Use of pattern recognition techniques for early detection of morbidity in receiving feedlot cattle.

Two groups of cattle were used to develop (model data set: 384 heifers, 228 ± 22.7 kg BW, monitored over a 225-d feeding period) and to validate (naïve data set: 384 heifers, 322 ± 34.7 kg BW, monitored over a 142-d feeding period) the use of feeding behavior pattern recognition techniques to predict morbidity in newly arrived feedlot cattle.

Relationship between feeding behavior and performance of feedlot steers fed barley-based diets.

The relationship between feeding behavior and performance of 274 feedlot cattle was evaluated using Charolais cross steers from 2 consecutive years averaging 293 ± 41 kg for yr 1 (n = 115) and 349 ± 41 for yr 2 (n = 159). Steers were blocked by BW and assigned to 3 (yr 1) or 4 (yr 2) feedlot pens equipped with a radio frequency identification system (GrowSafe Systems). Each pen contained 5 feeding stalls that allowed individual animal access to a feed tub suspended on load cells.

Identification and characterization of genes differentially expressed in the resistance reaction in wheat infected with Tilletia tritici, the common bunt pathogen.

The differentially virulent race T1 of common bunt (Tilletia tritici) was used to inoculate the wheat lines Neepawa (compatible) and its sib BW553 (incompatible) that are nearly isogenic for the Bt-10 resistance gene. Inoculated crown tissues were used to construct a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA library. Of the 1920 clones arrayed from the SSH cDNA library, approximately 10 % were differentially regulated.

Individual intake and antiparasitic efficacy of free choice mineral containing fenbendazole for grazing steers.

A 95-day study (June 25-September 27, 2001) was conducted using 120 steers (311.9+/-2.4 kg) randomly allocated to two treatments: (1) mineral containing 0.

Comparison of image analysis, exertion force, and behavior measurements for use in the assessment of beef cattle responses to hot-iron and freeze branding.

Thirty-three steers (328 +/- 2 kg) from a total of 300 animals were randomly selected for a comparison of techniques designed to quantify the behavioral response to painful procedures. The steers were randomly assigned to freeze-branding, (F), hot-iron branding (H), and sham branding (S) treatments. The responses of all steers were videotaped to quantify the amount and intensity of head movements during branding.