Source: NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV submitted to
ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS FOR WEANED CALVES AND LAMBS
Sponsoring Institution
State Agricultural Experiment Station
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
STATE
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0223949
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
ND06274
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2010
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Schauer, C.
Recipient Organization
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV
(N/A)
FARGO,ND 58105
Performing Department
Hettinger Research Extension Center
Non Technical Summary
Agriculture plays a vital role in North Dakota's economy; livestock and crop production accounted for over 24 percent of the state's economic base in 2007. Cash receipts from crop and livestock sales in 2007 totaled over $398.8 million to the state's economy. Furthermore, agriculture employed 9.5 percent of the state's workers and generated more than $6 billion in gross receipts. For livestock production to remain viable in North Dakota, producers must continue to have access to feed resources, management techniques, and advanced technologies to produce food products more efficiently and economically, while meeting consumer expectations of food safety, nutrition, health and wellness, animal welfare and sustainability. Feed costs represent the biggest cost input for animal producers. Likewise, these producers are challenged with increasing land, equipment, seed, fertilizer and fuel costs, which negatively affect their ranches' profitability and sustainability. By replacing more expensive and traditionally used feed ingredients such as corn, urea and soybean meal with alternative feeds, greater financial returns can be realized by North Dakota cattle and sheep producers through decreased operating and overhead costs, increased animal performance, and improved marketing capabilities. Similarly, the discovery and adoption of different production techniques can improve and enhance operational efficiency by lowering equipment and overhead costs, reducing labor needs, improving animal well-being and welfare, and providing greater economic return per animal unit. Focused studies of new production inputs and practices require evaluation to determine their influence on animal production, animal welfare and profitability. This research allows for the refinement and adoption of new management practices and alternative feed ingredients, enabling producers to become more competitive in the global market place.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
3023310101025%
3023610101025%
3071699101020%
3073310101015%
3073610101015%
Knowledge Area
307 - Animal Management Systems; 302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals;

Subject Of Investigation
3610 - Sheep, live animal; 3310 - Beef cattle, live animal; 1699 - Pasture and forage crops, general/other;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;
Goals / Objectives
Objectives: 1. Investigate alternative production methods for growing calves and lambs. 2. Evaluate effects of alternative feedstuffs in growing and finishing diets on calf and lamb growth performance and meat quality characteristics. 3. Examine the economics associated with alternative feedstuffs and production methods. Clearly, animal nutrition and feeding systems require feedback from a variety of sources. Likewise, the impact of new and emerging crops affects resources available to sustain animal feeding activities. For livestock production to remain viable in North Dakota, producers must continue to have access to feed resources, management techniques, and advanced technologies to produce food products more efficiently and economically, while meeting consumer expectations of food safety, nutrition, health and wellness, animal welfare, and sustainability. Feed costs represent the biggest cost input for animal producers. Likewise, these producers are challenged with increasing land, equipment, seed, feed, fertilizer, and fuel costs, which negatively effect their ranches' profitability and sustainability. By replacing traditionally used and more expensive feedstuffs of corn, urea and soybean meal with alternative feed ingredients, greater financial returns can be realized by North Dakota cattle and sheep producers through decreased operating and overhead costs, increased animal performance, and improved marketing capabilities. Similarly, the discovery and adoption of different production techniques can improve and enhance operational efficiency by lowering equipment and overhead costs, reducing labor needs, improving animal well-being and welfare, and providing greater economic return per animal unit. Economic analysis will be the final determinant of whether the investigated alternative feed ingredients and modified production methods are truly beneficial to the North Dakota livestock industry. A multi-disciplinary, integrated team approach will be utilized in this project, including input from the research center's advisory board members (local area grain and livestock producers), local NDSU county extension agents, and NDSU state extension species specialists, ensuring research objectives will solve producer problems and meet the needs of livestock producers in southwestern North Dakota and the state as well. Research results and study implications will be disseminated to producers and agribusinesses by the HREC's annual research reports, NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Reports, NDSU Sheep Research Report, NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Reports, by NDSU state extension species specialists, peer-reviewed journals, and agricultural popular press articles. Research information will also be circulated in extension bulletins, on the HREC website (www.ag.ndsu.edu/HettingerREC/), during HREC field days (Beef Day; Sheep Schools; Crops Tours) and various other extension programming throughout the year. Results and interpretation will be provided to mass media (print, radio, and TV) to convey timely information to producers.
