2002 Unified Beef Cattle and Range Research Report (continued)
Effect of field pea level on intake, digestion, microbial
protein synthesis, ruminal fermentation and fill in beef steers fed forage-based
diets
J.J. Reed1, G.P.
Lardy1, M.L. Bauer1, J.S.
Caton1 and T.C. Gilbery1
Objectives were to evaluate the effects of an increasing level of field
pea supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial protein synthesis, and
ruminal fermentation in steers fed moderate quality (8.0% CP; DM basis)
grass hay. Field peas appear to act like cereal grain supplements in high-forage
diets because of their effect on forage intake and ruminal pH. Field peas
are relatively high in protein and will reduce the need for protein supplementation
of forage-based diets compared to cereal grains.
Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated crossbred beef steers (873 ±
121 lb initial BW) were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square to evaluate the effects
of an increasing level of field pea supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial
protein synthesis and ruminal fermentation in steers fed moderate quality (8.0%
CP; DM basis) grass hay. Diets, offered ad libitum twice daily, consisted of
grass hay and four field pea supplements (23.4% CP; 0, 2, 4 and 6 lb daily;
DM basis). Steers were allowed free access to water and trace mineralized salt
blocks, and were adapted to diets for 9 days. On days 10 to 14, intakes were
measured. Field pea and grass hay were incubated in situ and ruminal fluid was
collected and pH recorded. Duodenal samples were taken for three consecutive
days. Linear, quadratic, and cubic contrasts were used to compare treatments.
Total dry matter intake (P = 0.03), OMI (P = 0.01) and N intake
(P = 0.001) increased linearly while forage DMI decreased linearly (P
= 0.06) with an increasing level of supple-mentation. Ruminal pH (P <
0.001), ruminal NDF disappearance (P = 0.02) and field pea in situ DM
disappearance (P = 0.05) decreased linearly; and apparent total tract
NDF disappearance tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.09) with increasing
field pea supplementation. Total ruminal VFA, apparent total tract OM digestion,
true N disappearance in the rumen and apparent total tract N disappearance increased
linearly (P < 0.03) with increasing field pea supplementation. No
significant treatment effects were observed for ruminal DM fill (P =
0.82), ADF intake (P = 0.16), true ruminal OM disappearance (P
= 0.39), ruminal ADF disappearance (P = 0.17), apparent total tract ADF
disappearance (P = 0.35), or in situ DM disappearance of forage (P
= 0.46). Due to effects on forage intake and ruminal pH, field peas appear to
act like cereal grain supplements in high-forage diets.
Introduction
Field pea (Pisum sativum) production in North Dakota has
increased dramatically from approximately 14,000 acres in 1994 to 89,000
acres in 2001 (NDASS, 2001). The reasons for this increase in acreage
are several-fold. Field peas are adapted to the Northern Great Plains,
use conventional equipment and fix nitrogen in the soil
(Anderson, 1998a). Annual legumes complement crop rotations by expanding
the number of crops available to small-grain producers to avoid
problems associated with continuous small-grain cropping. These problems include
soil erosion, disease, poor soil structure and pests (Martin and
Leonard, 1967).
Until recently, there has been a lack of information available on the
nutritive attributes of feeding peas to ruminants. Much recent research
has focused on feeding field peas in growing and finishing rations.
Most reports indicate similar dry matter intake (DMI), feed
conversion efficiencies and weight gains when comparing field peas to cereal
grains in growing and finshing diets (Birkelo et al., 2000; Anderson, 1999;
Poland and Landblom, 1996).
Encinias et al. (2000) evaluated the feeding value of field peas as a
protein source in forage-based diets fed to beef cows. Field peas were
supplemented at 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 lb daily. Forage intake of cows
decreased linearly with increasing field pea supplementation; however,
total intake (forage plus field pea) increased linearly with increasing
supplementation. Cow body condition score was positively influenced by field
pea supplementation.
Limited research has been conducted on the effects of field peas on
digestion, microbial protein synthesis, ruminal fermentation and fill
in forage-based diets. Research in this area is warranted. Therefore,
the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of
increasing field pea supplementation on intake, digestion, microbial protein
synthesis, and ruminal fermentation in steers fed moderate-quality grass hay.
Procedure
Four ruminally and duodenally cannulated beef steers were used in a 4 x 4 Latin
square design. Steers were housed in an enclosed barn in individual tie stalls.
Animals were allowed ad libitum access to grass hay, water and trace mineralized
salt blocks (minimum 400 mg Zn, 160 mg Fe, 120 mg Mn, 33 mg Cu, 10 mg I, and
4 mg of Co/100 g). Steers were supplemented with four different levels of rolled
field pea (0, 2, 4, and 6 lb daily; 2623 µm. particle size) which made
up the treatments. The nutrient content of the grass hay and the field peas
used in this experiment is provided in Table 1. Steers were fed forage and supplement
twice daily at 12-hour intervals.
Table 1. Analyzed dietary nutrient
content and IVOMD.
