Interrelationships among Water Quality, Climate and Diet on Feedlot Performance of Steer Calves

Abstract

Four experiments involving 16 pens of 8 to 10 crossbred steer calves each were conducted at Yuma, Arizona. Initial and final weights were approximately 170 and 275 kg, respectively. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 x 4 factorial replicated over 2 yr with main effects for season (summer, winter), diet (H = ground alfalfa hay, H + G = 50% ground alfalfa, 47.5% dry-rolled wheat and 2.5% molasses) and water source (N = normal, S = saline) during two consecutive 56-d periods in each experiment (N-N, N-S, S-N, S-S). Normal water contained approximately 1,300 ppm, and saline water contained approximately 6,000 ppm, total dissolved salts. Steers on the H + G diet gained 32% faster (P less than .01) and consumed 4% less (P less than .01) feed than those on the H diet. Gain and feed intake during winter were greater than during summer (20% and 7%, respectively, P less than .01). Gain and feed intake were reduced approximately 9% (P less than .01) on S water combinations compared with N-N water. Depression in gain and feed intake due to heat stress (summer season) or S water ingestion was greater on the H diet (diet x water source and diet x season interactions, P less than .02). Although season x water source interactions were not significant, saline water ingestion tended to be more detrimental during periods of heat stress (summer). Apparent adaptation to saline water occurred on the H + G diet, but not on the H diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of drinking saline water on food and water intake, food digestibility, and nitrogen and mineral balances of rusa deer stags (Cervus timorensis russa)

“…These results, and our own, are consistent with the previous work of Pierce (1957, 1959 and 1968a), Wilson and Dudzinski (1973), Gihad et al (1993), El Sherif and El Hassanein (1996) with sheep, and El Gawad (1997) with goats, and with the general conclusions made in National Research Council (1974). However, there are several reports with cattle in which water intakes were not increased by water salinity levels of up to 11000 mg TDS per kg (Saul and Flinn, 1985;Ray, 1989;Kattnig et al, 1992;Bahman et al, 1993), although non-significant increasing trends were reported by some of these authors.…”

Estimating water consumption and factors affecting intake in grazing cattle

“…1994 (Hicks et al 1988), stage of production (Beaver et al 1989), activity level (Nicholson 1989) and salt intake (Zorrrlla et al 1990). Among the environmental factors, temperature, relative humidity, time of day and wind velocity are known to affect water intake (Hicks et al 1988;Beaver et al 1989;Ray 1989 (Ray 1989 (Fig. 1) Hicks et al (1988), who reported intakes of 37 Lhd-I d-r for crossbred steers weighing 330 kg.…”

Biological responses of feedlot cattle to heat load

“…Heat load conditions are associated with a reduction in DMI (Beede and Collier, 1986;Ray, 1989;Hahn et al, 1992;Hahn, 1999;Brown-Brandl et al, 2005a). Reducing DMI appears to have a lag effect where animals are adjusting their feed intake based on numerous factors, including ambient conditions and previous feed intake (Brown-Brandl et al, 2005a).…”

“…panting, initiated by cattle for maintaining core body temperature in response to thermal loads (Beede and Collier, 1986). One response to increasing thermal loads is to reduce DMI (Ray, 1989;Hahn et al, 1992). The reduction in DMI subsequently results in a reduction of available ME and essential nutrients to support bodily functions (Beede and Collier, 1986).…”

“…Other behavioural changes exhibited by cattle include alterations in posture, including increasing proportion of time standing; increased duration in shaded areas or increased shade seeking, including shade provided from other animals; and body splashing at water troughs (Young and Hall, 1993). An additional response to increasing thermal loads is to reduce dry matter intake (DMI) (Ray, 1989;Hahn et al, 1992). The reduction in DMI is associated with a decrease in heat production, via ruminal fermentation, and metabolism, thus aiding in maintaining the overall heat balance of the animal (Beede and Collier, 1986;Hahn, 1999).…”