Effects of the forage content of the winter diet on the growth performance and carcass quality of steers finished on mountain pasture with a barley supplement
M. Blanco A B , M. Joy A , B. Panea A , P. Albertí A , G. Ripoll A , S. Carrasco A , R. Revilla A and I. Casasús A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón, Avenida de Montañana, 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain.
B Corresponding author. Email: mblanco@aragon.es
Animal Production Science 52(9) 823-831 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN12060
Submitted: 5 September 2011 Accepted: 2 March 2012 Published: 26 June 2012
Abstract
Eighteen Parda de Montaña steers (366 kg liveweight, 10 months of age) received diets of either forage (F; lucerne hay + straw) or forage and concentrate (FC; lucerne hay + straw + barley) during the winter feeding period, which lasted 118 days. Thereafter, steers continuously grazed in meadows in a dry mountain area until the end of the grazing period in September (160–167 days) and received 4.1 kg DM barley per head for the final 103–110 days of the grazing season. The steers that received the FC winter diet were heavier (491 vs 457 kg, respectively; P < 0.05) and had deposited more fat (7.2 vs 5.8 mm, P < 0.05) and muscle (63 vs 54 mm, P < 0.05) at the end of the winter than the steers that received the F winter diet. During the grazing period, the steers from both groups had similar weight gains (0.728 and 0.756 kg/day for FC and F diet, respectively). At slaughter, the steers from both groups were of similar age (590 vs 599 days, for FC and F diet, respectively) and had similar liveweights (560 vs 539 kg), muscle depths (54 vs 63 mm) and subcutaneous fat thicknesses (7.3 vs 7.2 mm). The serum leptin concentration differed only at the end of the winter period, when steers on the FC diet had higher leptin concentrations than did steers on the F diet (P < 0.05), reflecting differences in fatness. The carotenoid concentration in the plasma during the winter feeding period was higher in steers on the F than on the FC winter diet, but this difference was not seen during the grazing period. Carcasses from steers on the FC winter diet were heavier (324 vs 300 kg; P < 0.05) and had a higher dressing percentage (57.3% vs 56.1%, P < 0.05) than those reared on the F winter diet, but the fatness and conformation scores were similar between the groups. The percentages of fat, muscle and bone in the commercial dissection and 10th rib dissection did not differ between the winter diet groups. In conclusion, the differences resulting from the winter feeding period disappeared after the grazing period, and the carcass quality did not differ between the diets. Therefore, both strategies are equally technically advisable.
Additional keywords: beef cattle, performance.
References
Albertí P, Lahoz F, Tena R, Jaime J, Sañudo C, Olleta JL, Campo MM, Panea B, Pardos JJ (2001) Producción y rendimiento carnicero de siete razas bovinas españolas faenadas a distintos pesos. Informaciones Técnicas. Dirección General de Tecnología Agraria, Gobierno de Aragón 101, 1–16.Albertí P, Ripoll G, Goyache F, Lahoz F, Olleta JL, Panea B, Sañudo C (2005) Carcass characterisation of seven Spanish beef breeds slaughtered at two commercial weights. Meat Science 71, 514–521.
| Carcass characterisation of seven Spanish beef breeds slaughtered at two commercial weights.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Alibés X, Tisserand JL (Eds) (1990) ‘Tables of the nutritive value for ruminants of Mediterranean forages and by-products.’ Options Méditerranéennes. Série B, Études et Recherches. (CIHEAM-IAMZ: Barcelona, Spain)
AOAC (1999) ‘Official methods of analysis.’ 16th edn. (AOAC International: Gaithersburg, MD)
Bellmann O, Wegner J, Rehfeldt F, Teuscher F, Schneider F, Voigt J, Derno M, Sauerwein H, Weingärtner J, Ender K (2004) Beef versus dairy cattle: a comparison of metabolically relevant hormones, enzymes, and metabolites. Livestock Production Science 89, 41–54.
| Beef versus dairy cattle: a comparison of metabolically relevant hormones, enzymes, and metabolites.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Blanco M, Villalba D, Ripoll G, Sauerwein H, Casasús I (2009) Effect of early weaning and breed on calf performance, carcass and meat quality in fall-born bull calves. Livestock Science 120, 103–115.
