NDSU Beef Feedlot - NDSU Agriculture - North Dakota State ...

Carrington Research Extension Center 

2009 – Volume 32 

2009 

NDSU Beef Feedlot 

Research Report

Introduction to Livestock Research and Education 

The NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center is pleased to collaborate with our Agricultural 

Experiment Station colleagues in presenting the 2009 NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report. This 

report represents the latest results and background from beef feedlot research projects from across the 

NDSU-AES. The research projects reported in Vol.32 build upon the wealth of knowledge that our beef 

research faculty have accumulated and reported on over the years. 

Agriculture in North Dakota is a vibrant industry representing the primary economic sector of our state’s 

economy. The sustained significance of agriculture in North Dakota is partially due to the diversity of 

agricultural enterprises and the synergies of crop and livestock operations. The number of producers 

and enterprises that background or finish beef cattle in North Dakota have increased in recent years. 

This trend is welcome and encouraging as many of us see cattle feeding as a sector of our agricultural 

economy that has great potential for expansion. The state of North Dakota is blessed with a multitude 

of feedstuffs including the diverse grains, co-products, and forages. Expanded cattle feeding through 

background or finishing operations is a good opportunity to add value to these feeds. Ultimately, this 

abundance of product will be utilized either here in North Dakota or shipped elsewhere for use by cattle 

feeding operations in other states or countries. 

It is our hope that the 2009 NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report will again prove useful and effective 

in assisting the viability of our livestock industry and the broader constituency who supply the feeds 

investigated. We wish to thank the North Dakota state legislature, selected commodity groups and the 

various grant programs that have empowered our research faculty to address the beef feedlot issues 

that we now report upon. 

Blaine G. Schatz 

Director, NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center 

Thanks for taking the time to review what NDSU has to offer in the way of feedlot research. This report 

details the collective efforts of scientists from across the state of North Dakota and represents the latest 

in feedlot research. Our scientists collaborate on projects ranging from nutrition to nutrient 

management and do their best to bring you meaningful research which you can use to make profitable, 

sustainable decisions in your operation. 

Please feel free to provide us with feedback related to ways we can improve the research which we 

deliver to you each year. We’d love to hear how we can better serve the beef industry in North Dakota 

and the region. 

Greg Lardy, Ph.D. 

Department Head, Animal Sciences 

A very special thank you to Myrna Friedt and Stacey Rzaszutak at the Carrington Research Extension 

Center for proofreading, organizing, and formatting this publication. The authors appreciate the 

excellent animal care, data collection and other support of the many technicians who worked in support 

of research presented in this publication. 

Page 1 2009 NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report

Contact Information 

If you have questions or comments, please e-mail individuals (see addresses below) or call the 

Carrington Center at (701) 652-2951. These proceedings are also published at the Carrington 

Research Extension Center website at www.ag.nodak.edu/carringt/ under the livestock bullet. 

Carrington Research Extension Center 

Vern Anderson, Ph.D., P.A.S., Animal Scientist Vern.Anderson@ndsu.edu 

Breanne Ilse, Livestock Research Specialist Breanne.Ilse@ndsu.edu 

Karl Hoppe, Ph.D., Area Ext. Livestock Specialist Karl.Hoppe@ndsu.edu 

Steve Metzger, Farm Business Management S.Metzger@ndsu.edu 

Ron Wiederholt, Nutrient Management Research Ron.Wiederholt@ndsu.edu 

Chris Augustin, Ext. Nutrient Management Specialist Chris.Augustin@ndsu.edu 

Department of Animal Sciences 

Greg Lardy, Ph.D., Department Chair Gregory.Lardy@ndsu.edu 

Eric Berg, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Meat Science Eric.P.Berg@ndsu.edu 

Rob Maddock, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Meat Science Rob.Maddock@ndsu.edu 

Kasey Carlin, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Meat Science Kasey.Maddockcarlin@ndsu.edu 

Charlie Stoltenow, D.V.M., Ext. Veterinarian Charles.Stoltenow@ndsu.edu 

Kim Vonnahme, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof., Reprod. Physiology Kimberly.Vonnahme@ndsu.edu 

Northern Crops Institute 

Kim Koch, Ph.D., Manager, Feed Production Center Kim.Koch@ndsu.edu 

Hettinger Research Extension Center 

Chris Schauer, Ph.D., Director Chris.Schauer@ndsu.edu 

Michele Thompson, Asst. Animal Scientist Michele.Thompson@ndsu.edu 

Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences Department 

Neil Dyer, D.V.M., Director Neil.Dyer@ndsu.edu 

Michelle Mostrum, D.V.M, Ph.D., Toxicologist Michelle.Mostrum@ndsu.edu 

Cow/calf pairs grazing summer pasture, August 2009. 


Acknowledgements 

Research, education, and facility development activities conducted at the NDSU Carrington Center are 

supported by numerous individuals and organizations. Our heartfelt appreciation is expressed to the 

following for their support: 

AgInfoLink, Longmont, CO 

Ameriflax, Grace City, ND 

ADM-Ethanol Division, Walhalla, ND 

Barton Meats, Carrington, ND 

Beef Magazine 

Cargill Malt, Spiritwood, ND 

Carrington Area Farm Business Management Program, Carrington, ND 

Coteau Hills Enterprises, McClusky, ND 

Dakota Dry Bean, Inc., Crary, ND 

Dakota Feeder Calf Club, Turtle Lake, ND 

DakotaLand Feeds, Huron, SD 

Dakota Growers Pasta Company, Carrington, ND 

FUMPA BioFuels Inc., Redwood Falls, MN 

G and R Grain and Feed, Inc., New Rockford, ND 

Haybuster Equipment, Inc., Jamestown, ND 

Igenity, Inc., Bismarck, ND 

North Dakota Barley Council 

North Dakota Beef Commission 

North Dakota Corn Utilization Council 

North Dakota Department of Agriculture 

North Dakota Department of Commerce 

North Dakota Natural Beef, LLC 

North Dakota Oilseed Council 

North Dakota Rural Electric Cooperatives, Bismarck, ND 

North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education 

North Dakota State University 

Department of Animal Sciences 

Hettinger Research Extension Center 

Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences Department 

North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Feeder Council, Bismarck, ND 

Northern Crops Institute, Fargo, ND 

Northern Pulse Growers Association, Bismarck, ND 

R & B Manufacturing, Steele, ND 

Ralco Nutrition, Inc., Marshal, MN 

Sartec, Inc., Anoka, MN 

Schering Plough Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 

Tim Olson, CATL Resource PC, Sturgis, SD 

Tyson Fresh Meats, Dakota Dunes, SD 

United States Department of Agriculture 

National Research Initiative – Equipment Grants Program 

Cool Season Food Legume Program 

Westway Products, Inc., Mapleton, ND 

Trade names and companies used are for clear communication. No endorsement is intended, nor criticism 

implied, of products mentioned or not mentioned. 


Table of Contents 

Feedlot Schools Are Educational Opportunity for New or Experienced North Dakota Cattle Feeders .... 5 

Observations on the Palatability of an Inorganic Salt Product for Mitigation of High Sulfur Levels in 

Feedlot Diets .................................................................................................................................... 7 

Influence of Thiamin Supplementation on Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Concentrations in Ruminants Fed 

High-Sulfur Diets ............................................................................................................................ 11 

An Evaluation of a Mixed Co-product Protein Feed in Finishing Rations .............................................. 15 

Effects of Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles on Growing and Finishing Steer Intake, Performance, 

Carcass Characteristics, Color and Sensory Attributes .................................................................. 18 

Effect of Glycerol Level in Feedlot Diets on Animal Performance and Carcass Traits .......................... 24 

Impact of Weaning Date on Calf Growth and Carcass Traits ............................................................... 30 

Growth and Feedlot Performance of Steer Calves Born From Beef Cows Supplemented with 

Linseed Meal During Late Gestation .............................................................................................. 36 

Effect of Distillers Grains on Natural vs. Conventional Supplements and Production Methods on 

Feedlot Performance, and Carcass Characteristics ....................................................................... 41 

Discovering Value in North Dakota Calves; The Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout Project VIII ......... 45 

Forage Production Costs and Yields for South-Central North Dakota .................................................. 49 

Challenges and Opportunities for Beef Feedlots in North Dakota ........................................................ 51 

Diagnostic Note – Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (Pinkeye) ..................................................... 54 

NDSU BBQ Boot Camps 2009 

Celebrating the Products of Livestock Production .......................................................................... 56 

Creating a silage bunker. 


Feedlot Schools Are Educational Opportunity for New or Experienced 

North Dakota Cattle Feeders 

W. Becker 1 and V.L. Anderson 2 

1 Foster County Extension Agent 

2 NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center 

Introduction 

North Dakota cattlemen produce exceptional quality feeder cattle that are in demand by feedlot 

operators in other states. However, resources are available for feeding cattle in North Dakota to 

capture value from the excellent genetics and utilize some of the available feedstocks. Many producers 

now background their spring-born calves at least until January, and there is increasing interest in 

finishing cattle for terminal markets. 

The North Dakota State University Feedlot School was developed to help educate and inform 

producers about cattle feeding. The Feedlot School is an annual program initiated in 1996. It is an 

intensive two-day school that offers training in all aspects of the feedlot enterprise. 

Background 

To evaluate the legitimate potential and competitiveness of feeding cattle in North Dakota versus the 

large commercial feedyards in Kansas and Nebraska, a multi-year research study was conducted with 

producer-owned calves in the early 1990s. Calves were gathered at the Carrington Research 

Extension Center and one group transported to commercial yards in Nebraska or Kansas during the 

three-year project. The results indicated that the lower feed costs per pound of gain (~$.05 advantage) 

and feed availability were major advantages to cattle feeding in North Dakota even though gains were 

slightly higher in southern yards. Subsequent research in successfully mitigating winter weather with 

bedding and wind protection further supports the potential for cattle feeding in North Dakota. Feeds in 

North Dakota are very competitively priced compared to commercial feeding regions in the High Plains. 

North Dakota feeds include corn, barley, field peas, oats, wheat, several oilseed meals, corn distillers 

grains, wheat midds, barley malt sprouts, corn gluten feed, beet pulp, field pea chips, and soyhulls plus 

low cost forages and crop residues. New incentive programs for upgrading or building feedlots through 

EPA 319 and NRCS Equip program monies and new risk protection programs are available. 

Feedlot School Curriculum 

The program is an intensive two-day educational course that is offered for cattle feeders, industry 

personnel, educators, and anyone interested in feedlot management. The school visits commercial and 

research feedlots for observations in bunk reading, facilities, animal processing, and an update on 

current research activities. Attendees network with experienced NDSU field staff and specialists, and 

fellow students. The faculty includes veterinarians, nutritionists, meat scientists, marketing experts, 

experienced feeders, and other qualified instructors. Comprehensive printed resource materials are 

provided to those attending. 

The topics presented at the NDSU Feedlot Schools include: 

1. Feeding enterprises for specific markets including backgrounding, finishing, heifer development, 

and cull cow feeding. 

2. Feed ingredients, nutritional value, and compatibility. 

3. Recommended usage of feeds to meet animal requirements. 

4. Ration formulation for optimum animal growth and profit. 

5. Feed supplements, additives, and implants. 


6. Grain processing, mixing rations, and feed bunk management. 

7. Health management, vaccinations, detection of sick animals, and treatment. 

8. Facility planning and design including working facilities, pens, and containment. 

9. Manure management, composting, and spreading as fertilizer. 

10. Marketing cattle, industry grids, carcass traits and value. 

11. Risk management, hedges, puts and forward pricing. 

In the 13 years that the feedlot school has been held, there have been 20 different schools that 

provided information to over 500 participants, with some repeat participants. The sessions are held 

annually at the Carrington Research Extension Center during late January. The same basic school has 

been offered at other locations some years, including Fargo, Hettinger, Williston, and Sidney, Montana. 

A feedlot school was offered in Maine modeled after the NDSU program, and a college course and 

training certification program in Colby, Kansas, was spurred by the NDSU Feedlot School. The 

program has reached producers in eight states and one province including South Dakota, Montana, 

Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Maine, and Manitoba. An evaluation is given at the end of 

every school that asks participants for honest feedback. The curriculum is adapted to producer needs 

based on these responses and has evolved over the years of the school. 

According to the most recent North Dakota Agriculture Statistics Service Feedlot Survey (2008), from 

2004 through 2007 the total number of feeding operations with 500 head or more capacity, has 

increased 16% from 130 to 151 feedlots. Total capacity has increased 20% from 189,000 to 226,300 

head. The future of the North Dakota Feedlot School is to continue with the ongoing interest of the 

producers. Planning is underway for an ―advanced‖ feedlot school for those that want a deeper 

understanding of nutrition, marketing, and management. The goal is to provide the utmost quality 

programming that makes the North Dakota State University Feedlot School partnership successful. 

With the increasing interest in feeding cattle to slaughter weights in the Northern Plains, and the ample 

supply of cattle, feed grains, forages, and co-products for feedlot use across the area, the North Dakota 

Feedlot School has helped producers increase their working knowledge of feedlot operation. In 

addition to the material presented, the school serves a function to network feeders and faculty for future 

communications. All of the principles taught in the school are relevant to other regions as well and 

serves any area interested in feeding cattle. This program requires extensive collaboration between 

cooperating agencies, industry, and private operators all with the intent to make the cattle feeding 

business better for all parties involved. For information on attending an NDSU Feedlot School, contact 

the Foster County Extension office at (701) 652-2581 or the Carrington Research Extension Center at 

(701) 652-2951 or email: NDSU.Carrington.REC@ndsu.edu. 


Observations on the Palatability of an Inorganic Salt Product for 

Mitigation of High Sulfur Levels in Feedlot Diets 

V.L. Anderson 1 , B.R. Ilse 1 , P. Gruel 2 and S. McLeish 2 


2 Sartec, Inc. 

Introduction 

Distillers grains are often the lowest cost protein feed available for cattlemen. This ingredient can be 

used in cow/calf production as well as feedlot diets. However, distillers grains often contain high levels 

of sulfur. There is significant variation in the sulfur content of distillers grains from plant to plant and 

even within a plant as sulfuric acid may be added to batches to improve fermentation efficiency by 

altering the pH. Sulfuric acid is also used to clean equipment. While sulfur level is often between 0.65 

and 0.85% on a dry-matter basis, levels as high as 1.25% sulfur have been analyzed. 

Beef cattle can tolerate a maximum of 0.40% sulfur in the diet (NRC, 1996) before polio-like symptoms 

of sulfur toxicity are generally observed, with the first noticeable sign often being death. Toxic 

symptoms and death have been reported when a diet contains as low as 0.25% sulfur in grain-based 

diets. Grain diets are thought to be less tolerant to high sulfur levels but with forage diets, sulfur 

tolerance may be greater. It is unknown how many health and reproductive problems have occurred 

due to sub acute sulfur toxicity from feeding distillers grains, high-sulfate content water, or sulfur in 

other feed sources. Survey data may be inconclusive due to the unwillingness of producers to admit to 

these losses, or inconclusive diagnosis by producers or their veterinarians. Any feed ingredient or 

management technique that would mitigate sulfur toxicity and allow increased use of distillers grains 

with less potential for illness or death will be well received in the livestock industry. New feed products 

are under development that may tie up sulfur and reduce negative effects of higher sulfur levels in the 

diet of cattle. The objective of this field study was to determine the effect of adding a proprietary 

inorganic salt product to feedlot finishing diets on feed intake, gain, and carcass traits. 

Experimental Procedures 

Forty-eight Angus feeder calves were blocked by sex (heifers and steers) and assigned within block to 

one of two treatments. One pen of steers and one pen of heifers were fed the proprietary inorganic salt 

product developed to mitigate sulfur levels in feedlot rations. The second pen of steers and heifers was 

fed the same diet without the inorganic salt product. The inorganic salt product was fed at 13.8 grams 

per head per day based on recommendations of the manufacturer. This product was mixed into the 

feedlot supplement (Table 1) which was added to the grain component of the ration in the daily ration 

preparation. The supplements were manufactured at the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) on the campus 

of NDSU under the direction of Dr. Kim Koch, manager of the NCI Feed Production Center. 

Supplements were transported to the Carrington Research Extension Center in tote bags. 

Supplements were formulated to be fed at 0.33 pounds per head per day, and contain minerals, 

vitamins, Rumensin (300 mg/hd/d), and carrier feed products (Table 1). Supplements were formulated 

to be identical except for the addition of the inorganic salt product. 


Table 1. Supplements with and without organic salt to mitigate sulfur. 

