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Influence of slice baling on feeding value of alfalfa hay in receiving and finishing diets for feedlot cattle¹

F. Loya-Olguin^*, L. Avendaño-Reyes, A. M. Encinias^*, D. A. Walker^*, N. A. Elam^* and S. A. Soto-Navarro^,2

^* Clayton Livestock Research Center, New Mexico State University, Clayton 88415; and Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, México; and Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces 88003

	Abstract

Top Abstract INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION LITERATURE CITED

 
Three studies were conducted to evaluate the feeding value of slice alfalfa hay in feedlot diets. In Exp. 1, 108 steer calves (183.1 ± 1.2 kg initial BW; 6 pens/treatment) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of baling method on performance and morbidity of newly received calves. The study lasted 28 d. Treatments consisted of a 65% concentrate receiving diet containing 1) ground or 2) slice alfalfa hay. Steer calves were fed daily at 0800 h. Animals also received long-stem sudangrass hay the first 7 d. Steers were weighed on d 0, 16, and 28. Feed, sudangrass hay, or feed plus sudangrass hay intakes were not affected (P > 0.25) by treatment. Conversely, ADG from d 0 to 16 was greater (P < 0.001) for slice than ground (1.27 vs. 0.81 ± 0.067 kg/d, respectively) and from d 0 to 28 (1.23 vs. 0.91 ± 0.042 kg/d, respectively). In addition, G:F was greater (P < 0.001) for slice than ground hay from d 0 to 16 (0.39 vs. 0.25 ± 0.021), and from d 0 to 28 (0.31 vs. 0.24 ± 0.013 for slice and ground, respectively). Moreover, morbidity (40.5 ± 3.9%; P = 0.20) and retreatment rates (30.7 ± 7.5%; P = 0.14) were similar for slice and ground. In Exp. 2, 176 crossbred steers (393.9 ± 10.8 kg initial BW) were used in an 84-d feeding experiment (4 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block experimental design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate effects of alfalfa baling method (ground or slice) and forage level (8 or 14%) on growth performance. Experimental diets were based on steam-flaked corn. Daily BW gain was greater (P = 0.10) for steers consuming ground compared with the slice hay diet. A baling method x forage level interaction (P = 0.07) was observed for DMI. Baling method did not (P = 0.98) influence DMI with 8% roughage level. But with 14% roughage, DMI was greater (P = 0.02) for steers consuming ground hay than the slice diet. The G:F ratio was affected (P = 0.03) only by forage level (0.194 vs. 0.182 ± 0.003 for 8 and 14% roughage, respectively). In Exp. 3, 4 ruminally cannulated mixed-breed steers were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design to evaluate effects on digestive function. No baling method effects (P 0.16) were detected for DM, OM, CP, or NDF intakes or DM, OM, and NDF total tract digestibility. Digestibility of NDF and OM were greater (P 0.08) for diets which contained 14% forage compared with diets that contained 8% forage. Slice baling improved alfalfa hay feeding value for feedlot receiving cattle. However, no major effects of slice baling alfalfa on finishing performance and digestion were observed.

Key Words: baling method • feedlot cattle • roughage • roughage particle size

	INTRODUCTION

Top Abstract INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION LITERATURE CITED

 
Slice baling consists of slice chopping hay after sun-curing and before baling. This system chops alfalfa stems to an average length of 7.6 cm. Slicing has been proposed to cause less damage to the leaves compared with grinding the hay after being baled and stored. It is believed that less leaf material is lost with slice baling. Anecdotal information from producers suggests that slice baling alfalfa results in improved quality (greater proportion of leaves), improves rumen function in feedlot cattle because of less formation of fines from leaves, results in better uniformity of the stem length, and reduces cost associated with grinding.

Roughages are included in feedlot diets to reduce digestive and metabolic problems (Galyean and Defoor, 2003). Feedlot receiving diets typically include approximately 35% roughage to allow adaptation of ruminal bacteria to concentrate diets (Owens and Goetsch, 1988; Berry et al., 2004). Most finishing diets generally contain 4.5 to 13.5% (DM basis) roughage with corn silage and alfalfa hay being the most common sources (Vasconcelos and Galyean 2007). Forage is added to high-concentrate diets to stimulate chewing, which is associated with increased saliva output (Balch, 1958) and plays a role in buffering acids produced during rumination. Both roughage concentration and physical form contribute to normal rumen function (Woodford et al., 1986). Dry matter intake increases with increasing roughage level, but gain efficiency decreases because energy density of diets decreases with increasing roughage level (Bartle et al., 1994). With respect to physical form, forage particle size of alfalfa hay or wheat straw had no effect on finishing cattle performance (Shain et al., 1999). However, slice alfalfa has not been evaluated in feedlot diets. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of baling method on performance and morbidity of newly received steer calves and to evaluate the influence of baling method and roughage level on digestive function of cattle fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet.

	MATERIALS AND METHODS

Top Abstract INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION LITERATURE CITED

 
All procedures and experimental protocol were approved by the New Mexico State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

Alfalfa Hay

The alfalfa hay used in all 3 experiments was harvested from the same field and at the same time. The alfalfa crop was cut and windrowed to allow the hay to dry in the field. Approximately 48 h after cutting, the alfalfa was raked to aid the drying process. After field drying for 3 d the hay was baled (Hesston 4790, AGCO, Duluth, GA). The baler gathered the hay from the windrow, cut, and then compressed the hay into a bale. This hay was considered the slice alfalfa hay. For the ground alfalfa hay, slice alfalfa hay bales were ground in a tub grinder (model F880B, AGCO) with a 5.08-cm screen.

Exp. 1

One hundred eight crossbreed steer calves (183.1 ± 1.2 kg initial BW) were used in a complete randomized design to evaluate effects of alfalfa baling method on growth performance and morbidity of newly-received steer calves. Calves were transported 1,014 km from an order buyer facility in Hope, AR to the Clayton Livestock Research Center in Clayton, NM. Steers were processed immediately after arrival, including vaccination with a clostridial antigen (Ultrabac 7, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY); vaccination against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza 3, bovine viral diarrhea, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (Bovishield Gold 5 Pfizer); treatment for internal and external parasites (Cydectin, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Fort Dodge, IA), and given a metaphylactic antibiotic (Excede, Pfizer). In addition, calves were branded, assigned an individual ear tag, and individual BW was recorded, and horns were tipped as needed. At arrival, calves were individually processed and assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: 1) traditionally baled alfalfa, which was ground before the diet was mixed (ground group), or 2) slice baled alfalfa (slice group). Alternate calves through the chute were assigned to each alfalfa treatment. Then calves within treatment were stratified by BW, and assigned to pens (9 steers/pen; 6 pens/treatment).

Composition of diets is shown in Table 1. Calves were fed daily at 0800 h and also received long-stem sudan-grass hay the first 7 d. Calves were monitored daily (0700 h) for symptoms of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD), including labored breathing, nasal or ocular discharge, depression, anorexia, and lethargy. Animals having these signs were removed from their pen for a more thorough examination. When rectal temperature was 39.7°C, the animal was medicated with enrofloxacin (Baytril100, Bayer Animal Health, Shawnee Mission, KS). Calves were returned to their assigned pen following antibiotic treatment. If rectal temperature decreased within 24-h period but remained 39.7°C, enrofloxacin was administered again. If no improvement in health status (continued expression of BRD symptoms and an elevated rectal temperature) was evident within a 24-h period, a second antibiotic was used [Nuflor (20 mg/kg of BW); Schering-Plough Animal Health, Elkhorn, NE]. The third antibiotic regimen [Albon SR boluses (137.78 mg/kg of BW) and Liquamycin LA 200 (19.84 mg/kg of BW); Pfizer Animal Health] was administered when no improvement in health (based on previous criteria) was observed 48 h after the second sequence. The animal was considered morbid after the first time it was treated for BRD and was considered retreated if treated 2 or more times for BRD. The percentage of retreated cattle was defined as the percentage of morbid steers that received medical treatment 2 or more times.

