Project Number: 6218-31630-005-05
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 26, 2004
End Date: Mar 31, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to determine the concentrations of acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (iADF) in mixed grain rations, wheat pasture, and calf fecal samples from calves grazing wheat pasture and calves consuming mixed rations; determine the apparent digestibilities of grain rations and wheat pasture in calves grazing wheat pasture or consuming mixed rations; determine the application of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques and software to predict ADIA and iADF concentrations in wheat pasture, mixed rations, and fecal samples to reduce the time and costs associated with laboratory analysis; and determine the levels of blood urea nitrogen and associated influence on gain and digestibilities.

Approach:
Grain, forage, and fecal samples collected in 2002 and 2003 from a study evaluating postweaning performance of beef calves in feedlot and on wheat pasture will analyzed for ADIA and iADF. Estimates of ADIA and iADF will be used as internal markers to estimate digestibilities of mixed grain rations and wheat pasture forage. Samples will also be scanned by NIRS and laboratory results will be used to develop equations to predict ADIA and iADF from NIR spectroscopy. Blood samples collected in 2003 and 2004 will be analyzed for blood urea nitrogen and impact of blood urea nitrogen levels on animal performance and feed digestibilities will be evaluated.