University of Arkansas Community College at Hope

Abstract The objective was to evaluate growth performance and estimates of body composition in offspring of dams that consumed diets containing tall fescue seed with (E+) or without (E-) the toxic endophyte and with or without melatonin during mid-late gestation. Pregnant heifers (n = 57) artificially inseminated with sex-sorted semen (X chromosome-bearing sperm) from a single Angus sire were administered dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial treatment arrangement (E- without melatonin, E-/NM; E- with melatonin, E-/M; E+ without melatonin, E+/NM; or E+ with melatonin, E+/M; melatonin dose: 100 µg/kg of BW) for a 70-day period between May and July starting at 160±13 d of gestation to mimic ergot alkaloid concentrations in a grazing scenario. All diets contained corn gluten and molasses and were fed using SmartFeed Pro (C-Lock Inc.) controlled feeding units between 0900 and2 1200 h daily. Cattle were removed from dietary treatments 39 ± 19 d before calving. Two replicates were housed separately in an open-air barn, each with a 1.2-ha paddock. Prior to and following the 70-d treatment period, all cattle were maintained as a single group free from toxic fescue. Calves were weaned at 226 ± 19 d of age. Gestation length, calf birth weight, 205-day adjusted weaning weight (205-d WW), carcass ultrasonography measures (ribeye area, REA; REA/CWT; percent intramuscular fat, IMF; rib fat thickness, UFAT; rump fat thickness, URUMP), post-weaning weights (recorded every 28 d between weaning and 84 d post-weaning), and post-weaning ADG (between weaning and 84 d post-weaning) were evaluated in offspring (n = 44). Post-weaning calf weights were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS specific for repeated measures with treatment and time as fixed effects and replicate as random. All other variables were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect and replicate as random with gestation length as a covariate for birth weight. Gestation length, birth weight, 205-d WW, and post-weaning calf weight were decreased (P < 0.04) in offspring of dams that consumed E+ relative to E- during gestation. Birth weight was increased (P = 0.02) in offspring of dams receiving melatonin relative to those without melatonin during gestation. The 205-d WW and REA were decreased in calves born to E+/NM dams relative to E-/NM, E-/M, and E+/M (P < 0.03). Post-weaning weight tended to be decreased in calves born to E+/NM dams relative to E-/NM, E-/M, and E+/M (P = 0.06). The UFAT tended to be decreased (P = 0.06) in offspring of dams that consumed E+ relative to E- during gestation. There were no other effects of treatment, time or the interaction (P > 0.10). To our knowledge, these preliminary results are the first to evaluate the potential of melatonin as a therapeutic to recover performance losses in offspring born to pregnant cattle consuming toxic fescue.

Abstract The objective was to assess heifer weight and reproduction response to a peanut skins plus corn supplement during spring wheat grazing. In spring of 2021 and 2022, 10 and 8 pastures (1.62 ha/pasture) of fall overseeded wheat were randomly assigned to supplement (SUP) or control (CONT) constrained to the same number of replications per treatment. Pastures were stocked with 6 heifers/pasture each year. The initial goal was to use peanut skins as a single ingredient; however, testing palatability in year 1, before spring grazing, demonstrated a need to create a mixed supplement for improved acceptance. Over 5 weeks from initiation of grazing to breeding, heifers were transitioned from a 33:67 to a 50:50 peanut skins:corn mix. Supplement was offered at 0.5% BW, as-fed, at the start of spring wheat grazing in early March. An additional 2.4% and 8.3% inclusion of dried molasses was incorporated to further enhance acceptance in year 1 and 2, respectively. Estrus synchronization (ES) began March 31 and April 5 for each year. Data were analyzed across year with year considered as a random effect and pasture the experimental unit. Initial weight was 12 ± 5.8kg greater (P = 0.05) for SUP. Weight at ES tended (P = 0.11) to be 9.4 ± 5.55kg greater for SUP. Reproduction tract score was similar (P = 0.55), averaging 4.2 ± 0.13, and heifers were of similar (P = 0.33) age (405 ± 4.1 days) at time of insemination. Average daily gain from initial wheat grazing until removal for natural service breeding did not differ between treatments (P = 0.92) and averaged 1.0 ± 0.21 kg. Body condition score was similar (P = 0.43) at ES and averaged 5.7 ± 0.7. The heavier initial BW of SUP heifers was sustained through wheat grazing (P = 0.05). Ultrasound determined pregnancies averaged 66.7 and 50.0 ± 6.6% for SUP and CONT, respectively, for an odds ratio of 2.1 ± 0.79 (P = 0.08) at 30 days after insemination. Overall pregnancy rates following natural service averaged 88.9 and 79.6 ± 4.88% for SUP and CONT, respectively with an odds ratio of 2.1±1.12 (P=0.19). High dietary protein has been associated with reduced reproductive performance. Using the peanut skins plus corn supplement was hypothesized to improve reproduction on a high protein diet due to the possible effect of peanut skins tannins on dietary protein utilization and corn altering the rumen degradable protein to organic matter ratio. While the fixed time artificial insemination pregnancy rates for CONT would not be considered poor, there was a tendency for SUP to secure more pregnancies among heifers of similar age, reproductive tract score, and body condition.

