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EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL VITAMIN E AND OIL SOURCE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PRECONDITIONED BEEF CALVES

Applied Research

Randy Mills
Pilot Rock

Abstract

\r\n    Sixty-four Angus-cross calves were used to evaluate supplemental vitamin E with or without supplemental oil sources during a 35-day preconditioning period on subsequent feedlot gain and immune response.  Preconditioning dietary treatments were: CON (corn-soybean meal base diet), SE (base diet plus 68 IU supplemental vitamin E per lb diet), ELA (SE diet plus 1.5% safflower oil), and ELNA (SE diet plus 1.5% linseed oil).  Following preconditioning, calves were shipped to a commercial finishing feedyard. On arrival at the feedyard and again at 20 days post-arrival, all calves received a modified live intranasal vaccine for Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Parainfluenza-3 (PI3) to stimulate an immune response.  No differences (P>0.10) were detected for ADG (1.32, 1.14, 1.48, and 1.18 lbs/day respectively for CON, SE, ELA, and ELNA) during the preconditioning period or the finishing period (2.61, 2.62, 2.59, and 2.46 lbs/day respectively for CON, SE, ELA, and ELNA).  There were no differences in carcass characteristics across dietary treatments (P>0.10).  Morbidity rates were less than 1% and consistent across treatments.  Supplementation of vitamin E resulted in greater amounts of IBR titer at day 35 and day 36 (P<0.05).  The SE calves had higher PI3 titers (P<0.05) at day 35 compared to ELA or ELNA calves.  However, no differences (P>0.10) were detected for PI3 titers after the preconditioning period.  Supplementation of preconditioning diets with vitamin E with or without dietary essential fatty acids showed limited improvement in subsequent feedlot gain or immune response indicators in weaned beef calves.  

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: R.R. Mills, C.J. Mueller, C. Sexson
  1. Mills, R. Extension Livestock Agent, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97801
  2. Mueller, C. Assistant Professor, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97883
  3. Sexson, C. Former Manager, Soap Creek Ranch, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97331