Control Inorganic Salt 

Supplement Supplement 

% DM basis 

Corn, ground 25.00 25.00 

Distiller grains 13.75 13.75 

Malt sprouts 23.50 14.40 

Calcium carbonate 12.00 12.00 

Potassium chloride 11.25 11.25 

Zinc sulfate 0.20 0.20 

Dical-Phosphate (18.5%) 3.75 3.75 

Feed-grade salt 8.25 8.25 

Rumensin (80 g/lb) 1.10 1.10 

Vit A-D 10:1 Beef 0.30 0.30 

Vitamin Premix 0.90 0.90 

Inorganic salt 0.00 9.10 

Total 100.00 100.00 

Cattle were fed in the morning after bunk calls were made for increase, decrease or no change in the 

ration. Increases or decreases were done at 2.5% of the diet dry matter for each pen. Feed delivered 

to each pen was recorded daily. The ration was assembled, mixed and delivered using a Knight LA-9 

Little Augie, three-auger mixer box. The corn-based ration was formulated at 62 Mcal NEg/lb, (Table 

2). It included a minimum of 20% modified (50% moisture) distillers grains and solubles (dry matter 

basis) procured from the Blue Flint Ethanol facility in Underwood, ND. Samples of each ingredient 

were collected monthly and submitted to a commercial laboratory for dry matter, NEm, NEg, crude 

protein, fat, sulfur, calcium, and phosphorous. Water samples tested contained 74 mg/l sulfates, which 

is very low. 

Inorganic salt could become useful in high-sulfur distillers grains diets. 


Table 2. Ration for cattle fed sulfur-mitigating inorganic salt. 

Ingredient Percent, DM basis Percent, As Fed 

Corn # 2 62.00 50.83 

Dist grains, wet 20.00 34.84 

Straw 10.00 8.20 

Canola meal 5.00 3.87 

Supplement 2.00 1.55 

Calcium carbonate 1.00 0.71 

Total, Percent 100 100 

Nutrient content 

Dry Matter, % 

NEg, Mcal/lb 

Crude Protein, % 

Calcium, % 

Phosphorous, % 

Potassium, % 

Sulfur, % 

69.68 

62.71 

13.61 

0.64 

0.35 

0.59 

0.36 

All calves were weighed individually at the start of the trial on March 14, 2009, and when the trial was 

completed and the cattle went to market on May 4. Dry-matter intake, gain, and feed efficiency were 

calculated for each animal and averaged for each pen and for each treatment. Cattle were marketed 

as a group. 

Results 

The base diet fed in this study was 0.36% sulfur, with distillers grains as the primary source of sulfur. 

The primary question of the study was to determine if the inorganic salt product had any negative effect 

on feed intake or animal performance. There were insufficient replications to conduct confident 

statistical comparisons so the raw data is reported on a pen and sex-of-calf basis. The results of this 

field study (Table 3) suggest that feed intake was not affected. While this cannot be deduced from the 

limited replications, numerical values suggest some potential for positive effects on intake and gain 

from the addition of the inorganic salt. No health issues or illnesses were observed for the calves 

during the 50-day feeding period. 


Table 3. Performance of feeder cattle fed 

inorganic salt product for sulfur mitigation. 

Control 

Inorganic 

Salt 

No. head 

Heifers 11 11 

Steers 12 12 

Start wt., lb. 

Heifers 957.4 960.7 

Steers 987.5 971.4 

AVG 972.5 966.1 

End wt., lb. 

Heifers 1125.5 1135.3 

Steers 1141.1 1159.7 

AVG 1133.3 1147.5 

DMI, lb/hd/day 

Heifers 22.73 22.52 

Steers 20.89 23.76 

AVG 22.07 23.18 

ADG, lb/hd/day 

Heifers 3.40 3.65 

Steers 3.49 3.50 

AVG 3.45 3.58 

Feed Efficiency (DM/gain) 

Heifers 6.68 6.16 

Steers 5.99 6.78 

AVG 6.41 6.48 

As distillers grains continue to be a significant feed source and sulfuric acid is used in the process, a 

product such as the inorganic salt could become useful especially in scenarios where ethanol plants 

produce high-sulfur distillers grains or where the price of distillers grains is low enough to use at more 

than nominal levels. More research is needed to prove the efficacy of this product, however, followed 

by commercial availability and documented economic advantages. 


Influence of Thiamin Supplementation on Hydrogen Sulfide Gas 

Concentrations in Ruminants Fed High-Sulfur Diets 

B.W. Neville 1 , C.S. Schauer 2 , and G.P. Lardy 1 

1 NDSU Department of Animal Sciences 

2 NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center 

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of thiamin supplementation on hydrogen 

sulfide gas concentration and ruminal pH in lambs fed high-sulfur diets. Moderate levels of thiamin 

supplementation seem to decrease hydrogen sulfide concentrations. Our data suggests that changes 

in ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration cannot be attributed solely to ruminal pH and are likely 

affected by multiple factors that interact within the ruminal environment and in the animal. 

Summary 

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of thiamin supplementation on 

ruminal gas cap hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentration and pH in lambs. Twenty crossbred lambs (84.5 

± 7 pounds) were adapted in 28 days to a finishing diet consisting of (dry-matter [DM] basis) 60% dried 

distillers grains with solubles, 21.4% corn, 15% alfalfa hay and 3.6 % supplement. Treatment diets 

differed in the amount of supplemental thiamin supplied; diets were formulated to provide: 1) CON (no 

supplemental thiamin), 2) LOW (50 milligrams per head per day [mg·hd -1 ·d -1 ] thiamin), 3) MED (100 

mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin), 4) HIGH (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin) or 5) HIGH+S (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin with 

dietary sulfur [S] increased from 0.71 percent to 0.87 percent (DM basis) with the addition of dilute 

sulfuric acid to dried distillers grains with solubles [DDGS]). Thiamin supplementation was based on an 

estimated daily dry-matter intake (DMI) of 3 lb.·hd -1 ·d -1 . 

Hydrogen sulfide and rumen fluid pH were collected via rumen puncture on day minus 6, minus 4, 0, 3, 

7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31. No differences in H2S concentration (P > 0.10) among treatments 

were apparent until day 10, at which point lambs fed LOW had lower H2S concentrations than all other 

treatments. Lambs fed HIGH had the greatest concentrations of H2S on day 31 (7,700 parts per million 

[ppm] H2S; P < 0.009). Ruminal pH for lambs fed CON and MED were not different from day 0 

throughout sampling (P > 0.18). Ruminal pH of LOW, HIGH and HIGH+S groups decreased (P < 0.03) 

through time. Thiamin appears to influence ruminal H2S concentrations, although the mechanism by 

which this occurred remains unknown. Changes in H2S concentration cannot be attributed solely to 

ruminal pH and likely are affected by multiple factors that interact within the ruminal environment and in 

the animal. 

Introduction 

One of the challenges with use of ethanol coproducts is the potential for high dietary S levels. High S 

diets can cause polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in ruminants. Inclusion of large percentages of 

coproduct feeds, such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), in finishing rations has been 

avoided, in part, due to problems with PEM as well as concerns about optimal animal performance and 

carcass characteristics. Thiamin supplementation is one proposed method of reducing or preventing 

PEM in ruminant animals. The efficacy of thiamin supplementation in preventing PEM likely is 

impacted by the mechanisms by which PEM is caused (for example, long-term thiamin deficiency or 

high hydrogen sulfide gas concentration). Further, the effect and dose of thiamin necessary to prevent 

such cases of PEM requires more investigation. Hydrogen sulfide gas, as previously mentioned, has 

been implicated as a cause of PEM in ruminants. Both high-sulfur feed (Niles et al., 2002) and water 

(Loneragan et al., 2005) sources can cause increases in H2S production. No published literature that 

evaluates the effect of dietary thiamin concentrations on ruminal H2S gas concentration is available. 

Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effect of increasing level of thiamin supplementation on 


uminal gas cap H2S concentration and ruminal pH in lambs being adapted to a finishing diet containing 

60% DDGS. 

Procedures 

Twenty western white-face wether lambs (84.5 ± 7 pounds) were sampled during the adaptation period 

(receiving ration to a final finishing ration). Adaptation was accomplished by increasing the amount of 

concentrate on a weekly basis; adaptation diets are outlined in Table 1. The final finishing diet was 

balanced to contain 60% DDGS (DM basis; Table 2). Treatment diets differed in the amount of 

supplemental thiamin supplied; diets were formulated to provide: 1) CON (no supplemental thiamin), 2) 

LOW (50 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin), 3) MED (100 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin), 4) HIGH (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin) or 5) 

HIGH+S (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin with dietary S increased from 0.71 percent to 0.87 percent (DM basis) 

with the addition of dilute sulfuric acid to DDGS). Thiamin supplementation was based on an estimated 

daily DMI of 3 lb·hd -1 ·d -1 . Feed was offered daily on an ad libitum basis with refusals collected and 

weighed weekly. 

Table 1. Adaptation diets fed to lambs (% DM basis). 

Ingredient, % 

Arrival Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 

day -6 day 0 day 7 day 14 day 21 day 28 

Alfalfa Hay 46 46 46 35 25 15 

Corn 50.38 35.88 21.38 21.38 21.38 21.38 

DDGS 0 14.5 29 40 50 60 

Supplement 1 

3.62 3.62 3.62 3.62 3.62 3.62 

1 Supplement contained: (% of total diet DM) 0.5% ammonium chloride, 2.25% limestone, 

0.085% lasalocid, 0.78% trace mineral and 0.002% copper sulfate, and was formulated to 

provide one of four levels of thiamin (0, 50, 100 or 150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 ). 


Table 2. Ingredient and nutritional composition (DM basis) of final finishing rations 

fed to lambs. 

Item CON LOW MED HIGH HIGH+S 

Ingredient ,% 

Alfalfa Hay 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 

Corn 21.4 21.4 21.4 21.4 21.4 

DDGS 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 60.0 

Supplement 2 

3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6 

Nutrient 3 

CP, % 23.3 23.6 23.4 22.7 23.5 

ADF, % 10.8 11.0 11.6 11.6 11.3 

S, % 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.9 

Ca, % 1.6 1.4 1.7 1.7 1.8 

P, % 0.8 0.8 0.9 0.9 0.9 

Thiamin 4 

0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 150.0 

1 Treatments: CON (no supplemental thiamin), LOW (50 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin), MED (100 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 

thiamin), HIGH (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin) and HIGH+S (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin with 0.87% S). 

2 Supplement (% total diet): 0.5% ammonium chloride, 2.25% limestone, 0.085% lasalocid, 0.78% 

sheep mineral 12 (Hubbard Feeds, Mankato, Minn.), 0.002% copper sulfate and 0, 0.004, 0.007 or 

0.11% thiamin mononitrate. 

3 

Laboratory analysis of nutrient concentration. 

4 

Formulated level (ppm), thiamin inclusion in diet calculated based on an estimated DMI of 3.0 

lb·hd -1 ·d -1 . 

Treatments 1 

Sampling for ruminal H2S was conducted on 12 occasions beginning six days prior to initiation of 

treatment diets. Gas cap samples from these lambs were collected on day minus 6, minus 4, 0, 3, 7, 

10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28 and 31 of the feeding period. Hydrogen sulfide gas was measured on H2S 

detector tubes (GASTEC © , Kanagawa, Japan). Ruminal fluid was collected at the same time for 

determination of rumen fluid pH. 

Results 

The influence of hydrogen sulfide gas on incidence of PEM in ruminants could be impacted by the way 

H2S concentration changes during adaptation to finishing rations. In the present study, no differences 

in H2S concentration among treatments (P > 0.10; Table 3) were apparent until day 10, at which point 

lambs fed LOW had lower H2S concentrations than all other treatments. At this point in adaptation, the 

amount of roughage included in the diet had not changed although the inclusion of DDGS had 

increased from 0% to 29% of dietary DM. Those lambs fed the HIGH treatment diet showed the most 

dramatic increases in ruminal H2S concentration; on day 21 of adaptation, dietary hay was decreased 

from 35% to 25% and DDGS increased from 40% to 50% of dietary DM. During the course of the next 

three days, ruminal H2S concentration increased by more than 3,000 ppm and within seven days had 

increased by 4,700 ppm H2S. 


Table 3. Influence of thiamin and sulfur level on hydrogen sulfide production in 

lambs fed a 60% DDGS-based finishing diet. 

Day CON LOW MED HIGH 

-6 0 0 0 190.6 

-4 66.7 0 112.5 25 

0 71.5 0 146.9 71.9 

3 531.3 375 310.5 737.5 

7 778.1 575 759.4 1,237.5 

10 2,200.0 a 

887.5 b 

2,200.0 a 

2,453.1 a 

14 2,390.6 a 

1,087.5 b 

1,875.0 a 

1,906.3 a 

17 2,852.6 a 

1,418.8 b 

2,609.4 a 

21 3,312.5 a 

1,531.3 c 

2,328.1 abc 

24 2,062.5 a 

3,287.5 b 

3,275.0 b 

4,991.6 c 

28 4,687.5 a 

2,662.5 b 

2,906.3 b 

6,657.8 c 

31 5,687.5 a 

2,650.0 b 

Treatment 1,2 

3,843.8 c 

2,406.3 ab 

1,958.2 bc 

7,701.3 d 

abc Means with different superscripts within a row differ at P < 0.10. 

Page 14 2009 NDSU Beef Feedlot Research Report 

HIGH+S 

75 

28.1 

93.8 

475 

1,350.0 

2,378.1 a 

2,015.6 a 

2,406.3 ab 

3,140.6 ab 

3,046.9 ab 

4,390.6 a 

4,859.4 ac 

1 Treatments: CON (no supplemental thiamin), LOW (50 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin), MED (100 

mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin), HIGH (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin) and HIGH+S (150 mg·hd -1 ·d -1 thiamin 

with 0.87% S). 

2 When tube measurement was below 100 ppm, tube was considered to read 0. 

While the hydrogen sulfide concentrations in the lambs did not reach the levels in steers reported by 

Niles et al. (2002), the peak concentrations were above those reported by Loneragan et al. (2005); both 

of these studies had steers with positive cases of PEM. These results indicate that the concentration of 

H2S required to cause symptoms of PEM may vary depending on species. 

Of further interest is the way the H2S concentration in lambs fed HIGH+S changed during adaptation. 

Specifically, on days 7, 14 and 21, the concentration of H2S was greater in HIGH+S than HIGH; 

however, after three days of adaptation (days 10, 17, 24) the concentration of ruminal H2S from 

HIGH+S was lower or equal to that found in HIGH fed lambs. 

Multiple factors influence the conversion of dietary S into H2S in the rumen during adaptation. Among 

these are decreases in ruminal fluid pH, increases in the proportion of sulfur-reducing bacteria and 

increases in dietary S. In this study, ruminal pH did not differ among treatments (P = 0.13) at any time 

point (data not shown). Lambs fed CON and MED were not different from day 0 throughout sampling 

(P > 0.18). However, ruminal pH of LOW, HIGH and HIGH+S groups did decrease (P < 0.03) through 

time. Decreases in ruminal pH also may impact incidence of PEM by other means. 

Our research suggests that thiamin may influence ruminal H2S concentrations, but we did not 

investigate the fate of the H2S. Further, our data suggests that changes in ruminal hydrogen sulfide 

concentration cannot be attributed solely to ruminal pH and likely are affected by multiple factors that 

interact within the ruminal environment and in the animal.

Literature Cited 

Loneragan, G, D. Gould, J. Wagner, F. Garry and M. Thoren. 2005. The magnitude and patterns of 

ruminal hydrogen sulfide production, blood thiamin concentration, and mean pulmonary arterial 

pressure in feedlot steers consuming water of different sulfate concentrations. The Bovine 

Practitioner. 39:16-22. 

Niles, G.A., S. Morgan, W.C. Edwards and D. Lalman. 2002. Effects of dietary sulfur concentrations on 

the incidence and pathology of polioencephalomalacia in weaned beef calves. Vet. Human Toxicol. 

44(2):70-72. 

An Evaluation of a Mixed Co-product Protein Feed in Finishing Rations 

V.L. Anderson and B.R. Ilse 

NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center 

Introduction 

North Dakota produces approximately three million tons of co-product feeds in a year including 

significant amounts of soybean meal and soybean hulls. Historically, we have exported these feed 

ingredients individually to feed markets around the world. Most of the multitude of co-products have 

some unique properties that could be improved upon by mixing with other co-products to improve 

nutritional and physical properties. Mixing three or more co-product feeds together and pelleting the 

mixture creates a new feed commodity. The nutrient content of the new feed is obviously based on the 

formulation which can potentially be adapted to specific market opportunities. The new pelleted 

commodities have greater bulk density for shipping advantages. They also may be more flexible in end 

use, nutrient profile, longer shelf life, improved flow properties, simplified feeding for end users, and 

improved safety. 

Experimental Procedures 

Steer calves (n=176) from 43 different ranches belonging to the Dakota Feeder Calf Club at Turtle 

Lake, ND, were consigned to the Carrington Research Extension center in the fall of 2008. Each ranch 

consigned three to eight steers for the feedout project to observe the feedlot performance and carcass 

value from their respective breeding program. After a preconditioning program, steers were individually 

weighed, blocked by weight and allotted within weight block to one of four treatments. Steers from 

each ranch were allotted to different treatments to reduce ―ranch‖ effects. The treatments were 

designed to provide increasing levels of a mixed co-product ―superfeed‖ formulated with 50% soybean 

meal, 35 percent distillers grains, and 15 percent field peas.The co-product protein supplement was 

manufactured by the Northern Crops Institute feed production center in Fargo, ND. This 35 percent 

crude protein feed was included in the treatment diets at 0, 5, 10, and 15 percent of the dry matter as a 

protein supplement. Canola meal was used as the control protein source. Ration formulations are 

provided in Table 1. A totally-mixed corn-based ration was fed to appetite daily in fenceline bunks. 

