Translational Animal Science最新文献

{"title":"Short communication: performance of beef cows fed Kernza intermediate wheatgrass straw mixed with alfalfa haylage.","authors":"Dante M Pizarro, Arin Crooks, Michel A Wattiaux, Valentin D Picasso","doi":"10.1093/tas/txaf131","DOIUrl":"10.1093/tas/txaf131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kernza intermediate wheatgrass (<i>Thinopyrum intermedium</i> [Host] Barkworth & D.R. Dewey) is a novel dual-use perennial grain and forage crop with environmental and economic benefits for farmers. Perennial crop byproducts, such as Kernza straw, have been suggested as an alternative forage source in livestock systems. However, there is limited information on cattle performance offered Kernza straw. Therefore, our study assessed the performance of mature beef cows fed Kernza straw mixed with a haylage composed of alfalfa (<i>Medicago sativa</i> L.) and cool-season grasses. Grasses included orchardgrass (<i>Dactylis glomerata</i> L.), meadow fescue (<i>Festuca pratensis</i> L.) and Kentucky bluegrass (<i>Poa pratensis</i> L.). Two feeding trials conducted in two different years were performed with 36 pregnant Angus cows (<i>Bos taurus</i>) in six pens of six animals each in a completely randomized design with three replications. Dietary treatments included: (i) a 100% grass-alfalfa haylage (control), and (ii) a 50% Kernza straw - 50% grass-alfalfa haylage. Average daily gain was lower in the Kernza straw cows than in the control group (0.41 vs 0.92 kg day^-1) in Trial 1 (<i>P </i>= 0.02) with no differences in Trial 2 (<i>P </i>= 0.13). Daily dry matter intake did not change in Trial 1 (<i>P </i>= 0.08), while for the cows offered Kernza straw it was reduced from 12.9 to 11.3 kg cow^-1day^-1 in Trial 2 (<i>P</i> < 0.01). There were no changes in body condition among cows fed different diets in both trials (<i>P </i>> 0.05). Therefore, 50% Kernza straw can be successfully used in beef cow diets at least for 60 days without negative impacts on animal performance and potential economic and environmental benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txaf131"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12967033/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147378670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The esterase metabolism of the death camas alkaloids, 3-angeloylzygadenine and 3-veratroylzygadenine to zygadenine in sheep.","authors":"Benedict T Green, Stephen T Lee, Clinton A Stonecipher, Kevin D Welch, Daniel Cook","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Foothill death camas [<i>Zigadenus paniculatus</i>; or <i>Toxicoscordion paniculatum</i>] is one of about 15 death camas species in North America that is poisonous to grazing livestock. The major toxins in death camas are zygadenine and zygacine, the 3-acetyl ester of zygadenine. However, during plant flower to seed pod growth stages, 3-angeloylzygadenine and 3-veratroylzygadenine become major alkaloids in these reproductive tissues. We hypothesized that 3-angeloylzygadenine, and 3-veratroylzygadenine would be metabolized by esterases in liver, plasma, and rumen to zygadenine. Three death camas alkaloids, zygacine (as a positive control), 3-angeloylzygadenine, and 3-veratroylzygadenine were evaluated with in vitro rumen, plasma and liver S9 incubations. Results from these experiments indicated that 3-veratroylzygadenine was metabolized but not 3-angeloylzygadenine. To confirm the in vitro metabolism results, sheep were orally dosed death camas plant material containing only the reproductive parts of the plants, blood was collected by venipuncture, and alkaloid concentrations measured. The metabolism of 3-veratroylzygadenine but not 3-angeloylzygadenine was confirmed with the in vivo sheep dosing experiments, and we accepted our esterase metabolism hypothesis for 3-veratroylzygadenine.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag045"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127411/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Production, pricing, and incentives in the fetal bovine serum market.","authors":"Angela N Jungbluth, B Wade Brorsen, Derrell S Peel","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag044","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fetal bovine serum (FBS) is a valuable byproduct of cattle production, critical for vaccines, cell therapy, and other cell growth applications. Despite its value, cattle producers are not given incentives to increase FBS supply. This paper describes the FBS production process and investigates the economic and institutional barriers to increasing FBS production. The marketing channels and production process are described by interviews with industry employees. Opinions from these interviews led us to the hypothesis that concerns about the public's reaction to the animal welfare implications in the production of FBS are the primary cause for the market inefficiency of FBS. Production budgets show revenue potential and industry costs. To identify existing market incentives, least squares mean regression are used on replacement and slaughter cow auction price data. Results from the budget analysis show a positive net revenue from a pregnant cow, yet the results of the least squares regression show no significant incentives to produce a pregnant cow. This suggests that pregnant cows are not incentivized, regardless of the positive returns available, which aligns with interview responses that state animal welfare concerns stop purposeful production of pregnant cows for FBS production. While pregnant cows receive slightly higher prices, the premiums pale in comparison to the potential value of FBS. The budgets show potential profits of $908 per cow that is found to have a 23-kg fetus, but a maximum of $56.47 increase in premium for a cow that is further along in the pregnancy (7-9 months pregnant vs. 1-3 months pregnant) and would produce more serum. The current lack of incentives could be problematic for the future of FBS supply based on current short-term trends in the cattle markets.