--------------------------------------
Grass Hay Field Pea
----------------------
DM, % 91.5 90
--------------------------------------
- - - - % DM - - - -
OM, % 86.6 96.1
CP, % 8 23.4
Starch, % NDa 47
NDF, % 68.8 11.6
ADF, % 45.6 6.9
Calcium 0.75 0.07
Phosphorus 0.17 0.45
IVOMD, % 48.1 95.7
--------------------------------------
aNot determined.
Each experimental period was 14 days in length. Feed and feed
refusal samples were collected on days 10 to 14 to determine DMI. Duodenal
fluid samples were collected on days 10 to 13 to estimate flow of nutrients
from the rumen to the small intestine. Fecal collections took place on days 10
to 13 to estimate total tract digestion. Rolled field pea and ground grass
hay were incubated in the rumen via in situ bags on days 10 to 13 to
estimate degradation of field peas in the rumen. On day 13 of each
period, ruminal fluid samples were collected and analyzed for pH,
ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and volatile
fatty acids (VFA). Ruminal evacuations were conducted on day 14 of
each period to determine ruminal dry matter fill.
Results and discussion
Total DMI (field peas + forage) increased (P = 0.03) with an increasing
supplementation of field peas (Table 2). Forage DMI decreased linearly (P
= 0.04) and cubically (P = 0.09) with increasing level of field pea supplementation.
Forage intake increased at the first level of supplementation and decreased
with higher levels of supplementation. Supplementing field peas had similar
effects on forage intake as supplementing cereal grains. Low levels of supplementation
(<0.4% BW) often do not decrease intake of low-quality forage while supplementing
higher levels decreases forage intake.
Table 2. Effect of increasing level of field pea supplementation on intake,
digestion, and ruminal characteristics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level of supplementation, lb Contrastsa
------------------------------ -------------------
Item 0 2 4 6 SEM L Q C
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intake
Dry matter
Total, lb/d 17.01 20.24 20.37 20.35 0.81 0.07 0.03 0.09
Forage, lb/d 17.01 18.26 16.41 14.41 0.81 0.07 0.04 0.09
Organic matter
Total, lb/d 14.74 17.71 18.02 18.19 0.70 0.04 0.01 0.09
Forage, lb/d 14.74 15.84 14.21 12.47 0.70 0.07 0.04 0.09
Nitrogen, lb/d 0.22 0.31 0.36 0.41 0.01 <0.001 <0.001 0.11
NDF, lb/d 11.7 12.9 11.8 10.6 0.57 0.14 0.13 0.08
ADF, lb/d 7.83 8.49 7.80 7.03 0.38 0.16 0.11 0.11
True ruminal disappearanceb, % of intake
Organic matter 77.3 78.5 77.1 79.2 0.9 0.39 0.34 0.64
Nitrogen 62.6 66.0 68.9 71.1 1.4 0.02 0.004 0.67
NDF 79.4 79.4 75.2 75.9 1.1 0.06 0.02 0.77
ADF 76.4 77.4 73.1 74.9 1.2 0.17 0.16 0.74
Bacterial crude protein synthesis
Grams N/kg of OMDTc 6.90 5.98 6.75 7.35 0.36 0.16 0.240 0.08
Apparent total tract disappearance, %
Organic matter 74.3 78.3 77.4 78.6 0.9 0.05 0.03 0.18
Nitrogen 67.0 74.4 75.1 76.2 1.3 0.009 0.003 0.05
NDF 75.1 77.0 73.4 72.9 1.1 0.14 0.09 0.35
ADF 69.2 72.2 69.6 68.7 1.3 0.35 0.51 0.20
Rumen Characteristics
Dry matter fill, % BW 2.23 2.48 2.43 2.50 0.21 0.82 0.52 0.62
pH 6.85 6.95 6.76 6.79 0.02 <0.001 0.02 <0.001
NH3-N, mM 1.69 2.89 4.79 5.36 0.13 <0.001 <0.001 0.02
Total VFA, mM 72.76 68.89 78.25 77.58 1.91 0.10 0.4 0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
aL = linear, Q = quadratic, and C = cubic.
bCorrected from OM of bacterial origin.
cOMDT = true OM disappearance.
Total organic matter intake (OMI) increased linearly
(P = 0.01) with increasing level of
supplementation (Table 2). However, forage OMI decreased linearly
(P = 0.04). There were no differences in ruminal
OM (P = 0.36) disappearance relative to intake. Also, there were no
differences in intestinal OM disappearance
(P = 0.27). Organic matter disappearance in the total digestive
tract increased linearly (P = 0.03) with increasing supplementation.
Nitrogen intake increased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing
supplementation (Table 2). The increase in N intake reflects an increase in
dietary N with increasing field pea. Nitrogen flow
(P < 0.001) to the small intestine
increased linearly with an increasing field pea supplementation. There
were no differences (P = 0.16) in microbial protein efficiency with an
increasing level of field pea supplementation. True ruminal N disappearance
(P = 0.004) and apparent total tract N disappearance
(P = 0.003) decreased linearly with an increasing level
of field pea supplementation.
