DSAC: Beef Research in the Department of Animal Sciences
Beef Research in the Department of Animal Sciences
As of March 2005
Current Projects
Effect of implant strategy on performance and carcass characteristics of early weaned steers. (1/21/05-1/21/08). D.W. Shike, D.B. Faulkner and F. A. Ireland. This project will evaluate different growth implant strategies for early weaned steer calves fed a high energy finishing diet for a period of approximately 200 days. This project will help to identify the most beneficial type of implant strategy for finishing early weaned calves in terms of performance (growth & feed efficiency), carcass characteristics, and profitability.
Various levels of steep liquor in corn gluten feed to limit intake. (5/3/04-5/3/07). F.A. Ireland and D.B. Faulkner. This project will evaluate four levels of steep liquor in corn gluten feed to determine the effect on corn gluten feed intake for cattle grazing pasture.
A comparison of stepwise inclusion of soybean hulls at the expense of corn. (10/17/03-10/17/06). D.W. Shike, D.B. Faulkner and F.A. Ireland. The inclusion of by-product feeds into the diets of ruminant animals has the potential to greatly reduce the cost of the total diet fed. A question exists as to whether the inclusion of by-product feeds that are high in fiber, such as soybean hulls, but also high in energy content will have an effect on rate of marbling as well as total marbling deposition. This project, as proposed, will answer both the economic question as well as the effects on carcass characteristics.
The inclusion of CIDR with CoSynch for synchronization of recipient cows. (10/17/03-10/17/06). D.J. Kesler, M.Wheeler, J.J. Rutledge, A.E. Fischer-Brown, B.R. Lindsey, D.L. Northey, R.L. Monson, S.Clark, S. Lane, K.A. Weigel, D.B. Faulkner, G. Barquero, and F. A. Ireland. This project is designed to evaluate various synchronization protocols for recipient cows. In vitro produced embryos fertilized with sex sorted semen were used to evaluate the CO-Synch and CO-Synch + CIDR protocols of synchronization. Additionally, various embryo culture systems and the transfer of day 14 embryos are being evaluated.
Production and management of beef cattle for use in research, teaching and extension. (6/6/03-6/6/06). L. Berger, F.A. Ireland, J. Dahlquist, D.B. Faulkner and T. Nash. Research and teaching activities are conducted in agricultural settings that reflect those currently used in the commercial beef cattle industry. The dissemination of research results through extension programs both on and off the research center is performed.
Efficacy of progesterone inserts (CIDRs), GnRH, and PGF2- alpha in synchronizing beef heifers. (3/6/03-3/6/06). G. Barquero, D.J. Kesler and F. A. Ireland. This study intends to evaluate the practical efficacy of estrus synchronization with the CIDR in heifers. Various timed artificial breeding schedules will be used. The inclusion and timing of GnRH with the CIDR will also be evaluated.
Tours & Field Days at Orr Research Center, DSAC, and Urbana Beef Units. (5/27/03-5/27/06). D. Parrett, J. Dahlquist, F.A. Ireland, T. Nash and R. Wells. Extension meetings are used o further educate the public in regard to beef cattle and held at the various beef units throughout the year. These meetings provide a means of getting current research results out to the end user.
Methods for regionalization and risk mapping: Orbivirus epidemiology as a model. (2/21/03-2/21/06). R. Singer, R. Wallace and F.A. Ireland. The purpose of this project is to study the epidemiology of bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus and their insect vectors, biting midges in the genus Culicoides. Specific objectives are to: 1) determine rates of exposure in cattle, 2) describe the spatial and temporal patterns of the different Culicoides species associated with livestock in Illinois, 3) identify herd level and individual animal risk factors and 4) predict incidence using herd-level risk factor data, Culicoides species demographics, and climatic data.
Effects of dietary fat supplementation and implants on steer performance and carcass characteristics.(10/10/03-10/10/06). D.W. Shike, R.S. Wells, D.B. Faulkner and F.A. Ireland. This project will evaluate the use of different dietary fat sources with or without an estrogenic implant. Three fat sources will be utilized (whole raw soybeans, flaxseed, and tallow). Each of the fat sources will be fed with or without an implant. Feeding supplemental fat in feedlot diets has been shown to affect performance and carcass characteristics. Soybeans have estrogen-like compounds that may improve performance.