Steers were provided wind protection and bedded during the relatively severe winter. Steers were 

weighed every 28 days with feed intake summarized for each weigh period. Feed efficiency was 

calculated based on average dry matter intake and average daily gain for each period and overall. 

Steers were marketed to Tyson Meats, Dakota City, NE on May 6, after evaluation by visual appraisal 

that 60% or more would grade USDA Choice. Carcass traits were evaluated after a 24-hour chill by 

trained personnel. 


Table 1. Rations for steers fed increasing coproduct formulation as protein supplement. 

Treatment 

Ingredient 0% 5% 10% 15% 

Percent, Dry matter basis 

Corn, dry rolled 69.2 69.3 69.4 69.5 

Co-product protein suppl 0.0 5.0 10.1 15.2 

Canola meal 15.6 10.4 5.2 0.0 

Straw, chopped 6.9 6.9 6.9 6.9 

Corn silage 6.5 6.6 6.5 6.6 

Calcium carbonate 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 

Suppl (Rumensin, vit, min) 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.3 

Nutrient Content 

Dry Matter, % 78.78 78.67 78.77 78.66 

Neg, Mcal/lb 60.33 61.51 62.72 63.91 

Crude Protein, % 13.94 13.64 13.39 13.11 

Calcium, % 0.45 0.43 0.43 0.41 

Phosphorous, % 0.40 0.39 0.37 0.35 

Potassium, % 0.60 0.62 0.64 0.66 

Results and Discussion 

Despite the severe winter weather, steer performance in all treatment groups was very satisfactory. We 

observed no statistical difference between the treatments in this trial for any of the feedlot performance 

measures (Table 2). The energy density (NEg) increased slightly as the proportion of ―superfeed‖ 

increased in the ration, however, protein content decreased from 13.94 to 13.11 percent from 0 to 15 

percent superfeed. Feed intake for the steers in the respective treatments was 21.01, 22.10, 22.43, 

and 22.47 for 0, 5, 10, and 15 percent superfeed treatments. Gains throughout the feeding period 

averaged 3.65, 3.68, 3.67, and 3.85 respectively, for 0, 5, 10, and 15 percent superfeed in the diet. 

Feed efficiency (feed per gain) was calculated at 4.84, 5.17, 5.24, and 4.80 for increasing superfeed. 

Despite severe winter weather, steer performance was very satisfactory. 


Table 2. Feedlot performance of cattle fed mixed coproduct supplement (CPS) at increasing levels. 

Percent Co-Product supplement Contrasts 

Item 

Live Wt, lbs 

0% 5% 10% 15% Std. Error P-Value 

CPS vs. 

no CPS linear quadratic 

Initial Wt (29-Jan) 963.8 988.5 971.6 957.9 39.7 0.24 0.51 0.50 0.14 

Period 1 Wt. (25-Feb) 1071.4 1093.1 1082.1 1074.5 43.8 0.60 0.42 0.99 0.28 

Period 2 Wt. (06-Apr) 1209.6 1237.1 1215.7 1219.8 40.7 0.60 0.41 0.89 0.46 

Period 3 Final Wt. (06-May) 1314.4 

DM Intake, lb/hd/day 

1346.4 1321.6 1328.1 42.7 0.57 0.38 0.83 0.47 

Period 1 19.05 19.92 20.45 20.65 1.38 0.87 0.44 0.41 0.82 

Period 2 21.92 23.06 23.09 22.96 1.18 0.87 0.42 0.55 0.60 

Period 3 22.08 23.31 23.73 23.80 0.91 0.54 0.19 0.22 0.56 

Overall DMI 21.02 22.10 22.43 22.47 1.16 0.80 0.34 0.38 0.67 

Average Daily Gain, lb/hd/day 

Period 1 (27d) 3.98 3.88 4.04 4.33 0.21 0.48 0.67 0.22 0.40 

Period 2 (40d) 3.45 3.63 3.67 3.63 0.16 0.65 0.65 0.72 0.81 

Period 3 (30d) 3.48 3.65 3.60 3.60 0.29 0.98 0.69 0.81 0.78 

Overall ADG 

Feed Efficiency 

3.65 3.68 3.67 3.85 0.11 0.57 0.55 0.27 0.51 

Gain:Feed Period 1 0.21 0.20 0.21 0.21 0.02 0.93 0.86 0.85 0.76 



Overall G:F 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.17 0.01 0.99 0.75 0.90 0.75 

Feed:Gain Period 1 4.84 5.17 5.24 4.80 0.56 0.91 0.72 0.98 0.50 



Overall F:G 5.79 5.97 6.17 5.83 0.37 0.90 0.65 0.84 0.51 

Carcass traits were similar except for backfat and USDA Yield Grade (Table 3). The steers on 5 

percent superfeed had more backfat than 10 percent superfeed with 0, and 15 percent treatment steers 

intermediate. Yield Grade was lowest for the 10% treatment, and highest for the 5 percent treatment 

with 0 and 15 percent intermediate. Marbling scores were not statistically different, but we observed a 

numerical increase in the percent USDA Choice carcasses with increasing superfeeds. The number of 

choice or better carcasses was 61.36, 67.44, 76.74, and 77.27 percent respectively, for 0, 5, 10, and 15 

percent superfeed. This factor could have significant value for the feeder as the value of a lean choice 

carcass such as observed with 10 percent superfeed would be attractive to the industry and return 

greater value per pound. 


Table 3. Carcass traits of cattle fed mixed coproduct protein supplement at increasing levels. 

Percent Co-Product supplement Contrasts 

Item 0% 5% 10% 15% Std. Error P-Value CPS vs. no CPS linear quadratic 

Hot Carcass Wt., lbs. 789.2 820.8 794.2 806.5 25.09 0.31 0.23 0.65 0.46 

Dressing Percent 63.25 64.18 63.26 63.95 0.38 0.39 0.11 0.32 0.26 

Back Fat, in 0.40 0.46 0.37 0.42 0.03 0.02 0.78 0.47 0.59 

Ribeye Area, sq in 13.50 13.62 13.62 13.71 0.27 0.85 0.47 0.43 0.93 

Kidney Pelvic Heart, % 2.43 2.43 2.44 2.42 0.02 0.94 0.94 0.75 0.66 

USDA Yield Grade* 2.66 2.90 2.51 2.71 0.10 0.07 0.67 0.50 0.84 

Marbling Score** 421.8 434.9 445.7 438.9 16.04 0.79 0.36 0.41 0.56 

Percent Choice*** 61.36 67.44 76.74 77.27 - - - - - 

* USDA Yield Grade is a calculated value that is determined by a formula comparing fat to lean muscle in the carcass. 

** Marbling score is based on intermuscular fat in the ribeye: 400-499 = low Choice , 500-599 = Avg Choice. 

*** Percent choice was not statisitically analyzed. 

Implications 

The results of this study suggest that a mixed co-product ―superfeed‖ may be successfully marketed 

based on animal performance and especially based on percentage of USDA Choice carcasses. The 

ease of use, safety, and handling properties of this pelleted commodity are superior to any single feed 

ingredient. Using soybean meal as a base ingredient helps increase the value of the meal and diversify 

the market potential to other species or production scenarios. This study gives confidence to livestock 

producers interested in using a combinatorial feed comprised of multiple co-products. It remains to be 

seen if feed manufacturing businesses are interested in developing commodities from combining coproducts 

into commercial pelleted feeds to produce products that can be labeled as North Dakota 

―Superfeed.‖ 

Effects of Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles on Growing and Finishing 

Steer Intake, Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Color and Sensory 

Attributes 

J.L. Leupp 1 , G.P. Lardy 1 , M.L. Bauer 1 , K.K. Karges 2 , M.L. Gibson 2 , J.S. Caton 1 and R.J. Maddock 1 


2 Dakota Gold Research Association, Sioux Falls, SD 

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of dried distillers grains with solubles on 

growing and finishing performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits. These data suggest 

dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) can be included at 30 percent dietary dry matter (DM) in 

both the growing and finishing period, partially replacing dry-rolled corn, with no detrimental effects on 

performance, carcass characteristics or sensory attributes, although DDGS may affect color negatively. 

Summary 

Seventy-two crossbred and purebred beef steers (653 ± 20 pounds initial body weight [BW]) were used 

in a completely randomized design to determine effects of dried distillers grains with solubles (29.2% 

crude protein [CP], 9.7% fat, DM basis; DDGS) on growing and finishing steer intake, performance, 

carcass and meat quality traits. The study contained two feeding periods, growing and finishing, which 

resulted in four treatments: 0:0, 30:0, 0:30 and 30:30 (diet DDGS percentage fed during growing and 


finishing periods, respectively). Steers were fed individually a growing diet (65% concentrate) for 57 

days then acclimated to and fed a finishing diet (90% concentrate) for 80 or 145 days. Dietary 

ingredients included dry-rolled corn, corn silage, grass hay, concentrated separator byproduct and 

supplement. 

During the growing period, dry-matter intake (DMI) was not different (P ≥ 0.63). Steer performance, 

including average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed (G:F), were not affected (P ≥ 0.14) by treatment 

during the growing period and final BW at the end of the growing period was not different (P = 0.99). 

During the finishing period, DMI, ADG and G:F were not different (P ≥ 0.22). As a result, final BW was 

not different (P ≥ 0.28). Carcass traits (ribeye area; 12th rib fat; kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH); 

yield grade; and marbling) were not different (P ≥ 0.16). 

Results from the trained panel indicated no differences (P ≥ 0.16) in tenderness; however, steaks from 

steers fed 30% DDGS during the finishing period tended (P = 0.10) to be juicier and more flavorful than 

steaks from control steers. Inclusion of 30% DDGS in the growing period tended to lower L (muscle 

lightness) (P = 0.08) and lowered B (muscle yellowness) (P = 0.01) of steaks. Overall feeding of DDGS 

lowered B (P = 0.02) compared with feeding dry-rolled corn (0:0). Feeding DDGS during the finishing 

period lowered A (muscle redness) (P < 0.001) of steaks. Furthermore, overall feeding of DDGS 

lowered A (P < 0.001) compared with feeding dry-rolled corn (0:0). Feeding 30% DDGS did not impact 

any performance or carcass characteristics but did influence steak sensory attributes and color. 

Introduction 

Dried distillers grains with solubles can be used as a protein and energy source depending on the 

amount included in the diet (Ham et al., 1994). Feeding up to 40% wet or dry distillers grains in 

growing and finishing diets improves ADG and G:F in steers compared with feeding dry-rolled corn only 

(Ham et al., 1994). 

Beef consumers want a high-quality product that is tender, juicy and flavorful. Research is limited in 

evaluating effects of feeding DDGS to growing and finishing steers on meat quality. Roeber et al. 

(2005) fed finishing Holstein steers up to 50% dried distillers grains (DDG) and reported no differences 

in tenderness or sensory traits compared with corn-based diets. 

Little quantitative information is available on the effects of short- and long-term feeding of DDGS to 

steers on performance and carcass quality. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the effects of 

DDGS on growing and finishing steer intake, performance, carcass characteristics, color and sensory 

attributes. 

Materials and Methods 

Seventy-two crossbred and purebred beef steers were used in a completely randomized design. The 

study contained two feeding periods, growing and finishing, which resulted in four treatments: 0:0, 30:0, 

0:30 and 30:30 (diet DDGS percentage fed during growing and finishing periods, respectively). Steers 

were fed individually a growing diet (65% concentrate) for 57 days then acclimated for 14 days to a 

finishing diet (90% concentrate) and fed for 80 or 145 days. Diets were based on dry-rolled corn, corn 

silage, grass hay, concentrated separator byproduct and supplement (Table 1). Diets included 27.5 

parts per million (ppm) of Rumensin and 11 ppm of Tylan and were formulated to contain a minimum of 

12.5 percent CP, 0.70 percent calcium (Ca) and 0.30 percent phosphorus (P). 


Table 1. Formulated dietary composition of growing and finishing diets containing 0 or 30 

percent corn dried distillers grains with solubles offered to beef steers (% dietary DM). 

0% DDGS 1 

30% DDGS 0% DDGS 1 

Diet, % of dietary DM 

Growing Finishing 

Item 

30% DDGS 

Dry-rolled corn 50 20 80 50 

DDGS — 30 — 30 

Corn silage 20 20 5 5 

Grass hay 20 20 5 5 

CSB 2 

5 5 5 5 

Wheat middlings 2.18 2.53 1.00 2.18 

Soybean meal — — 1.00 — 

Limestone 1.40 2.10 1.58 2.45 

Urea 0.75 — 0.75 — 

Dicalcium phosphate 0.30 — 0.30 — 

Salt 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 

Trace mineral premix 3 

0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 

Vitamin A, D premix 4 

0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 

Vitamin E premix 5 

0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 

Monensin premix 6 

0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 

Tylosin premix 7 

0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 

---------------Analyzed composition--------------- 

Crude Protein 12.80 17.90 16.10 22.70 

Neutral Detergent Fiber 37.30 39.50 26.10 33.20 

Acid Detergent Fiber 20.30 18.50 9.40 10.00 

Calcium 1.23 1.23 1.87 2.13 

Phosphorus 0.32 0.44 0.54 0.71 

1 Dried distillers grains with solubles; nutrient content of DDGS used averaged 29.2% CP, 34.7% 

NDF, 9.5% ADF, 9.7% crude fat, 0.03% Ca and 0.81% P. 

2 

Concentrated separator byproduct (de-sugared molasses). 

3 Contained 250 ppm Co, 25.6 ppt Cu, 1.05 ppt I, 6.50 ppt Fe, 40.0 ppt Mn and 160 ppt Zn. 

4 Contained 22.0 kIU/pound vitamin A and 2.10 kIU/pound vitamin D. 

5 Contained 20 IU/kg vitamin E. 

6 

Contained 176.4 ppt monensin (Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Ind.) to provide 27.5 ppm of 

dietary DM. 

7 

Contained 88.2 ppt tylosin (Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, Ind.) to provide 11 ppm of dietary DM. 

Steers were assigned to treatment and fed individually. Steers received a Ralgro implant on day 0 and 

Revalor IS on day 60. Final weights were calculated from hot carcass weight (HCW) using an average 

dressing percentage of 62.5 percent and a 4 percent shrink. Average daily gain and G:F were 


calculated based on this data. Cattle were sent to a commercial abattoir for slaughter on either March 

24 or May 28. Steers marketed on March 24 were estimated to have at least 0.4 inch backfat as 

measured by ultrasound. The remaining steers were marketed on May 28 when the majority of the 

steers had an estimated 0.4 inch backfat as measured by ultrasound. 

One steak from each steer was used for simulated retail display shelf-life analysis. A colorimeter was 

used to measure longissimus lean L (muscle lightness), A (muscle redness) and B (muscle yellowness) 

color space values through the overwrap polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for each postmortem display day 

at 9 a.m. each day. 

One steak from each steer was used for evaluation of tenderness using the Warner-Bratzler shear 

force machine (WBSF). Steaks were thawed for 24 hours at 35° Fahrenheit, weighed and then cooked 

in clamshell-style grills at 350° F until the steaks reached an internal temperature of 158° F. Six 0.5inch 

cores from each steak were removed parallel to the muscle fiber. 

Sensory panel analysis was conducted with a trained panel. Steaks were thawed at 35° F for 24 hours 

and cooked as previously described for WBSF evaluation. Steaks then were cut into pieces of 

approximately 0.5 by 0.5 by 1 inch and served to panelists for evaluation. Panelists scored 10 samples 

each day using an 8-point scale where 1 equaled extremely tough, dry and bland and 8 equaled 

extremely tender, juicy and intense beef flavor. 

Results 

During the growing period, two steers from the 30% DDGS treatment were removed from the study due 

to conditions unrelated to treatment. One steer was removed prior to initiation of treatments and the 

other removed due to chronic bloat; therefore, 70 steers were used during the growing period. Steers 

were fed growing diets for 57 days. Initial BW of steers was not different (P = 0.57) and averaged 653 ± 

20 pounds. Steer performance, including DMI (22.5 lbs./d), ADG (3.85 lbs./d) and G:F (0.17 lbs./lb.) 

were not affected (P ≥ 0.14) by treatment during the growing period. Final BW at the end of the 

growing period also was not different (P = 0.99) and averaged 937 ± 13 pounds. 