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag044"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127408/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management practices of five U.S. sheep breeds: insights from a producer survey.","authors":"Hilal Yazar Gunes, Thomas W Murphy, Carrie S Wilson, Bradley A Freking, Joan M Burke, Joshua Bret Taylor, Luiz F Brito, Ronald M Lewis","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Management practices can substantially influence animal performance, health, and potentially the robustness of genetic evaluation programs. Yet, despite their importance, these practices remain poorly documented in U.S. sheep breeds. This study provides a snapshot of current management strategies among flocks enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). The NSIP represents an important segment of the U.S. sheep industry engaged in data-orientated genetic improvement. We designed a survey of 53 questions considering seven domains, including general flock management, gastrointestinal nematode control, lambing, feeding, udder health, culling, and climate mitigation strategies. We distributed the online survey to 242 NSIP producers and observed a 40% completion rate. Respondents represented five major breeds: Katahdin (<i>n</i> = 50), Polypay (<i>n</i> = 21), Suffolk (<i>n</i> = 13), Rambouillet (<i>n</i> = 8), and Targhee (<i>n</i> = 5). Responses from Rambouillet and Targhee producers were combined into a fine-wool group. Survey results were compared among breeds using Fisher's exact test. Breed-specific patterns emerged across most management domains, reflecting distinct production goals, geographies, climatic pressures, and historical selection priorities. Significant differences among breeds were found for 27 of the 53 survey responses. For instance, the reasons ewes were culled varied by breed (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Udder health problems were ranked as the primary culling reason for Katahdin (62.0%), Polypay (76.2%), and Suffolk (76.9%) producers; fine-wool producers, however, most often cited age (53.8%) as their primary culling reason. Ram lamb castration practices also differed by breed (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Over 90% of Katahdin producers did not routinely castrate ram lambs while fewer Polypay (20%), Suffolk (46%), and fine-wool (23%) flock owners left all male lambs intact. This study was the first nationwide survey to compare management practices across five major U.S. sheep breeds among producers engaged in a formal genetic evaluation program. These results provide a benchmark for understanding a key component of production environments-how animals are managed-while also providing opportunities for breed-specific extension programming and alignment of genetic evaluation programs with on-farm or on-ranch practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag041"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13089442/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of dose timing schedule on live performance, carcass cutting yields, and fat quality of market gilts managed using GnRF immunization.","authors":"B M Bohrer, B Hansen, D S Pollmann, K A Vonnahme, L Van De Weyer, A Aldaz","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dose timing on live performance, carcass cutting yields, and fat quality of gilts managed using GnRF immunization. The 15-week study began when 1056 gilts (11 weeks old; average starting weight of 31.7 kg) were allocated by weight to 48 pens, with 22 gilts per pen. Experimental treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial, with main effects of the interval between dose 1 and dose 2 of the GnRF immunization (4 or 6 weeks; interval between doses) and the interval between dose 2 and marketing [weighted averages of 49 days (long) or 35 days (short); marketing interval]. Age and days on feed were consistent among treatment groups, and pigs were marketed using a similar strategy, in which the heaviest 3-5 pigs from each pen were marketed during study week 12, the next heaviest 3-5 pigs from each pen were marketed during study week 14, and the remaining pigs in each pen were marketed during study week 15. Hot carcass weight and optical probe readings were collected at slaughter. Following slaughter, 283 carcasses (target of 24 per treatment for each marketing event) were selected for evaluation of carcass cutting yields and meat quality. There were limited interactions between interval between doses and marketing interval, with nonsignificant interactions (<i>P</i> ≥ 0.07) observed for average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain: feed (G: F) ratio