Comparison of heifers synchronization: MGA and prostaglandin F2-alpha versus CO Synch plus CIDR. (10/10/03-10/10/06). T.L. Steckler, T. Nash, J. Dahlquist, D.J. Kesler, D.B. Faulkner and F.A. Ireland. Although several synchronization procedures have been developed for use in heifers, none have optimum efficiency. In this study, various synchronization methods will be evaluated for use in heifers. The use of a CIDR with the CO Synch method will be evaluated.
Determination of the optimal time for mass insemination of beef cattle after synchronization with either CO Synch plus CIDR or 7/11 Synch. (9/27/02-9/27/05). T.L. Steckler, D.J. Kesler, D.B. Faulkner and F.A. Ireland. In this study, cows estrus synchronized by either the CO Synch + CIDR or the 7/11 protocol will be artificially inseminated at either 48, 56, or 64 hrs following prostaglandin F2-alpha injection. Pregnancy will be evaluated 35-60 days post-insemination using transrectal ultrasonography.
Effects of dietary fat on performance and reproductive traits of replacement beef heifers.(11/18/03-11/18/06). D. W. Shike, D. B. Faulkner, F. A. Ireland, J. M. Dahlquist, and T. G. Nash. Dietary fat has been shown to improve reproduction in cattle. This effect has been seen even when diets had the same energy value. Dietary fats differ in their fatty acid composition, and it has been shown that fats with higher concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids tend to affect hormone production differently. The current study is designed to evaluate dietary fats of differing fatty acid compositions and how this affects hormone production and pregnancy rate. Dietary treatments include whole raw soybeans, tallow, flax seed, and corn/soybean meal.
Influences of weaning age, source of energy, and creep feeding on calf performance and carcass traits.(4/13/01-4/13/04). D. B. Faulkner, F. A. Ireland, and D. W. Shike. This project will evaluate different management practices including early weaning and creep feeding. The treatments will consist of normal wean-no creep (negative control), normal wean—fiber creep, normal wean—corn creep, and early wean-programmed intake corn diet. The effects on growth and carcass characteristics will be evaluated.
Projects completed in 2005
Effects of dietary fat on the performance and reproductive traits of beef cows. (10/15/02-10/15/05; COMPLETED). D.W. Shike ,R.S. Wells, D.B. Faulkner and F.A. Ireland. Dietary fat has been shown to improve reproduction in cattle. This effect has been seen even when diets had the same energy value. Dietary fats differ in their fatty acid composition, and it has been shown that fats with higher concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids tend to affect hormone production differently. This study is designed to evaluate dietary fats of differing fatty acid compositions and how this affects hormone production and pregnancy rate.
Projects completed in 2004
Combination of MGA/CoSynch synchronization in beef cows.(10/14/01-10/14/04; COMPLETED). N. R. Wherley, D. J. Kesler, D. B. Faulkner, and F. A. Ireland. A combination of two basic synchronization protocols will be used in this study to investigate procedures to improve conception rate in beef cows. Treatments will include CoSynch (the concurrent treatment with GnRH, PGF2x, and GnRH); short-term feeding of MGA beginning 11 days prior to CoSynch; and short-term feeding of MGA beginning 18 days before CoSynch.
Effect of early weaning and progesterone on pregnancy rates in estrus-synchronized beef cows.(10/5/01-10/05/04; COMPLETED). N. R. Wherley, D. J. Kesler, D. B. Faulkner, and F. A. Ireland. Estrus synchronization is a valuable and economically important tool for cattle producers. Although several procedures have been developed, none have optimum efficiency. A combination of two basic estrus synchronization protocols that have been used extensively will be used in this study: CoSynch (concurrent treatment with GnRH, PGF2x, and GnRH) and intravaginal progesterone releasing devices (CIDR) with PGF2x. The combination of the two procedures has the potential to benefit the conception rates without increasing animal handling requirements.
Estrus synchronization with MGA and prostaglandin.(2/22/01-2/22/04; COMPLETED). D. J. Kesler, D. B. Faulkner, N. R. Wherley, and F. A. Ireland. This project will involve the synchronization of estrus for beef heifers using the two protocols. Heifers will be synchronized with MGA and prostaglandin (PGF2x) and bred AI. At the time of AI, half the heifers will receive an injection of GnRH. Blood samples will be collected to determine cyclicity and conception rates evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography at 40-60 days after AI.