| Effect of early weaning and breed on calf performance, carcass and meat quality in fall-born bull calves.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Blanco M, Casasus I, Ripoll G, Panea B, Alberti P, Joy M (2010) Lucerne grazing compared with concentrate-feeding slightly modifies carcase and meat quality of young bulls. Meat Science 84, 545–552.
| Lucerne grazing compared with concentrate-feeding slightly modifies carcase and meat quality of young bulls.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC3c3ks1aitg%3D%3D&md5=3049c366e4c3b81749a2a35ca43470adCAS |
Blanco M, Casasús I, Ripoll G, Sauerwein H, Joy M (2011) Grazing lucerne as fattening management for young bulls: technical and economic performance, and diet authentication. Animal 5, 113–122.
| Grazing lucerne as fattening management for young bulls: technical and economic performance, and diet authentication.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BC38vovFaisw%3D%3D&md5=dad46a865c56e6eaf24bfbc0970eaac6CAS |
Carballo JA, Monserrrat L, Sánchez L (2005) Composición regional y tisular de la canal bovina. In ‘Estandarización de las metodologías para evaluar la calidad del producto (animal vivo, canal, carne y grasa) en los rumiantes’. (Eds V Cañeque, C Sañudo) pp. 120–140. (INIA MCyT: Madrid)
Casasús I, Sanz A, Villalba D, Ferrer R, Revilla R (2002) Factors affecting animal performance during the grazing season in a mountain cattle production system. Journal of Animal Science 80, 1638–1651.
Casasús I, Albertí P, Joy M, Ripoll G, Blanco M (2011) Effect of limited vs. ad libitum concentrate feeding on the performance and carcass and meat quality of Parda de Montaña bulls finished on pasture. In ‘62nd annual meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science, 2011, Stavanger, Norway’. p. 101.
Chilliard Y, Bocquier F, Delavaud C, Faulconnier Y, Bonnet M, Guerre Millo M, Martin P, Ferlay A (1999) La leptine chez le ruminant. Facteurs de variation physiologiques et nutritionnels. Productions Animales 12, 225–237.
Chilliard Y, Bonnet M, Delavaud C, Faulconnier Y, Leroux C, Djiane J, Bocquier F (2001) Leptin in ruminants. Gene expression in adipose tissue and mammary gland, and regulation of plasma concentration. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 21, 271–295.
| Leptin in ruminants. Gene expression in adipose tissue and mammary gland, and regulation of plasma concentration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XhsFWgu7g%3D&md5=5e367c4e42fe7955ffa7eb8bc9f49d13CAS |
Duckett SK, Neel JPS, Sonon RN, Fontenot JP, Clapham WM, Scaglia G (2007) Effects of winter stocker growth rate and finishing system on: II. Ninth tenth eleventh-rib composition, muscle color, and palatability. Journal of Animal Science 85, 2691–2698.
| Effects of winter stocker growth rate and finishing system on: II. Ninth tenth eleventh-rib composition, muscle color, and palatability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXhtFSjtrnJ&md5=771d3ef1a5951cf23b40b23285392a47CAS |
Dunne PG, Monahan FJ, O’Mara FP, Moloney AP (2009) Colour of bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue: A review of contributory factors, associations with carcass and meat quality and its potential utility in authentication of dietary history. Meat Science 81, 28–45.
| Colour of bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue: A review of contributory factors, associations with carcass and meat quality and its potential utility in authentication of dietary history.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXht1eisrjL&md5=edfc8c7a6db32a2c4633c7092d4e6853CAS |
Ellenberger MA, Johnson DE, Carstens GE, Hossner KL, Holland MD, Nett TM, Nockels CF (1989) Endocrine and metabolic changes during altered growth rates in beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science 67, 1446–1454.
Geary TW, McFadin EL, MacNeil MD, Grings EE, Short RE, Funston RN, Keisler DH (2003) Leptin as a predictor of carcass composition in beef cattle. Journal of Animal Science 81, 1–8.
Gil JM, Gracia A, Sánchez M (2000) Market segmentation and willingness to pay for organic products in Spain. International Agrifood and Business Management Review 3, 207–226.
| Market segmentation and willingness to pay for organic products in Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hersom MJ, Horn GW, Krehbiel CR, Phillips WA (2004) Effect of live weight gain of steers during winter grazing: I. Feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and body composition of beef steers. Journal of Animal Science 82, 262–272.
