Utilization of cover crops as a forage source for the cowherd provides another feed resource at a time when pasture productivity is minimal. However, limited data are available on cover crop utilization by cattle, including cow and calf performance when grazing cover crops. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate cow and calf performance while grazing cover crops compared to a traditional, drylot management system of the Beef Teaching fall-calving herd.

The objective of this study was to evaluate cow and calf performance while strip grazing a cover crop mix consisting of radishes, turnips, oats, and common vetch (CC) compared to a traditional, drylot management system (CON) of the Iowa State University Beef Teaching Farm fall-calving herd. The study was repeated for 3 consecutive years to account for weather variation.  Each growing season presented a unique situation. With a targeted seeding date of August 1st each year, yields ranged from 2,750 – 4,830 lbs of dry matter per acre, averaging 3,952 lbs. The greatest yield was observed in 2019 while the lowest yield occurred in 2020 with drought conditions restricting growth. Growth in 2021 was intermediate, but peak yield occurred after grazing began due to a delayed killing frost. Turnout dates ranged from early-November to mid-December, and fall pairs grazed for an average of 32 days, ranging from 17 – 45 days.  Despite fluctuation in cow body weights between treatments over the years, calves on CC had equal to or greater average daily gain and final body weights compared to calves on CON. Over the 3 years, CC calves gained an average of 0.36 lbs more per head per day than their CON counterparts. This advantage may be a reflection of CC dams producing a higher quality milk due to the high-quality forage diet and the ability of calves to graze alongside their dam.  An economic analysis of the 3-year project revealed a 29% average reduction in calf cost of gain of cow-calf pairs grazing cover crops ($1.11/lbs of gain) compared to cow-calf pairs fed in a drylot setting ($1.57/lb of gain). Compared to the standardized drylot in this scenario, this efficiency boost emphasizes the value of extending the grazing season, especially in times of high feed costs.

Extension personnel routinely conduct needs assessments to develop programs addressing challenges faced by cattle producers. The objective of this project was to identify and evaluate the needs of cattle producers in Iowa. Needs assessment listening sessions were conducted by the Iowa Beef Center across six regions of the state of Iowa. A total of 54 stakeholders across the six regions participated, representing cow-calf, feedlot, veterinary, and allied industries. During each session, participants were asked to write down a list of challenges or opportunities they observed in the beef industry. Each producer was asked to share an item on their list that they perceived or experienced as the most challenging and briefly expand on the topic. Once every attendee had an opportunity to engage, the process was repeated until topics had been exhausted. Each listening session lasted approximately 2 to 3 hours. Notes from all six meetings were compiled, and major themes were aggregated. Common themes were found across all six regions, while others were only addressed within specific regions. Producers statewide addressed challenges in cattle marketing (n = 31), land use and availability (n = 22), herd health (n = 20), and feed costs (n = 19). Farm transition (n = 14), consumer education (n = 14), and animal handling and welfare (n = 8) were discussed in five of the six regions. Production profitability (n = 8) and labor (n = 5) were only addressed in four regions. Topics discussed in fewer than four regions tended to be specific to either cow-calf or feedlot enterprises. For example, traceability (n = 4) was only discussed in the northwestern and northcentral regions with a large feedlot presence. In contrast, heifer development (n = 4) was discussed in three regions with more cow-calf operations. In conclusion, this project illustrates the diversity and commonality of challenges facing cattle producers in the state of Iowa and is indicative of issues facing cattle producers nationally. Although these listening sessions were specific to Iowa cattle producers, the methods used to gain insight into challenges facing cattle producers have applications beyond Iowa. The diversity of responses reinforces the need for routine needs assessments for extension program development to address the needs of the beef industry nationally and globally.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of metabolizable protein and energy restriction during late gestation on the body condition score, bodyweight, and colostrum quality of fall calving cows, as well as their subsequent calf performance. For this study, 48 multiparous Angus cows were used from the Iowa State University-McNay Research and Demonstration Farm fall herd.

Hormonal implants in beef cattle have been studied for decades and proven to be an effective tool to improve performance efficiency. However, the beef industry has made significant improvement in the genetic base of cattle with more cattle capable of grading premium Choice and Prime. Minimal research has evaluated the impacts of nutritional and implant management on cattle bred for superior carcass quality. The objective was to assess the effects of dietary energy and implant potency to determine optimum strategies for managing feed conversion and marbling.