Three steers were removed from the data set due to low feed intakes during the finishing portion of the 

trial. Two of the steers removed were on the 30 percent DDGS treatment and one steer was from the 0 

percent DDGS treatment. Days fed during the finishing period were not different (P ≥ 0.27; Table 2) 

across treatments and averaged 102 ± 8 days. No treatment differences (P ≥ 0.22) were observed for 

DMI, ADG or G:F. Ham et al. (1994) fed cattle 40 percent DDGS, which partially replaced dry-rolled 

corn in finishing diets, and observed improved ADG and G:F when compared with cattle consuming 

dry-rolled corn diets. In the current study, no differences (P ≥ 0.28) in final BW were observed. 

Similar to final BW, no differences were found in HCW (P ≥ 0.28; 791 ± 22 lbs.; Table 2). Longissimus 

muscle area (12.1 ± 0.5 inch 2 ), 12th rib fat thickness (0.50 ± 0.04 inch) and KPH (2.48 ± 0.16%) were 

not different (P ≥ 0.16); therefore, no differences (P ≥ 0.35; 3.33 ± 0.17) were observed for yield grade. 

No differences (P ≥ 0.43) were observed for marbling, which averaged 431 (small 0 = 400; Table 2). 


Table 2. Performance and carcass characteristics of steers fed growing and finishing diets containing 

0 or 30 percent corn dried distillers grains with solubles. 

Item 0:00 30:00:00 0:30 30:30:00 SEM 2 


Corn vs. 

DDGS 4 

Steers, number 18 15 16 18 — — — — 

Days on Feed 99 106 97 106 8 0.27 0.87 0.61 

Performance 

Final BW, lb. 1193 1226 1204 1239 33.00 0.28 0.73 0.41 

DMI, lb./hd/d 18.40 18.80 19.90 17.60 1.50 0.51 0.92 0.80 

ADG, lb./hd/d 3.46 3.22 3.51 3.40 0.15 0.22 0.48 0.58 

G:F, lb./lb. 0.22 0.19 0.19 0.21 0.03 0.91 0.89 0.52 

Carcass Characteristics 

HCW, lb. 798 783 807 22.00 0.28 0.73 0.41 

LM area, in 2 

12.10 12.50 11.80 11.80 0.50 0.60 0.34 0.95 

12th rib fat, in 0.46 0.53 0.48 0.52 0.04 0.16 0.90 0.21 

KPH, % 2.41 2.60 2.44 2.47 0.16 0.46 0.73 0.59 

Marbling 5 

430 448 440 407 21.00 0.71 0.43 0.96 

Yield grade 3.20 3.33 3.44 3.33 0.17 0.95 0.45 0.35 

1 Dietary dried distillers grains with solubles percentage fed during growing and finishing periods, respectively. 

2 n = 15. 

3 

Growing = main effect of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles during the growing period; Finishing = 

main effect of feeding dried distillers grains with solubles during the finishing period; Corn vs. DDGS = feeding 

dry-rolled corn (0:0) vs. feeding dried distillers grains with solubles during the growing and finishing periods 

(30:0 + 0:30 + 30:30). 

4 

Corn distillers dried grains with solubles. 

5 Marbling Score: Small 0 = 400. 

Treatment 1 


Contrast 3 

Warner-Bratzler shear force and cooking loss were not different (P ≥ 0.13) across treatments (Table 3). 

Results from the trained panel indicated no differences (P ≥ 0.16) in tenderness, which averaged 6.03 ± 

0.16 (8-point hedonic scale; Table 3); however, steaks from steers fed 30% DDGS during the finishing 

period tended (P = 0.10) to be juicier and more flavorful than steaks from the control steers (6.01 vs. 

5.83 ± 0.11 and 6.02 vs. 5.89 ± 0.08, respectively).

Table 3. Shear force, color analysis and sensory characteristics of steaks from steers fed growing 

and finishing diets containing 0 or 30 percent corn dried distillers grains with solubles. 

Item 0:00 30:00:00 0:30 30:30:00 SEM 2 


Corn vs. 

DDGS 4 

Steaks, number 17 15 16 18 — — — — 

Shear force, lb. 8.20 8.49 7.98 7.52 0.49 0.86 0.19 0.68 

Cooking loss 5 , oz. 1.77 1.51 1.64 1.62 0.11 0.17 0.92 0.13 

Color 6 

L 49.03 48.69 48.77 48.48 0.19 0.08 0.19 0.04 

A 21.69 22.33 20.27 19.99 0.24 0.41

Effect of Glycerol Level in Feedlot Diets on Animal Performance and 

Carcass Traits 

B.R. Ilse 1 , V.L. Anderson 1 , T.M. Jeske², R.J. Maddock 2 , and E.P. Berg 2 



Abstract 

Two separate feedlot trials were conducted (receiving and finishing) to evaluate the effects of 

increasing levels of glycerol on animal performance. Receiving trial steers (n = 198) were allotted by 

BW (622.6 ± 34.32 lbs.) in a randomized complete block design and sorted into 16 identical pens (four 

pens per treatment). Treatments were 0, 6, 12, and 18 percent glycerol (70% DM; water was added to 

reach 70% DM to increase the viscosity and decrease freezing temperature) on a DM basis replacing 

dry-rolled corn and co-products in the diet (55 Mcal/lb NEg). Dry matter intake was quadratically 

affected during the 30-d feeding period (P = 0.05) with 20.38; 21.07; 21.13; 19.47 pounds consumed for 

0, 6, 12, and 18 percent glycerol, respectively. Gains were not affected by glycerol level (P = 0.79) and 

feed efficiency was similar (P > 0.92) among treatments. Finishing trial heifers (n = 132; BW = 911.5 ± 

33.22 lbs.) were blocked by weight and allotted to one of 16 pens, assigned to 0, 6, 12, 18 percent 

glycerol (85% DM) dietary treatments (60 Mcal/lb NEg). Dry matter intake linearly decreased during the 

102-d feeding period with increasing glycerol level (P = 0.05; 28.11; 27.97; 27.71; 26.16 lbs. for 0, 6, 

12, and 18% glycerol, respectively). Gains were not affected by glycerol level (P = 0.26) during any of 

the four individual 28-d weigh periods or overall. Feed efficiency was also similar (P > 0.22) among 

treatments. If the availability of feed-grade glycerol increases with the increase in biodiesel production, 

glycerol could be a viable alternative to corn in feedlot diets. 

Key words: glycerol, beef, feedlot 

Introduction 

The glycerol (or glycerine) supply may increase dramatically throughout the Northern Plains states and 

Canadian provinces with the development of the biodiesel industry. Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol 

produced by transesterification of vegetable oil (e.g. soybean) or animal fat. Approximately 10 percent 

of the original weight of the vegetable oil is converted to glycerol in the process to produce biodiesel. 

This glycerol or glycerine product is primarily utilized in industrial products such as cosmetics, liquid 

soap, antifreeze, and lubricants. If glycerol can be used successfully as a feed, beef cattle are the 

largest potential year-around market outlet in North Dakota. A few research trials with dairy cattle 

support the use of glycerol as an energy source for ruminants, but no production feedlot research has 

been reported in the Northern Plains (DeFrain et al., 2004; Linke et al., 2004; Bodarski et al., 2005). 

Glycerol is currently used in some formulations of liquid feed products. The energy value of glycerol is 

about equal to corn on a pound for pound basis and therefore could be of great value for a livestock 

feed based on competitive pricing and availability. This trial was designed to study the effects of 

glycerol included as an energy source in receiving and finishing rations on animal performance. 


Feed-grade glycerol added to totally-mixed ration in a 

truck-mounted mixer wagon. 


Animals were housed at the Carrington Research Extension Center. Individual animals were weighed, 

blocked by weight and randomly allotted within block to one of four ration treatments. There were four 

pens or replicates for each treatment utilizing 16 pens. The four treatments included glycerol in the 

ration at 0, 6, 12, or 18 percent of the diet DM. The diets (Table 1) were fed as a totally-mixed ration 

that included wheat middlings, distillers grains, field peas, and decreasing levels of corn (60, 40, 20, 

and 0%, respectively). Animals were fed once daily to appetite based on morning bunk readings, with 

feed recorded daily and summarized for each weigh period. The average daily DMI, gain, and feed 

efficiency were calculated for each pen for each weigh period (~ 28 d). The glycerol for this study was 

donated to the CREC by Westway Feeds Products, Inc. of New Orleans, LA, and FUMPA BioFuels of 

Redwood Falls, MN. 

Receiving Ration Finishing Ration 

Item DM% Percent of diet DM basis Percent of diet DM basis 

Glycerol, % 85.1 0 6 12 18 0 6 12 18 

Corn, % 86.6 43 37 31 25 60 40 20 10 

Field Peas, % 90.7 15 15 15 15 12 12 12 12 

Wheat Midds, % 88.9 5 5 5 5 5 13 21 29 

MDGS, % b 

Table 1. Receiving and Finishing ration formulation with increasing levels of glycerol 

57.5 20 20 20 20 12 18 24 30 

Straw, % 85.2 15 15 15 15 8 8 8 8 

Rumn & MGA, % 90.0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 

CaCO3, % 95.0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 

a . 

a Rations formulated to meet or exceed NRC (1996) recommendations 

b Modified distillers grains with solubles. 


Receiving Trial 

Fall 2008 

One hundred ninety-eight mixed breed steers (BW = 622.6 ± 34.3 lbs.) from 40 different ranches that 

were part of the Dakota Feeder Calf feedout program were utilized in the receiving trial. Steers were 

weighed individually at the initiation and completion of the receiving trial (30 d). Rations were 

formulated (56 Mcal/lb.) to meet or exceed NRC (1996) recommendations. 

Dakota Feeder Calf club steers consuming a ration 

with increasing levels of glycerol. 

Finishing Trial 

Summer 2008 

One hundred thirty-two yearling Black Angus cross heifers (BW = 911.5 ± 33.2 lbs.) were purchased 

from a commercial source and utilized for the finishing trial. The finishing rations (65 Mcal/lb.) were 

formulated to meet or exceed NRC (1996) recommendations. 

Glycerol levels were increased in stepped increments as follows: all glycerol treatment groups were fed 

the 6% glycerol ration during the first seven days of the trial; the 12 and 18% treatment groups were 

increased to 12% during the second week; and the 18% glycerol treatment pens were increased to the 

final glycerol level at the start of the third week. 

Heifers were weighed at 28-d intervals during the 102 days on feed. All heifers were marketed at the 

same time when visual appraisal of the animals determined that 60 percent would grade USDA choice. 


Heifers on glycerol finishing trial replacing corn in TMR diet up to 18%. 


Receiving Trial 

Dry matter intake was quadratically affected by treatment during the 30-d feeding period (P = 0.05) with 

28.11; 27.97; 27.71; 26.16 pounds consumed for 0, 6, 12, and 18 percent glycerol, respectively. Gains 

were not affected by glycerol level (P = 0.79) and feed efficiency was similar (P = 0.92) among 

treatments. 

Table 2. Growth performance and efficiency of steers in a receiving trial with glycerol replacing corn up to 18%. 

Treatment % Glycerol Contrasts 

Item 

Weight, lbs. 

0 6 12 18 St. Error P-Value 

Glyc vs. 

No Glyc Linear Quadratic 

Initial Wt. 624.84 625.65 625.59 623.08 34.60 0.69 0.97 0.50 0.35 

Period 1 (Nov. 4) 670.33 677.16 669.20 668.58 32.50 0.53 0.80 0.90 0.42 

Period 2 (Dec. 4) 

Dry Matter Intake 

798.07 808.78 804.92 793.16 41.75 0.58 0.67 0.78 0.21 

Intake, lbs./hd/d 20.38 21.07 21.13 19.47 1.04 0.17 0.78 0.27 0.05 

Average Daily Gain, lbs. 4.26 4.39 4.53 4.16 0.38 0.79 0.76 0.72 0.37 

Finishing Trial 

Dry matter intake linearly decreased during the 102-d feeding period due to glycerol level (P = 0.05; 

28.11; 27.97; 27.71; 26.16 lbs. for 0, 6, 12, and 18% glycerol, respectively). Gains were not affected by 

glycerol level (P = 0.26) during any of the four individual 28-d weigh periods or overall. Feed efficiency 

was also similar (P = 0.22) among treatments. 


Table 3. Heifer body weight averages by treatment and period, glycerol replacing corn at 0, 6, 12, and 18% of the TMR. 


Item 0 6 12 18 St. Err P-Value 

Glyc vs. 


Initial Wt. (June 11) 909.0 920.4 917.0 906.5 33.91 0.75 0.65 0.81 0.31 

Period 1 Wt. (July 9) 1018.5 1027.4 1023.0 1011.1 36.36 0.56 0.83 0.49 0.23 

Period 2 Wt. (Aug. 6) 1131.6 1147.9 1146.2 1126.4 39.17 0.22 0.38 0.64 0.05 

Perod 3 Wt. (Sept. 3) 1249.3 1257.3 1257.9 1237.3 38.27 0.39 0.89 0.40 0.15 

Final Live Period 4 Wt. ab 

1312.7 1321.7 1329.8 1299.6 46.80 0.48 0.79 0.62 0.18 

HCW 802.9 808.4 813.4 794.9 28.63 0.48 0.79 0.62 0.18 

a 

Final Live weigh twas back calculated from HCW 63% 

b Includes 3% Shrink 

Table 4 . Daily dry matter intake and gain of heifers receiving 0, 6, 12, and 18% glycerol finishing ration. 


Item 

DM Intake (lbs.) 

0 6 12 18 St. Err P-Value 

Glyc vs. 


Period 1 28.70 27.95 28.52 27.13 0.71 0.12 0.13 0.06 0.49 

Period 2 26.82 28.16 27.20 25.59 0.79 0.10 0.84 0.13 0.04 

Period 3 28.65 28.17 27.59 26.04 0.80 0.17 0.16 0.04 0.52 

Period 4 28.35 27.38 27.43 25.70 1.36 0.50 0.30 0.17 0.76 

Overall DMI 28.11 27.97 27.71 26.16 0.80 0.18 0.28 0.05 0.29 

AD Gain (lb./hd/d) 

Period 1 3.91 3.83 3.79 3.73 0.29 0.98 0.71 0.67 0.96 

Period 2 4.04 4.30 4.40 4.12 0.27 0.67 0.40 0.75 0.26 

Period 3 4.20 3.90 3.99 3.96 0.20 0.74 0.30 0.49 0.51 

Period 4 3.53 3.58 4.00 3.46 0.59 0.81 0.77 0.91 0.51 

Overall 3.92 3.90 4.04 3.82 0.21 0.77 0.99 0.82 0.51 


Table. 5 Carcass traits, USDA Quality Grade and USDA Yield Grade from heifers fed glycerol at 

differing treatment levels. 

St. Err a P -value 

Item 0% 6% 12% 18% 

Hot Carcass Wt., lbs. 803.5 810.6 812.3 779.8 23.37 0.76 

Ribeye Area, cm² 13.08 13.63 13.42 13.55 0.24 0.40 

Backfat, in 0.63 0.61 0.63 0.57 0.24 0.49 

Kidney, Pelvic and Heart Fat 2.69 2.58 2.83 2.56 0.10 0.24 

Marbling Score b Treatment 

461 461 459 450 16.90 0.96 

Quality grade CH- CH - CH - CH - - - 

Yield grade 3.49 3.27 3.45 3.15 - - 

a Standard error of treatment means 

b Marbling score: Small 0 = 400 

The results of this study suggest that glycerol is an excellent energy source for finishing diets up to 18 

percent of dry matter intake. The fact that corn decreased from 60 percent of the diet to 0 percent while 

glycerol increased, along with the co-products, wheat middlings and distillers grains, indicates that high 

percentage co-product diets can be competitive with corn-based diets. The protein content of the diet 

increased with co-product level, with excess protein potentially metabolized as an energy source and 

the nitrogen excreted. 

Handling glycerol 

Glycerol was handled as a liquid even though the lab analysis reports it at 85 percent DM. Feed grade 

glycerol, a three-carbon alcohol, has a high viscosity and does not flow well in colder temperatures, 

essentially below freezing. The viscosity decreases and the flow properties improve when water is 

added to the product. Adding up to 50 percent water will improve flow properties down to -29.9° F. 

This practice is necessary if glycerol is to be used as a single ingredient throughout the winter. Ration 

adjustments must be made to account for the change in dry matter content. 

References 

Bodarski, R., T. Wertelecki, F. Bommer, S. Gosiewski. 2005. The changes of metabolic status and 

lacation performance in dairy cows underfeeding TMR with glycerine (glycerol) supplement at 

periparturient period. Animal Husbandry Vol. 8. Issue 4. 

DeFrain, J. M., A. R. Hippen, K. F. Kalscheur, and P. W. Jardon. 2004. Feeding glycerol to transition 

dairycows: Effects on blood metabolites and lactation performance. J. Dairy. Sci. 87:4195-4206. 

Linke, P. L., and A. R. Hippen, 2005. Ruminal and plasma responses in dairy cows to drenching or 

feeding glycerol. J. Undergraduate Research Vol. 3, pp 49-60 SDSU. 

NRC. 1996. Nutrient Requirements of beef cattle. 7th Revised Edition. National Academy of Sciences, 

Washington, D.C. 