Hessle A, Nadeau E, Johnsson S (2007) Beef heifer production as affected by indoor feed intensity and slaughter age when grazing semi-natural grasslands in summer. Livestock Science 111, 124–135.
| Beef heifer production as affected by indoor feed intensity and slaughter age when grazing semi-natural grasslands in summer.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hinks H, Hunter EA, Lowman BG, Scott NA (1999) Effect of breed type, sex, method of rearing, winter nutrition and subsequent grazing treatment on lifetime performance and carcass composition in a 20-month beef system: carcass characteristics. Animal Science 69, 465–472.
Hoch T, Begon C, Cassar-Malek I, Picard B, Savary-Auzeloux I (2003) Mécanismes et consequences de la croissance compensatrice chez les ruminants. Productions Animales 16, 49–59.
Hoch T, Jurie C, Pradel P, Cassar-Malek I, Jailler R, Picard B, Agabriel J (2005) Effects of hay quality on intake, growth path, body composition and muscle characteristics of Salers heifers. Animal Research 54, 241–257.
| Effects of hay quality on intake, growth path, body composition and muscle characteristics of Salers heifers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hornick JL, Van Eenaeme C, Clinquart A, Diez M, Istasse L (1998a) Different periods of feed restriction before compensatory growth in Belgian Blue bulls: I. animal performance, nitrogen balance, meat characteristics, and fat composition. Journal of Animal Science 76, 249–259.
Hornick JL, Van Eenaeme C, Diez M, Minet V, Istasse L (1998b) Different periods of feed restriction before compensatory growth in Belgian Blue bulls: II. Plasma metabolites and hormones. Journal of Animal Science 76, 260–271.
Hornick JL, Van Eenaeme C, Gérard O, Dufrasne I, Istasse L (2000) Mechanisms of reduced and compensatory growth. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 19, 121–132.
| Mechanisms of reduced and compensatory growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXntF2gurs%3D&md5=6417f7855c9d74422d0945c32e75ef50CAS |
Kaps M, Lamberson W (2009) ‘Biostatistics for animal science. An introductory text.’ (CABI: Wallingford, UK)
Keane MG, Drennan MJ (2009) Effects of supplementary concentrate level in winter, and subsequent finishing on pasture or indoors, on performance and carcass traits of Holstein-Friesian, Aberdeen Angus × Holstein-Friesian and Belgian Blue × Holstein-Friesian steers. Livestock Science 121, 250–258.
| Effects of supplementary concentrate level in winter, and subsequent finishing on pasture or indoors, on performance and carcass traits of Holstein-Friesian, Aberdeen Angus × Holstein-Friesian and Belgian Blue × Holstein-Friesian steers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kirkland RM, Keady TWJ, Patterson DC, Kilpatrick DJ, Steen RWJ (2006) The effect of slaughter weight and sexual status on performance characteristics of male Holstein-Friesian cattle offered a cereal-based diet. Animal Science 82, 397–404.
| The effect of slaughter weight and sexual status on performance characteristics of male Holstein-Friesian cattle offered a cereal-based diet.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lewis JM, Klopfenstein TJ, Stock RA (1990) Effects of rate of gain during winter on subsequent grazing and finishing performance. Journal of Animal Science 68, 2525–2529.
Lowman BG, Hunter EA, Hinks CE, Lewis M (1994) Effect of breed type, sex and method of rearing on lifetime performance and carcass composition in a 20-month beef system – Effects of winter feeding treatments. Animal Production 58, 347–355.
| Effect of breed type, sex and method of rearing on lifetime performance and carcass composition in a 20-month beef system – Effects of winter feeding treatments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lowman BG, Hinks CE, Hunter EA, Scott NA (1996) Effect of breed type, sex, method of rearing and winter nutrition on lifetime performance and carcass composition in a 20-month beef system: grazing performance. Animal Science 63, 215–222.
| Effect of breed type, sex, method of rearing and winter nutrition on lifetime performance and carcass composition in a 20-month beef system: grazing performance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
McCurdy MP, Horn GW, Wagner JJ, Lancaster PA, Krehbiel CR (2010a) Effects of winter growing programs on subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, body composition, and energy requirements of beef steers. Journal of Animal Science 88, 1564–1576.
