Browsing by Author "Branine, M. E."

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Application of Feeding Behaviour to Predict Morbidity of Newly Received Calves in a Commercial Feedlot.
(2001-09) Quimby, W. F.; Sowell, Bok F.; Bowman, J. G. P; Branine, M. E.; Hubbert, M. E.; Sherwood, H. W.
The objective of this study was to use feeding behavior of newly received steers (average initial weight 191 kg) to detect morbidity in animals in a commercial feedlot. Two separate 32 d feeding trials were conducted in Wellton, Arizona, in July and November 1996. Radio frequency technology was used to record the total time spent within 50 cm of the feedbunk (animal presence every 5.25 s times 5.25 s) in 3 h intervals from 0600 to 2400 on a daily basis for 103 and 122 male calves in trial 1 and 2, respectively. Statistical procedures based on the cumulative sums (CUSUM) of the 3 h feeding intervals were used to detect morbid animals, compared with detection of animals deemed morbid by experienced pen riders. In trial 1, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 4.5 d earlier (P < 0.001) than the feedlot personnel. In trial 2, the CUSUM procedure detected animal morbidity 3.7 d earlier (P < 0.001) than feedlot pen riders. Overall accuracy, positive predictive value and sensitivity of the CUSUM prediction method were 87, 91, and 90%, respectively. Combined trial data suggest that feeding behavior during the first 30 d cattle are in a receiving pen, as collected with radio frequency technology and analyzed with CUSUM charts, may be used to detect animal morbidity approximately 4.1 d earlier (P < 0.001) than conventional methods typically employed in commercial feedlots.
Influence of Ruminally Dispensed Monensin and Forage Maturity on Intake and Digestion.
(1993-05) Fredrickson, Eddie L; Galyean, M. L.; Branine, M. E.; Sowell, Bok F.; Wallace, Joe D.
Eight ruminally cannulated crossbred steers (average weight 336 kg) grazing native blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.]) rangeland were used in a repeated measures design to evaluate effects of monensin ruminal delivery devices (MRDD) and forage phenology on ruminal digestion. Three periods were assessed: mid-August (Aug.), early October (Oct.), and mid-November (Nov.). One MRDD was placed in the reticulum of 4 steers via the ruminal cannula 21 days before each period. Intake was estimated using total fecal collections. Diet samples were collected using 3 esophageally fistualted steers. Ruminal fill was measured by ruminal exacuation; rate and extent of in situ ruminal neutral detergent fiber disappearance were estimated before ruminal evacuations. Ruminal passage rates, retention time, and apparent total tract organic matter digestibility were estimated using indigestible neutral detergent fiber. In vitro organic matter disappearance of esophageal masticate did not differ (P>.05) in Aug. and Oct. (average of 53.7%), but declined (P<.05) in Nov. (48.7%), whereas organic matter digestibility was greater (P<.10) in Aug. (62.3%) than in either Oct. (55.2%) or Nov. (53.9%). Release of monensin from the bolus (68 mg day-1) was less than expected (100 mg day-1). Intake, organic matter digestibility, ruminal passage rates, retention time, pH, and ammonia were not affected (P>.10) by MRDD. In situ neutral detergent fiber disappearance at 96 hours was decreased (P<.10) by MRDD (68 vs 65% for control and MRDD, respectively). As the grazing season progressed, intake declined (P<.10), whereas ruminal fill and retention time increased (P<.05), and passage rate of indigestible neutral detergent fiber decreased (P<.05). At 48 hours in situ neutral detergent fiber was greatest (P<.05) in Aug. and least (P<.05) in Nov.