Animal Nutrition Exam 3
In the high plains of Texas, the Oklahoma panhandle, western Kansas and eastern Colorado, corn, milo, and possibly wheat can be used as the principal cereal grains in finishing rations. Cereal grains are typically processed in some manner prior to being used in feedlot diets. Grain processing methods used for each of these grains were discussed in class. Why are these grains processed prior to feeding? Among the most popular cereal grains, which one may be fed in the whole state, non-processed? Which cereal grain responds to processing by having the greatest increase in feeding value? Be able to list common processing methods for corn, milo and wheat.
Grains are processed in order to get as much of the nutritional values as possible. Corn Milo Cracked, steam flaked, high moisture harvested, and reconstitution
Why is fat added to a feedlot ration?
Increases energy content of the ration
What single factor of cattle at arrival influences most of the management decisions in the feedlot?
Initial Body Weight
What is the primary purpose for use in feedlot diets and the dosage rate for each of the following feed additives? -ionophore (Rumensin, Bovatec) -antibiotic (Tylan, Aureomycin)
Ionophore-- used to improve feed efficiency and rate of gain (Rumensin 50-480 mg/hd/day) (Bovatec 100-360 mg/hd/day) Antibiotic-- inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents disease (Tylan 60-90 mg/hd/day) (Auromycin 50 mg/hd/day)
Alfalfa hay is an excellent forage source, but should be avoided in newly arrived cattle. Why?
It could cause bloat and scours combined with the stress
Vitamin E was added to Ration 4 in our lab exercise. Why was Vitamin E added to the ration?
It is used as an antioxidant the last 100 days, increases shelf life of meat at retail level
For spring lambing ewes, how many pounds of a concentrate mix must be provided in addition to pasture grass for flushing?
1 lb
A friend of your family has asked your assistance with her crossbred replacement heifers. Last fall she weaned the spring calving heifers and the lightest heifer that was selected as a replacement for the herd weighed 550 lbs at 8 months of age. If the heifers are deemed to mature into 1200 lb. mature cows, what is the desired percentage of mature body weight that we would want the heifers to weigh at least 30 days prior to the breeding season?
1200x65%= 780 lbs 780-550= 230 230/180= 1.3 lbs of gain per day
A creep ration for young lambs is encouraged to support the development of the rumen. The recommended protein level of creep rations for lambs is _____ %.
16-18%
Using Table 16. Feed Intake of Growing/Finishing Beef Cattle, determine the pounds of dry matter intake for a 900 lb. medium framed yearling steer consuming a 0.90 Mcal Net Energy maintenance diet.
19.2 x10% = 1.92+19.2 = 21.12 lbs DMI
How many days are typically allowed for adaption using as series of rations or two ration blending?
22 Days for two ration blending 21 Days for step up
What minerals are important in sheep nutrition? Why?
2:1 Calcium: Phosphorous ratio for every day ration 3:1or 4:1 ratio to prevent urinary calculi in finishing lambs 0.25-.4 oz of salt per day Magnesium to prevent Grass Tetany Copper: be careful of the levels otherwise you will get copper toxicity Selenium and vitamin E to prevent white muscle disease
A lamb must receive colostrum within the first hour after birth in order to obtain much needed antibodies against disease. Why?
Colostrum absorption diminishes after 12-18 hours
Flushing results in an overall increase in conception rate of ______ to _____ % and number of twin births of ______ to ______ %.
Conception rate of 5-15% Twin births 5-25%
Table 7. Crude Protein Requirements illustrates the daily crude protein requirement of lambs of varying weights. Assuming that you desire to feed an 88 lb. large framed lamb gaining 0.99 lbs. per day 4 lbs. of feed on an "as-fed" basis, what must be the percentage of crude protein in the diet on an "as-fed" basis to satisfy the protein requirement of the lamb?
DMI or As-Fed x crude protein% = CP Intake Crude Protein % = CP Intake/ DMI or As-Fed .56/4 = .14 or 14%
Is energy or protein the common limiting nutritional factor in sheep?
Energy
Wool production is important in commercial sheep production. How does energy and protein consumption affect wool growth?
