Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of including soybean oil in supplemental diets for developing heifers on reproductive tract scores, time of puberty and cyclicity, and successful artificial insemination. Angus crossbred heifers [n = 80; body weight (BW) = 248 ± 21 kg) were sorted randomly into one of eight pastures (n = 10 heifers/pasture) and pastures were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups (n = 4 pastures/treatment), being: 1) control group fed an isonitrogenous and isocaloric grain supplement with no soy product (CON); and 2) treated group fed grain supplemented with soybean oil at 2% of estimated total diet dry matter intake (SBO). Heifers grazed 2.4 ha mixed grass pastures and when forage was limited heifers were offered bermudagrass hay for ad libitum intake. Supplements were offered beginning approximately 30 d after weaning and continued through the breeding season. Body weights, hair coat scores, and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded monthly. When heifers weighed > 295 kg, rectal palpation was performed and an ultrasound used to determine ovary size, dominant follicle size (> 10 mm), and follicular structures on the ovary (presence or absence of corpus luteum), and the tone and diameter of the uterine horns were determined (reproductive tract score; RTS). At 7-d intervals beginning on d 56, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture. Samples were used to measure serum progesterone concentrations to determine the percentage of heifers pubertal and cyclic. Heifers were classified as pubertal when serum progesterone concentrations were greater than 1 ng/mL. Heifers that maintained progesterone concentrations greater than 1 ng/mL for two consecutive samples were classified as cyclic. Cyclic heifers were not sampled further. Heifers were bred by artificial insemination (AI) at approximately 14 mo of age. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) to assess treatment effects. Treatment had no effect on hair coat shedding scores (P = 0.87), BCS (P = 0.13), and RTS (P = 0.27). Pubertal (P = 0.39) and cyclicity (P = 0.34) status were not affected by treatment. The percentage of females pubertal and cyclic by d 147 were numerically greater for the CON treatment (89.3% vs. 90.1%) than on the SBO treatment (80.5% and 75.2%). Heifers supplemented with SBO had numerically greater AI conception compared with CON supplemented heifers (52.6% vs. 42.5 %, respectively), but were not statistically different (P = 0.38). Further research is being performed to gather additional data for AI and overall pregnancy rates, effects of soybean co-product inclusion in supplements on uterine blood flow and corpus luteum perfusion, and resulting calf performance to AI-bred females.

Abstract Stocker cattle purchased at auction can be susceptible to disease due to the stressors associated with the auction process. These cattle are labeled “high-risk” due to their decreased immune system during transportation, handling, and vaccination processes. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a maternal bovine appeasing substance, FerAppease, on growth performance and fearfulness of stocker cattle. Male beef calves (n = 80) were purchased at auction and transported to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Savoy Research Complex Beef Stocker Unit. Steers and bulls were of varying age, breed, and temperament. Upon arrival to the facility (d 0), bulls (n = 48) were castrated by banding and cattle were assigned to 8 pens (n = 10 calves/pen; 4 bulls and 6 steers/pen). On d 0, cattle in 4 pens were treated with FerAppease (FA) on the nuchal skin (n = 40) and cattle in the other 4 pens were not treated and served as controls (CON, n = 40). All cattle received commercial clostridial and respiratory vaccines and were treated with an anthelmintic. Cattle were offered bermudagrass hay for ad libitum intake and were fed a grain supplement (1.8 kg/d) to meet or exceed nutrient requirements. To measure growth performance, body weight (BW) was recorded on d 0, 3, 14, 28, 41, 42 of the study and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Body weights on d 41 and 42 were averaged to calculate final BW. To measure fearfulness, exit chute velocity (ECV) was measured with a rodeo timer and recorded on d 3, 14, 28, 41, and 42. To measure inflammation, blood was collected from 5 calves/pen (n = 3 bulls and 2 steers/pen) on d 0, 3, 28 and 42 and haptoglobin (Hp) was measured in blood serum. A two-way ANOVA with the fixed effects of sex (arrived as steer or bull) and treatment (FA, CON) and random effect of pen was used for analysis. Serum Hp was log transformed to improve normality. There was not a treatment effect on any of the measures collected. Steers had a greater BW throughout the study (P ≤ 0.05), weighing more than bulls at the end of the study (261 kg vs 241 kg, respectively). Steers also had a greater (P < 0.0001) ADG than bulls (1.14 vs. 0.84 kg/d, respectively). On d 3 and 14, steers exited the chute more rapidly (P < 0.05) than bulls. There was an interactive effect on serum d 28 Hp concentrations (P = 0.04), where CON bulls had greater Hp concentrations (111,261 ng/mL) than CON steers (13,055 ng/mL), with FA steers and bulls intermediate. The results from this study indicate that there was no consistent effect of the treatment on the measures collected.