Project Methods
Objectives 1 and 2: Treatments imposed will be progressive and responsive to livestock producer needs. Proposed areas of research include, but are not limited to, the use of implants on feeder lambs, alternative forage feeding methods (grazing cover crops, swath grazing, bale grazing and mob grazing), self-fed rations, strategic supplementation strategies, the use of alternative feedstuffs and ethanol co-products in growing and finishing lamb and calf diets. Animals will be stratified by weight and within weight blocks, assigned randomly to alternative production method or alternative feedstuff to evaluate animal growth performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments will be assigned randomly to pens within blocks, with a minimum of three replications per treatment (pen or pasture). All animals will be raised using best management practices for beef and sheep (IACUC, beef and sheep quality assurance protocols). Animal feedlot performance data including but not limited to dry matter intakes, weight gains, average daily gains, feed conversions and gain efficiencies, morbidity, mortality, feed cost of gain and veterinary medicine costs will be measured during the course of the study. At the end of the respective study, animals will be harvested at a commercial abattoir and carcass measurements will be collected. Carcass parameters to be measured include, but are not limited to, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, marbling score, fat cover, rib eye area, kidney, pelvic and heart fat, USDA yield and quality grades, leg score, conformation score, body wall thickness, flank streaking, percent of boneless closely trimmed retail cuts. Data will be analyzed as a randomized complete block design using PROC MIXED procedures of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary NC) with pen or pasture serving as the experimental unit. Treatment means will be separated by least square means following a protected F-test (P < 0.05). Objective 3: Breakeven and closeout information will be calculated using the NDSU Extension CalfWEB closeout analysis program (www.chaps2000.com/calfweb/closeout.asp) and the Iowa State University Livestock Enterprise Budgets for feeder lambs. Costs of gain, breakeven costs, and pen closeouts for alternative production methods and feedstuffs will be calculated and a cost comparison of the alternative versus traditional methods or feedstuffs will be quantified to determine their effects on animal welfare, and impact on animal production profitability. Economic data will be analyzed similarly as animal performance and carcass data; treatment means will be separated by least square means following a protected F-test (P < 0.05). Economic analysis will be the final determinant of whether the investigated alternative feed ingredients and modified production methods reduce cost, decrease labor, improve animal performance, improve carcass merits, and increase economic returns. Research results will be distributed to livestock producers via extension workshops and symposia, the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center website, articles in popular agriculture magazines, radio interviews and other extension publications.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes cattle and sheep producers in the northern Great Plains, specifically in SW North Dakota. Some of the programs were designed for beginning producers, while others were designed for established producers. Research and education was also designed to assist both state and federal land management agencies in decision making. Research and outreach programming was designed to target Native American livestock producers, land managers, and agency managers. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Graduate students and animal science interns were trained in animal husbandry, research techniques, writing, and presenting research results to multipel types of audiences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been presented to lay producer groups through field days, trade show booths and the ND Stockmen's Association and Lamb and Wool Producers Associatoin annual meetings, presentation of research online, and through producer publications such as the NDSU Beef Research Report and the NDSU Sheep Research Report. Additionally, results have been presented to research professionals at international scientific meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1: Investigate alternative production methods for growing calves and lambs. Trials were conducted evaluating metabolizable protein supplementation to ewes during late gestation, using annual forage crops in sheep grazing systems, and evaluating beef cattle management on prairie dog towns. Balancing rations for pregnant ewes for metablizable protein may impact subseequent ewe lamb reproductive perormance, increasing the number of ewe lambs pregnant in their 1st and 2nd cycle. Annual forages can be used in the northern Great Plains as an alternative to native range for pregant ewes grazing in the fall and early winter. Additionally, these forages provide improvements in soil health and provide habitat for