Project Number: 6218-31630-005-04
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 01, 2006
End Date: Apr 30, 2011

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to determine time-series differences in blood urea nitrogen and cortisol concentration levels in varying genotypes and genders of stocker cattle to determine the usefulness of these blood parameters as indicators of adaptation to and animal performance on cool-season and warm-season forages.

Approach:
Differences in blood urea nitrogen and cortisol concentration levels in varying genotypes and sex of stocker cattle will be determined in cattle grazing both warm-season and cool-season forages. Relationships of these parameters to time of adaptation to novel forages and to grazing animal performance will be determined using multiple linear regression. Standard laboratory procedures will be used in estimating serum cortisol and blood urea nitrogen.