Records for Angus-crossbred cows (n = 219) that were born during a 3-yr project to investigate the effects of trace mineral source on beef cow performance were reviewed. For the 3-yr cow project, cows were initially assigned to 1 of 4 groups within spring and fall calving herds. Groups within each herd were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 supplemental trace mineral treatments 1) inorganic sources as Cu, Zn, and Mn in sulfate forms and Co carbonate (ING), or 2) organic sources as Cu, Zn, and Mn amino acid complexed and Co glucoheptonate (ORG). Free choice minerals were provided with appropriate mineral treatments while cattle were maintained on fescue-bermudagrass pastures that were rotated monthly. When forage or hay was limited, treatments were delivered via grain supplements. At weaning, heifer calves remained on their respective dietary treatments through their first breeding season (approximately 15 mo of age). The cow project began with pregnant cows, thus, all heifers weaned in the first year and some in other years (n = 86) were conceived before their dams received the dietary treatments. Most heifers weaned in yr 2 and 3 were conceived while their dams were on their respective dietary treatments (n = 133). After heifers were confirmed pregnant, they re-entered the cow herd. At the conclusion of this project the Cow-Calf Unit continued to keep performance records. Natural breeding occurred after artificial insemination and open cattle were culled annually. Year of performance data (calving, culling, and death records) were analyzed to determine the long-term effects of trace mineral source. MIXED procedures were used of SAS 9.4 with herd (spring/fall calving) and year weaned as random effects and individual heifer as the subject. Previously reported, heifers supplemented with organic trace mineral sources had a tendency for improved reproductive performance (P = 0.09; ING = 66%, ORG = 76.8%) and a decreased percentage of heifers culled (P = 0.07; ING = 33.7%, ORG = 22.1%) compared with heifers receiving inorganic supplementation. However, in subsequent year previous trace mineral supplementation did not influence (P = 0.65) when cows were culled (ING = 3.01 yr, ORG = 3.20 yr). The number of calves produced per cow did not differ (P = 0.45) between previous trace mineral source supplementation (ING = 2.45 calves, ORG = 2.78 calves). With heifers that were conceived on the study, there were no differences when they were culled (P = 0.25; ING = 2.83 yr, ORG = 3.51 yr) or the total calves produced (P = 0.18; ING = 2.24 calves, ORG = 2.95 calves). To conclude, supplementation of heifer calves with different sources of trace mineral did not affect their longevity in the herd, but results suggest further investigation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma and ear tissue meloxicam concentrations when the drug was delivered using two different formulations of a microneedle patch placed on the back of the ear. Nursing pigs [n = 10; body weight (BW) = 3.64 ± 0.32 kg) from 1 litter were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatment groups. Patches delivered 2.5 mg of meloxicam/kg BW to pigs regardless of formulation, with the differences in patches being based on type of polymer located on the microneedles and base of the patch. Treatment groups were: 1) pigs receiving a microneedle patch with collagen, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and meloxicam on the microneedles, with PVA and chitosan on the base (n = 6 pigs; Patch A); and 2) pigs receiving a microneedle patch with chitosan, PVA, and meloxicam on the microneedles, with collagen and PVA on the base (n = 4 pigs; Patch B). During the study, pigs remained in the crate with the sow and littermates. An Estrotect Breeding Indicator strip was used to adhere the microneedle patch on the ear of the pigs. Blood was collected at study initiation prior to patch administration (0 h) and 24 and 48 h for plasma meloxicam analysis. To evaluate tissue meloxicam concentrations, 3 pigs that received Patch A and 2 pigs that received Patch B were humanely euthanized after blood collection and patch removal at 24 and 48 h, with the entirety of the ear removed for analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) to assess the effects of treatment, hour, and treatment × hour interaction. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.1. There were no differences (P = 0.83) between patch formulations for tissue meloxicam concentrations (Patch A = 6.55 ± 2.12 ng/mg; Patch B = 7.32 ± 2.60 ng/mg). Plasma concentrations were not detectable at any time point, but tissue concentrations of meloxicam were detectable for pigs that received either patch formulation at 24 (5.44 ± 2.37 ng/mg) and 48 h (8.42 ± 2.37 ng/mg). There were no differences (P = 0.41) between patch formulations for tissue meloxicam concentrations at either timepoint, nor was there an interaction of patch formulation and hour (P = 0.73). It is unknown why the meloxicam did not diffuse from the ear tissue into the plasma; however, further studies will focus on applying the microneedle patch at different areas on the animal to allow for optimal diffusion through the skin and into blood circulation for pain mitigation in livestock animals.