polinators. When prairie dog infested rangelands are stocked according to forage availability, livestock gains are not affected, even though forbs may increase, thereby increasing the protein contents of the grazable forage. However, because total stocking rate is decreased due to a lack of available forage, total production/acre is decreased as prairie dog infestation increases. Objective 2: Evaluate effects of alternative feedstuffs in growing and finishing diets on calf and lamb growth performance and meat quality characteristics. Trials were conducted evaluating diet particle size and lasalocid on feedlot perforamnce, carcass traits and N balance in feedlot lambs, the effects of corn processing on and particle size in finishing beef rations, and dried distillers grains and their effect on ram lamb reproductive performance. Grinding of corn in lamb finishing diets can have marginal effects on lamb performance, while lasalocid improves lamb perforamnce by approximatley 3%. Corn processing and particle size has minimal effects on feedlot rations in beef cattle.Dried distillers grains plus solubles may decrease ram lamb reproductive perforamnce as concentrations increase in the diets. While rams are not sterile, negative quality traits may occure due to increasing DDGS in the diet. Objective 3: Examine the economics associated with alternative feedstuffs and production methods. Profitability and economic impact was evaluated for objectives 1 and 2.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Engel, C.L., A. Taylor, and C.S. Schauer. 2015. Effects of whole or rolled corn and 20 or 40 percent forage levels on finishing performance of yearling steers. 2015 NDSU Beef Report. AS1775:22-24.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, and C.S. Schauer. 2014. 2014 North Dakota 4-H Lamb Ultrasound Carcass Evaluation. 2014 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 54:9-12.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crane, A.R., D. Pearson, D. Ollila, J. Held, and C.S. Schauer. 2014. 2013 Dakota Ram Test Final Performance Results. 2014 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 54:13-17.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, P.B. Berg, and C.S. Schauer. 2014. Effects of lasalocid and diet particle size on feedlot performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in feedlot lambs. 2014 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 54:18-24.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: C.S. Schauer, C. Clark, and K.C. Olson. 2015. Beef Cattle Management on Prairie Dog Colonies. Soc. Range Manage. Proc. IN PRESS.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Engel, C.L., V.L. Anderson, and C.S. Schauer. 2015. Effects of corn processing and particle size on beef feedlot cattle performance and carcass traits. J. Anim. Sci. 93(Supp. 3):IN PRESS.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Steichen, P.L., S.I.Klein, Q.P. Larson, D.M. Bischoff, V.G.R. Mercadante, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2014. Effects of artificial insemination and natural service breeding systems on calving characteristics and weaning weights of resultant progeny. J. Anim. Sci. 92(E-Supp. 2):263.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, P.B. Berg, and C.S. Schauer. 2014. Effects of diet particle size and lasalocid on feedlot performance, carcass traits, and N balance in feedlot lambs. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 29:17-23.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Van Emon, M.L., C.S. Schauer, S.R. Eckerman, K.R. Maddock-Carlin, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2015. Supplementing metabolizable protein to ewes during late gestation: II. Effects on ewe lamb performance and reproductive efficiency. J. Anim. Sci. 93:1332-1339.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Lekatz, L.A., T.J. Swanson, L.E. Comacho, M.L. Van Emon, C.S. Schauer, K.R. Maddock Carlin, C.J. Hammer, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2015. Maternal metabolizable protein restriction during late gestation on uterine and umbilical blood flows and maternal and fetal amino acid concentrations near term in sheep. Anim. Repro. Sci. 158:115-125.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Stackhouse, J.W., C.S. Schauer, and B.A. Geaumont. 2015. Use of annual forage crops as a late-season forage for pregnant ewes, insect habitat, and to improve soil health. Sheep & Goat Res J. 30:6-12.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2015 Citation: Swanson, T.J., L.A. Lekatz, M.L. Van Emon, G.A. Perry, C.S. Schauer, K.R. Maddock Carlin, C.J. Hammer, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2015. Supplementation of metabolizable protein during late gestation and fetal number impacts ewe organ mass, maternal serum hormone and metabolite concentrations, and conceptus measurements. Dom. Anim. Endo. IN PRESS.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, M.S. Crouse, J.D. Kirsch, J.E. Held, and C.S. Schauer. 2015. Influence of dried distillers grains with solubles on ram lamb growth and reproductive traits. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 66:27-31.