No differences were observed (P = 0.14) in NDF intake with an
increasing level of field pea supplementation (Table 2). Disappearance of
NDF from the rumen decreased linearly (P = 0.02) and tended
(P = 0.10) to respond cubically as NDF
disappearance of 0 and 0.9 kg field peas was equal, dropped from 0.9 to 1.8,
and was similar from 1.8 to 2.7. Apparent total tract disappearance of
NDF tended to decrease linearly (P = 0.09) with increasing
supplementation. Sensitivity of ruminal bacteria to
pH and shifting bacterial populations in response to reduced pH are
possible explanations for reduced forage digestion with increasing level
of supplementation.
No differences were observed (P = 0.16) in ADF intake with
increasing supplementation (Table 2). No effects were observed for ruminal
ADF disappearance (P = 0.17), intestinal ADF disappearance
(P = 0.49) or apparent total tract ADF
disappearance (P = 0.35).
Mean ruminal pH decreased linearly (P < 0.001) with increasing supplementation
(Table 2). There were also quadratic (P = 0.02) and cubic (P <
0.001) effects as pH increased from 0 to 0.9 kg field pea, decreased from 0.9
to 1.8 kg and increased slightly from 1.8 to 2.7 kg field pea. Similar to our
study, several studies have shown a reduction in ruminal pH resulting from cereal
grain supplementation (Funk et al., 1987; Leventini et al., 1990; Sanson et
al., 1990) and Guthrie and Wagner (1998) and Köster et al. (1996) reported
that pH decreased as the level of protein supplementation increased. Ruminal
NH3-N concentration increased linearly (P < 0.001) with
increasing supplementation; there were also quadratic (P = 0.02) and
cubic (P < 0.001) effects (Table 2). Increasing rumimal NH3-N
concentrations is related to increasing levels of CP in the diets with increasing
level of supplementation.
Total VFA concentrations increased (P = 0.006) in a linear manner with
increasing field pea supplementation (Table 2). There was also a cubic (P
= 0.006) effect as total VFA decreased from 0 to 0.9 kg field pea, increased
from 0.9 to 1.8 kg and decreased from 1.8 to 2.7 kg field pea. Volatile fatty
acids are a major end product of ruminal fermentation; therefore, our data indicate
that increasing supplementation of field pea increases ruminal fermentation.
No differences (P = 0.37) were detected for in situ DM
disappearance of forage. Also, there were no differences
(P = 0.15) in field pea in situ DM disappearance with
an increasing level of supplementation.
Conclusions
Total DMI and OMI increased with an increasing field pea
supplementation, however, forage DMI and OMI decreased. Increasing field
pea supplementation decreased NDF digestion and tended to increase
OM and N digestion. Ruminal pH decreased and total ruminal
VFA concentrations increased with an increasing level of field pea
supplementation.
Implications
Due to effects on forage intake and ruminal pH, field peas appear to
act like cereal grain supplements in high-forage diets. Supplementing field
peas at low levels in forage-based diets appears to have no negative effects
on forage intake and utilization. Field peas are relatively high in protein
and will reduce the need for protein supplementation of forage-based
diets compared to cereal grains.
Literature cited
Anderson, V.L. 1998a. Field peas in creep feed for beef calves. Carrington
Research Extension Center's Beef and Bison Production Field Day Report. p.
17-19. North Dakota State University Agriculture Experiment Station, Fargo.
Anderson, V.L. 1999. Field peas in diets for growing and finishing steer
calves. Carrington Research Extension Center's Annual Research Report. p.
9-15. North Dakota State University Agriculture Experiment Station, Fargo.
Birkelo, C.P., B.J. Johnson, and B.D. Rops. 2000. Field peas in finishing
cattle diets and the effect of processing. SDAES Cattle 00-4. South Dakota
State University Extension Service, Brookings.
Caton, J.S. and D.V. Dhuyvetter. 1997. Influence of energy supplementation
on grazing ruminants: Requirements and responses. J. Anim. Sci. 75:533-542.
Encinias, A.M., A.N. Scheaffer, A.E. Radunz, M.L. Bauer, G.P. Lardy, and
J.S. Caton. 2000. Influence of field pea supplementation on intake and performance
of gestating beef cows fed grass hay diets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 80(Suppl. 4):766.
(Abstr.)
Funk, M.A., M.L. Galyean, M.E. Branine, and L.J. Krysl. 1987. Steers grazing
blue grama rangeland throughout the growing season. K. Dietary composition,
intake, digesta kinetics and ruminal fermentation. J. Anim. Sci. 65:1342-1353.
Guthrie, M.J. and D.G. Wagner. 1988. Influence of protein or grain supplementation
and increasing levels of soybean meal on intake, utilization and passage rate
of prairie hay in beef steers and heifers. J. Anim. Sci. 66:1529-1537.
Köster, H.H., R.C. Cochran, E.C. Titgemeyer, E.S. Vanzant, I. Abdelgadir,
and G. St-Jean. 1996. Effect of increasing degradable intake protein on intake
and digestion of low-quality, tall-grass-prairie forage by beef cows. J. Anim.
Sci. 74:2473-2481.
Leventini, M.W., C.W. Hunt, R.E. Roffler, and D.G. Casebolt. 1990. Effect
of dietary level of barley-based supplements and ruminal buffer on digestion
and growth by beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci. 68:4334-4344.
Martin, J.H. and W.H. Leonard. 1967. Fertilizer, greeen manuring, and rotation
practices. Page 145 in Principles of Field Crop Production. The MacMillian
Company, New York.