Impact of Weaning Date on Calf Growth and Carcass Traits* 

M.M. Thompson 1 , C.S. Schauer 1 , V.L. Anderson 2 , B.R. Ilse 2 and R.J. Maddock 3 




Introduction 

Traditional northern Great Plains cattle producers usually calve out their brood cows in the late winterearly 

spring months (February and March) to guarantee ranch resources, time and labor will be 

available for spring crop planting and fieldwork. Some producers, however, have chosen to push their 

calving cycles further into the spring months (May and June) to follow nature’s traditional growth 

patterns for pasture grasses. For these producers, high-quality grazing diets are readily available for 

their lactating brood cows and nursing calves, further maximizing milk production and calf growth. 

The definition of early weaning varies; generally, calves weaned before 150 days of age are considered 

early-weaned (Loy et al., 1999). Most research on early weaning has focused on late winter-early 

spring calving (Schoonmaker et al., 2001; Story et al., 2000) with little research evaluating early 

weaning outcomes on late spring-born (May and June) calves. Our study objective was to evaluate the 

impact of weaning date (early vs. normal) on calf growth and carcass traits in spring-born Angus calves 

during the grow-finish period. 


The NDSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved all protocols. The experiment was 

conducted at the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center’s feedlot in Hettinger, ND, and the NDSU 

Carrington Research Extension Center’s feedlot in Carrington, ND. Sixty-two Angus steer and heifer 

calves (average birth date = April 16 ± 1.4 days) from the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension 

Center’s cowherd were assigned to one of two weaning dates early wean = September 15 and 16, 

2008, (EW), or normal wean = November 3 and 4, 2008, (NW). On their respective weaning dates, EW 

and NW calves were hauled (five miles) to the feedlot after morning gathering and weighing in the 

pasture. Normal wean calves remained on pastures with their dams until their respective weaning date. 

At feedlot arrival, calves were stratified by weight and sex and allotted to one of 10 pens (six or seven 

calves/pen; five pens/weaning date) to evaluate the effect of weaning date on calf growth and 

performance. At the start of their respective receiving periods, all calves were dewormed, vaccinated 

for respiratory, clostridial, Hemophilus somnus, and Mannheimia diseases, and tagged with a radiofrequency 

identification tag (RFID) for enrollment in an age and source verification program 

(AgInfoLink, Longmont, CO). All calves were fed the same receiving ration (total-mixed ration) for the 

first 21 days (EW) and 20 days (NW) after weaning. The receiving diet consisted of ground-mixed hay, 

cracked corn, dried distillers grains with solubles (donated by POET Nutrition Inc., Sioux Falls, SD), a 

medicated growing supplement (containing Rumensin ® , Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN and 

Melengesterol acetate [MGA], Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY), deccox crumbles, sodium 

bicarbonate and limestone (dry matter basis [DM]; 14.8% crude protein; 0.52 megacalories/pound of 

net energy for gain; Table 1). 


Table 1. Dietary ingredient and nutrient concentration of calf growing diets. 

Item 

Ingredient, % DM basis 

Receiving diet Growing diet 

Cracked corn 31.8 31.7 

Deccox crumbles 1.5 1.5 

Dried distillers grains w/solubles 12.6 12.6 

Growing supplement a 

3.9 4.2 

Limestone 0.5 0.5 

Mixed hay b 

39.8 39.6 

Oat silage 9.3 9.3 

Sodium bicarbonate 0.6 0.6 

Nutrient Concentration c 

DM, % 77.1 74.9 

CP, % DM basis 14.8 13 

NE g, Mcal/lb. 0.52 0.56 

Ca:P 2 2.1 

a Calf growing supplement contained minimum 7.2% CP, 3.375% Ca, 0.27% P, 1.0% 

K, no animal byproducts, 350 mg/lb. Rumensin ® and MGA (melegesterol acetate) at 

0.5 mg (as fed). 

b Mixed hay composed of equal parts of ground barley and alfalfa-grass hays. 

c Analytical results from growing diets are from composited samples. 

At the onset of the background periods, weights were measured on the calves prior to morning feeding 

(October 14 and 15, 2008; December 4 and 5, 2008). All calves were implanted with a Ralgro implant 

(36 mg zeranol; Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp., Kenilworth, NJ) post weighing. During the 

growing period, calves were fed a 49:51 forage:concentrate diet (13% crude protein; 0.56 

megacalories/lb. of net energy for gain growing diet; DM basis; Table 1). All diets were formulated for 

2.20 pounds of daily gain. Diets were fed once daily (8 a.m.) and slick bunk management was used to 

determine individual pen daily feed allotments. Calves had free access to water in ice-free automatic 

fence-line water fountains. 

Calves were checked daily for signs of bloat and respiratory illness. Calf weights were recorded on day 

0, 1, 20, 21, 51, 52, 71, 72, 114, and 115. Initial and final weights were unshrunk body weights 

measured over two consecutive weigh days before morning feeding. Diet samples were collected (day 

6, 35, 37, 72, 78, 91, 103 and 113), composited by diet and analyzed by a commercial laboratory 

(Midwest Laboratories, Omaha, Neb.) for nutrient components. 

After backgrounding, calves (n=58) were shipped to the NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center, 

Carrington, ND, for finishing on January 21, 2009. During the finish period, calves were fed a diet 

containing 61 megacalories/pound of net energy for gain during a 105-day feeding period. Calves were 

fed to a common end weight (1,100 lbs.) and backfat thickness (0.4 inch) prior to harvest. During the 

course of finishing, 13 calves (EW = 5 and NW = 8) were harvested at a local abattoir (Barton Meats, 

Carrington, ND). Consequently, no carcass characteristics were measured on those calves. The 

remaining calves (n = 45) were harvested at Tyson Foods, Dakota City, NE, on May 5, 2009. Following 


a 24-hour chill, qualified university personnel, in concert with USDA graders, collected carcass data on 

the individual carcasses. Carcass traits measured included hot carcass weights; marbling scores; 12 th 

rib fat thickness; longissimus areas; kidney, pelvic and heart fat measures; and USDA yield grades. 

Calf growth and carcass traits were analyzed as a completely randomized design with the 

backgrounding phase pen serving as the experimental unit. Treatment means were separated by least 

square means following a protected F-test (P < 0.05). 


This is the third year of analyzing early weaning impacts on calf growth and carcass traits in May-born 

Angus calves at the Hettinger Research Extension Center. This year, the calves’ average birth date 

was two weeks earlier (mid April) as compared to previous years (Thompson et al., 2009; Stamm et al., 

2007). 

The effects of weaning strategies on calf performance and health are displayed in Table 2. Final 

veterinary medicine costs, respiratory illness treatments and calf mortality were unaffected by treatment 

during the growing period (P > 0.05). Two EW and one NW calves died and another EW calf had to be 

removed from the study because of bloat. Because the ruminal bloat occurred during the early stages 

of the study, sodium bicarbonate was added to the calf diets to promote saliva production through 

increased cud chewing, resulting in increased rumen-buffering capacity. All performance data from the 

removed calves was deleted from subsequent performance analyses. Two EW calves were treated for 

respiratory illness. Of the calves treated for respiratory symptoms, one EW calf required additional 

treatment with a second antibiotic during the feeding period. 

Hettinger Research Extension Center’s early weaned calves. 


Table 2. Weaning strategy effects on calf performance. 

Early 

Item 

Weaning a 

Normal 

Weaning b 

SEM c 

P- value d 

No. head 30 32 - - 

Age at weaning, days 

Period 1, day 0 to 50 

178 227 1.34 - 

Initial weight, lb. 590 - - - 

DMI, lb./d 17.7 - 0.45 - 

Weight gain, lb. 170 - 17.3 - 

ADG, lb./d 3.33 - 0.34 - 

Gain:feed 0.14 - 0.03 - 

Feed cost, $/lb. of body weight gain e 

Period 2, day 51 to 114 

0.48 - 0.03 - 

Initial weight, lb. - 723 - - 

DMI, lb./d 22.6 23.2 0.35 0.29 

Weight gain, lb. 149 140 12.3 0.6 

ADG, lb./d 2.33 2.18 0.19 0.6 

Gain:feed 0.1 0.26 0.11 0.36 


1.17 g 

0.84 f 

Overall, day 114 

0.1 0.047 

Final weight, lb. 838 801 18.5 0.2 

DMI, lb./d 21.1 f 

23.2 g 

0.36 < 0.001 

Weight gain, lb. 314 g 

138 f 

10.4 < 0.001 

ADG, lb./d 2.73 g 

2.17 f 

0.14 0.02 

Gain:feed 0.13 g 

0.09 f 

0.007 0.002 


Treatments 

0.74 0.85 0.05 0.16 

Veterinary medicine costs, $/hd 14.64 11.8 2.15 0.38 

Treatment for respiratory illness, % of calves 

Once 6.6 0 4.67 0.35 

Twice 3.34 0 2.36 0.35 

Mortality, % of calves 6.68 3.34 5.28 0.54 

a Early wean calves; wean date = Sept. 15 and 16, 2008. 

b Normal wean calves; wean date = Nov. 3 and 4, 2008. 

c Standard error of mean; n = 5 observations per treatment. 

d 

P- value for F-test of treatment. 

e 

Cracked corn = $0.09/lb.; deccox crumbles = $0.36/lb.; growing supplement = $0.23/lb.; 

limestone = $0.11/lb.; ground mixed hay = $0.05/lb; oat silage = $ 0.01/lb, salt block = 

$0.10/lb, sodium bicarbonate = $0.28/lb. 

f, g 

Means with different superscripts differ (P < 0.05). 


By design, weaning dates influenced weaning weights; EW calves were lighter and younger at weaning 

(523 lbs.; 178 days of age) compared with NW calves (660 lbs.; 227 days of age; P < 0.001). Feed 

intake of early weaned calves averaged 17.7 pounds/day and average daily gain (ADG) was 3.33 

pounds/day. As a result, feed costs averaged $0.48/lb. gained during the first 50 days of 

backgrounding. Normal weaned calves, placed on feed for 64 days, had similar feed intakes and daily 

gains as compared to EW calves (P > 0.05; Table 2). Though not statistically different, feed efficiency 

(gain:feed) for NW calves was numerically higher than EW calves (0.10 vs. 0.26 for EW and NW 

calves, respectively; P = 0.36) while feed cost/pound of gain differed across treatment ($1.17/lb. gained 

vs. $0.84/lb. gained for EW and NW calves, respectively; P = 0.047) for the same period. The 

difference in feed cost/pound of gain may be contributed to the decreased potency of the Ralgro 

implant in the EW calves (Ralgro implant potency period is approximately 90 days post-implanting). 

Although final weights were similar across treatment and averaged 820 ± 18.5 pounds (P = 0.20), 

background weight gain differed by treatment (314 and 139 lbs. for EW and NW, respectively; P < 

0.001). Calf weight gain was influenced directly by the number of days on feed. Early-weaned calves 

spent 51 days more on higher energy rations (based on weaning date) as compared with the NW 

calves (EW = 115 days vs. NW = 64 days). Overall, EW calves had nine percent lower dry matter 

intake as compared to NW calves (21.1 vs. 23.2 pounds for EW and NW calves, respectively; P < 

0.001). This may be attributed to their weaning date and weight, incidences of bloat, and respiratory 

illness events that affected the EW calves, resulting in lower feed intakes over the course of the study. 

Although feed costs/pound of gain was comparable across treatments and averaged $0.80/pound (P = 

0.16), EW calves had greater ADG (2.73 lbs. vs. 2.17 lbs.; P = 0.02) and feed efficiencies (0.13 vs. 

0.09; P = 0.002) compared to NW calves for the background period. 

The impact of weaning date on carcass traits is presented in Table 3. In this study, all carcass traits 

measured were similar at harvest (P > 0.05), regardless of treatment. 

Early-weaned steer at the bunk. 


Table 3. Weaning strategy effects on carcass traits. 

Item EW a 

NW b 

SEM c 

P -value d 

No. head 22 23 - - 

Hot carcass weight, lb. 700 723 13.4 0.26 

Marbling score e 

Treatments 

496 503 11.75 0.7 

12 th rib fat thickness, in. 0.56 0.57 0.02 0.72 

Longissimus area, in. 2 

12.5 12.4 0.21 0.76 

Kidney, pelvic and heart fat, % 2.4 2.32 0.05 0.31 

USDA Yield Grade (adjusted) f 

3.04 3.16 0.06 0.15 

a EW: early weaned calves; wean date = Sept. 15 and 16, 2008. 

b NW: normal weaned calves; wean date = Nov. 3 and 4, 2008. 

c Standard error of mean; n = 5 observations per treatment. 

d P -value for F-test of treatment. 

e The amount and distribution of intramuscular fat; Modest = 400 to 499; Moderate = 500 to 599. 

f Yield grades determined by the following calculation: YG = 2.5 + (2.5x adjusted fat thickness, 

in.)+(0.20 x kidney, pelvic and heart fat %) - (0.32 x longissimus area, sq. in) + (0.0038) x hot 

carcass weight, lb.). Yield grade is defined as the comingled yield of closely trimmed, 

boneless retail cuts from the round, loin, rib and chuck. Yield grades are denoted by numbers 

1 through 5 with yield grade = 1 representing the highest cutability. 

Implications 

In the present study, calves that were weaned at 178 days of age had lower dry matter intake and 

greater feed efficiency than those weaned at 227 days of age. Carcass measurements were not 

different between early-weaned or normally-weaned calves when they were managed collectively 

during the finishing phase. In this trial, days on feed had a direct influence on weight gained during the 

feeding period. Early weaning of spring-born calves appears to be a feasible production option for 

cattle producers who calve between mid April and mid June. More research is warranted to determine 

what effects early weaning has during the finishing phase of feedlot feeding. 


Loy, D., D. Maxwell and G. Rouse. 1999. Effect of early weaning of beef calves on performance and 

carcass quality. Iowa State Univ. Beef Res. Rep. AS 641, Leaflet R1632, Ames. Pp. 22-24. 

Schoonmaker, J. P., F. L. Fluharty, S. C. Loerch, T. B. Turner, S. J. Moeller and D. M. Wulf. 2001. 

Effect of weaning status and implant regimen on growth, performance, and carcass characteristics of 

steers. J. Anim. Sci. 79: 1074-1084. 

Stamm, M. M., C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson, B. R. Ilse, D. M. Stecher, D. Drolc, and D. Pearson. 

2007. Influence of weaning date (early or normal) on performance, health, and carcass 

characteristics of May-born Angus calves. NDSU Beef Feedlot Res. Rep. 30: 23-28. 

Story, C. E., R. J. Rasby, R. T. Clzarck and C. T. Milton. 2000. Age of calf at weaning of spring-calving 

beef cows and the effect on cow and calf performance and production economics. J. Anim. Sci. 78: 

1403-1413. 


Thompson, M. M., C. S. Schauer, V. L. Anderson, B. R. Ilse, J. C. Galbreath, and R. J. Maddock. 

2009. Effect of weaning and production management strategies on calf growth and carcass traits. 

2008 NDSU Beef Cattle and Range Res. Rep. Pp 28-33. 


The authors would like to thank POET Nutrition Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, for their donation of the dried 

distillers grains with solubles used in this study and David Pearson, Don Stecher, Donald Drolc, Dale 

Burr, Tim Schroeder and Tyler Ingebretson for their assistance in conducting this trial. 

*Partial support for this research was provided by the U. S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural 

Research Service Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory, Mandan, ND. Specific Cooperative 

Agreement No. 58-5445-7-315. Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations 

expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Growth and Feedlot Performance of Steer Calves Born From Beef Cows 

Supplemented with Linseed Meal During Late Gestation 

B.R. Ilse 1 , V.L. Anderson 1 , J.D. Kirsch 2 , D.S. Buchanan 2 , and K.A. Vonnahme 2 



Abstract 

This study examined the effects of supplementing beef cows with phytoestrogen rich linseed meal 

(LSM) during late gestation on steer calf growth performance and carcass characteristics. Multiparous 

cows (n = 72) were allotted randomly to one of 12 pens, with six pens supplemented with pelleted LSM 

and six pens fed a control sunflower meal (SFM) pellet. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and 

isonitrogenous. Treatment supplements were included in a totally-mixed ration each day for the last 60 

d of gestation. Steer calves (n = 41) were followed from birth to finishing. Birth weight, actual weaning 

weight, and ADG and carcass characteristics were recorded. Steer birth and weaning weight were not 

different between treatments (P > 0.05; 96.9 vs. 95.6 ± 2.50 lb.; 561.7 vs. 574.8 ± 9.13 lb., for LSM vs. 

SFM, respectively). Final live weight was significantly different due to cow gestational supplementation 

(P = 0.04; 1206.2 vs. 1286.3 ± 21.31 lbs., for LSM vs. SFM, respectively) Steer ADG overall was not 

different due to treatment (P > 0.05; 2.82 vs. 2.98 ± 0.18 lbs., for LSM vs. SFM, respectively). Carcass 

characteristic parameters were not different due to treatment. Supplementation of LSM during late 

gestation does not appear to negatively impact growth rate in calves. 