| Effects of winter growing programs on subsequent feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, body composition, and energy requirements of beef steers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXksVCns7c%3D&md5=afd3ce7556b254e54df9c9aa75d41106CAS |
McCurdy MP, Krehbiel CR, Horn GW, Lancaster PA, Wagner JJ (2010b) Effects of winter growing program on visceral organ mass, composition, and oxygen consumption of beef steers during growing and finishing. Journal of Animal Science 88, 1554–1563.
| Effects of winter growing program on visceral organ mass, composition, and oxygen consumption of beef steers during growing and finishing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXksVCns7Y%3D&md5=3e3339ef030dbdc532330c5f9f295832CAS |
Neel JPS, Fontenot JP, Clapham WM, Duckett SK, Felton EED, Scaglia G, Bryan WB (2007) Effects of winter stocker growth rate and finishing system on: I. Animal performance and carcass characteristics. Journal of Animal Science 85, 2012–2018.
| Effects of winter stocker growth rate and finishing system on: I. Animal performance and carcass characteristics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXot1Ohtbk%3D&md5=ca6879d5d7c7235e50af47a26f5a28acCAS |
Nielsen B, Thamsborg SM, Andersen HR, Kristensen T (2003) Effect of winter feeding level and season on herbage intake in dairy breed steers on perennial ryegrass/white clover pasture. Animal Science 76, 341–352.
Patterson DC, Steen RWJ, Kilpatrick DJ (1995) Growth and development in beef cattle. 1. Direct and residual effects of plane of nutrition during early life on components of gain and food efficiency. The Journal of Agricultural Science 124, 91–100.
| Growth and development in beef cattle. 1. Direct and residual effects of plane of nutrition during early life on components of gain and food efficiency.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Prache S, Priolo A, Grolier P (2003) Persistence of carotenoid pigments in the blood of concentrate-finished grazing sheep: its significance for the traceability of grass-feeding. Journal of Animal Science 81, 360–367.
Sainz RD, De la Torre F, Oltjen JW (1995) Compensatory growth and carcass quality in growth-restricted and refed beef steers. Journal of Animal Science 73, 2971–2979.
Sartorelli P, Dominoni S, Agnes F (1992) Influence of duration of simulated transport on plasma stress markers in the calf. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A 39, 401–403.
| Influence of duration of simulated transport on plasma stress markers in the calf.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXhvF2nug%3D%3D&md5=4e2101566a827da5ab77380183561bf2CAS |
Sauerwein H, Heintges U, Hennies M, Selhorst T, Daxenberger A (2004) Growth hormone induced alterations of leptin serum concentrations in dairy cows as measured by a novel enzyme immunoassay. Livestock Production Science 87, 189–195.
| Growth hormone induced alterations of leptin serum concentrations in dairy cows as measured by a novel enzyme immunoassay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Serrano E, Prache S, Chauveau-Duriot B, Agabriel J, Micol D (2006) Traceability of grass-feeding in young beef using carotenoid pigments in plasma and adipose tissue. Animal Science 82, 909–918.
| Traceability of grass-feeding in young beef using carotenoid pigments in plasma and adipose tissue.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXis1SjtLo%3D&md5=0602e367e420f0bec574eaf81253bbbeCAS |
Swanson JC, Morrow-Tesch J (2001) Cattle transport: historical, research, and future perspectives. Journal of Animal Science 79, E102–E109.
van Soest PJ, Robertson JB, Lewis BA (1991) Methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition. Journal of Dairy Science 74, 3583–3597.
| Methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK38%2FnvVCltA%3D%3D&md5=2648256a724beb4754b35e474c24f1b0CAS |
Warriss PD, Brown SN, Knowles TG, Kestin SC, Edwards JE, Dolan SK (1995) Effects on cattle of transport by road for up to 15 hours. The Veterinary Record 136, 319–323.
| Effects on cattle of transport by road for up to 15 hours.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK2MzivVaiuw%3D%3D&md5=c3aa84ba0450f11d5cd6f91678bd54ccCAS |
Wright IA, Russel AJF, Hunter EA (1986) The effect of winter food level on compensatory growth of weaned, suckled calves grazed at two sward heights. Animal Production 43, 211–223.
| The effect of winter food level on compensatory growth of weaned, suckled calves grazed at two sward heights.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