North Dakota Agriculture Statistics Service. 2001. North Dakota Agricultural
Statistics 2001. No. 70. North Dakota State University, Fargo.
Poland, W.W. and D.G. Landblom. 1996. Feeding value of field pea and hull-less
oat in growing calf diets. J. Anim. Sci. 74(Suppl. 1):279. (Abstr.).
Sanson, D.W., D.C. Clanton, and I. G. Rush. 1990. Intake and digestion of
low-quality meadow hay by steers and performance of cows on native range when
fed protein supplements containing various levels of corn. J. Anim. Sci. 68:595-603.
1Department
of Animal and Range Sciences
INDEX
Quality of CRP hay from lands in North Dakota
Kevin Sedivec1 and Greg
Lardy2
Nutritional quality of CRP hay samples differed dramatically
among fields. However, when hay samples were separated by amount of
alfalfa present and clipping date, more consistent results were
achieved. Alfalfa, even in the full-bloom stage, will have a higher crude
protein content and lower acid detergent fiber value than most tame or native
grasses (Morrison 1948, Ensminger et al. 1990). Those CRP hay samples
with greater than 50 percent alfalfa had greater (P<0.05) percent
crude protein content than hay samples with less than 50 percent alfalfa, and
hay samples with 31 to 50 percent had greater (P<0.05) percent
crude protein content than hay samples with less than 30 percent alfalfa. CRP
hay samples with less than 10 percent alfalfa was lower (P<0.05) than
all CRP hay classes greater than 10 percent alfalfa. However, we did
not see a difference (P=0.411) in percent ADF content based on percent
alfalfa composition as would be expected.
Clipping date was important (P<0.05) in percent crude protein; however,
not contributing to any significant (P>0.05) differences in ADF content of
hay samples. Those fields hayed prior to July 10 had a greater (P<0.05) percent
crude protein content than fields hayed in August. CRP fields hayed in mid-July
and August were similar (P>0.05) in crude protein content.
Introduction
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), contained in the 1985
Food Security Act, provided incentives to remove highly erodible land
from crop production and place it under permanent vegetative cover. As
of December 2002, approximately 33.9 million acres of land were enrolled
in CRP nationwide, of which approximately 3.3 million acres are in
North Dakota (United States Department of Agriculture 2002).
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture opened southwestern North
Dakota's CRP lands to emergency grazing May 22 and haying July 2 due to
severe drought in the fall of 2001 and 2002. All of North and South Dakota's
CRP lands were opened to haying and grazing by July 12. The last
major release of CRP lands in North Dakota occurred in 1996. Unlike
2002, drought did not cause the release of CRP lands in 1996. Short supplies
of corn and barley on a global perspective led to high feed costs that
became unaffordable to many ranchers due to low cattle prices. The harsh winter
of 1995-1996 and drier conditions in the first half of 1996 led to above
normal usage of harvested forages, causing a hay shortage in much of the
western United States. Conservation Reserve Program lands became available
for grazing May 1 and for haying July 15 in 1996.
Although few producers took advantage of the grazing option (2.8
percent of North Dakota's CRP lands), a large number of producers hayed
CRP lands in North Dakota. A total of 17,272 CRP contracts in
North Dakota were hayed in 2002, compared to 7,770 CRP contracts
in 1996. A total 934,348 acres of CRP were hayed, comprising over
28 percent of the state's total CRP acres.
Many livestock producers expressed concern about the quality of CRP
hay. The CRP hay from North Dakota comprises a major feed source
for many livestock producers in North and South Dakota, and
eastern Montana and Wyoming. Although CRP hay fields from North
Dakota were tested in 1996 (Sedivec and Soiseth 1998), circumstances
and environmental conditions differed. Many CRP fields in 1996 had
a haying history due to numerous emergency releases of CRP lands
in the early 1990's. The 2002 CRP release for haying was the first
major release since 1997, or four or more years of no manipulation
history. Also, most CRP fields in 1996 had sufficient or a surplus of
moisture during the growing season.
The program has been extended for 10 to 15 additional years in the
2002 Farm Bill, creating a need for determining the feed value of CRP
fields hayed during a drought year. The purpose of this field project was
to determine the nutrient content of CRP hay harvested in July and
August due to severe drought.
Haying history and samples
Hay samples were collected from 169 CRP fields in North Dakota using county
extension agents, area livestock specialists, and the state rangeland specialist
in July and August 2002. Samples were collected from 17 of 52 counties. Program
hay samples were collected from fields comprised of domestic cool-season grasses
and alfalfa. The cool-season grasses included smooth bromegrass, intermediate
wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass, crested wheatgrass, and slender wheatgrass. Each
CRP hay sample included one or more cool-season grasses and alfalfa.
CRP hay samples were composed of hay from five or more bales
within each field. Samples were collected using a Penn State Forage
Probe (Holland and Kezar 1990) or similar devise. All fields were classified
as having less than 10 percent alfalfa, 11 to 30 percent alfalfa, 31 to 50
percent alfalfa, or greater than 50 percent alfalfa in the plant mix by
weight. Each field was further subdivided as 1) having been hayed between July
2 and 10, 2) July 11 and 20, 3) July 21 and Aug. 1, or 4) after Aug. 1, 2002.