Key words: phytoestrogen, linseed meal, cattle 

Introduction 

North Dakota is the national leader in flax production (USDA, NASS 2008). Linseed meal (LSM) is a 

byproduct of flax where the oil has been removed and is commonly used in livestock diets. Recent 

research has hypothesized that the maternal diet during gestation can have an effect on the lifetime 

productivity of the offspring. Flaxseed and LSM contain high levels of the plant phytoestrogens. Fetal 

exposure to phytoestrogen during gestation from that maternal diet may affect the offspring’s 

development and lifetime productivity. 


We hypothesized that 10 percent LSM supplementation of the maternal diet during late gestation would 

influence calf weight, lifetime gain performance and carcass characteristics. 


Animals and Diets 

This study was approved by the North Dakota State University Institutional Animal Care and Use 

Committee. At approximately 215 d of gestation, the Carrington Research Extension Center’s 

multiparous, Red Angus x Simmental cows (n = 72) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 

1) 10 percent LSM pelleted supplement or 2) a control supplement, sunflower meal (SFM). Pelleted 

supplements were offered (5 lbs. per hd/d) in a totally-mixed ration (Table 1) until parturition. Cows 

were assigned to treatments using cow weight as a blocking criterion. Additionally calf birth weight and 

previous calf birth weight were equalized between treatments as much as possible. Animals were 

allotted to 1 of 12 pens, with six pens supplemented with LSM and six pens fed the SFM pellet. 

Cow-calf pair: Calf born from LSM-supplemented cow during 

the last 60 d of gestation. 

Table 1. Gestational cow diet last 60 days until parturtion a . 

Item 

Ingredient LSM SFM 

----------% DM---------- 

LSM Pellet 9.7 - 

SFM Pellet - 9.7 

Light Barley 27.6 27.6 

Straw 32.8 32.8 

Corn Silage 29.9 29.9 

a 

Cow ration formulated by recommened requirements (NRC, 

2000). 


Diets were formulated to provide required nutrients for an approximately 1,475-pound, late-gestation, 

mature beef cow as suggested by the National Research Council (NRC, 2000). 

Upon parturition, cows were comingled and cow-calf pairs managed similarly. Calves were weaned at 

an average age of 170 d. 

Steer calves (n = 41) were followed from birth through finishing period to harvest. Birth weight, actual 

weaning weight, ADG, and carcass characteristics were recorded for steer calves. Steers were 

managed similarly and fed as suggested by the National Research Council (NRC, 2000) throughout the 

course of the study. 

Table 2. Steer receiving and finishing period diets. a 

Item 

Ingredient Receiving Finishing 

----------% DM ----------- 

Rumensin 1.4 1.2 

CaCo 3 0.56 0.5 

Corn 29 34.7 

Peas 8.9 11.8 

Midds 18 - 

MWDGS 16.9 12 

Corn Silage 16.3 16.8 

Clean Out Barley - 14.6 

Hay 8.9 - 

Straw - 8.3 

a 

Steer rations formulated by recommened requirements 

(NRC, 2000). 

Statistical analysis 

Data were analyzed by least squares (Proc Mixed, V.9.1; SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Pen was the 

experimental unit for weaning weight, period weights, ADG and carcass characteristics. The statistical 

model included the fixed effects of gestational diet of the cow and cow weight block. 


Growth performance 

Steer birth weight and weaning weight (Table 3) were not affected by treatment (P > 0.05; 96.9 vs. 95.6 

± 2.5 lbs.; 561.7 vs. 574.8 ± 9.13 lbs., for LSM vs. SFM, respectively). Similarly, Stalker et al. (2006) 

found supplementation of 42 percent CP versus. no CP supplement prepartum in beef cows did not 

affect birth weight, but calves born from supplemented cows had greater weaning weights. Conversely, 

Larson et al. (2009) reported protein supplement offered to cows during late gestation resulted in 

increased birth weight compared to non-protein supplemented calves. Tou et al. (1998) reported lighter 

birth weights in rat offspring born from rat dams supplemented with 10 percent flaxseed. 

Steer ADG was not different due to treatment (Table 3). Overall ADG (P = 0.05) was 2.82 pounds for 

steers born from supplemented LSM cows and 2.98 ± 0.18 for the SFM treatment. 


Table 3. Steer perfomance born from cows supplemented with LSM or 

control diet during last 60 d of gestation. 

Item LSM SFM St. Error P- value a 

Birth Date, Julian 91.00 88.58 2.70 0.57 

Birth Wt., lb. 96.91 95.58 2.51 0.73 

Weaning Wt . Lb. 561.73 574.80 9.13 0.37 

Wt. Period 1 617.13 630.36 9.05 0.36 

Wt. Period 2 728.63 751.13 11.72 0.24 

Wt. Period 3 847.32 877.02 14.09 0.20 

Wt. Period 4 957.42 990.47 16.85 0.23 

Wt. Period 5 1046.23 1087.68 20.08 0.21 

Wt. Period 6 1121.53 1169.60 19.32 0.14 

Wt. Period 7 1149.47 1234.05 28.52 0.09 

Final Live Wt. 1206.17 1286.25 21.31 0.04 

Initial ADG 1.98 1.98 0.098 0.9696 

Mid ADG 2.62 2.70 0.109 0.6418 

Final ADG 2.38 3.48 0.458 0.1543 

Overall ADG 2.82 2.98 0.184 0.5438 

a P-values < 0.05 are considered signicantly different. 

Finished CREC steers born from cows supplemented during gestational period. 

Carcass quality performance 

Steers’ hot carcass weight (HCW), backfat, ribeye area (REA) and final yield grade were not affected 

significantly by cow supplemented treatment during gestation (Table 4). However, dressing percentage 

was significantly affected (P = 0.02; 63.3% and 59.7% ± 0.008, for LSM vs. SFM, respectively). 


Marbling number approached significance (P = 0.09) indicating a trend that marbling score was 

affected by gestational treatment. Steers born from cows supplemented with SFM had greater 

marbling than those supplemented with LSM (459.5 vs. 507.39 ± 16.24, LSM vs. SFM, respectively). 

Table 4 . Performance of steers born from cows supplemented with LSM or 

control diet during last 60 d of gestation. 

Item LSM SFM St Error P- value a 

Hot Carcass Wt. lb. 760.85 767.85 7.00 0.53 

Marbling Score 459.50 507.39 16.24 0.09 

Backfat, in. 0.39 0.41 0.05 0.77 

REA, sq. in. 13.03 12.66 0.15 0.13 

KPH, % 2.46 2.45 0.05 0.59 

Final YG 2.31 2.57 0.16 0.34 

a 

P-values < 0.05 are considered signicantly different. 

Summary 

Linseed meal can be fed to beef cattle during late gestation without any negative effects on calf birth 

date or birth weight, calf growth performance or carcass quality parameters. Even though final live 

weight was significantly different, this was contributed to the allotment of steers born from cows treated 

during gestation. Further beef cattle research on fetal programming during the fetal development 

stages and early postnatal growth should continue to determine the effects of the cow diet on calf 

lifetime performance. 


Larson, D. M., J. L. Martin, D. C. Adams, and R. N. Funston. Winter grazing system and 

supplementation during late gestation influence performance of beef cows and steer progeny. 2009. 

J. Anim. Sci. 87:1147-1155. 

NRC. 2000. Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle. 7 th Revised Ed. National Academy Press, 

Washington, DC. 

Stalker, L. A., D. C. Adams, T. J. Klopfenstein, D. M. Feuz and R. N. Funston. Effects of pre- and 

postpartum nutrition on reproduction in spring calving cows and calf feedlot performance. 2006. J. 

Anim. Sci. 84:2582-2589. 

Tou, J. C. L., J. Chen, L. U. Thompson. 1998. Flaxseed and its lignan precursor, secoisolariciresinol 

diglycoside, affect pregnancy outcome and reproductive development in rats. J. Nutr. 128:1861. 

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service North Dakota Field Office. June 2008. Ag Statistics No. 

77. 


Effect of Distillers Grains on Natural vs. Conventional Supplements and 

Production Methods on Feedlot Performance, and Carcass 

Characteristics 

B.R. Ilse 1 , V.L. Anderson 1 , M.M. Thompson 2 , and C.S. Schauer 2 



Abstract 

This trial was initiated to determine the effects of natural production methods for beef cattle during the 

finishing period versus conventional management in diets containing 20 percent modified distillers 

grains with solubles (MDGS). Seventy-two backgrounded steers were assigned to one of two 

treatments: 1) conventionally (CON) managed calves received growth promotants (implants/ 

ionophores) and antibiotics if required and 2) natural (NAT) calves were not given growth promotants or 

antibiotics. In place of the ionophore in the natural diet, a supplement comprised of a commerciallyproduced, 

live yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was included in the totally-mixed ration. Overall the 

steers managed and fed conventionally consumed more feed, were heavier and had greater average 

daily gains compared to naturally-managed calves (P < 0.0001). Efficiency overall for pounds of feed/ 

pound of gain was significantly different due to treatment (P = 0.02) and hot carcass weight, REA, and 

KPH were all significantly affected (P < 0.04) by treatment. Backfat was not affected by treatment (P = 

0.48). Yield grade was not significantly different due to treatment (P = 0.53). However, NAT steers had 

higher marbling score (P = 0.02). 

Introduction 

Growth in the ethanol industry has increased the amount of distillers grains available for feed. Natural 

beef production has become of interest and demand. Natural beef, which must meet the criteria of 

―never-ever‖ receiving implants, ionophore or antibiotics, and reasonably priced ethanol byproducts 

could allow North Dakota’s cattlemen to create a natural cattle feeding industry within the state. 


Seventy-two black Angus steers were backgrounded at the Hettinger Research Extension Center and 

shipped to the Carrington Research Extension Center for finishing. Upon arrival at Carrington, the 

steers were allotted in one of two production management treatments: natural (NAT) in which the steers 

received no implants, antibiotics or ionophores, or conventional (CON) in which the steers were 

managed receiving all common conventional finishing practices. Finishing diets (65 Mcal/lb.) were 

formulated to meet or exceed NRC (1996) nutritional beef cattle recommendations (Table 1). 


Steers fed the finishing diet 

including 20% MDGS with natural 

or conventional supplement.

Table 1. Finishing ration with 20% MDGS in 

natural and conventional diets. 

---------------% DM------------- 

Item Conventional Natural 

Corn 58.40 58.71 

Canola 2.89 2.93 

MDGS 22.19 22.29 

Silage 7.21 7.56 

Straw 7.58 7.65 

CaCO 3 0.50 0.57 

Ionophore 1.21 - 

Natural Suppl - 0.28 

The finishing ration was formulated to contain a minimum of 20 percent modified distillers grains with 

solubles (MDGS) and to include a conventional supplement in the form of an ionophore at 300 mg/hd/d, 

or a natural yeast-based supplement Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 400 mg/hd/day. Steers were fed 

once daily ad libitium and had free access to fenceline waterers. Steers were weighed every 28 d and 

feed delivery was recorded daily until harvest. Conventional steers were re-implanted with a terminal 

trenbolone acetate (TBA) commercial implant. Steers were harvested when cattle were observed to 

have obtained 60 percent choice by trained CREC personnel. Steers in the CON treatment reached 

this visible appraisal 13 d earlier than the NAT steers, so steers were harvested by treatment block 13 d 

apart. 

Results 

Growth Performance and Efficiency 

Dry matter intake for all periods except period one was significantly different (Table 2). Overall the 

steers managed and fed conventionally consumed 24.63 pounds/hd/d where as the natural consumed 

only 21.50 ± 0.62 pounds/hd/d. Final body weight (P < 0.0001) was 1383.15 vs. 1296.40 ± 13.89 

pounds for CON versus NAT, respectively. Overall ADG (P< 0.0001) was 3.97 vs. 3.26 ± 0.07 pounds 

for CON versus NAT treatments. Anderson et al. (2008) did not report significant differences in DMI or 

ADG in cattle managed conventionally versus naturally, but did report differences in efficiency in favor 

of the ionophore supplement that was comprised of yucca schidigera extract and cobalt. Efficiency 

overall for pounds of feed/ pound of gain was significantly different due to treatment (P = 0.02; CON 

6.18 vs. NAT 6.60 ± 0.15). Gain pounds / feed pounds was not significantly different overall (P = 0.09; 

0.16 vs. 0.15 ± 0.01) for CON versus NAT, respectively. 


Table 2. Intake gain and efficiency of calves fed using natural or conventional 

production methods. 

Item Conventional Natural St. Error P-value a 

Weight, lb. 

Initial Wt., Feb 11 856.31 832.53 7.50 0.010 

Period 1, Mar. 11 974.74 927.49 12.86 0.004 

Period 2, Apr 8 1114.82 1033.11 12.70

Table 3. Carcass performance of calves fed MDGS using natural or conventional production 

methods. 

Item Conventional Natural St. Error P-value a 

HCW lb. 860.72 764.00 6.36

Discovering Value in North Dakota Calves; The Dakota Feeder Calf Show 

Feedout Project VIII 

Progress Report Year 2008-2009 

K. Hoppe 1 , and P. Carpentier 2 


2 McLean County Extension 

Abstract 

North Dakota cattle producers continue to explore the value of the calves they produce by measuring 

feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout project was 

developed to discover the actual value of spring-born beef steer calves, provide comparisons between 

herds, and benchmark feeding and carcass performance. Cattle consigned to the feedout project 

averaged 648.5 pounds upon delivery to the Carrington Research Extension Center Livestock Unit on 

October 18, 2008. After an average 198-day feeding period with 1.52 percent death loss, cattle 

averaged 1260.1 pounds (at plant, shrunk weight). Average daily feed intake per head, as fed, was 

29.6 pounds while pounds of feed required per pound of gain were 9.9. Diet dry matter was 78 percent. 

The pen-of-three calves averaged 404 days of age at harvest. Overall pen average daily gain was 

2.98 pounds. Feed cost was $0.553 per pound and total cost of gain without interest was $0.752. The 

cattle were marketed on May 5, 2009 and marbling scores averaged 437.6 (low choice). Profit before 

interest expense ranged from $121.68 per head for pen-of-three cattle with superior growth and 

carcass traits to a loss of ($63.70) per head return for a pen-of-three with poorer feedlot and carcass 

performance. 

Introduction 

Determining calf value is a continuing experience for cow-calf producers. To remain competitive with 

other livestock and poultry in the meat industry, cow-calf producers need to identify superior genetics 

and management. At time of bull selection, a producer must also estimate the type of animal desired 

by buyers 1½- 2 years before sale. Marketplace premiums are provided for calves that have 

exceptional feedlot performance and produce a high quality carcass. In addition, superior cost effective 

feeding performance is needed to justify the expense of feeding cattle past weaning. Since North 

Dakota feeds were low cost and climate is favorable, low feeding cost per pound of gain can be 

accomplished. This feedlot project was developed to provide cattle producers with an understanding of 

cattle genetics and cattle feeding in North Dakota. 


The Dakota Feeder Calf Show was developed for cattle producers willing to consign steer calves to a 

show and feedout contest. The calves were received in groups of three or four on October 18, 2008 to 

the Turtle Lake Weighing Station, Turtle Lake, ND for weighing, tagging, processing and showing. The 

calves were evaluated for conformation and uniformity with the judges providing a discussion to the 

owners at the beginning of the feedout. The calves were then shipped to the Carrington Research 

Extension Center, Carrington, ND for feeding. Prior to shipment, calves were vaccinated, implanted, 

dewormed, and injected with prophylatic long acting oxytetracycline. Calves were then sorted and 

placed on corn based receiving diets. After a two week adaptation period, the calves were moved on to 

a corn-based 80% grain diet. Cattle were weighed every 28 days and updated performance reports 

provided to the owners. 

An open house was held on February 12, 2009, at the Carrington Research Extension Center Livestock 

Unit, where the owners reviewed the calves and discussed marketing conditions. 


The number of cattle consigned was 198 of which 153 competed in the pen-of-three contest. Cattle 

were implanted with Synovex S upon arrival and reimplanted with Synovex Choice during the feeding 

period The cattle (193 head) were harvested on May 5, 2009. Cattle were sold to Tyson Fresh Meats, 

Dakota City NE on a grid basis with premiums and discounts. Carcass data was collected after 

harvest. Ranking in the pen-of-three competition was based on the best score obtained. Overall score 

was determined by adding the index score for weight per day of age (20% of score), average daily gain 

on test (20% of score), marbling score (20% of score), and retail product value divided by weight per 

day of age (40% of score). The Dakota Feeder Calf Show provided cash awards for the top placing 

pens of steers. 


Cattle consigned to the Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout project averaged 648.5 pounds upon 

delivery to the Carrington Research Extension Center Livestock Unit on October 18, 2008. After an 

average 198-day feeding period cattle averaged 1260.1 pounds (at plant, shrunk weight). Three deaths 

or 1.52 percent death loss occurred during the feeding period. Two steers where returned to a 

producer due to hoof and leg structure problems. Average daily feed intake per head was 29.6 pounds, 

as fed basis, and 23.1 pounds, dry matter basis. Pounds of feed required per pound of gain were 9.9, 

as fed basis, and 7.7 pounds, dry matter basis. Overall feed cost per pound of gain was $0.553. 