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare serological responses in low-risk calves vaccinated with various IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV-Mannheimia haemolytica toxoid vaccines. Bovine herpes virus-1 (BHV-1) and M. haemolytica (MH) leukotoxin titers were analyzed to investigate any potential BHV-1 antigen interference to MH leukotoxin levels when administering multi-valent vaccines. Serology responses of BVD, BRSV, and PI3 were not within the scope of this study. Before enrolling in the study, weaned calves born to dams at two University of Arkansas beef cattle research stations that were not previously vaccinated with MH toxoid or BHV-1 were bled and sera harvested. Crossbred steer and heifer calves [n = 364; steers = 168, heifers = 196; body weight (BW) = 187.9 ± 2.8 kg] were used for this study at the two locations. Calves were stratified by MH titers, BHV-1 titers, and sex, and allotted to 1 of 5 treatments: 1) “BS GOLD” = IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV-MH (Bovi-Shield GOLD One Shot, 2 mL/SQ; Zoetis); 2) “P5 + PRE” = IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV-MH (Pyramid 5 + Presponse SQ, 2 mL/SQ; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health); 3) “BV Once” = IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV-MH-PM (Bovilis Vista Once SQ, 2 mL/SQ; Merck Animal Health); 4) “IF3 + One Shot” = IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV (Inforce 3, 2 mL/intranasal; Zoetis) and BVD-MH (One Shot BVD, 2 mL/SQ; Zoetis); and 5) “BN + BV” = IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV (Bovilis Nasalgen 3-PMH, 2 mL/intranasal; Merck Animal Health) and BVD (Bovilis Vista BVD CFP, 2 mL/SQ; Merck Animal Health). Cattle were weighed on d 0, 7, 14, and 28 and blood samples were taken for MH leukotoxin titers. Serum samples were collected on d 0 and 28 for BHV-1 titers. For statistical analyses, data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.1. There was an overall treatment effect for MH serum antibody titers with BV Once and BN + BV vaccinated calves exhibiting decreased MH serum titers compared with calves vaccinated with BS GOLD, P5 + PRE, and IF3 + One Shot (P = 0.0457). There was a treatment by day interaction for BHV-1 titers (P = 0.0336). On d 28, BHV-1 serum titers were greatest in BS GOLD and BN + BV vaccinated calves, least in calves that received IF3 + One Shot vaccines, and intermediate for BV Once vaccinated calves. Morbidity and average daily gain did not differ between treatments (P > 0.27) throughout the 28-d study period.