The mean haying date of CRP fields represented in this project was
July 21, ranging from July 2 to August 20. Stage of physiological growth
was seed-development to mature for all grasses and 50 percent to full
bloom for alfalfa. The mean haying date of CRP fields in 1996 was July
20, ranging from July 15 to August 2 (Sedivec and Soiseth 1998).
Nutritional Analysis
All CRP hay samples were analyzed for percent crude protein (CP),
acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in
vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). All samples were oven dried at
60o C for 72 hours, ground through a
1-mm screen using a Wiley mill, and divided into two replicate portions.
Percent ADF and NDF were determined using procedures defined by
the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC 1990) and
percent CP content determined using a Kjeldahl Auto System II
(AOAC 1990).
Means and standard errors for field differences by percent alfalfa
and haying date were determined. Multi-response permutation
procedures (Biondini et al. 1988) were used to conduct a means separation
test between CRP hay types. Although hay samples from a given field
were randomly selected, not all CRP fields in North Dakota had an equal
chance of being selected in the trial. The sample fields tended to be clumped
in terms of location in North Dakota and a large degree of
variability existed among CRP fields in North Dakota, creating the need for a
non-parametric statistic test.
Most ranchers and livestock producers attempt to balance a feed
ration based on CP content and total digestible nutrients (TDN),
calculated from the ADF. Total digestible nutrient content is calculated
and derived by the best fit equation using ADF and an intercept
adjustment term for forage class. The CP value is a combination of microbial
protein and undegraded intake protein, with adequate levels needed to
maintain livestock performance and production. ADF is classified as the
highly indigestible plant material in a forage and comprises cellulose, lignin,
and insoluble ash. The lower the ADF, the more feed an animal can digest.
Thus, a low acid detergent fiber percentage and high crude protein level
is desired. A short summary of the crude protein and acid detergent
fiber results will follow to best illustrate some nutrient content values of
the CRP hay.
Crude protein content results
Crude protein content ranged from 4.0 to 16.3 percent with a mean
of 8.4 percent (SE = 1.9 percent) from all CRP fields. Crude protein
averaged 11.6 percent (SE = 0.54 percent) from fields with greater than
50 percent alfalfa (Table 1). Crude protein averaged 9.2 (SE = 0.45),
8.5 (SE = 0.40), and 7.3 (SE = 0.39) percent from fields with 31 to
50 percent, 11 to 30 percent, and 0 to 10 percent alfalfa; respectively (Table 1).
Crude protein content ranged from an average of 7.7 to 9.2 percent when calculated
by clipping date. Crude protein averaged 9.2 percent (SE = 0.31 percent) from
fields clipped prior to 11 July (Table 1). Crude protein averaged 8.4 (SE =
0.36), 8.2 (SE = 0.37), and 7.7 (SE = 0.42) percent from fields clipped between
July 11 and 20, July 21 and Aug. 1, and after Aug. 1; respectively (Table 2).
Table 1. Mean percent crude protein
content of Conservation Reserve Program
hay with different alfalfa compositions
in North Dakota during 2002.
---------------------------------------
Alfalfa Composition Total
---------------------------------------
0 to 10% n = 59
7.3 + 0.39
---------------------------------------
11 to 30% n = 48
8.5 + 0.4
---------------------------------------
31 to 50% n = 22
9.2 + 0.45
---------------------------------------
>50% n = 10
11.6 + 0.54
---------------------------------------
Total n = 169
8.4 + 1.9
---------------------------------------
Table 2. Mean percent crude protein
content of Conservation Reserve Program
hay by different clipping periods in
North Dakota during 2002.
---------------------------------------
Clipping Dates Total
---------------------------------------
July 2 to 10 n = 23
9.2 + 0.31
---------------------------------------
July 11 to 20 n = 49
8.4 + 0.36
---------------------------------------
July 21 to Aug. 1 n = 46
8.2 + 0.37
---------------------------------------
After Aug. 1 n = 21
7.7 + 0.42
---------------------------------------
Total n = 169
8.4 + 1.9
---------------------------------------
Acid cetergent fiber content results
ADF content ranged from 32.9 to 54.6 percent with a mean of
42.6 percent (SE = 4.2 percent) from all CRP fields. ADF content
averaged 44.0 percent (SE = 1.48 percent) from fields with greater than 50
percent alfalfa (Table 3). ADF content averaged 42.8 (SE = 1.23), 42.2 (SE
= 1.11), and 42.1 (SE = 1.09) percent from fields with 31 to 50 percent,
11 to 30 percent, and 0 to 10 percent alfalfa; respectively (Table 3).
ADF content ranged from an average of 40.5 to 43.3 percent when calculated
by clipping date. ADF averaged 43.3 percent (SE = 1.12 percent) from fields
clipped prior to July 11 (Table 4). ADF averaged 43.2 (SE = 1.00), 42.7 (SE
= 1.01), and 40.5 (SE = 1.14) percent from fields clipped between July 11 and
20, July 21 and Aug. 1, and after August 1; respectively (Table 4).