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

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is land managers, livestock managers, feed companies, biological researchers in the fields of animal and range science, and private entities interested in livestock production. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate students and animal science interns were trained in animal husbandry, research techniques, writing, and presenting research results to multiple types of audiences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been presented to lay producer groups through field days, trade show booths at the ND Stockmen's Association and Lamb and Wool Producers Association annual meetings, presentation of research online, and through producer publications such as the NDSU Beef Research Report and the NDSU Sheep Research Report. Additionally, results have been presented to research professionalsat international scientific meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue conducting research evaluating alternative feedstuffs and management practices in lamb and cattle finishing, as well as the affects of nutrition on both male and female reproductive performance.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This project was designed to provide alternative production practices to cattle and sheep producers that would increase profitability while potentially decreasing labor. Additionally, traditional production practices would be evaluted to reveal any potenial negative consequences. The impact of the outlined projects in that new methods of feeding pregnant ewes and cattle, feedlot lambs and calves, and ram lambs were evaluated, research conducted and data collected and analyzed, and results published in both lay and scientific venues resulting in changes in knowledge for both scientists and producers. Objective 1: Investigate alternative production methods for growing calves and lambs. Trials were conducted evaluating balancing pregnant ewe rations for metabliizable protein and daily and alternate day supplementation of urea or soybean meal to ruminants. Balancing rations for pregnant ewes for metablizable protein may impact subsequent ewe lamb reproductive performance, increasing the number of ewe lambs pregnant in their 1st and 2nd cycle. However, minimal affects can be expected on male progeny. Additionally, for cattle consuming low-quality forage, our data suggests that urea can be used to replace soybean meal in supplements fed to ruminants deficient in ruminal degradable protein, even if you are providing the supplement on alternate days. Objective 2: Evaluate effects of alternative feedstuffs in growing and finishing diets on calf and lamb growth performance and meat quality characteristics. Trials were conducted evaluating dietary forage concentration in finishing diets of beef steers,the impacts of dried distillers grains with solubles on ram lamb reproductive performance, andthe effects of lasalocid and diet particle size on feedlot and carcass performance of lambs.Prelimary trials in finishing diets of beef steers indicate that forage concentrations (through corn silage) can be increased in the final phases of finishing without large negative affects on cattle performance. Additionally, the feeding of theionophore lasalocid to feedlot lambs may result in a 3% increase in hot carcass weight, thereby increasing profitablity. However, particle size of the ration had no major affects on lamb performance and carcass traits. Dried distillers grains is an excellent replacement for protein and energy in lamb rations, however, our data indicates it may have deterimental affects on male reproductive performance. As the concentration of DDGS increased in ram lamb rations, spermatozoa production decreased linearly. Additional research is needed to replicate these findings, as this potential negative affect of feeding DDGS to growing ruminant males would have a large negative affect on the livestock industry. Objective 3: Examine the economics associated with alternative feedstuffs and production methods. The utilization of DDGS in ram lamb rations may ultimately affect ram lamb reproductive performance, which may cause economic problems for ram lamb producers in the sale of their rams to commercial or purebred producers.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: McGuire, D.L., D.W. Bohnert, C.S. Schauer, S.J. Falck, and R.F. Cooke. 2013. Daily and alternate day supplementation of urea or soybean meal to ruminants consuming low-quality cool-season forage: I. Effects on efficiency of nitrogen use and nutrient digestion. Livestock Sci. 155:205-213.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Van Emon, M.L., K.A. Vonnahme, P.T. Berg, R.R. Redden, M.M. Thompson, J.D. Kirsch, and C.S. Schauer*. 2013. Influence of the level of dried distillers grains with solubles on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, serum testosterone concentrations, and spermatozoa motility and concentration of growing rams. J. Anim. Sci. 91:5821-5828.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Van Emon, M.L., C.S. Schauer*, L.A. Lekatz, S.R. Eckerman, K. Maddock-Carlin, K.A. Vonnahme. 2014. Supplementing metabolizable protein to ewes during late gestation: I. Effects on ewe performance and offspring performance from birth to weaning. J. Anim. Sci. 92:332-338.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, and C.S. Schauer. 