Energy is typically the limiting factor in wool production High quality forage increases wool production Protein is rarely the limiting factor unless they are consuming less than 80% of the requirement
What are the signs of twin lambing disease?
Ewes isolate themselves Increased respiration Nasal discharge Muscle tremors and convulsions Fatty (yellow) livers
Be able to calculate the cost per lb. of daily gain in the feed yard given a print-out of the OSU_Ration_Calculator_2013program.
Feed per lb. of gain = 6.56lbs. DM feed cost per 100 lbs. = $10.30 x 1.10 = $11.33 marked-up feed cost Therefore, Marked-up Feed Cost per lb. =$11.33/ 100lbs= $0.1133/lb. Feed Cost per lb. of gain = Feed per lb. of gain X Feed cost per lb .= 6.56lbs.of feed per lb. of gain X $0.1133/lb = $0.7432/lb. of live weight gain
Feeding a diet with enhanced energy that causes rapid weight gain prior to and during the early stages of the breeding season is called ___________________.
Flushing
Name the three most critical periods during the productive cycle of a breeding ewe.
Flushing, Late Gestation and Early Lactation
The starter ration in a feed yard is typically ~ 40% roughage, ~ 60% concentrate. What are the two options discussed in class for adapting cattle to the finishing ration?
Utilizing a series of "step-up" diets Utilizing "two ration blending" approach
What are the standard processing procedures for all cattle on arrival?
Vaccinations Treatment for any external and internal parasites Steroidal implants are administered Given an ear tag Dehorning Castration
What vitamin is typically a problem in the wintering beef cow grazing warm season variety forages? What symptoms are noted in this deficiency? Why is this vitamin not a problem in wintering beef cows grazing cool season variety forages?
Vitamin A Symptoms: calves will display watery eyes and blindness cows rarely show symptoms Not usually a problem with cool season varieties because these plants are still leafy and immature and they still have good nutritional qualities.
At mating, the ideal body condition of a ewe in proper nutritional status for this period of her productive cycle is?
body condition of 3
Given Table 16 Feed Intake of Growing/Finishing Beef Cattle, what happens to daily feed intake as the Net Energy maintenance level of the diet increases from 0.7 Mcal/lb. to 1.0 Mcal/lb? What mechanism is controlling the amount of feed intake on diets from 0.7 Mcal NE m/lb. to 1.0 Mcal NE m/lb.? Would a diet that is between 0.7 Mcal NE m/lb. to 1.0 Mcal NE m/lb be predominantly concentrate or roughage?
it decreases; body weight/rumen fill; concentrate
Given Table 16. Feed Intake of Growing/Finishing Beef Cattle, what happens to daily feed intake as the Net Energy maintenance level of the diet increases from 0.4 Mcal/lb. to 0.7 Mcal/lb? What mechanism is controlling the amount of feed intake on diets from 0.4 Mcal NE m/lb. to 0.7 Mcal NE m/lb.? Would a diet that is between 0.4 Mcal NE m/lb. to 0.7 Mcal NE m/lb be predominantly concentrate or roughage?
it increases; body weight/rumen fill; roughage
Why is ammonium chloride included in all finishing rations for lambs?
it prevents urinary calculi by acidifying the urine and prevents stone formation
Generally, the only vitamin that may be deficient in diets of young lambs may cause a nutritional muscular dystrophy condition called white muscle disease. The vitamin deficiency resulting in this condition is _________ ? What mineral deficiency is associated with this condition?
selenium vitamin E is associated with it
What is urinary calculi and why is a problem?
urinary calculi is a condition where stones form in the urinary tract and prevents urination. This is a problem because it could potentially rupture the urethra, causes edema, and the only way to fix this problem is through surgery.
Once the calf nurses, the antibodies are absorbed rapidly. How soon after nursing can these antibodies be detected in the newborn's bloodstream?
within 2 Hours
Table 17. Net Energy Requirements of Growing/Finishing Beef Cattle (Mcal/day) was discussed in detail in class. Net Energy maintenance requirements for various weights of beef cattle are presented across the top of the table. Is there a difference in the amount of net energy required for maintenance for a 900 lb. bull, heifer or steer? Is there a difference in net energy requirement for maintenance for a 900 lb. medium framed steer vs. a large framed steer? Explain.
yes yes •They are different frame sizes being different weight and different sexes having different requirements.