Table 3. Mean percent acid detergent
fiber content of Conservation Reserve
Program hay with different alfalfa
compositions in North Dakota during 2002.
---------------------------------------
Alfalfa Composition Total
---------------------------------------
0 to 10% n = 59
42.1 + 1.09
---------------------------------------
11 to 30% n = 48
42.2 + 1.11
---------------------------------------
31 to 50% n = 22
42.8 + 1.23
---------------------------------------
> 50% n = 10
44.0 + 1.48
---------------------------------------
Total n = 169
42.6 + 4.2
---------------------------------------
Table 4. Mean percent acid detergent
fiber content of Conservation Reserve
Program hay by different clipping
periods in North Dakota during 2002.
---------------------------------------
Alfalfa Composition Total
---------------------------------------
0 to 10% n = 23
43.3 + 1.12
---------------------------------------
11 to 30% n = 49
43.2 + 1.00
---------------------------------------
31 to 50% n = 46
42.7 + 1.01
---------------------------------------
> 50% n = 21
40.5 + 1.14
---------------------------------------
Total n = 169
42.6 + 4.2
---------------------------------------
Literature Cited
AC. 1990. Official Methods of Analysis (15th ed.). Association
of Official Analytical Chemists, Arlington, VA.
Biondini, M.E., P.W. Mielke, and K.J. Berry. 1988. Data-dependent permutation
techniques for the analysis of ecological data. Vegetatio 75: 161-168.
Ensminger, M.E., J.E. Oldfield, and W.W. Heinemann. 1990. Feeds and nutrition
(2nd ed.). Ensminger Publ. Comp., Clovis, CA.
Morrison, F.B. 1948. Feeds and Feeding, 21st ed. The Morrison
Publishing Company, Ithaca, NY 1207 pp.
Sedivec, K. and C. Soiseth. 1998. Quality of hay from CRP lands in North
Dakota. Rangelands 20(3):38-40.
United States Department of Agriculture. 2002. USDA 2002 Farm Bill conservation
provisions: summary. USDA, Washington, DC. 14 p.
1State Extension Rangeland Specialist
2State Extension Beef Specialist
Department
of Animal and Range Sciences
North Dakota State University, Fargo
INDEX
Discovering value in North Dakota calves; The Dakota
Feeder Calf Show Feedout Project
Karl Hoppe1, Vern
Anderson2 and Ernie Ward3
North Dakota cow calf producers wanted to determine the meat/carcass
value of their spring born calves fed to finish in North Dakota. Calves
were fed to finish at the Carrington Research Extension Center while owners
were involved in an extension education program showing feeding and carcass
results. Calves were placed on feed at weaning and ready for harvest within
13 months of age. Genetic variations between herds had a pronounced impact
on carcass quality and yield.
Cow calf producers recognize the need to know the feeding and carcass value
of their calves. Superior cattle genetics in both production and carcass traits
are the key to remaining competitive with other livestock. The Dakota Feeder
Calf Show Feedout project was developed to discover the actual value of beef
steer calves. Cattle consigned to the feedout project averaged 602.4 pounds
upon delivery to the Carrington Research Extension Center Livestock Unit on
Oct.13, 2001. After an average 189-day feeding period with 2.45% death loss,
cattle averaged 1207.9 pounds (at plant, shrunk weight). Average daily feed
intake per head, as fed, was 27.01 pounds while pounds of feed required per
pound of gain was 8.87. Diet dry matter was 72.8%. The pen-of-three calves averaged
391.4 days of age at harvest. Overall pen average daily gain was 3.04 pounds.
Feed cost was $0.252 per pound and total cost of gain without interest was $0.423.
The early market group contained 67% choice and 93.9% yield grade 2 and 3 while
the late market group contained 37.6% choice and 92.1% yield grade 1 and 2.
Profit before interest expense ranged from $66.44 per head for a pen of three
cattle with superior genetics to a $-82.17 per-head loss for poorer performance.
Determining cattle value by feeding performance and carcass characteristics
can be accomplished through a feed out project.
Introduction
Determining calf value is a continuing education for cow calf producers. At
time of bull selection, a producer must estimate the type of animal desired
by buyers 1½-2 years before sale. Consequently, producers are seeking to
sell cattle based on the end-value meat price. In addition, superior cost effective
feeding performance is needed to justify the expense of feeding cattle past
weaning. Since North Dakota feeds are low cost and the climate is favorable,
low feeding cost per pound of gain can be accomplished. The feedlot project
was supported by industry, NDSU and cattle producers to provide an understanding
of cattle genetics and cattle feeding in North Dakota.
Procedure
The Dakota Feeder Calf Show was developed for cattle producers
willing to consign steer calves to a show and feedout contest. The calves
were received in groups of three on Oct. 13, 2001 at the Turtle Lake
weighing station for weighing, tagging, processing and showing. The calves
were evaluated for conformity and uniformity with the judges leading
a discussion with the owners at the beginning of the feedout.
The calves were shipped to the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center for
feeding. The calves were treated with prophylaxis tilmicosin upon arrival. The
calves were sorted and placed on a receiving trial comparing peas and barley
as grain sources for feeding. On Nov. 27, 2001, the calves were switched to
a high grain diet (72% grain as fed, 84% grain dry matter) containing 63 mcal
NEg per pound. Cattle were weighed periodically and reports provided to the
owners.