2014. Effects of lasalocid and diet particle size on feedlot performance, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in feedlot lambs. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 65:40-44.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lekatz, L.A., M.L. VanEmon, L.E. Camacho, C.S. Schauer, K.R. Maddock-Carlin, and K.A. Vonnahme. 2014. Maternal metabolizable protein restriction during late gestation leads to greater gravid uterine uptake of total serum nitrites in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Supp. 2):#369.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Sorensen, K.L., V.L. Anderson, K.R. Maddock-Carlin, C.L. Engel, C.S. Schauer, K. Olson, and R.J. Maddock. 2014. Effects of dietary forage concentration in finishing diets on growth and carcass characteristics of beef steers. J. Anim. Sci. 92(Supp. 2):#305.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Igathinathane, C., R. Redden, C. Schauer. 2013. Application of image processing for development of economical wool fiber thickness measurement for grading. Control ID: 1600767. 2013 ASABE Annual International Meeting.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Steichen, P.L., S.I.Klein, Q.P. Larson, D.M. Bischoff, V.G.R. Mercadante, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2014. Effects of artificial insemination and natural service breeding systems on calving characteristics and weaning weights of resultant progeny. J. Anim. Sci. 92(E-Supp. 2):263.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Schwartz, C., K.A. Vonnahme, C. S. Schauer, S. M. Lonergan, K.J. Grubbs, W. L. Keller, and K. R. Maddock-Carlin. 2014. Effect of maternal metabolizable protein supplementation in isocaloric diets during late pregnancy on muscle fiber type and enzyme expression in ovine fetal skeletal muscle. Meat Science. 96(1): 492.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Engel, C.L., V.L. Anderson, and C.S. Schauer. 2014. Effects of corn particle size and forage level on performance and carcass traits of yearling steers during finishing. 2014 NDSU Beef Report. AS1736:22-25.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Maddock, R., R. Redden, and C. Schauer. 2013. North Dakota 4-H Lamb Ultrasound Carcass Value Evaluation. NDSU Extension Service Bulletin. GBJ09.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Impacts of supplemental arginine on ewe reproductive performance


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The target audience is land managers, livestock managers, feed companies, biological researchers in the fields of animal and range science, and private entities interested in livestock production. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Graduate students were trained in research techniques, writing, and presenting research results. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results have been preseneted to lay producers groups through field days, presentation of results online, and through producer publications. Results have been presented to research professionals through scientific meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This project was designed to provide alternative production practices to cattle and sheep producers that would increase profitability. Additionally, traditional production practices would be evaluated to potentially had negative consequences. The impact of the outlined projects is that new methods of feeding pregnanct ewes and altertives for calf backgrounding and lamb finishing were evaluated, resulting in changes in knowledge for both scientists and producers. Objective: 1. Investigate alternative production methods for growing calves and lambs: Trials were conducted evaluating the effects of AI on susequent calf performance, balancing pregnant ewe rations for metabolizable protein, using arginine to decrease embryonic death loss in ewes, and utilizing cover crops for ewes grazing in the early winter. Artificial insemination practices will allow producers to have a less variable range in weights for calves at sale and entry into the backgroudning lot, potentially increasing profitability. Balancing rations for pregant ewes for metabolizable protein may impact subsquent ewe lamb reproductive performance, increasing the number of ewe lambs pregnant in their 1st and 2nd cycle.Injectable arginine may still be the best source of agrinine for decreasing embryonic death loss in ewes. We evaluated potential feed grade sources of arginine, and had difficulty replicating the results previously observed using injectable sources. Cover crops can provide a valuable protein source for ewes grazing in early winter; however, adequate moisture may be the key element in determining its profitability. In wet years, cover crops provide adequate quantity and quality of forage, however, in dry years the quanitty of forage may be limiting. Objective 2. Evaluate effects of alternative feedstuffs in growing and finishing diets on calf and lamb growth performance and meat quality characteristics: Trials were conducted evaluating dried distillers grains in ram lamb rations. Dried distillers grains is an excellent replacement for protein and energy in lamb rations, however, it appears it may have an affect on male reproductive performance as the concentration in the rations increase to levels of 15 or 30%. Obejective 3. Examine the economics associated with alternative feedstuffs and production methods: The utilization of DDGS in ram lamb rations may utlimately affect ram lamb reproductive performance, which may cause economic problems for ram lamb producers in the sale of their rams to commercial producers.