Abstract In the livestock industry, animals undergo painful procedures such as castration and these practices have received increased scrutiny and concern regarding animal welfare. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used to treat pain and inflammation in livestock. Novel administration routes such as transdermal drug delivery using polymeric biodegradable microneedle patches that are being developed to deliver drugs in a less stressful method. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate meloxicam plasma concentrations when drug was delivered using a microneedle patch. Nursing pigs (n = 7; body weight = 3.69 ± 1.12 kg) from 1 litter were stratified into 1 of 3 treatment groups. Treatments were: 1) 0.5 mg of meloxicam/kg of body weight via oral drench (n = 2; oral); 2) a patch devoid of meloxicam (n = 1; placebo); or 3) 2.5 mg of meloxicam/kg of body weight delivered via microneedle patch (n = 4; patch). During the study, pigs remained in the crate with the sow and littermates. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture for plasma analysis at 0, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h. An Estrotect Breeding Indicator strip was used to adhere the microneedle patch on the ear of the pigs. Briefly, the strip was cut to the size of the ear, a microneedle patch was placed at the center, and these were applied on the pinna of the ear after blood collection at 0 h. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) to assess the effects of treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.1. There was a treatment × time interaction (P = 0.0074), with the pigs that received oral meloxicam having greater meloxicam plasma concentrations at 8 h compared with pigs that received a placebo patch or a patch containing meloxicam (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in plasma meloxicam concentrations between pigs receiving a placebo patch or a patch containing meloxicam (P = 0.9). Plasma levels of meloxicam were detectable but low in pigs that received a microneedle patch (0.91 ng/mL). Research is continuing to determine the ideal microneedle patch polymer and structure that would deliver meloxicam to achieve desired plasma concentrations.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the VetGuardian remote monitor to create data-driven detection of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) by identifying vital sign abnormalities for early disease detection. Male calves (n = 20, initial body weight = 213 ± 3 kg) were purchased from regional auction markets and shipped to the University of Arkansas Stocker Receiving Unit. Upon arrival, calves were weighed, branded, received an identification tag, vaccinated, dewormed, and bulls were castrated. On d 1, the remote sensor was used to monitor all calves while restrained in the chute system detecting their body temperatures, and heart and respiratory rates. The remote sensor was placed in 1 of 2 locations for recordings: 1) in front of chute to capture the head, or 2) on the side of chute capturing the torso. Each calf was assigned to a scan location (10 calves/scan location). For all calves, rectal temperatures were also recorded manually, and heart and respiratory rates were determined by thoracic auscultation. Before processing and for the following 28 d, cattle were observed daily for clinical BRD. If presenting symptoms of BRD and if rectal temperature was ≥ 40°C, cattle were deemed morbid and treated with an antibiotic according to a standard preplanned protocol. For any cattle that were examined for BRD the remote sensor was again used for a minimum of 5 min to compare with manual recordings. Statistical analyses were performed using the CORR, MIXED, and MEANS procedures of SAS 9.4 with sex as a random effect and individual calf specified as the subject. There was a positive correlation between manual recordings of rectal temperatures and remote recordings from the head (0.67; P = 0.04) and the side (0.88; P = 0.0008). Remote recordings did not correlate (P ≥ 0.21) with manual recordings for heart rates. However, there was a positive correlation (0.79; P = 0.01) between manual respiratory rates and the side scans, but no relationship (P = 0.16) between manually collected respiratory rates with head scans. LSMeans for temperature data collected manually or by the remote sensor at either location did not differ (P ≥ 0.34). LSMeans for heart rate differed between manual and remote measurements from either location (P ≤ 0.0008). Manual measurements for respiratory rate did not differ (P = 0.26) from remote recordings from the side; however, differed (P < 0.0001) from recordings from the head. In conclusion, the VetGuardian remote sensor varied from manual recordings for heart rates, regardless of sensor location. Scan location had an influence on accuracy of respiratory rate recordings, and body temperature recordings from either location did not differ from manual measurements. Preliminary data should be used for further investigation of this remote sensor.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of including soy co-products (soybean meal and soy oil) in the diet on the hemocytology of cattle after an endotoxin challenge. For the growing phase, crossbred Angus steers (n = 36; initial body weight = 289 ± 31 kg) were stratified by body weight and sire and randomly assigned to pastures (n = 9; 0.45 ha mixed grass). Pastures were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products (CON); 2) a supplement containing soybean meal (SBM); or 3) a supplement containing soy oil (SBO). All supplements were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Cattle were fed supplements (2.45 kg DM/day) for 56 days. At the conclusion of the growing phase, cattle were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 groups for a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (i.v. infusion of 0.5 µg LPS/kg of body weight). A minimum of 18 hours before sampling, cattle were fitted with jugular vein catheters and placed into stanchions. Blood was collected starting 2 hours before LPS infusion (-2 hr), immediately prior to LPS infusion (0 hr), and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 as repeated measures with treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction as fixed effects, challenge group as random effect, and calf specified as the subject. Statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies declared at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.1. There were treatment × time interactions for neutrophils (P = 0.003), percentage of neutrophils (P = 0.002), percentage of lymphocytes (P = 0.006), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NE:LY ratio; P = 0.001). Briefly, neutrophils, percentage of neutrophils, and NE:LY ratio were decreased in cattle on CON diets compared with SBM at -2 h and 0 h (P < 0.01). Also, the percentage of neutrophils were greater at 8 h for cattle on SBO diets than SBM diets (P = 0.018). The percentage of lymphocytes were greater in cattle on the CON diets compared with the SBM diets at 0 and -2 h (P < 0.015). There was a treatment effect for percentage of monocytes (P = 0.035), as the CON diet had greater monocyte percentage compared with the SBM diet, and the SBO diet tended to have greater monocyte percentage compared with SBM diet. There was a time effect for all other hematology variables (P < 0.0001), as leukocytes were typically greater pre-administration of LPS, sharply decreased at 2 and 4 h post-administration of LPS and began to increase at 6 and 8 h. Preliminary results indicated that the inclusion of soy co-products in growing cattle diets influenced hemocytology.