An open house was held on Feb.15, 2002, at the NDSU
Carrington Research Extension Center livestock unit where the owners reviewed
the calves and discussed marketing conditions. The calves were
ultra-sounded for backfat and marbling on March 25, 2002 and sorted into
early and late market groups with the early market group selected by having
at least 0.4 inch backfat and/or marbling estimate of small (USDA choice).
The first market group of cattle (82 head) was sold on April 9, 2002
and harvested on April 12, 2002. The second group (77 head) was sold
April 25, 2002 and harvested on May 3, 2002. The cattle were sold to
IBP, Dakota City, Neb.on a grid basis with premiums and discounts.
Carcass data was collected after harvest.
Ranking in the pen-of-three competition was based on the best score. The overall
score was determined by adding the index score for weight per day of age (20%
of score), average daily gain on test (20% of score), marbling score (20% of
score), and retail product value divided by weight per day of age (40% of score).
The Dakota Feeder Calf Show provided cash awards for the top-placing steer pens.
Results and Discussion
Cattle consigned to the Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout project averaged 602.4
pounds upon delivery to the Carrington Research Extension Center livestock unit
on Oct. 13, 2001. After an average 189-day feeding period with a 2.45% death
loss, cattle averaged 1207.9 pounds (at plant, shrunk weight). The early sell
group (82 head) averaged 1185.9 pounds (shrunk) at harvest while the late market
group (77 head) averaged 1231.4 pounds (shrunk) at harvest. Average daily feed
intake per head was 27.01 pounds, as fed basis, and 19.6 pounds, dry matter
basis. Pounds of feed required per pound of gain were 8.87, as fed basis, and
6.46 pounds, dry matter basis.
Overall feed cost per pound of gain was $0.252. Overall yardage cost
per pound of gain was $0.088. Combined cost per pound of gain including
feed, yardage, veterinary, trucking and other expenses except interest
was $0.423.
The number of cattle consigned was 163 of which 123 competed in
the pen-of-three contest. Four head died due to bloat, brain infection,
and respiratory distress.
The carcass characteristics were collected and used in calculating indexes
for scoring. The first market group, harvested April 12, 2002, contained USDA
quality grades at 67% choice and 33% select and USDA yield grades at 23.2% YG2,
70.7% YG3, and 6.1% YG4. The second market group, harvested May 3, 2002, contained
USDA quality grades at 37.6% choice, 59.8% select and 2.6% standard and USDA
yield grades at 31.2% YG 1, 61% YG2 and 7.8% YG3.
Carcass value per cwt. was calculated by using the actual base carcass price
for either April 9, or April 25, 2002, depending on market group. Grid price
for the first market group was $110 choice YG3 base with premiums for prime
$8, CAB $1.50, YG1 $6.50, YG2 $2.50 and discounts of select $-4, NR $-7, heavy
$-12, YG4 $-20 and dark cutter/stag/commercial $-33. The second market group
was priced at $104 choice YG3 base with premiums for Prime $9, CAB $3, YG1 $6.50,
YG2 $2.50 and discounts of select $-6.50, NR $-9.50, heavy $-10, YG4 $-20 and
dark cutter/stag/commercial $-35.
Retail product value was calculated as carcass weight, lb * percent
retail product *(((carcass value per cwt. /100)/ retail product yield) /
retail product markup) where retail product yield = 0.65, and retail
product markup = 0.75. Percent retail product value was calculated as 0.825
- (calculated yield grade *0.05).
Results from the calves selected for the pen-of-three competition are
listed in Table 1. Overall, the calves averaged 391.4 days of age and
averaged 1207.9 pounds per head at harvest. Overall pen average daily gain
was 3.04 pounds while weight per day of age was 3.13 pounds. Overall
marbling score was 415.5 or 15.5% into low choice/small marbling.
Retail product value averaged $1128.90 per head. Retail product value divided
by weight-per-day of age averaged $2.88.
The highest combined index pen score was 3.394. Although the
highest overall scoring pen did not place first in average daily gain, weight per
day of age, marbling score, and percent retail product value divided by
weight-per-day of age, the pen did rank first for profit. Correlation between
index score total and profit was high (r = 0.742).
Initial calf price per pound was determined by the following formula, $ = 130.7
- 76 (0.06 * initial calf weight). Profit or loss accounted for initial calf
price, feed, yardage, veterinary, freight, brand inspection, beef checkoff,
ultrasound and carcass data collection costs. Interest costs on cattle or feeding
expenses were not included in calculating profit or loss. Final carcass value
was assessed using the actual grid pricing for the harvest group. Methods for
reducing price risk or selling with a future delivery date were not utilized.
Overall, cattle feeding provided a $15.57 loss before interest was included.
However, the top pen of three calves with superior genetics returned $66.44
profit per-head while a lesser pen-of-three calves returned a $-82.17 loss per
head.