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kronberg, S.L., and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Cattle and sheep develop preference for drinking water containg grape seed tannin. Animal. DOI: 10.1017/S1751731113001262.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Cappellozza, B.I., Bohnert, D.W., C.S. Schauer, S.J. Falck, E.S. Vanzant, D.L. Harmon, and R.F. Cooke. 2013. Daily and alternate day supplementation of urea or soybean meal to ruminants consuming low-quality cool-season forage: II. Effects on ruminal fermentation. Livestock Sci. 155:214-222.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Eckerman, S.R., G.P. Lardy, M.M. Thompson, M.L. VanEmon, B.W. Neville, P.T. Berg, and C.S. Schauer*. 2013. Effects of increasing dosage of zeranol implants on lamb growth, carcass characteristics, blood hormones, and nitrogen metabolism. J. Anim. Sci. 91:986-994.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Gearhart, A.L., D.T. Booth, K.K. Sedivec, and C.S. Schauer*. 2013. Use of Kendalls Coefficient of Concordance to assess agreement among observers of very high resolution imagery. Geocarto International. 28(6):517-526.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kronberg, S.L., E.J. Scholljegerdes, E.J. Murphy, R.E. Ward, T.D. Maddock, and C.S. Schauer. 2012. Treatment of flaxseed to reduce biohydrogenation of ?-linolenic acid by ruminal microbes in sheep and cattle and increase n-3 fatty acid levels in red meat. J. Anim. Sci. 90:4618-4624.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Vonnahme, K.A., J.S. Caton, K.R. Maddock-Carlin, and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Maternal environment impacts fetal and offspring outcomes in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 64:24-26.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, M.L. VanEmon, T.L. Neville, L.P. Reynolds, J.S. Caton, and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Impacts of supplemental arginine on reproductive performance in sheep. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 64:154-157.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Steichen, P.L., S.I. Klein, Q.P. Larson, K.M. Bischoff, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2012. Effects of natural service and artificial insemination breeding systems on pregnancy rates and days to conception. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 63:66-69.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Maddock, R., R. Redden, and C. Schauer. 2013. North Dakota 4-H Lamb Ultrasound Carcass Value Evaluation. NDSU Extension Service Bulletin. GBJ09.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Steichen, P.L., S.I. Klein, Q.P. Larson, K.M Bischoff, V.G.R Mercadante, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2013. Effects of natural service and artificial insemination breeding systems on calving characteristics and weaning weights. 2013 NDSU Beef Research Report. p. 6-8.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Steichen, P.L., M.R. Schook, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2013. Effects of artificial insemination and natural service breeding systems on steer progeny backgrounding performance. 2013 NDSU Beef Research Report. p. 45-47.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Sorensen, V.L. Anderson, K. Maddock-Carlin, C.L. Engel, C.S. Schauer, K. Olsen, and R. Maddock. 2013. Effects of dietary forage concentration in finishing diets on growth and carcass characteristics of steers. 2013 NDSU Beef Research Report. p. 51-54.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Stackhouse, J.W., C.S. Schauer, and B.A. Geaumont. 2013. Analysis of a sheep cover crop graing trial in southwestern North Dakota. 2013 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 53:3-5.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: VanEmon, M.L., M.M. Thompson, J.D. Kirsch, K.A. Vonnahme, and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Influence of the level of dried distillers grains with solubles on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites, and semen quality of growing lambs. 2013 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 53:6-10.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: VanEmon, M.L., S.E. Eckerman, L.A. Lekatz, K.R. Maddock Carlin, K.A. Vonnahme, and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Effects of maternal metabolizable protein supplementation during the last 50 days of gestation on ewe performance and offspring performance from birth to weaning. 2013 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 53:26-30.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: VanEmon, M.L., S.E. Eckerman, L.A. Lekatz, P.B. Berg, K.R. Maddock Carlin, K.A. Vonnahme, and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Effects of maternal metabolizable protein supplementation during the last 50 days of gestation on male and female offspring performance post-weaning. 2013 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 53:31-37.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crane, A.R., R.R. Redden, M.L. VanEmon, T.L. Neville, J.S. Caton, and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Impacts of supplemental arginine on reproductive performance in sheep. 2013 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 53:18-21.