Overall yardage cost per pound of gain was $0.093. Combined cost per pound of gain including feed, 

yardage, veterinary, trucking and other expenses except interest was $0.752. The carcass 

characteristics were collected and used in calculating indexes for scoring. The cattle were harvested 

May 5, 2009, contained USDA Quality Grades at 2.1% Prime, 65.8% Choice or better (including 16.6% 

Certified Angus Beef), 29.5% Select and 2.6% Standard and USDA Yield Grades at 14.5% YG1, 46.6% 

YG2, 32.1% YG3, 5.7% YG4, and 1.1% YG5. Carcass value per cwt was calculated by using the 

actual base carcass price plus premiums and discounts. Grid prices were: May 9, 2009 - $137.63 

Choice YG3 base with premiums of Prime $8.08, CAB $2.79, YG1 $4.00, YG2 $2.00, and discounts of 

Select $-2.28, Standard $-10.30, YG4 $-11.40, YG5 $-19.33. Retail product value was calculated as 

carcass weight, pound * percent retail product *(((carcass value per cwt /100)/ retail product yield) / 

retail product markup) where retail product yield = 0.65, and retail product markup = 0.75. Percent 

retail product value was calculated as 0.825 - (calculated yield grade *0.05). Results from the calves 

selected for the pen-of-three competition are listed in Table 1. Overall, the pen-of-three calves 

averaged 404 days of age and averaged 1263.0 lbs. per head at harvest. Overall pen-of -three 

average daily gain was 3.36 lbs. while weight per day of age was 3.23 lbs. Overall pen-of-three 

marbling score was 437.6 or low choice marbling category. Retail product value averaged $1543.35 

per head. Retail product value divided by day of age averaged $3.82. 

Calves consigned to the Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout. 


Table 1. Feeding performance - 2008-2009 Dakota Feeder Calf Show Feedout 

Pen Best Three Average Average Average Average Weight Marbling Ave Retail Product Ave Feeding Profit 

Score Total Birth Date Harvest Weight Daily Gain per Day of Age Score 

Value /DOA or Loss / Head 

1 3.485 11-Mar-08 1,346.95 3.703 3.356 663.3 4.205 $ 121.68 

2 3.440 2-Apr-08 1,293.63 3.533 3.399 650.0 4.188 $ 80.31 

3 3.306 9-Apr-08 1,345.99 3.682 3.601 400.0 4.648 $ 50.33 

4 3.280 28-Mar-08 1,366.52 3.739 3.545 470.0 4.260 $ 37.66 

5 3.265 29-Mar-08 1,424.13 3.891 3.705 383.3 4.408 $ 33.99 

average of top 5 3.355 28-Mar-08 1,355.444 3.710 3.521 513.333 $ 4.34 $ 64.79 

6 3.232 8-Apr-08 1,228.39 3.691 3.280 583.3 3.793 $ 43.16 

7 3.211 17-Mar-08 1,348.38 3.953 3.405 410.0 4.260 $ 61.25 

8 3.210 11-Mar-08 1,377.02 3.353 3.425 483.3 4.266 $ 47.62 

9 3.194 26-Mar-08 1,343.29 3.868 3.469 433.3 4.116 $ 26.10 

10 3.147 16-Apr-08 1,271.51 3.458 3.457 440.0 4.175 $ 31.30 

11 3.138 17-Mar-08 1,348.38 3.853 3.406 500.0 3.689 $ 34.42 

12 3.130 20-Mar-08 1,358.72 3.640 3.460 440.0 4.015 $ 34.13 

13 3.128 17-Apr-08 1,281.38 3.668 3.495 420.0 4.059 $ 12.38 

14 3.119 1-Feb-08 1,359.36 3.502 3.106 640.0 3.395 $ 64.13 

15 3.113 6-Mar-08 1,405.51 3.435 3.458 396.7 4.268 $ 44.60 

16 3.090 27-Mar-08 1,303.82 3.569 3.377 420.0 4.064 $ 56.97 

17 3.070 15-Apr-08 1,208.97 3.398 3.283 516.7 3.731 $ (9.20) 

18 3.064 8-Apr-08 1,269.92 3.442 3.396 433.3 3.985 $ (2.14) 

19 3.058 25-Mar-08 1,329.12 3.577 3.419 373.3 4.136 $ 25.46 

20 3.058 9-Mar-08 1,358.25 3.721 3.363 480.0 3.620 $ 19.71 

21 3.057 27-Mar-08 1,270.08 3.401 3.290 446.7 3.988 $ 25.85 

22 3.051 15-Mar-08 1,333.10 3.614 3.347 476.7 3.683 $ 47.59 

23 3.044 26-Mar-08 1,329.76 3.147 3.430 423.3 4.111 $ (1.49) 

24 2.998 2-May-08 1,211.68 3.420 3.445 370.0 4.030 $ (7.43) 

25 2.996 13-Apr-08 1,151.21 3.462 3.107 433.3 3.923 $ 40.05 

26 2.992 15-Mar-08 1,347.42 3.539 3.390 483.3 3.482 $ (63.70) 

27 2.992 24-Mar-08 1,278.84 3.480 3.287 370.0 4.070 $ 33.02 

28 2.984 28-Mar-08 1,311.62 3.802 3.400 373.3 3.782 $ (12.29) 

29 2.978 13-Apr-08 1,257.83 2.995 3.398 376.7 4.206 $ 

2.03 

30 2.972 26-Jan-08 1,438.93 3.560 3.238 533.3 3.277 $ (34.93) 

31 2.966 10-Apr-08 1,170.14 3.186 3.134 483.3 3.750 $ 

6.18 

32 2.963 16-Mar-08 1,206.11 3.583 3.045 443.3 3.741 $ 46.47 

33 2.955 1-Apr-08 1,262.13 3.226 3.308 426.7 3.837 $ 15.50 

34 2.955 16-Apr-08 1,166.64 3.084 3.178 430.0 3.979 $ 

4.39 

35 2.953 16-Apr-08 1,102.83 3.205 3.002 500.0 3.702 $ 16.62 

36 2.925 18-Mar-08 1,253.53 3.306 3.175 436.7 3.730 $ 28.34 

37 2.924 26-Mar-08 1,237.78 3.157 3.193 396.7 3.976 $ 28.62 

38 2.916 30-Mar-08 1,181.92 3.339 3.078 506.7 3.434 $ 

1.92 

39 2.916 25-Mar-08 1,317.66 3.400 3.392 350.0 3.898 $ (45.90) 

40 2.914 13-Apr-08 1,202.29 3.363 3.248 353.3 3.984 $ 12.90 

41 2.871 12-Apr-08 1,132.59 3.081 3.052 423.3 3.816 $ (7.99) 

42 2.870 4-Apr-08 1,185.26 3.073 3.127 406.7 3.846 $ 10.58 

43 2.869 15-Mar-08 1,293.63 3.016 3.252 386.7 3.888 $ 

9.77 

44 2.866 17-Apr-08 1,164.73 3.116 3.182 363.3 3.965 $ 

1.81 

45 2.848 29-Feb-08 1,218.52 3.089 2.959 473.3 3.574 $ 13.30 

46 2.842 30-Mar-08 1,250.83 3.342 3.265 430.0 3.420 $ (24.10) 

47 2.823 6-Apr-08 1,176.03 3.233 3.122 380.0 3.723 $ (22.23) 

48 2.797 27-Mar-08 1,201.33 3.183 3.107 436.7 3.430 $ (29.42) 

49 2.560 14-Feb-08 1,109.35 2.868 2.602 430.0 3.174 $ (22.17) 

average of bottom 5 

with no deads 2.774 16-Mar-08 1,191.214 3.143 3.011 430.000 3.464 (16.924) 

50 (1 dead) 2.149 27-Mar-08 1,247.78 2.424 2.481 300.0 2.746 $ 12.54 

51 (2 deads) 1.013 2-Apr-08 835.26 1.189 1.157 140.0 1.282 $ (5.82) 

Average 2.974 26-Mar-08 1,263.060 3.364 3.231 437.647 3.818 $ 17.53 

Standard Deviation 0.348 18.520 102.372 0.428 0.368 85.313 0.497 32.876 

Number 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 51 


The highest combined index score per pen-of-three was 3.485. While the highest overall scoring pen 

did place first in marbling score, it did not place first in harvest weight, weight per day of age, feedlot 

average daily gain and percent retail product value divided by weight per day of age. Correlation 

between index score total and profit was fair (r = 0.4291). Correlations between profit and average 

daily gain, weight per day of age, marbling score, or percent retail product value divided by weight per 

day of age are shown in Table 2. 

Table 2. Correlation between profit and various production measures. 

Correlation 

Cofefficient 

Profit and Index Score 0.4291 

Profit and Average Birth Date -0.0945 

Profit and Average Harvest Weight 0.2941 

Profit and Average Daily Gain, 0.3368 

Profit and Weight per Day of Age 0.2162 

Profit and Marbling Score 0.4173 

Profit and Percent Retail Product Value divided by day of age 0.3917 

Profit or loss was calculated using initial calf price as price per 100 lbs., $ = 123.25321 – (0.03767 * 

initial calf weight). Profit or loss accounted for initial calf price, feed, yardage, veterinary, freight, brand 

inspection, beef check off, ultrasound and carcass data collection costs. Interest costs on cattle or 

feeding expenses were not included in calculating profit or loss. Final carcass value was assessed 

using the actual grid pricing for the harvest group. 

Overall, cattle feeding provided a $-91.82 per head loss including death loss but not interest expense. 

However, the top profit pen-of-three calves with superior genetics returned $121.68 per head while 

bottom pen of three calves returned $-63.70 per head loss. The average of the top five scoring pensof-steers 

averaged $64.79 per head while the average of the bottom five scoring pens-of steer (dead 

loss not included) averaged $-16.92 per head. The overall pen-of-three average was $17.53 per head 

profit. 

Implications 

Calf value is improved with superior carcass performance. Feedlot performance is also important for 

increased weight gain and heavier carcass weights. Exceptional average daily gains, weight per day of 

age, marbling score and retail product value can be found in North Dakota beef herds. Feedout projects 

provide a source of information for cattle producers to learn about feedlot performance, genetic 

differences, and discover cattle value. 


Forage Production Costs and Yields for South-Central North Dakota 

S. Metzger 

Carrington Area Farm Business Management Program 

As livestock feeders who produce both beef and forages look for more viable cash flows, they will need 

to be aware of the true cost of producing forages and what that may mean to the bottom line of their 

feeding enterprises. These beef and forage producers will be challenged to find the most profitable 

combination of concentrates and forages that produces both the desired gain as well as the desired 

profit. 

Forage production data for this study was gathered directly from producers enrolled in the North Dakota 

Farm Business Management Program in Region 3 at Bismarck, Casselton, Carrington, Enderlin, 

Jamestown, Napoleon, and Wahpeton. Each of these sites collected and summarized the data for its 

own area, after which the data was combined into an annual regional report. Farms or ranches located 

within the Red River Valley or west of Bismarck were deleted from the Region 3 report and were 

included in the regional reports that were more reflective of the corresponding areas. 

The data for this study included corn silage, alfalfa hay, grass hay and mixed alfalfa-grass hay. These 

forage crops comprised a total of 30,141 acres. The annual field data came from an average of 54 

farms or ranches with some duplication as some farms or ranches produced more than one of the 

forages in any given year. The FINPACK system was used to do the individual forage enterprise 

analysis for the 2006 to 2008 time frame. To secure as large a database as possible, a limited number 

of owned forage enterprises were converted to a cash-rent equivalency by elimination of the real estate 

taxes and long-term interest and then assigning to those limited enterprises a cash-rent amount that 

was in line with the historic cash rents for those forages and the specific yearly rent for those forages. 

The greatest amount of forage dry matter per acre was from corn, which at an average of 11.44 tons 

and a harvest time moisture of 65% still yielded 4.0 tons of dry matter. This was followed by alfalfa hay 

and grass hay, with alfalfa-grass hay finishing in fourth place at 1.31 tons per acre harvested at an 

estimated 15% moisture or approximately 1.11 tons of dry matter. 

The greatest cost per ton of dry matter was also attributed to corn silage at $61.90 while the least cost 

was associated with grass hay at $33.85 per ton. Alfalfa hay and alfalfa-grass hay came in at $49.36 

and $45.37, respectively. While cost per ton of dry matter is one method of comparing forages, it is 

vital to note that the quality and specific nutrient content of the various forages must always be 

addressed. While grass hay may have one of the lowest costs per ton of dry matter produced, it may 

also be much lower in energy and specific nutrients than some higher cost forages such as corn silage. 

It should also be noted that hay produced on CRP ground would most likely have been included as 

alfalfa-hay because of the mix of forages found within it. 

The main value of knowing the real costs of forage production lies in being able to more correctly 

correlate the cost of the forage to the nutrient content of the forage. A forage such as corn silage may 

be more expensive, but it may be a better fit for a specific livestock enterprise as opposed to a much 

lower cost forage such as grass hay. In addition, this knowledge will also help producers to more 

adequately compare home-grown forages to purchased forages. Producers often express some 

surprise that home-grown forages are as costly as they are, when all costs, including overhead 

expenses are considered. All of these things can help beef producers to control their expenses while 

working towards the best bottom line possible. 


Table 1 Forage Crop Production 2006-2008 in Region 3, South Central North Dakota. 

Corn Silage Alfalfa Hay Grass Hay Alfalfa-Grass 

Years 2006-2008 Region 3 At 65% Moist. 10-15% Moist. 10-15% Moist. 10-15% Moist. 

Number of Fields 47 44 39 76 

Number of Farms 42 39 31 51 

Acres per field 55.0 112.7 178.8 205.6 

Total Acres of Forage Crop 2,583 4,960 6,974 15,624 

Yield in Tons per Acre 11.44 2.20 1.52 1.31 

Operator Share 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 

Value per Ton, includes LDP $22.43 $55.07 $27.51 $41.10 

Total product return/acre $256.56 $121.33 $41.73 $53.70 

Misc. Income per acre $7.50 $2.08 $0.00 $2.16 

Gross Value per Acre $264.06 $123.41 $41.73 $55.86 

Direct Expenses/Acre 

Seed $39.96 $1.81 $0.00 $0.00 

Fertilizer $42.18 $4.06 $0.00 $0.09 

Crop Chemicals $14.16 $0.71 $0.00 $0.12 

Crop Insurance $12.96 $0.48 $0.00 $0.00 

Fuel and Oil $19.14 $12.21 $9.87 $8.55 

Repairs $17.22 $10.64 $9.74 $6.63 

Custom Hire $20.55 $1.02 $0.03 $1.58 

Land Charge $35.16 $33.49 $10.22 $11.11 

Misc. $4.14 $1.84 $1.50 $0.99 

Operating Interest $5.27 $3.86 $2.02 $4.46 

Total Direct Costs/Acre $210.74 $70.12 $33.38 $33.53 

Return over Direct Exp. $53.32 $53.29 $8.35 $22.33 

Overhead Expenses/Acre 

Hired Labor $7.62 $3.70 $2.08 $1.49 

Machinery & Building Leases $0.91 $0.25 $0.00 $0.14 

Farm Insurance $2.31 $2.08 $0.61 $2.04 

Utilities $2.08 $1.70 $0.48 $1.10 

Interest $3.30 $2.68 $0.96 $2.33 

Mach. and Building Depreciation $16.73 $11.19 $5.88 $8.99 

Miscellaneous $4.17 $3.29 $1.63 $2.39 

Total Overhead Expense/Acre $37.12 $24.89 $11.64 $18.48 

Total Listed Expenses/Acre $247.86 $95.01 $45.02 $52.01 

Net Return per Acre without Direct or CC $16.20 $28.40 ($3.29) $3.85 

Direct Expense per Ton $18.42 $31.87 $21.96 $25.60 

Total Listed Expense per Ton $21.67 $43.19 $29.62 $39.70 

Net Return per Ton $1.42 $12.91 ($2.16) $2.94 

Breakeven Yield in Tons per Acre $10.22 $1.52 $1.64 $1.17 

Estimated Cost per Ton of Dry Matter $61.90 $49.36 $33.85 $45.37 

Farm Program Payments per Acre $11.09 $9.24 $0.00 $1.64 

Net Return/Acre Including Prog. Payments $27.29 $37.64 ($3.29) $5.49 

* Data Source, Region 3 Reports, 2006-2008, North Dakota Farm Business Management Program 


Challenges and Opportunities for Beef Feedlots in North Dakota 

V.L. Anderson 

NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center 

Introduction 

North Dakota is known as a beef cow/calf state, with nearly a million cows scattered across much of the 

state. The feeding industry is not well developed in North Dakota so the question has often been 

asked, what is the potential for this segment of the beef industry? In one three-year study conducted at 

the Carrington Research Extension Center in the early 1990s, 130 head of North Dakota feeder cattle 

were gathered up each fall from cooperating producers and fed to finishing weight at the Carrington 

Center or at commercial feedyards in Kansas or Nebraska. Cattle in the southern yards gained faster 

on diets with steam-flaked corn and added fat. Cattle finished at Carrington were less efficient but the 

cost of gain was $.046 less per pound. This paper is a discussion of the positive and negative aspects 

of the resources, geography, markets, attitudes, education, research and other factors that may affect 

the development and success of beef feedlots in North Dakota. 