To evaluate meloxicam plasma concentrations using a microneedle patch, 12 pigs (initial BW = 2.5 ± 0.53 kg) were stratified into of 4 treatment groups. Treatment groups were: 1) pigs (n = 2) received 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam via oral drench (oral); 2) pigs (n = 2) received a patch with no meloxicam (placebo); 3) pigs (n = 4) received microneedle patch dosed at 2.5 mg/kg (low dose); and 4) pigs (n = 4) received 2 microneedle patches dosed at 5 mg/kg (high dose). Blood was collected for plasma analysis at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 hours. Microneedle patches were adhered on the pinna of the ear after blood collection at 0 hour. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4, assessing effects of treatment, time, and treatment × time interaction. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05, with tendencies at 0.05 < P ≥ 0.1. There was a treatment × time interaction (P < 0.0001), with the oral treatment group having greater meloxicam plasma concentrations at 2, 4, and 8 hours than placebo, low dose, and high dose treatment groups (P < 0.0001), but there were no differences for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 hours (P > 0.1). The oral treatment group tended to have greater meloxicam plasma concentrations at 12 hours compared with placebo (P = 0.09), low dose (P = 0.054), and high dose (P = 0.054) treatment groups. There were no differences between placebo, low dose, and high dose treatment groups for any blood collection timepoint (P > 0.1). Meloxicam concentrations in plasma were detectable but low for both the low dose treatment group (0.21 ng/mL) and high dose treatment group (1.14 ng/mL). Research is continuing to determine the ideal meloxicam dosage needed on the patch to deliver desired plasma concentrations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of increased finishing weights on trained panel analysis and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values of locally grown beef. Angus crossbred steers (n = 48) at an average weight of 340.9 kg were divided among two treatments: short-fed (SF) = 522.7 kg average final weight and long-fed (LF) = 613.6 kg average final weight to simulate a beef direct marketing operation. Cattle were split into two pens (n = 12 calves/treatment in each pen) and each pen had access to four automated feeders, which were filled as needed for ad libitum intake. Body weights were recorded at 28 d intervals throughout the finishing process to determine harvest dates and measure cattle performance. Finished steers were transported to a commercial processing facility. A strip loin was collected from the right side of each carcass approximately 48 hours following harvest. Strip loins were wet aged in the absence of light for 21 d, then cut into 2.54 cm steaks and frozen at -20° C until analysis. Sensory evaluations and WBSF were conducted as outlined by the AMSA Sensory Guidelines to evaluate the traits of juiciness, beef flavor intensity, off-flavor intensity, connective tissue amount, myofibrillar tenderness and overall tenderness. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with the fixed effect of final cattle weight and the random effect of panel session. Peak internal temperature was included in the model as a covariate. Statistical differences were determined with α ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were observed between 0.06 to 0.09. No differences were observed between treatment groups for initial or sustained juiciness, myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue amount or overall tenderness (P ≥ 0.140). Steaks from LF cattle produced lower WBSF scores (P < 0.05) compared with SF cattle. Additionally, steaks from LF cattle produced less off flavors (P = 0.05) than SF cattle. Long fed cattle steaks tended to have a greater beef intensity score (P = 0.08). These results indicate that while LF cattle produce more tender beef with more intense beef flavor and less off-flavors, SF cattle still provide a quality eating experience, with less feed input costs. However, if there are potential processing bottlenecks from reduced processing capacity, long fed cattle will also provide a high-quality eating experience as well.

