Replacing alfalfa hay with a novel alfalfa leaf pellet product (ProLEAF MAX) and/or alfalfa stems (ProFiber Plus) in the diet of developing dairy heifers alters dry matter intake, but does not negatively impact growth or development.

Alfalfa is a commonly grown forage in the Intermountain West region of the United States and is often included in the diet of dairy cattle. Alfalfa provides a variety of different nutrients, but the nutrient content of alfalfa varies depending on factors such as the soil, region, cutting, and climate. However, alfalfa leaves tend to have less variation in their nutrient content than alfalfa stems.

Relationship among cattle breed and anabolic implant protocol relative to feedlot performance: Growth, temperament, feeding behavior, carcass traits, and economic return.

Recent research has suggested that different cattle breed types may respond differently to anabolic implant protocols of varying intensity. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to compare anabolic implant protocols in feedlot steers of 2 different breed types. Sixty steers were stratified by weight and breed in a 2 × 3 factorial design examining 2 different breeds: Angus (AN; n=38) or Santa Gertrudis influenced (SG; n=22), and 3 implant strategies: no implant (CON; n=20), a moderate intensity implant protocol (d0 implant: Revalor-G, d56 implant: Revalor-IS, d112 implant: Revalor-S; MI; n=20), or a high intensity implant protocol (d0 implant: Revalor-IS, d56 implant: Revalor-S, d112 implant: Revalor-200; HI; n=20).

Comparing net returns in the feedlot: vs. influenced steers with varying anabolic implant intensity.

There are two main beef cattle breed types: (BT) and (BI). Past research has demonstrated various expected differences in growth, temperament, feeding behavior, and carcass characteristics between these breed types when administered varying levels of anabolic implant. However, little is known about the differences in expected economic returns between these cattle types.

The effects of organic grass and grass-birdsfoot trefoil pastures on Jersey heifer development: Heifer growth, performance, and economic impact.

Dairy heifers developed in certified organic programs, especially those utilizing pasture-based management schemes, have lower rates of gain than heifers raised in nonorganic confinement production systems in temperate climates, such as in the Intermountain West region of the United States. This study investigates the effects that different forages in a rotational grazing system have on development of organically raised Jersey heifers. Over 3 years, 210 yearling Jersey heifers were randomly assigned to one of 9 treatments, including a conventional confinement control where animals were fed a total mixed ration or one of 8 pasture treatments: Cache Meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann), QuickDraw orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.

Effects of feeding a novel alfalfa leaf pellet product (ProLEAF MAX) and alfalfa stems (ProFiber Plus) on performance in the feedlot and carcass quality of beef steers.

Alfalfa is often included in the diets of beef animals; however, the nutrient content of alfalfa is variable depending on the region in which it is grown, climate, soil, and many other factors. The leaf portion of alfalfa has a less variable nutrient composition than the stem portion of the plant. The variability that is present in the alfalfa plant can make the development of total mixed rations of consistent nutrient content difficult.