Background 

Farmers and ranchers have diversified their crop base in the past 40 years from primarily wheat and 

barley to include soybeans, corn, sunflower, canola, dry beans, field peas, potatoes, sugarbeets, and 

other crops. All of these crops have potential to be used as feed or produce feed products after 

processing. Several crop processing operations have developed across the state, producing up to 3 

million tons of co-product feeds per year. 

Most operating feedyards in North Dakota are associated with crop production enterprises to capture 

value from home-raised feeder cattle, feeds (grains and forages), utilize manure as fertilizer, and keep 

employees busy throughout the year. Cropping systems that include deliberate feed production 

increase the options for crop rotations. 

Farmer-feeders may be able to expand their livestock enterprises without significant attention. 

However, developing new, stand alone, larger-scale livestock enterprises (beef feeding, dairy, or swine) 

may draw attention and criticism from those competing for land, urban folks who think their country 

homes should not be exposed to odors and noises of farming, and even animal rights activists who 

oppose any livestock enterprise. Community support is essential to successful development in these 

scenarios. Many rural communities in North Dakota would welcome the development of new or 

expanding livestock enterprises. 

Resources for Beef Feedlot Operations 

Feed 

The single greatest expense for feedlot operators, after the purchase of the cattle, is feed. There is a 

smörgasboard of feeds available in North Dakota. Grains grown and available in North Dakota include 

corn, barley, field peas, feed-grade wheat, and oats. Regarding corn, high-moisture grain, earlage, or 

silage may be the harvest and storage method of necessity in some years. Several co-products are 

available in volume from many different processing plants throughout the state. These co-products 

vary in moisture, protein, fiber, energy, and mineral content. The list of co-products includes wheat 

middlings, barley malt sprouts, distillers grains with solubles, corn gluten feed, sugarbeet pulp, canola 

meal, sunflower meal, soybean meal, linseed meal, crambe meal, potato waste, dry bean splits, barley 

hulls, soybean hulls, pea hulls, oat hulls, and screenings of all kinds. Procurement of co-products 

needs to be planned ahead of time, in some cases many months to insure feeds are available at a 

agreed-upon price. 


Off-quality commodities such as sunflower seeds, canola, and other crops can be fed with some 

limitations. Opportunity purchases of feed products such as sprouted wheat or heat-damaged corn can 

lower feed costs but should be fed with care and diluted in the rations. 

NDSU has published several circulars and research papers on the nutritional value and recommended 

uses of many of these feeds. Commodity groups and processing plants also have information on their 

respective feed ingredients. 

Grains and forages are typically much less expensive in North Dakota than other regions of the country. 

Corn grain averages $.50 to $.75 per bushel lower in cash price at Carrington than in the High Plains 

feeding areas. Forage prices reported in North Dakota are often half the price of forages in other 

regions of the nation. Co-products tend to be priced closer to other regions of the country, but shipping 

increases the cost to livestock producers in the west or south. 

Feeder Cattle 

North Dakota feeder cattle are in demand at commercial feedlots in the High Plains. Steers often have 

more marbling and grade higher than the national average of about 55 to 60% USDA Choice, with 

steers from some herds consistently grading 95% Choice. British-influence crossbred cattle account for 

a very high percentage of North Dakota feeder cattle. A major concern in developing a year-round 

supply of market beef is the high percentage of spring-born calves with subsequent high volume sales 

of weaned calves in October and November. However, more cow/calf producers are backgrounding 

their steers into January. Summer grazing of yearlings is still practiced with heavy feeders available in 

the fall for short feeding to market weight. Cull heifers are sold in late winter. 

Co-mingling feeder cattle from smaller herds in the state is not a good management practice as disease 

exposure and resistance vary with ranch environment and vaccination programs. A thorough 

preventive maintenance vaccination and health care program is advised following Beef Quality 

Assurance guidelines. 

Infrastructure 

Virtually all the infrastructure needs for feedlot operations are available in North Dakota. Water, roads, 

and electricity are fundamental to developing feeding enterprises and readily available throughout the 

state. Some areas of the state may be challenged to provide immediate veterinary services. There are 

adequate trucking firms, feed suppliers, farm equipment dealers including specialized feed processing, 

mixing and delivery equipment, livestock auction barns, and contractors for construction of feedyards. 

Professional engineers are available for designing facilities and contractors for construction. Some of 

the larger feedyards use the services of professional nutritionists and feed companies may provide 

information to feeders on ration formulation and feedyard management. 

Some lending agencies are more familiar and supportive of livestock enterprises than others. 

Feedyards should provide a solid business plan with documented information to their lenders. 

There are a number of supporting organizations for feedyard development and operations throughout 

the state. These include many rural communities with economic development programs, North Dakota 

Department of Health for permit information, North Dakota Department of Commerce for zoning 

information, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association environmental program and Feeder Council, and 

North Dakota State University with animal science and nutrient management research and extension 

programs. 


Weather 

The idea of ―winter‖ seems to be challenging and limits some from recognizing the opportunity for 

feeding cattle in North Dakota. Certainly, there are challenges to operating a feedyard in the cold, 

wind, and snow. Planning and preparation with appropriate facilities and equipment are important to 

managing winter weather. Shelterbelts for catching snow, feed storage and access, water fountains, 

and snow removal all affect winter operations. A detailed analysis would be useful to assess the effects 

of feeding animals in the cold vs. warmer but potentially wet and muddy conditions farther south. 

British-crossbred cattle adapt to cold to some degree even though cold temperatures increase 

maintenance energy requirements. Winter weather can be mitigated by providing wind protection and 

in some cases bedding animals. Dry, bedded pens have been proven to improve gains and efficiency 

with a net advantage to bedding reported as high as $80 per head from improved performance and 

increased carcass grade and value. Bedding animals also sequesters up to three times more nitrogen 

in the manure, increasing the fertilizer value by creating an optimum carbon-nitrogen ratio. The 

logistics of bedding can be challenging in large feedyards. Some yards box scrape pens on a regular 

basis to provide snow-free dirt pads for animals. 

Land 

Land costs in North Dakota are lower than virtually any state in the nation. Site selection for a livestock 

enterprise needs to consider water source and water table proximity, wind direction, proximity to towns 

or neighbors, durability of roads, rainfall, soil type, slope, feed sources, land to spread manure, and 

employee access. Information to assist in site selection is available from the North Dakota Stockmen’s 

Association environmental program director or from NDSU nutrient management specialists. 

Market Opportunities 

A number of auction markets operate throughout North Dakota where feeder cattle are offered for sale. 

The supply of feeder cattle is highly variable during the year based on marketing spring-born calves at 

weaning in the fall and into mid-winter. Spring and summer market volume is low. 

Terminal markets for fed cattle include large commercial packing houses (Tyson, Cargill, etc.), local 

butcher shops, and some auction markets. New terminal markets have been attempted in North 

Dakota and some international business entities are working on plans for a new packing plant at this 

writing. The large commercial packing houses are located several hundred miles to the south, requiring 

significant expense to ship fat cattle to market. 

Labor 

People raised in North Dakota generally have a good work ethic. Some are gifted with husbandry skills 

and instinctively know how to ―read‖ cattle and provide appropriate feed, management, and care for 

optimum performance. Labor for feedlot operations, including pen riders, truck drivers, maintenance 

people, and cattle processing crews can sometimes be challenging. 

Challenges 

In some areas, crop producers do not have appropriate appreciation for the value of manure as a 

fertilizer. It is important to capture income from every aspect of livestock production that has real value. 

This point is evidence that North Dakota has lost some of its livestock ―culture‖ or appreciation for the 

intergration of crops and livestock production. Although many young people have expressed interest in 

developing livestock enterprises, besides simply being interested in livestock production, the 

acceptance of risk and the annual cycle of the farm business must be accepted and managed. 

Knowing how to manage commodity price risk through market positions, futures, options and other 

instruments can increase the odds of approved credit lines from lenders, although some lending 

agencies are not livestock savvy or have had less than positive experiences with some livestock 

enterprises. New or expanding livestock producers need a good business plan that identifies all the 


positive aspects of an enterprise and accounts for all the challenges and risks in a business-like 

manner. 

Summary 

All of the resources for feeding cattle in North Dakota are present. People with the passion, business 

skills, and resources can succeed in this enterprise as there are a number of successful commercial 

feedyards in North Dakota that serve as examples. The owners, managers, and operators of these 

yards have been open and instructive in describing their operations. There are a number of education 

programs to help new and existing livestock producers gain knowledge and more carefully define their 

enterprises. These include site visits by North Dakota Stockmen’s Association environmental programs 

director, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association feedlot intern programs, NDSU Feedlot Schools and 

producer feeder calf finishing projects, North Dakota Farm Business Management Program records 

analysis, NRCS and North Dakota Stockmen’s Association facilities grant programs, assistance from 

the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the North Dakota Department of Commerce, local 

economic development organizations, and individual assistance from a wide variety of people in the 

industry. 


The author is appreciative of many livestock producers and colleagues in industry and universities that 

provided input for this paper. 

Diagnostic Note – Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (Pinkeye) 

N. W. Dyer 

NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 

Moraxella bovis is the primary known cause of infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis or pinkeye, the 

most important ocular disease of cattle worldwide. It is most commonly seen in the warmer months. 

While the disease is not a significant cause of mortality, it does cause considerable economic loss due 

to secondary problems related to corneal ulcers. It is well known that certain risk factors, such as 

ultraviolet radiation, dust, chaff, grass awns and face flies predispose an animal to pinkeye. Based on 

recent biochemical analysis, there are fifteen distinct subgroups of this bacteria, some of which are 

pathogenic and some not. Pathogenic strains possess proteins that allow them to attach to corneal 

epithelial cells, and cytotoxins that can degrade corneal proteins thus leading to ulcers and the clinical 

signs associated with them (tearing, sensitivity to light, and conjunctivitis). 6 Commercial vaccines 

provide protection against only a few pathogenic strains; therefore they will not be 100% effective 

against disease. 

Moraxella (now being changed from Branhamella to Moraxella) ovis has also been isolated from cases 

of pinkeye, but experts do not universally agree that it is a cause of pinkeye. The organism can be 

isolated from normal bovine eyes as well. Recent research shows that M. ovis produces toxins that 

degrades bovine red blood cells, white blood cells and corneal epithelial cells, and therefore may play a 

role in clinical disease. 3 It is not uncommon to isolate M. bovis and M. ovis from cases of pinkeye, 

suggesting a synergistic effect between the two organisms. 

Moraxella (formerly Mycoplasma) bovoculi is a recently identified related organism that has been 

isolated from calves with pinkeye. 2,5 Recent studies indicate that the organism may contribute to 


pinkeye, and has been confused with Moraxella ovis. 1 A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to 

differentiate M. ovis from M. bovoculi was recently developed, and can be performed on presumptive 

M. ovis isolates at the NDSU-VDL. The problem of cause is further confused by the fact that Moraxella 

bovoculi can be isolated from normal bovine eyes as well. Recent vaccine trials with an autogenous 

bacterin to M. bovoculi were unsuccessful in preventing clinical disease in infected groups of calves. 4 

This further calls into question the significance of M. bovoculi as a pathogen, and highlights the fact that 

more information is needed to define this organism as a cause or contributor to pinkeye. 

Currently, then, M. bovis is the only known cause of pinkeye, and can be isolated from ocular swabs 

and identified. It is not currently definitively known if M. ovis and M. bovoculi can cause pinkeye, and, 

while we can culture the organisms, PCR is needed to tell the two apart. There are no commercial 

vaccines that include protection against M. ovis and M. bovoculi. Autogenous vaccines can be made 

against these bacteria if isolated, but consulting with your veterinarian is advised when considering the 

efficacy and administration of such vaccines. 

From a standpoint of pathogenesis, it seems likely that some sort of trauma or co-infection causes 

enough damage to the surface of the eye that colonization by resident conjunctival bacteria becomes 

possible. This would explain why both M. ovis and M. bovoculi can be found in normal eyes, but can 

also be isolated from diseased eyes. Therefore, the need to differentiate M. ovis from M. bovoculi by 

PCR needs to be considered on an individual basis by the producer and the practitioner. M. bovis is 

clearly a cause of pinkeye and it’s recovery from ocular swabs should encourage some combination of 

management, therapy and vaccination. Consult your veterinarian and diagnostic laboratory with any 

questions. 

1 Angelos J. A., and Louise M. Ball. Differentiation of Moraxella bovoculi sp. nov. from other coccoid 

moraxellae by the use of polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease analysis of 

amplified DNA. J Vet Diagn Invest 19:532-534 (2007). 

2 Angelos J. A., P.Q.Spinks,L.M. Ball, and Lisle W. George. Moraxella bovoculi sp. nov., isolated from 

calves with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. Int J of System and Evol Micro 57:789-795 

(2007). 

3 Cerny H E, D.G.Rogers,J.T. Gray,D.R Smith, and Susanne Hinckley. Effects of Moraxella 

(Branhamella) ovis cultures filtrates on bovine erythrocytes, peripheral mononuclear cells, and 

corneal epithelial cells. J of Clin Micro 44:772-776 (2006). 

4Funk L.,A.M. O’Connor, M. Maroney,T. Engelken, V.L. Cooper,J. Kinyon and P. Plummer. A 

randomized and blinded field trial to assess the efficacy of an autogenous vaccine to prevent 

naturally occurring bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) in beef calves. Vaccine 27:4585-4590 (2009). 

5 Levisohn S., S.Garazi, I. Gerchman, and Jacob Brenner. Diagnosis of a mixed mycoplasma infection 

associated with a severe outbreak of bovine pinkeye in young calves. J Vet Diagn Invest 16:579- 

581 (2004). 

6 Postma C. G., J.C. Carfagnini, and Leonardo Minatel. Moraxella bovis pathogenicity: An update. Comp 

Immun Micro and Inf Dis 31:449-458 (2008). 


NDSU BBQ Boot Camps 2009 

Celebrating the Products of Livestock Production 

D. Newman 

NDSU Department of Animal Sciences 

At the second annual round of BBQ Boot Camps, more than 800 North Dakotans learned the secrets of 

grilling a tasty steak, burger, chop or kabob and the importance of handling meat safely. North Dakota 

State University Animal Science faculty partnered with Food Science faculty and the NDSU Research 

Extension Centers and NDSU Extension Service to conduct 10 BBQ Boot Camps at 10 different 

communities throughout the state in spring and summer of 2009. 

The program introduced people to new cooking methods and practices; meat cut selection; food safety, 

such as proper cooking temperatures and using meat thermometers; using rubs, marinades and 

seasonings; and smoking, gas and charcoal cooking. Participants also heard about current topics in 

the beef, pork and lamb industries, including research and Extension activities at NDSU, and had a 

chance to sample a large variety of barbecued meat. 


―BBQ Boot Camp is a unique opportunity to explain and discuss current topics in the meat and livestock 

industry at the grass-roots level, all while having a lot of fun with barbecue,‖ said NDSU Extension 

swine specialist David Newman, who helped organize and direct the events. 

The BBQ Boot Camp was very successful at reaching an entirely new demographic of individuals. 

Reaching this audience is very important as the consumers of agricultural products become more and 

more removed from the farm (a traditional agricultural background). This is true even in a state like 

North Dakota where the economic base remains firmly grounded in agriculture. 

The Boot Camps were highly successful according to survey data collected at each event. A total of 

807 consumers attended 10 BBQ Boot Camps. Fifty-five percent of attendees were men and 45% 

were women. Of the 807 attendees, 675 volunteered to complete the pre- and post-surveys. The 

participants increased their knowledge and indicated they will change their behaviors based on the 

questions asked. The average ―bbq knowledge‖ score on the pre-event survey was 73.9%. After 

attending the Boot Camp, the average score on the post-event survey was 90.6% (a 16.7% increase). 

Overall, the program was very well received by those in attendance, generating an average approval 

rating of 4.77 out of 5, indicating that participants felt they learned something positive from the 

sessions. 

The North Dakota Beef Commission, North Dakota Pork Producers Council, North Dakota Lamb and 

Wool Producers Association, Northern Plains Distributing Inc. and Cloverdale Foods helped sponsor 

the camps. 

There is potential for this program to continue in the future. For more information contact David 

Newman at (701) 231-7640 or david.newman@ndsu.edu. 


NDSU is an equal opportunity institution. 

Direct inquiries to the Vice President for the Division of Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, 205 Old Main, (701) 231-7708. 

This publication will be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities upon request, (701) 231-7881.

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