The objective was to determine the effect of soy co-products (soybean meal and soy oil) in the diet on the growth and hemocytology of cattle during a 56-day growing phase and the physiological/behavioral response to an endotoxin challenge. Angus crossbred steers (n = 36; 289 ± 31 kg, initial body weight ± SD) were stratified by body weight and sire; and assigned randomly to pastures (n = 9; 0.45 ha/mixed-grass pasture). Pastures were assigned randomly to of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products, 2) a supplement containing soybean meal, or 3) a supplement containing soy oil. All supplements were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Cattle were fed supplements (2.45 kg DM/day) for a period of 56 days during which weight and blood samples for complete blood count (CBC) were taken every 14 days. At the conclusion of the growing phase, cattle were assigned randomly to of 2 challenge groups (conducted 6 days apart) for a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (i.v. infusion of 0.5 µg LPS/kg of body weight). A minimum of 18 hours before sampling, cattle were fitted with jugular vein catheters and placed into stanchions. Sickness behavior scores and rectal temperatures were collected every 30 minutes for a duration of 8 hours following LPS infusion. Body weights were analyzed using pen means and the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, day, and the treatment × day interaction as fixed effects and replicate as a random effect. CBC were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, day, and the treatment × day interaction as fixed effects, replicate as a random effect, and pen specified as the subject. Rectal temperatures and behavior scores were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment, time, and the treatment × time interaction as fixed effects and challenge group as a random effect with calf as the subject. Dietary inclusion of soy co-products did not affect the body weights of steers for the 56-day growing phase (treatment and treatment × day, P ≥ 0.20), nor were any hemocytology measurements affected (treatment and treatment × day, P ≥ 0.12) during the growing phase. Following the endotoxin challenge there was no effect of treatment or treatment × time (P ≥ 0.57) for rectal temperatures or sickness behavior scores. Therefore, preliminary results indicate that inclusion of soy co-products in cattle diets did not affect growth or complete blood counts during a 56-day growing phase, neither did diet affect body temperature or sickness behavior in response to an endotoxin challenge.

The objective was to investigate the effects of inorganic or amino acid-complexed sources of trace minerals (zinc and copper) on performance of beef heifers during a grazing period following a receiving trial. Crossbred beef heifer calves (n = 287, initial body weight = 231 ± 0.49 kg) were used in a 42-day receiving trial. Any cattle that failed to gain at least 0.45 kg/d, and(or) received 3 doses of antibiotic therapy during the receiving trial were removed from the study. Remaining cattle were kept within their respective pen and treatment and were randomly retained for the grazing phase. If there were not enough eligible calves/pen, calves on the same treatment that had been randomly removed from other pens were added to achieve equal pen counts. Cattle (n = 204; initial body weight = 262 ± 1.44 kg) grazed at 2 different locations in Arkansas; in Fayetteville, cattle (12 pens; 6 pens/treatment) grazed 6-acre stockpiled mixed grass pastures (n = 8 calves/pasture); in Batesville, cattle (12 pens; 6 pens/treatment) grazed 5-acre stockpiled novel-endophyte fescue pastures (n = 9 calves/pasture). Treatments consisted of supplemental zinc (540 mg/d) and copper (90 mg/d) from complexed (Availa, Zinpro Corp. Eden Prairie, MN) or inorganic sources (sulfates). Cattle grazed for at least 114 days until reaching a weight goal of 341 kg. Cattle had ad libitum access to water and were offered bermudagrass hay when forage was limited. Body weights were measured on 28-day intervals. A subset of calves (3/pen) were liver biopsied at the end of receiving and grazing phases to compare liver mineral concentrations. Following grazing, calves were removed from treatments and sent to a Kansas feedlot (n = 198) where they were commingled and fed in a single pen for 141 days. Morbidity and mortality data were recorded, and after slaughter, carcass data were collected. Statistical analyses were performed using MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS 9.4 with location as a random effect and pen within location specified as subject. There was no treatment (P = 0.14) or treatment × day interaction (P = 0.92) for body weights during the grazing phase. Overall average daily gain was not different between treatments (P = 0.94; 0.69, SE = 0.04). Treatment did not affect liver mineral concentrations (P ≥ 0.17). There were no differences in feedlot morbidity, mortality, or carcass characteristics (P ≥ 0.28). In conclusion, although complexed sources of trace minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) improved body weight gain and decreased morbidity treatments during the receiving phase, there were no significant differences from grazing to slaughter when supplementing amino acid complexed versus inorganic mineral sources of zinc and copper during the grazing period.