Exp. 2

One hundred seventy-six large-framed crossbred steers (393.9 ± 10.81 kg initial BW) were used in an 84-d feeding experiment (4 pens/treatment) in a randomized complete block experimental design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate effects of alfalfa baling method (ground or slice) and forage level (8 or 14%) on growth performance. Composition of experimental diets is shown in Table 2. Steers were blocked by BW and assigned randomly within BW groupings to 16 pens equipped with automatic waterers and fence-line feed bunks. Diets were prepared daily and were fed once daily at approximately 110% of consumption of the preceding few days. Individual steers were weighed (unshrunk) at initiation and completion of the study. In the calculation of steer performance, BW was reduced 4% to adjust for digestive tract fill. Estimates of steer performance were based on pen means. Assuming the primary determinant of energy gain is BW gain, the energy gain was calculated with the following equation: EG = (0.0493BW^0.75)ADG^1.097, where EG is the daily energy deposited (Mcal/d) and BW is the mean BW (NRC, 1984). Maintenance energy expended (EM, Mcal/d) was calculated with the following equation: EM = 0.077BW^0.75 (Lofgreen and Garrett, 1968). From the derived estimates for energy required for maintenance and gain, the NE_m and NE_g of the diets were obtained by means of the quadratic equation

Four mixed-breed beef steers (435 ± 16 kg) fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial. Factors were baling method (ground or slice baling) and forage level (8 or 14%). Experimental periods were 15 d in length with 10 d for adaptation to the diets and 5 d for collection. Diets (Table 2) were offered ad libitum once daily at 0800 h.

Fecal output was collected using fecal bags on d 11 through 15 of each experimental period. Fecal bags were emptied and weighed once daily. A 10% (wet basis) subsample of feces was collected from each steer daily during collections.

On d 12, CoEDTA (200 mL; Uden et al., 1980) was dosed intraruminally at 0600 h as a marker of fluid passage rate. Ruminal fluid samples were collected at 0 (before dosing), 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h after dosing. Ruminal fluid pH was determined immediately after collection, and then samples were acidified with 7.2 N H₂SO₄ at 1 mL/100 mL of ruminal fluid and frozen (–10°C) for later analysis of Co, ammonia, and VFA. Also on d 12, ground and slice Yb-labeled alfalfa (100 g; Sindt et al., 1993) were intraruminally dosed at 0600 h as a marker of particulate passage rate. Ruminal content samples were collected at 0 (before dosing), 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after dosing.

Laboratory Analyses

Fecal samples were thawed, mixed, and subsampled, dried in a forced-air oven (50°C) for 48 h, and ground in a Wiley mill (2-mm screen, Wiley mill model 4, Thomas Scientific, Swedes-boro, NJ). Feed, orts, and fecal samples were analyzed for DM, OM, and CP (methods 930.15, 942.05, and 990.02, respectively; AOAC, 1997). The NDF analyses was conducted according to Robertson and Van Soest (1991) using an Ankom 200 fiber analyzer (Ankom Co., Fairport, NY). Ruminal fluid samples were centrifuged at 20,000 x g for 20 min and analyzed for NH₃-N (Broderick and Kang, 1980), VFA (Goetsch and Galyean, 1983), and Co was determined using an air-plus-acetylene flame using atomic absorption spectroscopy (3110, Perkin Elmer Inc., Wellesley, MA) as described by Uden et al. (1980). Ruminal content samples were dried in a forced-air oven (50°C) for 48 h and ground in a Wiley mill (2-mm screen). Ytterbium was extracted from dried ruminal content samples as outlined by Hart and Polan (1984), and marker concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy using a nitrous oxide-plus-acetylene flame.

Calculations

Dry matter intake was calculated by subtracting orts DM from feed DM offered. Liquid dilution rate was calculated by regressing the natural log of Co concentration on sampling time and particle dilution rate by regressing the natural log of Yb concentration on sampling time.

Statistical Analysis

The MIXED procedures of SAS were used for all statistical computations. Data were analyzed as a Latin square design. The model included baling method, roughage level, baling method x roughage level, and period as fixed effects, and steer as random effect. Ruminal data over time were analyzed as repeated measures design using the MIXED procedures of SAS. The model included baling method, roughage level, period, baling method x roughage level, and time and the interaction of baling method x level x time as the fixed effects and steer nested within period x baling method x roughage level as random effect. If significant (P < 0.10) F-statistics were detected, means were separated using the method of least significant difference.

	RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Top Abstract INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION LITERATURE CITED

 
Exp. 1

Effects of method of alfalfa baling on performance of newly received cattle are shown in Table 3. Feed, sudangrass hay, or feed plus sudangrass hay intakes were not affected (P 0.25) by treatment. Conversely, ADG was greater (P < 0.001) for slice than ground from d 0 to 16 (1.27 vs. 0.81 ± 0.067 kg) and from d 0 to 28 (1.23 vs. 0.91 ± 0.042 kg). Accordingly, final BW was greater (P = 0.01) for slice compared with ground. In addition, G:F was greater (P < 0.001) for slice than ground from d 0 to 16 (0.39 vs. 0.25 ± 0.021) and from d 0 to 28 (0.31 vs. 0.24 ± 0.013). Morbidity (40.5 ± 3.9%) and retreatment (30.7 ± 7.5%) were similar (P < 0.20) for slice than ground.

Exp. 2

The influence of alfalfa baling method and roughage level on performance of feedlot finishing steers is shown in Table 4. Daily BW gain was greater (P = 0.10) for steers consuming ground than the slice hay diet. An interaction for baling method x forage level (P = 0.07) was observed for DMI. No differences in DMI (P = 0.98) were observed at 8% roughage. But with 14% roughage, DMI was greater (P = 0.02) for steers consuming diets with ground hay compared with slice hay. The lack of response is likely attributed to the low level of roughage in the diet. The net contribution of roughage likely not large enough to have an effect. Galyean and Defoor (2003) reported when DMI in feedlot cattle intake is not limited by rumen fill, they respond to roughage source and level by adjusting DMI to compensate and meet energy requirements.

Exp. 3

Effects of alfalfa baling method and roughage level on intake and digestibility of steers consuming feedlot concentrate diets are shown in Table 5. No baling method effects (P > 0.15) were observed on DM, OM, CP, or NDF intakes or DM, OM, and NDF digestibility. Neutral detergent fiber intake and OM digestibility were greater (P 0.08) when steers were fed 14% roughage compared with 8% roughage. A baling method x forage level interaction (P = 0.01) was detected for CP digestibility. At 8% roughage, CP digestibility was greater (P = 0.03) for slice than ground alfalfa (75.6 vs. 72.6 ± 2.0%, respectively). However, at 14% forage, CP digestibility was similar (P = 0.23; 73.4 ± 2.0%) for the 2 baling methods. Digestibility of CP was expected to be greater for the slice than for ground alfalfa because of the slower particle passage rate for slice treatment (Table 6). The reason for lack of effect on CP digestibility for the 14% roughage level is unclear.

Alfalfa hay is generally considered to dehydrate to some extent during storage that would cause leaves to be more likely to pulverize during grinding (Howard, 2005). Because slice alfalfa does not require grinding, larger forage particle sizes tend to result compared with grinding alfalfa hay. Smaller particles escape from the rumen at a faster rate and are exposed to microbial activity for a shorter period of time, resulting in lower digestibility (Welch, 1982). Even though fluid and passage rates in the present study were greater for the ground diets, intake and digestibility of DM, OM, and NDF were not affected by baling method. Results of this study agree closely with those of Exp. 2, which failed to demonstrate differences for ground or slice alfalfa hay on performance of feedlot finishing steers. Moreover, our results agree with those of Shain et al. (1999) who reported no effects of forage particle size on growth performance when alfalfa or wheat straw where ground using 0.95-, 7.6-, or 12.7-cm screens. Also, Calderon-Cortes and Zinn (1996) observed that inclusion of sudan hay ground using 2.5- or 7.6-cm screens did not affect growth performance of finishing cattle, even though OM digestibility increased 2.3% with increasing particle size. When an ingredient is used at a low level, the changes need to be large to have an impact on the total diet.

In conclusion, slice baling improves the feeding value of alfalfa hay for feedlot receiving diets. However, the feeding value of alfalfa hay used in feedlot finishing diets does not improve if it is slice baled. It seems that improvements in the roughage portion of finishing diets need to be of a large magnitude to represent an improvement of the total diet because roughage level and digestibility of the roughage portion are low in feedlot finishing diets.

	Footnotes

 
¹ This research was supported by the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station

² Corresponding author: ssoto{at}nmsu.edu

Received for publication October 6, 2007. Accepted for publication May 31, 2008.

	LITERATURE CITED

Top Abstract INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION LITERATURE CITED

 


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This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: jas.2007-0637v1 86/10/2749    most recent Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Loya-Olguin, F. Articles by Soto-Navarro, S. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Loya-Olguin, F. Articles by Soto-Navarro, S. A.