supplement containing Rumensin, and free choice water. Initial weights averaged 276 kgs and final weights averaged 349 kgs. Total gains averaged 73 kgs for steers on test. Total DMI ranged from 7.87 kg to 9.14 kg with a group average of 8.71 kg (approximately 2.49% BW). Feed to gain ratios averaged 3.94 kgs for the feeding period. During the test period, feed costs averaged $76.82 and yardage costs averaged $18.15/steer. Total COG averaged $1.45/kgs. Results of the 2006 NDAA Calf
Backgrounding Test provided valuable information to the cooperating Angus producers. Additionally, another trial was conducted to evaluate the use of annual forage crops in calf backgrounding rations. A 57 d performance study was conducted using 80 purchased crossbred weaned steer calves (308 kgs BW). Calves were stratified by BW, randomly allotted to one of 16 pens (5 steers/pen), and assigned to one of four cereal forage dietary treatments (n=4): 1) barley harvested as hay (BH); 2) barley harvested as silage (BS); 3) oat harvested as hay (OH); and 4) an awnless winter wheat cultivar harvested as hay (WH). Steers were fed once daily and given ad libitum access to their roughage source, 3.64 kgs/hd/day of rolled barley grain, and 0.45 kgs/hd/day of a 30% CP supplement containing Rumensin. Two-day un-shrunk weights were recorded on day 0, 28, and 57. Diet, ort, and fecal samples were collected on d 0, 28, and 57. Diet samples were composited by pen and analyzed for DM, OM, N, ADF, NDF,
AIA, and indigestible ADF. Indigestible ADF was used as an internal marker to estimate fecal output and calculate apparent nutrient digestibility. Steers consuming BH and BS had similar final BW; steers consuming BS had higher final weights as compared to the steers fed OH and WH (P < 0.10). Calves consuming BS had the highest gain and ADG of all four treatments (P > 0.10). Dry matter intake was not affected by treatment (P = 0.33). Gain to feed ratios were the highest for BS steers (P = 0.02). Barley silage had the highest N and lowest ADF and NDF intakes (P < 0.05). Diet digestibilities for DM, OM, and N were highest for BS, intermediate for OH and WH, and the lowest for BH (P < 0.005); ADF and NDF digestibilities were not significantly different between diets (P > 0.10). Barley silage had the highest DM, OM, and N digestible intakes and the lowest ADF digestible intake (P = 0.02). Nitrogen intake appears to have had the greatest impact on animal performance (P = 0.005). Steers
consuming WH had the highest feed COG (P = 0.04) and total COG (P = 0.03). Barley silage demonstrated greater potential as a backgrounding feedstuff as compared to BH, OH, and WH.
Impacts
As post-weaning livestock feeding continues to expand throughout southwest North Dakota, a tremendous opportunity exists for feed production on traditionally low yielding crop ground. Value added to crop ground through livestock forage production and increased value through retaining and feeding livestock in the region will have a significant impact on the rural communities. Utilizing combinations of annual forage crops in post-weaning livestock rations offers unique business opportunities to producers in the region. Additionally, using locally produced by-products may become an economical alternative for lamb backgrounding and finishing enterprises.
Publications
- Stamm, M. M., C. S. Schauer, D. M. Stecher, D. Pearson and D. Drolc. 2006. Southwest Feeders Project: Backgrounding North Dakota Angus Association Steer Calves for the 2006 National Angus Carcass Challenge. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day, North Dakota State University. Report No. 47. p78-83.
- Stamm, M. M., C. S. Schauer, L. M. M. Surber, S. D. Cash, A. Todd, D. M. Stecher, D. Pearson and D. Drolc. 2006. Preliminary Report for Southwest Feeders Project: Profitable Calf Backgrounding Integrating Annual Forage Crops. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day, North Dakota State University. Report No. 47. p84-89.
- Stamm, M. M., C. S. Schauer, L. M. M. Surber, S. D. Cash, and A. L. Todd. 2006. Profitable Calf Backgrounding Integrating Annual Forage Crops. Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science. Vol. 57. p343-345.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Three cooperating producers have participated in the Southwest Feeders Project by consigning multiples of 8 head of calves totaling 107 head (ND, MT). Producers calves were on feed test for 30, 41 and 63 days respectively. After their respective feeding test periods, calves had an ADG of 1.07, 0.92, and 1.22 kg/d. Average total cost of gain for the three feeding trials was $0.801/kg. This project was in cooperation with the 4-State Calf Backgrounding Practicum, a regional effort of education and research on calf backgrounding in the Northern Great Plains. Additionally, a backgrounding trial was conducted to address the use of barley hay in place of barley grain in haylage basal rations for backgrounding calves post weaning. A randomized complete block design was utilized to evaluate the effect of replacing whole barley with barley hay in calf backgrounding diets. Seventy two cross breed steers with initial body weights of 304.1 kg (+/- 30.91kg) were blocked by source
and stratified by weight and randomly assigned to one of 12 feeding pens, with pen being the experimental unit. Pens were randomly assigned one of two diet treatments: 35% whole barley grain (grain) or 35% barley hay (forage). The basal diet consisted of barley pea haylage, grass hay and a custom formulated supplement. Calves were fed the treatment diets for a period of 41 days. Amounts of daily feed offered per pen were adjusted based on individual bunk calls conducted prior to the cattle being fed once daily (9:00 AM). Two-day weights were used to determine initial and final weights. The effects of dietary treatment did not affect any of the performance variables (ending weight, weight gain, ADG, DM feed conversion and feed cost of gain) measured ( P>0.26). Steers averaged 1.15 kgs gain/day and DM feed conversion averaged 3.48 kgs of feed/kg of gain. Feed costs of gain did not differ by dietary treatment (p=0.26) and averaged $0.594/kg. Utilizing barley hay as a replacement for
whole barley in the barley pea haylage basal ration had no negative effect on backgrounded calves post weaning. Numerically, the all forage ration provided a slightly cheaper cost of gain while not negatively impacting feed conversion. Additionally, a lamb finishing trial was conducted to evaluate up to 30% replacement of corn with DDG. Final weight, gain, ADG, mortality, and ribeye area were affected by treatment (P < 0.05). Final weight and total gain increased linearly (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively) as level of DDG inclusion increased. Subsequently, ADG increased linearly (P = 0.02). However, intake was not affected (P = 0.67), resulting in a Feed:Gain ratio that was not different (P = 0.20) than Control. While the majority of carcass traits were not affected by treatment (P > 0.42), ribeye area increased (P = 0.01) in a similar trend to total gain and ADG. Hot carcass weight averaged 69 lbs, resulting in carcasses averaging choice with a yield grade of 3.8 and 45% boneless
closely trimmed retail cuts.