The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of including soybean co-products on growth performance and respiratory disease incidence in high-risk stocker cattle. For this study, crossbred beef bulls and steers [n = 272; initial body weight (BW) 230.9 ± 19.7 kg] were purchased from local auction markets at 3 time points (load 1: n = 93 cattle; load 2: n = 91 cattle; load 3: n = 88 cattle). On day 0, cattle were processed (ear tagged, vaccinated, dewormed, ear notched for identification of cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea virus, castrated intact bulls), stratified by BW and allocated randomly to 1 of 8 pens (0.45 ha). Pens were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 dietary treatments: 1) a control supplement containing no soy co-products (CON); 2) a supplement containing soybean meal (SBM); or 3) a supplement containing soy oil (SBO). All supplements were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Cattle were fed supplements (2.45 kg DM/day) and offered bermudagrass hay for ad libitum intake for a 42-day trial. Body weights were taken on days 14, 28, 41, and 42 of the trial. Each morning, cattle were observed for signs of morbidity. If presenting with symptoms, cattle were pulled and rectal temperatures were recorded; if temperature exceeded 40°C, calves were treated according to a standard protocol. Cattle were deemed chronic if they received 3 antibiotic treatments and had an overall average daily gain (ADG) of less than 0.5 kg/d. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4, with PROC MIXED used for BW, ADG, and antibiotic cost analysis. Body weights were analyzed with the repeated measure of day and for treatment, day, and treatment by day interaction. PROC GLIMMIX was used for morbidity and mortality analyses. There was no treatment by day interaction (P = 0.99) or main effect of treatment (P = 0.86), but there was a day effect (P < 0.0001) with BW increasing throughout the trial. Average daily gain was not affected by treatment (P ≥ 0.42; 0.81 kg/d for SBM, 0.79 kg/d for SBO, and 0.76 kg/day for CON). Overall morbidity and mortality were 71% and 1%, respectively, and were not affected by treatment (P = 0.62 and P = 0.99, respectively). Relapse rates and chronics were not affected by treatment (P = 0.52 and P = 0.51, respectively). Total cost of antibiotic treatments was not different (P = 0.8; $30.37 for SBO, $28.95 for CON, and $28.52 for SBM). While the inclusion of soybean co-products did not affect BW, respiratory disease incidence, or cost of antibiotic treatments in high-risk stocker cattle, further work will focus on haptoglobin, hemocytology, and antibody titer responses during the receiving period.

To investigate effects of inorganic or complexed trace mineral source (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) on receiving period performance and morbidity, crossbred beef heifer calves (n = 287) arriving on three delivery dates were used in a 42-d receiving trial. Heifers were processed after arrival, stratified by day -1 body weights (BW) and allocated randomly to eight pens (11 to 13 heifers/pen, 24 pens total). Within truckload, pens were assigned randomly to dietary treatment (n = 12 pens/treatment). Heifers were housed on 0.42-ha grass paddocks, provided ad libitum bermudagrass hay and provided dietary treatments in grain supplements fed daily. Treatments consisted of supplemental zinc (360 mg/d), copper (125 mg/d), manganese (200 mg/d), and cobalt (12 mg/d) from complexed (Zinpro Availa 4, Zinpro Corp. Eden Prairie, MN) or inorganic sources (sulfates). Heifers were observed daily for clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD). If presenting BRD symptoms and rectal temperature >= 40 C-degrees, heifers were deemed morbid and treated with antibiotics. Six heifers/pen were bled to determine serum haptoglobin concentrations on days 0, 14, and 28. Liver biopsies were taken on day 5 +/- 2 and 43 +/- 1 from three calves selected randomly from each pen for mineral status comparisons. Statistical analyses were performed using the MIXED, GLIMMIX, and repeated measures procedures of SAS 9.4 with truckload as a random effect and pen within truckload specified as subject. There tended to be a treatment by day interaction for BW (P = 0.07). Heifer BW did not differ on day 0 (P = 0.82) and day 14 (P = 0.36), but heifers fed complexed trace minerals had greater BW on day 28 (P = 0.04) and day 42 (P = 0.05). Overall average daily gains were greater for heifers fed complexed trace minerals (P = 0.05; 0.78 vs. 0.70 kg, SE = 0.03). Heifers supplemented with inorganic trace minerals had greater BRD incidence (P = 0.03; 58 vs. 46%, SE = 3.6). Haptoglobin concentrations decreased throughout the trial (P < 0.001), and heifers fed complexed trace minerals tended to have a decrease in haptoglobin concentrations (P = 0.07). The source of trace mineral supplementation had no effect (P >= 0.20) on liver mineral concentrations and there were no treatment x day interactions (P >= 0.35). In conclusion, supplementing diets for the first 42 d after arrival with complexed trace mineral sources improved heifer performance as compared to heifers supplemented with inorganic trace minerals.