A 144-day study assessed the effects of dietary energy and implant potency to determine optimum strategies for managing feed conversion (F:G) and marbling. Fifty-four Angus steers (327 ± 8 kg) from Iowa State University’s herd genetically selected for enhanced marbling were stratified by initial bodyweight (BW), ultrasound intramuscular fat, and age to a 2 × 3 factorial. Dietary treatments included: low energy (1.30 Mcal NEg/kg DM, 18% roughage level; LE) or high energy finishing ration (1.39 Mcal NEg/kg DM, 8% roughage; HE). Implant treatments (IMP; Merck) included: no implant (NOIMP), Revalor-IS (RIS), or Revalor-200 (R200) on d 0 and 74. Steers were fed via bunks capturing daily individual feed disappearance (n = 9 steers/treatment). Steers were weighed on d 0, 74, and 144 and harvested on d 145. Data were analyzed in Proc Mixed of SAS with fixed effects of diet, IMP, and interaction. No interactions were observed for feedlot performance (P > 0.17). Steers fed HE had greater average daily gain (ADG) and final BW than LE steers (P < 0.01) while LE steers had greater F:G (P = 0.04). Final BW and ADG were greatest for R200, intermediate for RIS, and lowest for NOIMP (P < 0.01). F:G was greatest for NOIMP, intermediate for RIS, and lowest for R200 (P < 0.01). Steers fed HE had increased ribeye area (P < 0.01) and tended to have greater marbling score (P = 0.06; 809) than LE steers (769). While ribeye area increased in response to implant potency (P < 0.01), marbling score was not impacted (P = 0.21) by IMP (815, 771, 782, for NOIMP, RIS, R200, respectively). Overall, steers graded 100% Choice or higher and 55% Prime. These data suggest implants, when used appropriately, improve growth performance and efficiency in beef steers without compromising carcass quality.

Abstract A 187-day study utilizing Angus steers (283±4.4 kg) in a 2 x 2 factorial examined the effects of diet and implant strategy on growth and carcass performance of steers selected from Iowa State’s Angus herd genetically selected for enhanced marbling. Factors included diet: finishing (63 NEg; 12% roughage; FIN) or backgrounding (57 NEg, 30% roughage) fed for first 70 days before transitioning to finishing diet (BKG) and implant strategy (IMP): single, long duration implant administered on d0 (Synovex One Feedlot, Zoetis; ONE) or a multiple, regular duration implant strategy (Synovex S on d0, Synovex Choice on d70 and d155, Zoetis; SCC) designed to match trenbolone acetate delivery of 200 mg. Steers were stratified to treatment by marbling potential and initial body weight, and fed via bunks that captured individual steer feed disappearance (n = 15 steers/treatment). Carcass ultrasound, including percent intramuscular fat (IMF), was collected on d0, 70, 155, and 187. Data were analyzed in Proc Mixed of SAS with fixed effects of diet, IMP, and interaction. Initial weight was covariate for performance data, and initial IMF was covariate for IMF analysis. Steers fed BKG had greater DMI, lower ADG, and decreased G:F (P< 0.01) during first 70 days versus FIN. Implant strategy had no effect on growth at d0-d154. From d155-d187, IMP affected ADG (P=0.01) with ONE having lesser ADG, while BKG had greater ADG than FIN. ONE had greater marbling and IMF (P=0.01) on d187 than SCC, suggesting greater IMF deposition during the final re-implant period (d155-d187) and reinforcing the importance for timing of implant administration. Regardless of IMP or diet, steers selected for enhanced marbling graded 100% Choice and higher with 65% of carcasses grading Prime, suggesting potential for using implants to increase efficiency without sacrificing carcass quality.

Interest in establishing cover crops following grain production has gained traction in the last few years in an effort to protect Iowa’s soils and waters. Cover crops also provide opportunities to extend the grazing season and capture the cover crop establishment costs. However, the window for establishment and fall growth can be challenging due to the timing of grain harvest, seeding method, species selection, and weather conditions. Therefore, the objective of this project was to evaluate effectiveness of fall-grazing an oat and cereal rye cover crop mix by beef stocker cattle to promote a sustainable crop and livestock system that increases farming efficiency, while improving water quality and protecting soil resources.

The beef industry has made rapid genetic selection for improved marbling. Although the industry has experienced an increase in USDA Prime-grading carcasses, research using modern day technology on high quality genetic potential cattle has been lagging behind the trend. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine growth and carcass characteristics of steers with known genetic potential for high marbling capabilities when fed differing nutritional strategies and administering different implant programs.

The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the total tract neutral detergent fiber (TTNDFd) and starch digestibility methodology in the formulation of beef cow and replacement heifer rations. This methodology ultimately applies to the estimation of energy availability to the animal and accompanied performance as outlined by the NASEM 2016 Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle publication. Multiparous, Angus cows during the last two months of gestation and yearling replacement, Shorthorn heifers comprised the study. Cows received one of four, dry ingredient diets while heifers received a corn silage-based diet. Feed nutrient evaluation along with intake were documented and applied to the NASEM model for these cattle. Results were compared to actual performance. Acid detergent fiber (ADF) derived energy estimates which generally accompany commercial laboratory feed analysis reports were compared as well. A T-test between actual and projected growth was used to describe the difference. The T-test between the TTNDFd/Starch derived results did not show any statistical difference between the actual and projected results for heifers P(T< =t) 0.15 with an average ADG bias of -0.06 Kg. The cow results over the four diets P(T< =t) ranged from 0.41 to 0.004 with an average bias of 0.04 to 0.27 Kg overestimating ADG. The T-test between the ADF derived results showed a difference between the actual and estimated values for heifers P(T< =t) 0.0004 with an average ADG bias of 0.2 Kg. The cow results over the four diets likewise over estimated available energy substantially. Here the test ranged from P(T< =t) 0.03 to 0.0001 with an average bias of 0.35 to 0.7 Kg. It appears that TTNDFd methodology should be strongly considered in the evaluation of forages and in the development of ration formulation software for beef offered high levels of fiber in their ration.