Our objective was to review the literature related to the health and management of newly received cattle published since a previous review by Duff and Galyean (2007). Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be a major challenge for the beef industry. Depending on disease severity, animals treated for BRD have decreased performance and lowered carcass value. Diagnosis of BRD is less effective than desired, and progress on developing real-time, chute-side methods to diagnose BRD has been limited. Systems that combine lung auscultation with temperature and body weight data show promise. Assessment of blood metabolites and behavior monitoring offer potential for early identification of morbid animals. Vaccination and metaphylaxis continue to be important tools for the prevention and control of BRD, but antimicrobial resistance is a concern with antibiotic use. Dietary energy concentration and roughage source and level continue to be important topics. Mineral supplementation has received considerable attention, particularly the use of organic vs. inorganic sources and injectable minerals or drenches given on arrival. The use of probiotics and prebiotics for newly received cattle has shown variable results, but further research is warranted. The health and nutrition of newly received cattle will continue to be an important research area in the years to come.

Abstract Growing appreciation of biodiversity and the role of apex predators, along with the increasing popularity of multispecies and trophy-oriented angling, has elevated the status of gars—in particular, the Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula—among anglers and biologists alike. As a result, considerable effort has been spent in recent years to gain a working knowledge of the biology and ecology of the species in order to advance science-based management. In January 2019, the Alligator Gar Technical Committee of the Southern Division of the American Fisheries Society hosted a symposium entitled “Advances in the Conservation and Management of North American Gars” to showcase the results of research and management efforts conducted throughout the species’ range. Fishery researchers and managers presented a diversity of works, furthering our understanding of population dynamics, stock assessment, genetics, hatchery practices and stocking, habitat use, and angler desires associated with Alligator Gar fisheries. In our introduction to this special section, we introduce these works and provide a synthesis of the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the Alligator Gar. We hope that this will provide context to the works presented in the symposium and will serve to guide the development of future research that addresses the remaining knowledge gaps concerning the species and its growing fishery.