during the grow-finish period, as well as for hot carcass weight, backfat thickness, and carcass primal weights. Overall, this study illustrated the trade-offs associated with altering the time from dose 2 to marketing. From a live production standpoint, there were significant differences (<i>P</i> < 0.01) in time from dose 2 to marketing for ADFI and feed efficiency (F: G ratio), with the short marketing interval resulting in lower ADFI (2.47 vs. 2.53 kg) and improved F: G (2.69 vs. 2.74) compared with the long marketing interval. From a meat processing standpoint, differences in fat deposition were observed for marketing interval. The long marketing interval resulted in 0.78 mm greater backfat thickness, 0.15 kg heavier trimmed bellies, a 1.30-unit lower iodine value, and firmer bellies compared with the short marketing interval. Thus, producers utilizing GnRF immunization for gilts should closely monitor the interval between dose 2 and marketing to optimize live performance and carcass quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag043"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Milkability in dam-calf contact systems.","authors":"Julia Rell, Katharina A Zipp, Cornelia Buchli","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dam-calf contact (DCC) rearing is a form of cow-calf contact (CCC) in which dairy cows nurse their calves for some months until weaning while additionally being milked throughout lactation. Growing implementation, consumer demands, and research interest indicate that CCC and DCC are viable systems for the dairy industry. However, machine milking in these systems presents notable challenges with multifactorial drivers. Those are discussed in this review based on current scientific knowledge regarding milking in nursing dams: Machine milk yield (MMY), flow and fat content of the harvested milk are reduced compared to non-nursing controls while protein and lactose levels vary and udder health is unaffected or improved. In systems with full-time DCC, relative MMY reduction can reach 60-70% during the nursing period whereas highly restrictive suckling regimes cause smaller MMY losses but may not meet the calf's nutritional needs. Post-weaning and lactation MMY can be reduced or unaffected. Low udder fills at the start of milking delay milk let-down potentially conflicting with standardized milking procedures and machine settings. A 0.5-1.5% decline in milk fat concentration indicates incomplete milk ejection and incomplete udder emptying which can further reduce MMY. These effects likely reflect a disturbance of the milk ejection reflex, as in nursing dams, suckling is a more potential stimulus for oxytocin (OT) release than milking. Underlying central mechanisms of inhibited OT release at milking in nursing dams may be related to the cow-calf bond affecting the dams' oxytocinergic system but the complexity of required experimental set-ups compromises research in cattle. In bonded dams, multisensory stimulation by the calf may be a stronger trigger for OT release than the milking procedure. Further, separation from the calf during milking and dam-individual variation regarding the ability to release milk in response to machine stimulation may play a role. Zooming out, social scientific studies reveal that DCC farmers see poor milkability as an unsolved challenge. However, it is not limited to nursing dams, as stress affects milk ejection. To quantify incomplete udder emptying, research should refine strip milk fat analysis for on-farm use. Cow-individual milk ejection dynamics must be better understood to assess if breeding for better milk let-down in response to machine milking while maintaining good maternity traits can improve milkability in DCC systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag040"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13131941/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147821194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of fixed and changing forage NDF levels on intake, growth performance, and carcass traits of Nellore bulls in the feedlot.","authors":"Mailza Gonçalves de Souza, Filipe Araújo Canêdo Mendonça, João Pedro Azevedo Ventorin, Guilherme Ortega Zulim, Matheus Copeli Garcia, Rafael Rodrigues Afonso, Daniel Júdice Gonçalves, Dante Pazzanese Duarte Lanna","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Greater concentrate and reduced fiber intake may induce metabolic disorders, such as acidosis, laminitis, and gastrointestinal inflammation, thereby impairing growth performance. This study evaluated the effects of fixed and changing fNDF inclusion on growth performance, intake, digestion, and carcass traits of Nellore bulls during the feedlot. After a 21-day adaptation, 56 intact males (initial body weight (BW) = 460 ± 38 kg; 20 months) were fed for 100 days in a completely randomized design. Data were analyzed across three periods. During the first period (0-50 days), animals received diets containing either 12% or 7% fNDF. In the second period (51-100 days), one pen per treatment remained on the same diet, whereas the others switched fNDF levels (12→7% or 7→12% fNDF). Over the 100-day trial, animals were evaluated individually. Corn silage was the sole forage source, and data were analyzed using SAS. During the first 50 days, bulls fed 12% fNDF exhibited greater ADG (1.71 vs 1.43 kg/d; <i>P</i> = 0.01), DMI (10.97 vs 10.00 kg/d; <i>P</i> = 0.01), feed efficiency (0.154 vs 0.138; <i>P</i> = 0.04), Net energy for gain (NEg) (9.96 vs 7.93 Mcal/d; <i>P</i> = 0.01), and dry matter intake for gain (DMIg) (7.12 vs 6.01 kg/d; <i>P</i> = 0.01) compared with those fed 7% fNDF. From 51 to 100 days, DMI was greater for 12% fNDF than for 7% fNDF, whereas diets that switched fNDF levels did not differ from each other. Across the 100-day period, 12% and 12→7% fNDF resulted in greater DMI and DMIg than 7% and 7→12% fNDF (<i>P</i> = 0.01). Carcass traits and water intake were unaffected by treatment (<i>P</i> > 0.05). Fecal pH was greater in animals fed 12% fNDF during the first period, whereas after dietary changes, fecal pH of the 12→7% fNDF treatment was similar to that of 7% and 7→12% fNDF. Over the entire trial, fecal starch concentration and starch digestibility differed between the 12→7% and 7→12% fNDF treatments (<i>P</i> < 0.01), with greater fecal starch concentration and reduced starch digestibility observed in the 12→7% fNDF treatment. The hypothesis that increased dietary fiber would improve growth performance over the entire feedlot was not confirmed. Overall, diets containing 12% fNDF enhanced ADG, DMI, and feed efficiency during the first 50 days of the feedlot, but these advantages were not maintained throughout the 100-day trial.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag030"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13070678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147677059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lactation performance of Holstein dairy cows fed diets with or without an annual forage mix silage.","authors":"Matthew S Akins, Hidir Gumus, Luiz F Ferraretto","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag042","DOIUrl":"10.1093/tas/txag042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The use of annual forage mixes (sorghum-sudangrass, Italian ryegrass, and cool-season legumes) in dairy cropping rotations have increased, however research has not evaluated its use in dairy cattle rations and impacts on feed intake and milk production. Our objective was to compare the performance, nutrient digestibility, and gaseous emissions of lactating Holstein cows fed a diet containing either an annual forage mix silage (sorghum-sudangrass, Italian ryegrass, clovers) or an alfalfa-grass silage. Thirty-two primiparous Holstein cows (96 ± 38 d in milk) were stratified by days in milk then randomly assigned to one of two treatment diets (16 cows/treatment) containing either alfalfa-grass silage (Control) or annual forage mix silage (Mix) at 18.3% of diet dry matter (DM). Diets contained corn silage at 29.2% of DM with other ingredients balanced to achieve similar protein concentration. Cows were randomly assigned to individual feeding gates in 2 pens with diets fed to separate pens to avoid animal injuries at feeding. A 2-wk baseline period with all cows fed Control was followed by an 8-wk treatment period with cows fed assigned treatments. Dry matter intake (DMI) was affected by an interaction of treatment and time (<i>P</i> < 0.01) with Control having numerically greater DMI the first 4 wks, then Mix having numerically greater DMI thereafter. Cows fed Control produced more milk (<i>P</i> = 0.03) than Mix (38.0 vs 36.9 kg/d), however energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield was similar (40.8 vs 40.2 kg/d; <i>P</i> = 0.51). Efficiency of ECM production was similar the first 6 wks of study (<i>P</i> > 0.10); however, cows fed Control had improved ECM efficiency the last 2 wks (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Total-tract digestibility of DM and starch were greater for Control (<i>P</i> < 0.01), while Mix had greater neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Methane production (<i>P</i> = 0.02) and yield (<i>P</i> < 0.01) were lower for cows fed Mix (411 g/d and 15.2 g/kg DMI) than Control (450 g/d and 16.8 g/kg DMI). The use of Mix increased NDF content and digestibility, which compensated for lower starch and DM digestibility to allow for similar production. Based on these results, an annual forage mix harvested at a vegetative stage (70-100 cm height) would be suitable for use in lactating dairy cow diets. Appropriate diet formulation is needed to account for lower protein when sorghum-sudangrass makes up a significant part of the mix if replacing alfalfa-grass silage.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag042"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13089638/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147723804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Beef cattle industry stakeholder understanding of structural soundness: Opportunities for education.","authors":"Megan P Greenwood, Theresa P Murphrey, Gary Briers, Jason Cleere, Summer Odom","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag032","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Structural soundness in beef cattle is a key component of animal merit that impacts livestock well-being and profitability. A survey instrument was developed by consulting extension manuals, breed association materials, and a panel of experts. Pilot testing ensured validity. Data collection occurred from August 2024 through January 2025, resulting in 466 unique survey responses across 36 states. The average knowledge test score