Cool season variety forages, such as wheat pasture, can be excellent forages to use for the development of spring-calving replacement heifers from weaning to first breeding. Explain why? What is a concern that arises when using wheat pasture for heifer development if we are attempting to harvest the grain?
• Wheat pasture is very nutrient dense and high quality • Heifers are pulled off in March and placed on dormant warm season forage supplemented with energy feed and breed in April or May and an experience a faster rate of gain then a slower rate of gain prior to breeding which will decrease conception rates bc negative energy balance.
A producer called recently concerning the use of growth implants in pre-weaning calves. He normally retains at least half of his heifers as herd replacements, but sells his steers and the remainder of heifers at weaning. Ralgro, Synovex-C, Component E-C, Compudose, and Encoreare names of growth implants that have been licensed for use in pre-weaning calves. What is the cost of these implants per dose? What added weight gain at weaning can be expected from their proper use? Is there an age restriction for use of these implants on heifers, especially if the heifers will be retained as a potential replacement heifer? Explain.
$1-2 dollars per dose 25lb increase in weaning weight They are usually given the implant at 1-2 months of age. However, replacement heifers have to be older than 45 days of age for some implants and older than 30 days for others and some you cant use for replacement heifers at all
The ration sequence in a feed yard is based on the amount of roughage in each of the diets. Alfalfa hay and corn silage have been historically used in finishing diets because they possess high energy values as roughage sources. When determining the roughage percentage for a feedlot ration containing both alfalfa hay and corn silage, how is this done? If I desired to mix a 20% roughage feedlot diet, what would be acceptable percentages of alfalfa hay and corn silage on a dry matter basis?
% roughage= all alfalfa + ½ corn silage (20% roughage= 8% alfalfa + 4% corn silage)
Because of multiple births, potential for orphans, mis-mothered lambs and other problems, the necessity to care for new born lambs is very critical. How soon after birth should a lamb receive colostrum? Why is colostrum milk vital for the new born lamb?
1 hour after birth It provides antibodies and jump starts a lambs immune system.
Given a print-out of OSU_Ration_Calculator_2013 from lab, be able to compute how many pounds of As-fed" feed might be used per day in feeding a pen of 200 head of medium framed finishing calves at a feed yard.
...
The Sheep Industry Council has developed a body condition scoring system to assess the nutritional status of ewes. The scoring system is based upon the amount of fat cover down the backbone and over the ribs and can be easily determined by "handling" (feeling the backbone and ribs). What numerical scoring system is used?
1- Emaciated 2- Thin 3- Moderate 4- Fat 5- Obese
During late gestation of a spring lambing ewe grazing warm season variety forages, addition concentrates must be provided. How many pounds of a concentrate mix must be provided in addition to pasture grass for the late gestating ewe?
1-2.5 lbs
The absorption of antibodies present in the colostrum by newborn calves is very restrictive due to the closure of the esophageal groove to the large protein antibody molecules. The greatest absorption occurs within the first __________ hours of life. Absorption of the antibodies decreases by 50% at _______ hours after birth and the esophageal groove will seal by 24 hours and the absorption of antibodies in the first milk will be 0%. Administering colostrum to a 2 day old calf does little good other than the protein and energy rich milk. Due the sealing of the esophageal groove at 24 hours of life, the antibodies present in the colostrum cannot be absorbed from the intestine after 24 hours of life.
1. 6 hours 2. 12 hours
Fat is deposited in the animal in a very unique order of deposit sites. Rank fat deposits around the internal organs, intermuscular (fat between the muscle systems), subcutaneous (fat below the skin surface) and intramuscular (fat within the muscle) in terms of earliest to latest fat deposits.
1. Internal: KPH 2. Intermuscular: seam fat 3. Subcutaneous: Below the skin surface 4. Intramuscular: Marbling
The newborn is born without important immunoglobulins (antibodies) against disease. Nursing and receiving these valuable antibodies from mother's milk is essential for life. The first milk, colostrum, contains these very vital antibodies. Buildup of the antibodies in the mammary gland of the mother starts approximately _________ weeks prior to parturition. Since these antibodies are protein molecules, late gestation nutrition of the cow is vitally important.