Planting date of small grains can have a large impact on forage production, and thus animal production potential. The objectives of this research were to determine the effect of small grain planting date and tillage system on forage production and animal performance over 3-yr. Dedicated wheat fields (1.6 ha) were established using conventional tillage (CT) or no-till (NT) methods following summer fallow. Establishment occurred on 15 August (EARLY, n = 8 NT), on 1 September (MID, n = 3 CT and n = 8 NT) or 15 September (LATE, n = 3 CT and n = 8 NT). Steers grazed during the fall (n = 338, BW = 249 ± 23.7 kg) and spring (n = 678, BW = 280 ± 44.9 kg) grazing periods, with an initial forage allowance of 3.7 ± 0.14 and 1.8 ± 0.09 kg forage DM/kg steer BW in the fall and spring, respectively. Data were analyzed as a RCBD with year as the random block and pasture as the experimental unit using the Mixed Procedure of SAS. Forage mass in November was least (P < 0.01) for LATE NT, with forage mass not differing (P ≥ 0.09) among treatments during the remainder of the fall grazing period. In the spring, forage mass in April was greatest (P ≤ 0.01) for LATE CT and least (P ≤ 0.01) for MID CT and in May forage mass for LATE planted CT and NT was greater than MID CT and EARLY NT. In the fall, steers began grazing MID NT wheat pastures 5 d after MID CT pastures. Fall grazing of LATE NT started 6 d and 11 d later than MID NT and MID CT, respectively. Although ADG were less (P ≤ 0.03) for CT LATE than all NT plantings, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.25) in total gain per steer during the fall. Steers grazing MID CT in the spring had the least (P ≤ 0.02) ADG, MID and LATE NT had the greatest (P ≤ 0.05) ADG, while ADG of LATE CT and EARLY NT were intermediate (P ≤ 0.05). Total BW gain per hectare was greatest (P ≤ 0.03) for MID NT and EARLY NT did not differ (P ≥ 0.17) from LATE CT or NT. Planting NT pastures EARLY did not result in improved forage or livestock productivity. If planting is delayed, using CT appears to be more productive than NT.

Crossbred steers (n = 56, BW = 259 ± 13.0 kg) were blocked by location, stratified by BW, and assigned randomly to either grass-based finishing system (FORAGE) or conventionally feedlot finished (GRAIN). Cattle were reared together from weaning through a stocker phase, then FORAGE were grazed on mixed pastures and supplemented 1% BW of grain and GRAIN were shipped to a feedlot until harvest. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with calf as the experimental unit for analysis of all dependent variables. Body weight gain from weaning to the start of finishing did not differ (P ≥ 0.41). Midpoint of finishing BW was greater (P < 0.01) in GRAIN than FORAGE (517 vs. 480 ± 42.4 kg). Days on feed were greater (P < 0.01) in FORAGE compared with GRAIN (172 vs. 132 ± 7.76 d). Final BW was greater (P < 0.01) in GRAIN compared with FORAGE (653 vs. 594 ± 12.2 kg). Overall finishing ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in GRAIN compared to FORAGE (2.0 vs. 1.1 ± .06 kg/d). Yield grades were not affected (P = 0.14) by treatment. Quality grades were affected (P < 0.01) by treatment as percentage of USDA Choice carcasses were 43% for FORAGE and 86% for GRAIN; whereas USDA Select were 57% (FORAGE) and 11% (GRAIN), respectively. Percent of 80:20 (lean:fat) was greater (P < 0.01) in FORAGE compared to GRAIN. Subprimal weights and values for longissimus dorsi (112A) and longissimus lumborum (180A), were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in GRAIN compared to FORAGE. Percent lean was greater (P < 0.01) in GRAIN (65.4%) compared to FORAGE (60.65%). Percent fat was similar (P = 0.14) between treatments. Total carcass value was greater (P < 0.01) in GRAIN ($1,551 ± 33.40 /carcass) compared with FORAGE ($1,081 ± 35.70 /carcass). GRAIN increased (P < 0.01) carcass value/kg compared to FORAGE ($180 vs. $141 ± 5.00/45 kg). Feeding cost was greater (P < 0.01) in GRAIN ($605 ± 91.48/ steer) compared to FORAGE ($491 ± 92.00/steer). Net returns were increased (P < 0.01) for GRAIN ($946 ± 100.2/steer) compared to FORAGE ($590 ± 101.1/steer). FORAGE fed beef may be a viable option in producing profitable returns; however, conventional system of feeding cattle resulted in greater return on investment in the current study.

