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EFFECTS OF ANGUS SIRE LINE AND BACKGROUNDING DIET ON BEEF CATTLE PROGENY POST WEANING PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS VALUE

Applied Research

Randy Mills
Pilot Rock

Abstract

\r\n    One hundred seven Angus-sired calves were backgrounded for 45 days on either a starch-based or fiber-based diet and finished in a commercial feedyard to evaluate the impact of two Angus sire lines and backgrounding diet on post weaning performance and carcass value.  The two sire lines were represented by a conventional grain-based developed sire typical of US production (CONV) and a forage-based developed sire typical of New Zealand production (FORAGE).  During the 45 day backgrounding period the primary dietary energy source was rolled barley (starch-based diet) or soybean hulls (fiber-based diet).  Following backgrounding, calves were finished in a commercial feedyard in a common pen on a typical starch-based finishing ration.   Sire line had no effect on backgrounding ADG (0.93 and 1.08 lbs/day) or final backgrounding weight (749 and 732 lbs) for CONV and FORAGE respectively, P>0.10.  There were no diet type x sire line interactions during the backgrounding period (P>0.10).  During the finishing period, CONV calves had higher ADG (3.64 vs. 3.43 lb/day; P=0.06) and heavier final weights at harvest (1312 vs. 1254 lbs; P=0.03).  The CONV calves had heavier carcass weights (P<0.02), larger ribeye areas (P<0.04), and higher marbling scores (P<0.001) than FORAGE calves.  The FORAGE calves had more backfat (P<0.02) and a higher numerical USDA yield grade (P<0.05).  There was no backgrounding diet type x sire line interaction during the finishing period (P>0.10).  Our results indicate no economical advantage for calves in conventional US starch-based feeding systems from Angus sire lines developed from forage based systems.  

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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, T. DelCurto
  1. Mills, R. Extension Livestock Agent, Oregon State University Extension Service, Umatilla County, Oregon, 97801
  2. Mueller, C. Assistant Professor, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97883
  3. DelCurto, T. Director, Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Oregon State University, Oregon, 97883