6 Weeks
What body condition score is recommended for heifers at calving? Why?
6-6.5 o Colostrum production o Milk production o Estrus activity o Rebreeding performance
Weaning is generally at _____ to ______ weeks.
8-12 weeks
What is the Net Energy requirement for 3 lbs of average daily gain for an 800 lb. large framed yearling steer (older than 12 months of age)? What is the Net Energy requirement for 3 lbs of average daily gain for an 800 lb. large framed yearling heifer (older than 12 months of age)? Explain why there is a difference.
800lb Large Frame yearling steer Energy requirement: 6.41 + 5.10 = 11.51 800lb Large Frame yearling heifer Energy requirement: 6.41 + 7.15 = 15.56 heifers need more energy incase the owner wants to breed
Net energy requirements for gain are presented in the body of Table 17. What is the Net Energy requirement for 3 lbs of average daily gain for an 800 lb. medium framed steer calf (younger than 12 months of age)? What is the Net Energy requirement for 3 lbs of average daily gain for an 800 lb. large framed steer calf (younger than 12 months of age)? Explain why there is a difference.
800lb Medium frame steer Energy requirement: 6.50+ 6.41 = 12.91 800lb Large Framed steer Energy requirement: 6.41 + 5.76 = 12.17 The medium framed steer calf requires less fed than the large frame steer calf therefore, energy must be higher at smaller ADG rates
The most commonly used creep formulation is a 16-18% CP grain-based ration consisting of corn, oats, soybean meal, molasses, added roughage plus minerals and vitamins. We have formulated creep rations several times in lab. Answer the following questions concerning grain-based creep feeding: A. In spring calving situations with adequate forage available, what is the expected weight gains at weaning associated with the added supplemental creep feeding? How many lbs. of creep feed are typically required per lb. of additional calf gain? B. In fall calving situations on dormant native range grass, what is the expected weight gains at weaning associated with the added supplemental creep feeding? How many lbs. of creep feed are typically required per lb. of additional calf gain? C. Suckling intensity of calves has a direct effect on the estrus activity of females. Many producers feel that creep feeding will reduce nursing pressure on cows and heifers that are thin in body condition; therefore, removing the suckling intensity and allowing the female to return to estrus. What effect does grain-based creep feeding have on suckling intensity and milk consumption of the calves? Explain. D. Calves being provided a supplemental source of protein and energy in the form of creep rations have shown a preference for feedstuffs. When comparing milk, creep and forage, what is the order of preference of nutrients by calves? E. Is creep feeding desirable for young pre-weaning heifers? YES or NO. Explain.
A. Increased WW 40-70 lbs 15 to 30lbs of feed per lb of gain B. Increased WW 50-80lbs 5 to 10lbs of feed per lb of gain C. It has no effect of suckling intensity and does not alter milk intake by the calf. They substitute creep for grass. D. Milk, Creep, Forage E. No, Because they can easily get too fleshy and will develop fat deposits in their udders which will limit milk production later on.
In class, we discussed the use of different forages for different weights of stocker cattle. The three most widely used forages in a stocker program are winter wheat pasture (DM crude protein value ~ 28%), summer Bermuda grass (DM crude protein value ~ 14%) or summer native pasture (DM crude protein value ~ 9%). Typically two different weight classes of cattle are used in stocker programs: light weight cattle (350-500 lb) and heavy weight cattle (500-650 lb). A. Due to their small size and inability to consume large quantities of dry matter due to rumen fill, should 350-500 lb. calves graze cool season or warm season variety forages in order to sustain daily gains in excess of 1.5 lbs. per day? Explain. B. Because of their increased size and ability to consume greater quantities of dry matter per day, should 500-650 lb. calves graze cool season or warm season variety forages in order to sustain daily gains in excess of 1.5 lbs. per day? Explain. C. What types of forages are most ideally suited for stocker programs for calves born in the spring and weaned in the fall? Why? D. What types of forages are most ideally suited for stocker programs for calves born in the fall and weaned in the spring? Why? E. Know a reasonable ADG estimate (discussed in class) for winter wheat pasture, summer Bermuda grass, and summer native pasture.