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of feeding OmniGen-AF (OG; Phibro Animal Health Corp., Teaneck, NJ) to mature cows (n = 112) and primiparous heifers (n = 48) from 60 d before calving to breeding and to their calves in creep feeds for 90 d before weaning on calf performance. Mature cows were randomized into 16 pasture groups by age and heifers were randomized into 4 pasture groups at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center from 60 d prior projected calving to breeding (December 15, 2015, through May 2, 2016). Corn gluten feed was supplemented to all cows at 1.4 kg·cow−1·d−1, prorated for 5 d/wk feeding (2.5 kg/cow). Cows were fed OG a daily rate of 4 g/45.4 kg. Calves (n = 146) were born between February 10 and April 15, with an average calving date of March 1. Creep feed (67% soybean hulls and 33% corn gluten feed, as-fed basis) was offered at 1% BW from July 14 through October 7, 2016. Calves were offered OG at a daily rate of 4 g/45.4 kg in the creep feed. A subset of heifer calves in each pasture (n = 3/pasture) were inserted with an intravaginal device containing a temperature data recorder for a 9-d period during September, and core body temperatures (CBT) were recorded every 20 min. Birth date, birth weight, BW, and BW change of calves were recorded and analyzed as CRD by ANOVA, using the mixed procedure of SAS. Fixed effects included treatment, parity group, and the treatment × parity interaction, with sire (AI vs. natural service) and birth date included as covariables and pasture within treatment as the random effect. Analysis of CBT was conducted as a repeated measures analysis by hour with day as the repeated measure and calf as the subject. Calves supplemented with OG gained more BW (P = 0.03) than control calves during the creep feeding period (80.7 vs. 72.5 kg, respectively); however, BW at weaning did not differ (P = 0.27). A treatment × hour interaction (P < 0.01) for CBT was observed, with OG-supplemented heifers having numerically lower CBT (−0.7°C; P = 0.19) at 1400 h than control heifers. Providing OG in the creep diet of calves was shown to have a positive influence on BW gain before weaning. Numerically lower CBT may indicate less heat stress in OG-supplemented calves, but more research is needed to further substantiate these effects.

Annuals can provide short-term grazing between crop rotations or can be interseeded into perennial pastures to increase forage quality and productivity. They provide an opportunity to increase the economic and environmental sustainability of traditional grazing systems. However, to be profitable, annuals must produce a significant amount of highly nutritious forage within a short time (3 – 6 months). In a 2-yr plot study, 70 d after planting, rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and turnip (B. rapa L.) produced 1,484 and 1,023 kg DM/ha, respectively. The CP, NDF, and ADF were similar for both forages (average of 26.2, 17.9, and 13.8%, respectively). Daily production of CH4 and CH4 per gram of NDF fed were 84 and 80% lower, respectively, in turnip and rapeseed compared with annual ryegrass (ARG; Lolium multiforum Lam.) when fed in continuous culture. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)/ARG, triticale (× Triticosecale)/ARG, and wheat/triticale/ARG pastures provided similar grazing days per hectare, ADG, and cost of gain (375 d/ha, 1.44 kg/d, and $1.46/kg BW, respectively) in a grazing study in the Gulf Coast region. No-till (NT) establishment was shown to be as effective as conventional tillage for establishing small grain pastures in the Ozark Plateaus. Furthermore, stocker performance during the fall was not affected by tillage treatment, but during the spring grazeout, BW gain per hectare was 8% greater in NT pastures. Research in Southern Piedmont has shown that brown mid-rib sorghum-sudangrass (BMR SSG; Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor × bicolor var. sudanense) and pearl millet [PM; Pennisteum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] with crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] tended to have greater ADG (0.98 kg/d) than sorghum-sudangrass or PM alone (0.85 kg/d). Feeding of BMR SSG reduced daily production of CH4 and CH4 per gram of NDF fed by 66 and 50%, respectively, compared with a perennial cool-season forage in continuous culture. Additional research in the Southern Piedmont has shown that interseeding of cool- and warm-season annuals into a perennial pasture reduced the concentration of NO3-N and PO4-P in runoff by 50 and 36%, respectively. Annuals not only provide economic incentives to producers, but also potentially reduce nutrient runoff, increase soil cover, increase soil carbon sequestration, and decrease enteric CH4 emissions. However, establishment method, grazing management, and weather conditions all play important roles in the productivity and environmental impact of these systems. Further research is needed to better characterize how management and climatic conditions impact the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of grazing annuals.