The objective of this experiment was to further investigate effects of feeding dried citrus pulp (DCP) to cattle. Crossbred beef heifers (n = 167, initial body weight = 266 ± 1.8 kg) arriving on 2 delivery dates were used in a 42-day receiving trial. Heifers were processed after arrival and placed randomly into 8 pens on each delivery date (10 or 11 heifers/pen; total of 16 pens). Each pen was assigned randomly to 1 of the 2 supplements. Dietary treatments were: 1) a corn and distillers’ grains based receiving supplement (control), or 2) an identical receiving supplement except it contained 20% dried citrus pulp (replacing a portion of the corn). Heifers had access to bermudagrass hay and water for ad libitum intake, but were only offered up to 1.8 kg/day of their appropriate receiving supplement. Cattle were observed daily for clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD), if presenting symptoms of BRD and if rectal temperature was ≥ 40° C; cattle were treated according to a standard preplanned protocol with antibiotic and deemed morbid. Weights were recorded on day 0, 14, 28, 41, and 42. Statistical analyses were performed by using the Mixed and GenMod procedures of SAS 9.4 with treatment as the fixed effect and delivery date as a random effect. Dietary treatment had no effect on body weight on any day, or on the overall average daily gain (ADG; P > 0.54). Heifers fed the control supplement had a greater ADG from day 28 to 42 (P = 0.07) compared to those fed DCP. Incidence of morbidity was not affected by DCP supplementation (P = 0.53). In conclusion, feeding dried citrus pulp in receiving supplements resulted in similar overall average daily gain and did not affect the incidence of bovine respiratory disease within the 42-day receiving period.

The objective of this experiment was to further investigate the effects of phosphorus intake on beef heifer growth performance and conception rates. An increase in phosphorus soil concentrations from use of livestock manure as fertilizer in Northwest Arkansas has led to greater phosphorus concentrations available in forages. This study was designed to determine if phosphorus supplementation is warranted when adequate phosphorus soil concentrations exist. This experiment was conducted over 2 years using two separate groups of weaned crossbred Angus heifers (n=72/year). Approximately 30 d after weaning, heifers were stratified by body weight (average initial weight 262kg) and allocated randomly to 14 groups (8 in Year 1, 6 in Year 2). Groups were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) a free-choice-mineral mix that contained no supplemental phosphorus (CON), or 2) a free-choice-mineral mix with 4% supplemental phosphorus and identical concentrations of other supplemental minerals (4PMIN). Heifers grazed 2.24 ha mixed grass pastures with a history of livestock manure application and were supplemented with soy hulls (0.5% of body weight) daily. On d 112, heifers > 273 kg body weight had an ultrasound evaluation of reproductive tracts (1= infantile, 5= cyclic). Heifers were determined pregnant or open via rectal ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using the MIXED or GLIMMIX procedures of SAS 9.4 with group within year as the experimental unit. There were no differences in gain for either treatments for the 224-day period (P ≥ 0.14). Reproductive tract scores did not differ (P = 0.95). There were no differences for conception rates (AI or natural bred) (P ≥ 0.55). Overall pregnancy was 79% for CON and 83% for 4PMIN. Heifers grazing pastures with a history of livestock manure application did not benefit from adding supplemental phosphorus in the free choice mineral offered.