A. Smaller sized cattle are better suited to graze cool season forages because they are able to graze excellent quality forage and gain the most weight with how much they can consume B. Warm season forages are best for larger cattle because the forage don't need to be great quality in order to maintain their weight or to gain the minimum amount weight C. cool season forages would be the best for this group because they will be what is growing at the time which is cheaper and will provide more nutrients. D. Warm season forages will be better because its what's more readily available and is the cheapest options. E. wheat: 3 bermudagrass: 2 native: 1
Explain the visible signs of a potential copper deficiency in black-hided vs. red-hided cattle.
Black-hided cattle will display reddish hair along their back. Whereas Red-hided cattle will display a whitening of the hair along the back.
At lambing, the ideal body condition of a ewe in proper nutritional status for this period of her productive cycle is?
Body condition of 4
Bloat and grass tetany are important concerns when using lush, vegetative pasture for ewes? How are these problems managed?
Both are concerns for bloat you give them poloxalene for grass tetany you give them magnesium
The feeding and management strategy for ewes prior to the breeding season was discussed in class. Approximately four weeks prior to the breeding season, the backs of ewes are felt to determine the ability to feel the backbone or not. What does feeling the backbone versus not feeling the backbone when handling the backs of ewes prior to the breeding season tell the producer? Explain the feeding strategy for flushing for ewes that are THIN vs. ACCEPTABLE in body condition at the time that the backbone is palpated.
It lets the breeder know which ewes will need more flushing verses ewes that dont need any flushing at all If you can feel the back bone the ewe is too thin and should be fed a pound of concentrate mix or cereal grain per head per day 4 weeks prior to breeding to improve body condition. If you cannot feel the back bone start feeding a pound of concentrate or cereal grain per head per day 2 weeks prior to breeding
Feedlots may use Rumensin 90, Tylan 40, Bovatec 68, Aureomycin 50 or other feed additives in their rations. What does the numerical value (90, 40, 68 or 50) mean?
It represents the thousands of mgs per pound (Ex. Remensin80= 80000 mg per pound)
What is acidosis and why does it occur in a feed yard?
Its a metabolic disorder produced by increasing levels of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates (STARCH) to quickly, resulting in a rapid reduction in rumen pH, reducing the number of starch and cellulose digesting organisms and changing the ruminal microbial population into lactic acid producing organisms. It occurs when cattle are given high starch diets without getting them use to it.
Why is liquid molasses used extensively in feed yard rations that contain large quantities of ground alfalfa hay? However, no molasses is used when rations contain silage. Why?
Its used as an energy source and a way to control dust made by ground hay. Its not typically used in silage ration because its wet enough by itself to control the dust.
A ewe should gain the most weight during what period of her production cycle?
Late Gestation
Name four symptoms of acidosis in feedlot cattle.
Loss of appetite Dehydration High pulse rate Decrease rumen activity
Define metaphylaxis. When would metaphylaxis be used as part of processing?
Mass treatment of cattle based on the perceived risk. Used on high-risk calves
What affect does age have on flushing ability? What affect does body condition prior to the breeding season have on flushing ability?
Mature ewes respond better to flushing than yearling ewes. Thin conditioned ewes respond better than fat ewes.
Table 6. Net Energy Requirements for Small, Medium and Large Genotypes was utilized in lab to illustrate proper feeding management for lambs. Assuming an 87% Dry Matter ration that contains 0.9 Mcal of NE maintenance per lb. and 0.58 Mcal of NE gain per lb. on a "Dry Matter" basis, how many pounds of dry matter ration are required for an 88 lb. large framed lamb to gain 0.99 lbs. per day? What would be the "as-fed" intake per head per day?
NEg = Mcal Required / Mcal ration = DM for Gain NEm = Mcal Required / Mcal ration = DM for maintenance DM for gain + DM for maintenance = DMI NEg = 1.675/0.58 = 2.9 NEm = 0.891/0.9 = 1.0 2.9 + 1.0 = 3.9 DMI 3.9/0.87 = 4.48 As-Fed
Know the difference between Oklahoma Gold, Oklahoma Super Gold, and Oklahoma Green Gold supplements (protein content, feeding rates, etc.), and which types of forages each would be used for.