Table 1. Feeding performance 2001-2002 Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pen of Average Average
Three Average Average Weight Retail Average
Pen of Index Average Harvest Daily Per Day Product Feeding
Three Score Birth Weight Gain of Age Marbling Value Profit
Number Total Date lbs lbs lbs Score per WDA or (loss)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 3.394 1-Apr-01 1186.5 3.37 3.16 526.7 $3.231 $66.44
2 3.375 9-Apr-01 1246.9 3.41 3.33 536.7 $3.049 $21.24
3 3.327 1-Mar-01 1260.1 3.28 3.10 530.0 $3.128 $63.48
4 3.323 3-Mar-01 1359.7 3.57 3.31 430.0 $3.239 $62.67
5 3.248 5-Apr-01 1149.6 3.37 3.09 503.3 $2.996 $48.11
6 3.247 9-Mar-01 1358.9 3.29 3.25 410.0 $3.279 $39.41
7 3.232 13-Mar-01 1236.5 3.33 3.13 480.0 $3.034 $43.40
8 3.231 14-Apr-01 1246.1 3.36 3.38 406.7 $3.161 $ 3.78
9 3.220 15-Apr-01 1272.2 3.47 3.34 370.0 $3.230 $(8.48)
10 3.216 1-Apr-01 1324.3 3.36 3.35 343.3 $3.360 $(2.29)
11 3.212 9-Apr-01 1256.3 3.26 3.25 450.0 $3.073 $(14.51)
12 3.209 20-Apr-01 1294.2 3.36 3.45 353.3 $3.260 $(14.66)
13 3.202 9-Mar-01 1260.0 3.40 3.02 433.3 $3.147 $42.60
14 3.169 11-Mar-01 1196.0 3.61 3.02 500.0 $2.742 $ 9.88
15 3.163 1-Mar-01 1252.5 3.60 3.08 450.0 $2.876 $35.89
16 3.107 30-Mar-01 1162.5 2.97 3.03 473.3 $2.976 $22.15
17 3.096 4-Apr-01 1083.6 3.10 2.91 453.3 $3.015 $27.69
18 3.094 7-Apr-01 1194.6 3.25 3.24 386.7 $3.019 $ 9.45
19 3.092 4-Mar-01 1283.3 3.57 3.08 363.3 $3.022 $10.86
20 3.088 6-Mar-01 1160.4 3.17 2.89 493.3 $2.838 $20.15
21 3.078 18-Mar-01 1242.0 3.30 3.18 390.0 $2.973 $(6.08)
22 3.059 19-Mar-01 1261.6 3.11 3.14 433.3 $2.882 $(15.84)
23 3.052 6-Apr-01 1183.4 3.36 3.08 423.3 $2.812 $(9.64)
24 3.048 4-Apr-01 1226.2 3.13 3.29 370.0 $2.999 $(2.37)
25 3.039 12-Apr-01 1190.1 2.97 3.11 396.7 $3.042 $(27.79)
26 3.039 7-Mar-01 1150.5 3.14 2.78 520.0 $2.686 $ 3.29
27 3.032 11-Apr-01 1144.8 3.34 3.02 383.3 $2.942 $(1.35)
28 2.984 25-Mar-01 1175.0 3.19 2.92 406.7 $2.863 $ 3.09
29 2.975 9-Mar-01 1183.0 3.18 2.96 483.3 $2.558 $(24.84)
30 2.972 26-Mar-01 1146.8 2.80 2.92 443.3 $2.886 $(16.41)
31 2.969 1-Apr-01 1153.7 2.93 3.07 406.7 $2.876 $ 3.32
32 2.947 5-Mar-01 1225.7 3.30 2.96 410.0 $2.698 $(25.87)
33 2.932 9-Apr-01 1177.6 2.93 3.05 373.3 $2.914 $(42.01)
34 2.918 1-Apr-01 1215.5 3.09 3.24 416.7 $2.569 $(82.17)
35 2.913 11-Apr-01 1126.6 2.97 2.93 366.7 $2.930 $(10.61)
36 2.853 8-Apr-01 1103.5 2.95 2.95 363.3 $2.798 $(37.46)
37 2.812 16-Mar-01 1173.3 2.80 2.86 396.7 $2.696 $(51.62)
38 2.776 18-Mar-01 1190.6 2.78 2.91 353.3 $2.743 $(56.95)
39* 2.140 13-Apr-01 1284.6 2.34 2.29 276.7 $1.990 $(235.72)
40* 2.096 1-Apr-01 1304.3 2.28 2.20 260.0 $2.014 $(268.48)
41* 2.006 19-Mar-01 1183.5 2.24 1.99 270.0 $1.880 $(219.95)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average 3.022 26-Mar-01 1215.3 3.15 3.03 415.53 $2.888 $(15.57)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard
Deviation 0.3057 15.1 65.00 0.328 0.296 67.899 0.3257 $72.27
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* = one calf died
Implications
Superior carcass performance is important for improving calf
value. Feedlot performance is also important for increased weight gain with
less cost. Exceptional average daily gains, weight-per-day of age, marbling
score and retail product value can be found in North Dakota beef herds.
Feedout projects provide a source of information for cattle producers to
learn about genetics and discover cattle value.
1North Dakota State University Extension Service, Carrington
2Carrington Research
Extension Center, Carrington
3State Bank of Turtle Lake, Turtle Lake
NEXT | INDEX
|