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: For Objective 1, an evaluation of timed aritifical insemination vs. natural breeding in May calving calves was conducted, evaluating calf performance through the backgrounding phase. For Objective 2, arginine supplementation during early pregnancy was evaluated in fall lambing ewes, evaluating its effect on embryonic death loss and lambing %. Dissemination activites included the HREC Beef Research Review, a day long workshop with several speakers providing information about beef cattle research and production practices, as well as a Beginners Sheep School, Lamb Finishing School, and numerous individual contacts with beef and sheep producers relating the results of research projects. PARTICIPANTS: Christopher Schauer (PI) coordinated research efforts, managed HREC staff, and trained graduate students for data collection. Carl Dahlen (Co-PI) assisted in trial design and data collection. Three HREC staff and 2 graduate students participated in data collection. Two summer technicians (high school) assisted in data collection. TARGET AUDIENCES: Field day information was designed for a target audience of livestock producers, feed company representatives, and support industries for livestock producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
For the calf trial, information learned by the scientists and reported to producers was that calves from synchronized and AI bred cows calved sooner than natural breeding born calves. While these AI born calves were heavier entering the feedlot phase following weaning, the profitability of AI born calves relative to natural breeding born calves was largely dependent on the cost of AI. Preliminary evidence for the arginine trial indicate that indjectible arginine is still the most effect source of supplemental arginine to decrease fetal death loss, and potentially increase lambing rate. Feed grade sources of ruminall protected arginine still need to be determined.

Publications

  • Neville, B.W., G.P. Lardy, K.K. Karges, S.R. Eckerman, P.T. Berg, and C.S. Schauer. 2012. Interaction of corn processing and distillers dried grains with solubles on health and performance of steers. J. Anim. Sci. 90:560-567.
  • Neville, B.W., G.P. Lardy, K.K. Karges, L.A. Kirschten, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Sulfur intake, excretion, and ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentrations in lambs fed increasing concentrations of distillers dried grains plus solubles. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 26:13-19.
  • VanEmon, M.L., M.M. Thompson, J.D. Kirsch, K.A. Vonnahme, and C.S. Schauer. 2012. Influence of the level of dried distillers grains with solubles on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, serum testosterone concentrations, and semen quality of growing rams. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 63:20-24.
  • VamEmon, M.L., C.S. Schauer, and D.W. Bohnert. 2012. Protein supplementation of low-quality forage: Effects of amount and frequency on intake and nutrient digestibility by lambs. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 63:311-315.
  • Schauer, C.S., C.B Saevre, A.M. Meyer, M.L. VanEmon, J.D. Kirsch, M. Kapphahn, J.S. Luther, J.S. Caton, and D.A. Redmer. 2011. Impacts of L-arginine on ovarian function and reproductive performance at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy in ewes. J. Anim. Sci. 89(E-Suppl. 3):92 (Abstr.).
  • Steichen, P.L., S.I. Klein, Q.P. Larson, K.M. Bischoff, V.G.R. Mercadante, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2012. Effects of natural service and artificial insemination breeding systems on pregnancy rates and days to conception. 2012 NDSU Beef Research Report. p. 12-15.
  • Thompson, M.M., C.R. Dahlen, M.L. VanEmon, R.E. Cooke, T.C. Gilbery, B.W. Neville, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Effects of calf weaning method on calf stress, hormone concentration, growth performance, and carcass ultrasound characteristics. 2011 NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Research Report. p. 21-25.
  • Eckerman, S.E., G.P. Lardy, M.M. Thompson, M.L. VanEmon, B.W. Neville, P.T. Berg, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Effects of graded levels of zeranol implants on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and incidence of prolapse and mortality in lambs. 2011 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 52:7-12.