Native Range and/or Mature Bermudagrass Pasture Oklahoma Gold 37-40% CP 1lb/hd/day Fed every other day or pro rated for MWF Oklahoma Super Gold 25% CP 2.5lbs/hd/day Fed everyday or every other day Small Grains and other Lush Pasture Oklahoma Green Gold 10-11% CP 2lbs/hd/day Fed every day or every other day
Is the composition of the protein feed important? Can urea be fed to sheep?
Natural protein is better than urea because all the protein will be utilized in the rumen where as only about 50% of urea will be utilized. Urea better in feedlot where lots of carbs are readily given and not as good on pasture where natural cellulose is in excess.
What are the USDA Feeder Cattle Standards for frame and muscling?
Target weights: Small: 1200 Medium: 1200 to 1350 Large: 1350 US No. 1- moderately thick US No.2- slightly thick US No. 3- thin US No. 4 very thin
What is the name of the precondition program discussed in class? What are the key elements of this program?
Oklahoma Quality Beef Network (OQBN) Program 45 days weaning period castrated dehorned 2 rounds of vaccinations
E. coli scours results in a very characteristic colored fecal material. What is this color? With evidence of this fecal material, what should a producer do to aid in the treatment of calf scours?
Orange Provide fluids and electrolytes
The importance of proper levels of trace minerals in the diets of beef cattle has been well established. Copper deficiency has been noted in many regions of the U.S. Copper deficiency affects reproduction as well as the immune function of baby calves. Organic and inorganic sources of copper have differing absorption rates in beef cattle. Copper sulfate and copper oxide are inorganic minerals. Copper lysine complexis an organicmineral source. How do they differ in terms of absorption rates? If a producer desired to manage a copper deficiency, which sources are the most desirable to use? Given examples of feed tags listing the ingredients, be able to identify organic and inorganic sources of copper on a feed tag.
Organic substances have a much higher bioavailability so they are absorbed faster and more easily. Organics are more expensive. Increase in performance/production requires 1% increase to use organic supplements Inorganic- sulfates and oxides Organic- chelates, proteinates, amino acid complexes Mineral ions connected with protein enhance absorption.
_______________ ____________ is a nutritional condition caused by a lack of usable carbohydrates (sugars, starches) and generally occurs in thin, poor conditioned ewes, particularly in older ewes or ewes carrying multiple fetuses. Increasing demands of fetal growth become too great for the available carbohydrate source and finally results in paralysis.
Pregnancy Toxemia (ketosis)
What are the Net Energy gain levels (Mcal/cwt) typically used in a four ration feedlot feeding sequence? What are the crude protein percentages typically used in a four ration feedlot feeding sequence?
Ration 1=NEg 47, CP 14% Ration 2= NEg 52, CP 13.5% Ration 3=Meg57, CP 13.5% Ration 4=NEg 62, CP 13%
Feeding insufficient energy and/or protein to the late gestating female can potentially cause many problems. What potential problems can result from improper feeding of the late gestating female?
Results in low levels of colostrum being produced
Many producers purchase 12-18 month old bulls in the spring of the year from performance bull testing centers and/or registered breeders to be used as breeding bulls. Many times these bulls go into a negative energy balance after purchasing and lose significant amounts of weight prior to and during the breeding season. Why does this happen? Explain the proper management of "fleshy" bulls after purchasing and prior to the breeding season to insure proper breeding performance.
Rumen MCO are not acclimated to forage diets • Bring home bull & continue feeding high concentrate ration similar to what he was being fed, gradually decrease daily intake and allow grass hay free choice, keep reducing grain intake but don't let bull drop below 6 BCS and increase exercise.
Know the important ages in relation to sexual maturity (interest, ejaculation, and natural service) of bulls.