was 69.65%. Respondents were split 59.01% male (n = 275) and 39.91% female (n = 186), with females demonstrating a significantly higher technical knowledge score (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Individuals ranging from 18 years to 75 + with varied tenure and industry background completed the instrument. Those with greater years of experience scored higher on the knowledge test (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Of respondents identifying as cow-calf producers, those involved in seedstock production scored higher than commercial cow-calf producers (<i>P</i> < 0.01). On average, participants were accurate in identifying front leg, hoof, and pastern defects, whereas questions on hindleg and overall skeletal correctness produced varied responses. Participants estimated their own knowledge of structural correctness on a 0-10 Likert scale. The average self-assigned score was 6.98 (SD = 1.83). A high percentage (67.80%) ranked structural soundness of foremost importance relative to other selection factors; those who ranked it foremost scored higher on the knowledge test (<i>P</i> < 0.01). Still, 84.44% make culling decisions based on structure. In a free-response question, respondents shared their perceptions of the most common causes of cattle soundness issues. The most prevalent responses were genetics (39.54%), structural issues not culled against (24.49%), and industry selection pressures, such as show ring demands and expected progeny differences (EPDs) (11.59%). When asked about the need for further education, 84.55% agreed that a need exists. Results provide evidence that participants find this topic relevant and applicable to their role in the beef cattle industry. These findings identify a gap in beef production stakeholders' knowledge. Efforts by educational organizations, including beef breed associations and extension programs, should focus on disseminating information on this topic.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag032"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050246/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147623756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growth performance and nutrient digestibility of beef heifers fed sorghum silage processed at harvest and stored for less than five months or over one year.","authors":"Leandro O Abdelhadi, Guillermo A Mattioli, Fredric N Owens, Nicolás DiLorenzo","doi":"10.1093/tas/txag028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txag028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the effects of feeding sorghum silage (<b>SS</b>), either processed (<b>PRO</b>) or not (<b>NPR</b>) at harvest, on animal performance, apparent total tract digestibility (<b>ATTD</b>), and in situ nutrient degradability (<b>ISND</b>). The sorghum plant was harvested when the kernels were at the hard dough stage and kernel processing was applied or not prior to ensiling. Kernel processing was done with 110-tooth rolls, at 1.1 mm gap, and 50% speed differential, yielding a theoretical length of cut of 15 mm. On a dry matter (DM) basis, diets contained 90.5% SS, 6.5% soybean expeller, and 3% vitamin-mineral supplement. Performance and ATTD trials were conducted over two consecutive years using SS stored for < 150 days (<b>Y1</b>) or > 375 days (<b>Y2</b>). In situ nutrient digestibility was assessed on samples ensiled from 0 to 455 d. Animal performance studies were conducted using 96 Angus heifers each year in a completely randomized design with 6 pens (8 heifers/pen in both years), followed by an experiment to determine ATTD using one randomly selected heifer/pen at the end of each performance study. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the Mixed procedure of SAS, with treatment as a fixed effect and initial body weight as covariate in the performance trials, and repeated measures in the ISND trial. In Y1, no differences in dry matter intake (DMI) were detected between treatments, but PRO improved final body weight and average daily gain (ADG; <i>P</i> < .02), as well as gain-to-feed ratio (<i>P</i> = .03). Apparent total tract digestibility of starch in Y1 was greater in PRO (<i>P</i> < .01), while no treatment effects were observed for NDF, ADF, or CP digestibility. In Y2, PRO increased DMI (<i>P</i> = .01), but ADG and feed efficiency were not different between treatments (<i>P</i> > .10). Nutrient intake and digestibility in Y2 were unaffected by treatments. For ISND, a treatment × day interaction was detected (<i>P</i> < .01) for DM degradability, where PRO increased DM degradability at d 66 and 202 of storage (<i>P</i> < .05). Starch degradability improved with storage time independently of processing. In conclusion, kernel processing of SS improved ADG by 15%, feed efficiency by 21%, and ATTD of starch by 8%, when compared to NPR in silage sored for < 150 d. However, processing did not provide any benefits when SS was stored > 375 days. Processing appears to enhance in situ DM degradability up to ∼300 days of storage, while starch degradability increased with storage time regardless of processing.</p>","PeriodicalId":23272,"journal":{"name":"Translational Animal Science","volume":"10 ","pages":"txag028"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13050247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147623742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}