Genetic trends for milk expected progeny difference (EPD) across most breeds have continued an upward trend, although direct selection pressure on milk EPD has not been an over-arching goal of seedstock breeders in recent years. Creep feeding has become very popular in the seedstock industry to maximize animal performance and to condition animals destined for a production sale. However, the animal behavior aspects of creep feeding and the individual impact on the dam’s milk EPD have rarely been studied or quantified. This study used the Super SmartFeed™ (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD) to monitor calf creep feeding behavior and individual intake of creep feed during mid-to late-lactation.

Annual forages can provide flexibility when managing forage supply by helping fill forage production gaps or serving as primary forage sources. The use of annual species for forage production can potentially help producers stretch feed supplies, extend grazing seasons, increase carrying capacity, and facilitate expansion. Annual forages can be incorporated into cropping systems as winter cover crops or as alternative crops planted during the growing season. Greater knowledge of potential yield and nutritional value of annual forage species will empower producers to make informed decisions about the use of annual forages. Additionally, demonstration of annual forage rotations may provide information regarding the overall sustainability of this alternative land use.

The increase in cover crops across Iowa presents a substantial amount of potential forage available to the beef industry that would otherwise go unutilized. While the benefits of improved soil health and nutrient retention through cover crops are well known, limited data are available on utilization by beef cattle. Thus, a study was designed to measure cattle performance while spring grazing cereal rye and to evaluate the impact grazing had on the soil profile. Preliminary data suggests that with proper supplementation, cattle grazing cereal rye may achieve average daily gains of 1.5 to 3.0 lb/d. Initial analysis of soil bulk density indicates minimal negative changes in compaction due to grazing. Because many variables impact the successful integration of cover crops and livestock into row crops, this is a four-year study summarizing data from year two.

While the Iowa 4-H & FFA carcass contest cattle are not completely representative of all Iowa cattle, they can indicate trends for the Iowa cattle industry and represent the calves locally available for projects. With nearly 60% of these cattle receiving an $8/cwt premium, cattle feeders have the potential to improve net revenues by marketing cattle into a grid market.

During 2016, IBC staff made 183 presentations to more than 13,700 participants, conducted 564 personal consultations, and over 4,100 phone or email consultations. The webinars and videos IBC produced were viewed more than 20,000 times, and the online software tools had 375,000 downloads. There were 180,000 website visitors and 3,500 social media contacts. IBC funded 4 mini grant projects investigating current industry questions including: Management effects on ergovaline content of stockpiled tall fescue for winter grazing • Grazing cover crops • Calving management on Iowa beef cattle farms • Corn silage characteristics on Iowa farms Iowa Beef Center staff are also involved in current ISU Beef Research projects related to cover crop grazing by stocker cattle, bull reproduction and fescue tolerance. Beef team staff authored nine 2017 Animal Industry Research reports. They annually conduct a needs assessment such as listening sessions, formal surveys, or think tanks. The following are some examples of featured programs evaluated in 2016.

A large pen study was conducted with a commercial feedlot to investigate the influence of corn particle size on performance of steers fed diets containing 35% (DM basis) wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Feedlot cattle in the Midwest are often fed distillers grains from ethanol production that are low in starch. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate a practical question asked by producers if feeding moderate levels of WDGS would reduce the acidosis risk and allow fine grinding of corn to improve cattle performance. While fine grinding of corn did not improve performance compared to cattle fed a more traditional particle size of corn, starch digestibility of cattle fed finely ground corn was more favorable.

The current study is part of a five-year multidisciplinary grant aiming to identify dietary, genotypic and metabolic factors affecting feed efficiency while additionally analyzing the effects of feed efficiency differences on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The current report summarizes the six groups of steers fed over five years. Feed efficiency was relatively repeatable from the growing to the finishing phase as steers classified as highly feed efficient during the growing phase remained more feed efficient than steers previously classified as mid and lowly feed efficient. Marbling differed due to feed efficiency classification but classification effects on other carcass traits were limited. Relative to other diet combinations, steers grown with roughage-based diets and finished with byproduct-based diets excelled in finishing phase growth rate, final bodyweight and hot carcass weight with no differences detected in feed conversion or marbling score.