Sexual interest: 6-8 months • Ejaculation/Fertilize egg: 10-12 months • Typical natural service: 13-16 months
A new commercial cow-calf producer just purchased a group of 7-8 month old heifers that he intends to develop as replacement females. However, he is not sure at what age he should breed his females for the first time. What options exist in terms of age at first breeding and thus, age at first calving?
Single calving season o Breed heifers at 14-15 months and calve at 23-24 months o Breed heifers at 26-27 months and calve at35-36 months Dual calving season (spring and fall) o Breed heifers at 20-21 months and calve at 29-30 months
During lab and lecture we discussed bunk reading in a feed yard. Assuming that you observed a completely slick bunk five hours after feeding, what does this tell you? What would you prefer to see in terms of feed in the bunk? Assuming that you observed substantial quantities of feed still in the bunk five hours after feeding, what does this tell you?
Slick: did not feed enough at the previous feeding Substantial: fed too much 2 days ago Prefer: some left in the bunk to indicate they are full to max capacity, but not on the verge of acidosis
Is there a difference in cold versus warm milk for orphan lambs? Which can be better self-fed?
Start feeding warm milk so the lambs will take to it easier. Then switch to cold to prevent the milk from souring, consume less when nursing and lambs will nurse more.
Studying the nutrient requirement tables of sheep, a ewe's TDN requirement is highest during which stage of her production cycle? A ewe's crude protein requirement is highest during which stage of her production cycle?
TDN = early lactation CP = early lactation
Define physiological maturity targets. How is it related to the finishing weight of small, medium and large framed feeder calves?
Targets: 30% body fat 0.5 inches of fat thickness at 12th rib Sufficient marbling to grade USDA Choice Yield Grade 2, Choice. It doesn't necessarily have to do with the weight because the frame size is going to affect the how much the calf will weigh.
How do sheep compare nutritionally with cattle? How many ewes are equivalent to one beef cow?
The digestive tract and forage selection of sheep is similar to cattle. Sheep are more susceptible to internal parasites because they grave closer to the ground Sensitive to copper levels Rams and wethers are susceptible to urinary calculi approximately 5 sheep = 1 cow
True detection of a copper deficiency requires an organ assay. Which organ is tested to determine copper levels? What is normal level of copper in this organ for mature cows? Newborn calves?
The liver is tested for copper deficiency. Normal copper levels: Mature cow= >40-60ppm Newborn calves= > 300ppm
One method of replacement heifer development from weaning to first breeding is to feed the heifers to gain a steady amount of gain per day (1-2 lbs.)throughout the developmental period. Another method is to allow them to gain at a slow rate early in the developmental period (~1 lb. per day) and then at a faster rate during the last 60-90 days prior to breeding season. Which method generally results in an increased estrus activity as well as a higher first service conception rate?
The slow rate early then a faster rate during the last 60-90 days prior to breeding season is the option that results in increased estrus activity and higher first service conception rates.
What is the purpose of the stocker industry? What is the stocker industry's role in beef production?
To enhance the quality of feeder cattle by adding weight and age to stocker cattle To regulate the flow of cattle from cow-calf producers to feedlots Enhance beef industry competitiveness Adjust production in response to feed and forage market changes
Why do feedlots use a series of step up rations or two ration blending rather than just starting the cattle on the finishing ration?
To prevent acidosis and to shift from mainly cellulose digesting microbes to mainly starch digesting microbes
Assuming that a producer is experiencing a poor pregnancy rate (70-80% conception) in his cow herd. The females have a discolored hair coat and significant recurrence of estrus activity even though the females are apparently bred. Some calves have died at 7 -10 days of age with no apparent illness noted. What is the potential problem and what should be done nutritionally to help in this situation?
Trace Mineral Deficiency : copper deficiency Add mineral supplement into the diet
Name the three factors that are important in determining the point at which a young heifer will reach puberty and initiate estrus activity. Know the difference between the "traditional" and "modern/western" heifer development strategies.
Weight, Age, Breed Traditional Approximately 65% of mature body weight prior to breeding > or equal to 85% of mature body weight prior to calving Superior nutrition and good management Maximize pregnancy rates Modern/Western Approximately 55% of mature body weight prior to breeding > or equal to 75% of mature body weight prior to calving Reduced nutritional inputs Minimize cost associated with heifer development
Cool season variety forages are utilized to provide most, if not all, nutrients for the late gestating ewe as well as the early lactation ewe in a spring lambing program. In a spring lambing program, why is wheat pasture a more desirable forage to use rather than Bermuda grass?
