Management systems for Holstein steers that utilize alfalfa silage and improve carcass value.
Two trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of two-phase feeding systems using alfalfa silage or pasture on the performance and carcass characteristics of Holstein steers. During the growing phase (98 d) of Trial 1, steers received alfalfa silage at either 40, 22, or 7% of the DMI. During the growing phase of Trial 2, steers received alfalfa silage at either 39 or 8% of their DMI (140 d) or grazed an orchardgrass/ryegrass pasture (175 d). During the finishing phase, all steers received a 90% concentrate diet until they reached a small degree of marbling at the 12th rib as predicted by ultrasonic attenuation. In Trial 1, one-half were initially implanted with zeranol and reimplanted with trenbolone acetate and estradiol (TBA+E) after 98 d. In Trial 2, one-half were implanted twice with TBA+E at a 120-d interval. Trial 1 average daily gains (kilograms) for the 40, 22, and 7% alfalfa silage treatments were 1.14, 1.25, and 1.38 in Period 1 (all different from each other at P less than .05); 1.31, 1.34, and 1.19 in Period 2; and 1.25, 1.25, and 1.26 overall. Trial 2 average daily gains (kilograms) for the 39, 8, and pasture treatments were 1.50, 1.71, and .92 for Period 1 (all different from each other at P less than .05); .93, .75, 1.11 for Period 2 (all different from each other at P less than .05); and 1.16, 1.17, and 1.03 overall (pasture different at P less than .05). No consistent effects of diet or implant on carcass characteristics were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ainslie
S J
SJ
Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
Fox
D G
DG
Perry
T C
TC
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D045930:Anabolic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects; D001947:Breeding; D002417:Cattle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D004343:Drug Implants; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000187:drug effects; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D008460:Meat / Q000592:standards; D000455:Medicago sativa; D012820:Silage; D014204:Trenbolone Acetate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D045930:Anabolic Agents; D004343:Drug Implants; D004958:Estradiol; D014204:Trenbolone Acetate