Impacts
As post-weaning livestock feeding continues to expand throughout southwest North Dakota, a tremendous opportunity exists for feed production on traditionally low yielding crop ground. Value added to crop ground through livestock forage production and increased value through retaining and feeding livestock in the region will have a significant impact on the rural communities. Utilizing combinations of annual forage crops in post-weaning livestock rations offers unique business opportunities to producers in the region. Additionally, using locally produced by-products may become an economical alternative for lamb backgrounding and finishing enterprises.
Publications
- Anderson, L.P., C.S. Schauer, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson and D. Drolc. 2005. Southwest Feeders Project: Effect of Barley Hay vs. Barley Levels in a Barley pea Haylage Ration on Weaned Beef Calves in a Backgrounding Environment. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. North Dakota State University. Report No. 46. p13-15.
- Schauer, C.S., L.P. Anderson, D.M. Stecher, D. Pearson, and D. Drolc. 2005. Influence of dried distillers grains on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. 46:31-33.
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Cooperating producers have participated in the Southwest Feeders Project by consigning multiples of 8 head of calves. Cattle consigned represented 24 different sources over 9 counties in 3 states (ND, SD, MT). After the 60 day feeding trials, calves averaged over 1.22 kg/d with an average feed cost per kg of gain at $0.68 with a total cost per kg of gain of $0.93. In addition, average net return for the locally raised barley-pea haylage was $54/acre. This project will also cooperate with the 4-State Calf Backgrounding Practicum, a regional effort of education and research on calf backgrounding in the Northern Great Plains. In addition to calf backgrounding, lamb finishing is being conducted in the research lot to address the challenges of constant yearly supply to the lamb market and use of available alternative feeds and co-products. Research focus was on feeding management and breed impact of self-fed diets utilizing locally produced forage and grains and ethanol
by-products in January-born lambs. One hundred twenty-six white-faced cross wether lambs born at the Center were used to test the effects of diet combination and breed type on animal performance and the economic impact at market. Lambs were allotted to pens based on weight and breed. Animal and economic performance will be measured on a pen basis. The ground self-fed finishing ration consisted of locally-raised alfalfa hay and corn grain with a custom formulated mineral/protein supplement. Treatments were designed to evaluate the replacement level of dried distillers grains (0, 10, 20%) of the corn grain fraction on feedlot and economic performance. Statistical and economic analyses of feedlot and carcass performance are currently being conducted. Initial review of the data shows no difference in lamb performance across diet types. Opportunities exist to utilize available by-products to replace the concentrate component of finish diets and reduce feeding costs. On-going research is
being conducted for recommended replacement rates in beef cattle, however, limited research is available for sheep. Southwest Feeders hosted a NDSU Feedlot School in Hettinger along with a Backgrounding Shortcourse. Throughout the feeding tests, cooperating producers will be provided with monthly performance and economic reports, as well as educational meetings. An open house of the feeding facility will be conducted for public viewing and a forum to answer questions. A number of news articles will be released to area papers, stimulating video news releases through NDSU Ag Communications and radio interviews discussing the benefits of Southwest Feeders to producers and promoting the economic benefits in the region. To date, presentations at producer meetings highlighting the impact of Southwest Feeders and the opportunities of adding value through livestock and crops have reached over 800 producers. With a goal of adding value through locally available livestock and feed, Southwest
Feeders is providing cooperating producers a base with which to measure value-added livestock and crop production opportunities in southwest North Dakota and the greater region.
Impacts
Southwest Feeders is actively working to continually expand programming and producer research throughout southwest North Dakota. Research and extension activities have included 30 different sources of cattle represented in a producer demonstration feeding trial. This trial has demonstrated competitive feed cost of gains and positive net returns per acre for the locally raised forages. The value to the region and increased feeding of sheep and cattle will have a tremendous impact on the local and regional rural communities. A 10% increase of livestock on feed in the region could create in excess of an additional $12 million in economic activity.
Publications
- Anderson, L.P., G. Lardy, H.H. Patterson, S.I. Paisley, D.J. Nudell, J.A. Paterson. 2004. Southwest Feeders Project: 4-State Calf Backgrounding Practicum. Beef Cattle and Range Research Report. North Dakota State University. p. 10-13.
- Anderson, L.P., G. Lardy, H.H. Patterson, S.I. Paisley, D.J. Nudell, J.A. Paterson. 2004. Southwest Feeders Project: 4-State Calf Backgrounding Practicum. Western Dakota Sheep & Beef Day. North Dakota State University. Report No. 45. p. 37-41.
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