Wheat pasture will meet all the nutrient requirements for the ewe whereas the dormant bermudagrass would have to be supplemented to meet all requirements.
What is the difference in reproductive ability between white faced ewes and black-faced ewes? Explain. Why is this important for the sheep breeder?
White faced ewes are NOT seasonally anestrous will breed in the fall to lamb in the spring will breed in the spring and lamb in the fall Black faced ewes ARE anestrous in the spring will only breed in the fall to lamb in the spring Knowing what kind of sheep you have will determine how the breeder will manage that animal. Tell them when to breed.
The nutrient requirement tables for sheep provide nutrient requirements for ewes nursing singles versus twins. What effect does suckling rate have on milk production of the ewe? Do dams of singles give the same amount of milk as if they had twins?
ewes will only produce milk at the level that the lambs need. They are able to adjust the level of lactation based on suckling rate. No they do not
In terms of bull calves, steer calves, potential replacement heifers and non-replacement heifers, what is the proper recommendation concerning pre-weaning growth implants?
implants are recommended for all calves heading to market. Replacement heifers should not be implanted because its and increased cost with no real benefits.
Winter stress is an important consideration in this state as well as many states to the north. Assuming that a 1200 lb. average milking beef cow has a TDN requirement of 16.8 lbs. of TDN per day. The beef cow is suffering from winter stress. The outside temperature is 10 F with a wind speed of 25 mph, resulting in a wind chill index of -17 F. If the cow's critical body temperature is 30 F, what would be her new TDN requirement adjusted for the winter stress? How many pounds of bermudagrass hay (TDN = 65% on a dry matter basis) must be fed to satisfy this new TDN requirement? If the forage is of excellent quality (2.7% of her body weight in dry matter intake), can the female consume sufficient forage to satisfy her TDN requirement? Explain.
new requirement: 16.8 x .47 = 7.896 16.8 + 7.896 = 24.7lbs required from winter stress Bermudagrass: 24.7 / .65 = 38lbs required can she consume enough: .027 x 1200 = 32.4lbs of DM 38 / .9 = 42.2 lbs No, she wouldn't be able to eat enough to satisfy her requirement because she can only eat 32.4lbs of DM but she needs 42.2 lbs of bermudagrass.
Calf scours or diarrhea at 7 -14 days after birth is the result of insufficient colostrum consumption and/or insufficient absorption of antibodies in the newborn calf. What symptoms in the calf might a producer notice as characteristics of E. coli calf scours?
orange colored diarrhea = blood in the stool Depression sunken eyes weakness or inability to stand acidosis death
From the "Feedlot Nutritionist Survey," know the mean roughage level in starter/receiving diets and the mean roughage level in finishing diets, the most common grain fed and most common method of grain processing, the average protein, calcium, and phosphorus levels in commercial feedlot diets.
starter roughage--40% Finishing roughage --8-9% corn is the most common steam flaking is the most common grain processing average protein- 13.34% average calcium- .70% average phosphorus- .30%
What is creep feeding?
supplying supplemental feed to a nursing calf without allowing its dam access to the feed
One of the problems with new arrival of cattle to a confined feeding facility is the inability to get them to simply eat. Receiving programs are designed to acclimate the calves to a new environment, establish health and promote efficient gains. Why do producers generally offer calves good quality grass hay upon arrival rather than initially exposing them to a high grain ration?
the calves recognize forages and if you tried starting them on a high grain diet without gradually shifting to is you could cause acidosis
A normal feeder lamb starter ration consists of 80% alfalfa pellets, 15% whole corn and 5% medicated mineral and vitamin premix. The finishing ration consists of 80% whole corn, 15% alfalfa pellets and 5% finisher mineral and vitamin premix without medications. Diet changes in feeder lamb rations normally occur 6 to 9 times during the finishing period with stepwise increases in corn and decreases in alfalfa. Why?
to prevent acidosis