Effect of fat source and supplemental delivery method on beef cow-calf performance and reproductive responses.(7/25/01-7/25/04; COMPLETED). C. E. Beckmier, D. B. Faulkner, and F. A. Ireland. Supplemental feed cost during lactation is a major cost of cow maintenance. Beef cows show different responses to fat sources, specifically saturated vs. unsaturated. This study is designed to evaluate any response difference between hand-fed supplements containing various fat sources and self-fed low-moisture cooked molasses products. Body weights, body condition scores, milk production and mail composition will be measured. Calves will be early weaned and calf weights recorded. Reproductive performance will be evaluated by rectal palpation and the postpartum interval determined.
Influence of early weaning and creep feed protein level on performance and lactation potential of crossbred replacement beef heifers.(5/14/01-5/14/04; COMPLETED). W. J. Sexten, D. B. Faulkner, F. A. Ireland, J. M. Dahlquist, and T. G. Nash. Creep feeding heifer calves traditionally results in a twenty-five percent reduction of first lactation milk production while increasing weaning weights and hastening puberty. The current research is designed to determine if increased protein levels in creep feed can reduce the suppression of milk production associated with creep feeding.
Projects completed in 2003
Impact of mineral types on cattle reproductive performance.(9/27/00-9/27/03; COMPLETED). F. A. Ireland and D. B. Faulkner. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of amino acid chelated minerals on beef cattle reproductive performance compared to an “all-inorganic” control mineral program.
Tours and field days at Orr Research Center, Dixon Springs Ag Center, and Urbana Beef Units.(7/21/00-7/21/03). D. B. Faulkner, D. Parrett, F. A. Ireland, T. G. Nash, J. M. Dahlquist, R. Wells. Extension meetings to further educate the public in regard to beef cattle are held at various times throughout the year. These meetings provide a means for getting current research results to the public and may include general information or focus on a particular subject area.
Production and management of beef cattle for use in research, teaching and extension.(7/21/00-7/21/03; REPLACED WITH 03119). L. Berger, D. B. Faulkner, F. A. Ireland, J. M. Dahlquist, and T. G. Nash. The beef units in Urbana, Dixon Springs and Orr Center produce beef cattle for research, teaching and extension pertinent to the beef cattle industry.
Accelerated finishing systems for the production of high quality beef.(4/27/00-4/27/03; COMPLETED). D. B. Faulkner and F. A. Ireland. Early weaned steers will be utilized to evaluate the effects of restricting feed intake on carcass weight and carcass quality grades.
Intake measurement of a supplemental mineral on beef females.(3/31/00-3/31/03; COMPLETED). F. A. Ireland and D. B. Faulkner. The objective of the study was to determine the consumption of a free-choice mineral supplement to non-lactating beef cows consuming pasture forage.Synchronization of estrus in beef cows: OvSynch vs. CoSynch. (3/8/00-3/8/03; COMPLETED). T. L. Steckler, D. J. Kesler, D. B. Faulkner, and F. A. Ireland. Two basic protocols for synchronization will be evaluated: OvSynch and CoSynch. Both procedures have been extensively used and are very similar. The only difference is that AI is done either at the time of a second GnRH injection (CoSynch) or 16 hours following the second GnRH injection (OvSynch). Efficacy of treatments for synchronizing estrus will be determined. Conception rates will be determined by transrectal ultrasound 40-60 days after AI.
Influence of Menhaden fish meal on cow body condition score, performance, pregnancy rate, and calf gain.(2/2/00-2/2/03; COMPLETED). C. E. Beckmier, D. B. Faulkner, and F. A. Ireland. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of protein sources of varying levels of rumen bypass protein (UIP) on cow body condition, weight gain, pregnancy rate, lactation and calf performance. Sources of high bypass protein included fish meal and blood meal. Additionally, a treatment containing supplemental fat was compared to a control diet.
Projects completed in 2002
Effects of age at calving and prepubertal dietary protein level on reproductive and maternal characteristics of replacement beef heifers.(11/10/99-11/10/02; COMPLETED). W. J. Sexten, D. B. Faulkner, F. A. Ireland, and J. M. Dahlquist. This study is designed to determine if calving at earlier ages (18 or 22 months of age) versus 24 months will impact the replacement beef heifers' maternal or reproductive abilities at first and subsequent parturitions. Additionally, the experiment will evaluate the impact of dietary protein level fed during the prepubertal period on first and subsequent lactations of replacement beef heifers. Calving heifers earlier has the potential to reduce the cost of producing replacement heifers and would allow for the use of heifers in a calving heifer system where they are finished for high quality beef after early weaning their calves.