  • Saevre, C.B., A.M. Meyer, M.L. VanEmon, D.A. Redmer, J.S. Caton, J.D. Kirsch, J.S. Luther, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Impacts of arginine on ovarian function and reproductive performance at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy in ewes. 2011 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 52:13-16.
  • Neville, B.W., G.P. Lardy, K.K. Karges, L.A. Kirschten, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Sulfur balance in lambs fed increasing concentrations of distillers dried grains with solubles. 2011 NDSU Sheep Research Report. 52:23-25.
  • Saevre, C.B., J.S. Caton, J.S. Luther, A.M. Meyer, D.V. Dhuyvetter, R.E. Musser, J.D. Kirsch, M. Kapphahn, D.A. Redmer, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Effects of rumen-protected arginine supplementation on ewe serum amino acid concentration, circulating progesterone, and ovarian blood flow. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 26:8-12.
  • Steichen, P.L., S.I. Klein, Q.P. Larson, K.M. Bischoff, G.C. Lamb, C.S. Schauer, B.W. Neville, and C.R. Dahlen. 2012. Effects of natural service and artificial insemination breeding systems on pregnancy rates and days to conception. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 63:66-69.


Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities: Under objective one of the project, investigate alternative production methods for growing calves and lambs, an evaluation of calf weaning methods study was conducted. Two weaning methods were evaluated, a traditional method and a two-step weaning using anti-suckling nose tags. Under objective two, evaluate effects of alternative feedstuffs in growing and finishing diets on calf and lamb growth performance and meat quality characteristics, a study was completed evaluating the level of dried distillers grains with solubles on feedlot performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites and semen quality of growing rams. Rams were fed one of three rations including no distillers grains or a ration with either fifteen percent or thirty percent distillers grains. Dissemination activities included the HREC Beef Research Review Day, a day long workshop with several speakers providing information about results from this work and other beef related information and numerous individual contacts with beef and sheep producers relating the results and conclusions of this project. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Under objective one of the project, investigate alternative production methods for growing calves and lambs, an evaluation of calf weaning methods was conducted. (Thompson, et al). Two weaning methods were evaluated, a traditional method and a two-step weaning using anti-suckling nose tags. The results suggest that two-step weaning has a positive benefit by transitioning weaned calves on feed faster than conventional methods. This is important to the cattle industry both from a production standpoint as well as from consumer scrutiny of beef production techniques. Under objective two, evaluate effects of alternative feedstuffs in growing and finishing diets on calf and lamb growth performance and meat quality characteristics, a study was completed evaluating the level of dried distillers grains with solubles on feedlot performance, carcass quality, blood metabolites and semen quality of growing rams. Rams were fed one of three rations including no distillers grains or a ration with either fifteen percent or thirty percent distillers grains. There were no deleterious effects on feedlot performance and there were no statistical differences in carcass quality. There was a numerical reduction in spermatozoa numbers as distillers grains were increased in the ration. The implications of this research is that while distillers grains can be a valuable part of a feedlot ration for young rams some thought must be given to the inclusion of the feedstuff for potential breeding rams.

Publications

  • Schauer, C.S., M.L. VanEmon, M.M. Thompson, D.W. Bohnert, J.S. Caton, and K.K. Sedivec. 2010. Protein supplementation of low-quality forage: Influence of frequency of supplementation on ruminant performance and nutrient utilization. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 25:66-73.
  • Eckerman, S.R., G.P. Lardy, M.M. Thompson, M.L. VanEMon, B.W. Neville, P.T. Berg, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Effects of four levels of zeranol implants on lamb growth, carcass characteristics, nitrogen balance, and blood hormones. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 62:183-188.
  • Thompson, M.M., C.R. Dahlet, M.L. VanEmon, R.F. Cooke, T.C. Gilbery, B.W. Neville, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Effects of calf weaning method on calf stress, hormone concentration, growth performance, and carcass ultrasound characteristics. J. Anim. Sci. Proc. 62:139-144
  • Eckerman, S.E., G.P. Lardy, M.M. Thompson, B.W. Neville, M.L. VanEmon, P.T. Berg, and C.S. Schauer. 2011. Growth and carcass characteristics of conventionally raised lambs versus naturally raised lambs. Sheep & Goat Res. J. 26:1-7.