Thesis
Effects of late gestation maternal protein supplementation on growth and carcass characteristics of Angus and Waygu progeny
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000004055
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/124977
Abstract
In the Pacific Northwest, it is common for cow-calf producers to feed wheat straw, resulting in a low protein diet during late gestation. Supplementation during late gestation has the potential to counteract the low protein diets and improve carcass and growth traits of beef animals. Because of this, the following study evaluated the effects of late gestation supplementation of protein (85 % NRC metabolizable protein requirements=control or 108 % NRC metabolizable protein requirements =Supplemented) and calf breed (Angus or Wagyu) on progeny growth performance and carcass traits and how those traits influence economic returns (NRC, 2016). Angus cross bred cows (621 ± 73 kg) were bred to one of three sires, one Angus bull (n = 21 cows) and two Wagyu bulls (n = 21 cows). These cows were then randomly distributed to either the control group or supplemented for the last 90 days of pregnancy, with breed equalized. At the time of weaning, offspring were moved to the feedlot, managed together, and harvested at 576.5 ± 16.6 kg. Within the Wagyu progeny, the supplemented calves had increased 205 d adjusted weaning weights (P < 0.05). Angus progeny had significantly greater 205 d adjusted weaning weights (WW) compared to Wagyu (P < 0.001) and steers had significantly greater WW compared to heifers (P < 0.0001). Angus had significantly greater dry matter intake overall and feed to gain ratios during backgrounding compared to Wagyu (P < 0.0001, P < 0.01). Backfat and yield grade were significantly greater for Angus progeny compared to Wagyu progeny (P < 0.01, P < 0.01). Wagyu progeny had significantly higher marbling scores (P < 0.01), fat % (P < 0.05), oleic acid (P < 0.05), and tendency for palmitoleic acid (P = 0.06) compared to Angus progeny. Angus progeny had significantly greater H2O% (P < 0.01), shear force (P < 0.01), drip loss (P < 0.05), and palmitic acid content (P = 0.01) compared to Wagyu progeny. Angus calves had significantly better growth rates than Wagyu calves, while Wagyu offspring had significantly better quality and overall yields than Angus offspring. Neither protein supplementation, nor Wagyu genetics increased overall profits.
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Details
- Title
- Effects of late gestation maternal protein supplementation on growth and carcass characteristics of Angus and Waygu progeny
- Creators
- NATASHA RAE JIRAK MOFFITT-HEMMER - Washington State University, UNKNOWN
- Contributors
- Jan Roger Busboom (Advisor) - Washington State University, Department of Animal Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Animal Sciences
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900890792701842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis