The Effects of Molybdenum Water Concentration on Feedlot Performance, Tissue Mineral Concentration, and Carcass Quality of Feedlot Steers

• Main Author: Kistner, Madison
• Language: EN
• Published: Colorado State University 2017
• Subjects: Animal sciences|Mining engineering|Nutrition
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10256099

<p> Thirty cross-bred steers (initial BW 375 &plusmn;37.2, replicate 1; and 535.0 &plusmn; 39.4 kg, replicate 2) were utilized to investigate the effects of Mo water concentration on performance, carcass characteristics, and mineral status of feedlot steers fed a growing and finishing diet for 151 and 112 d for replicate 1 and replicate 2, respectively. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by weight and then divided into 2 weight block replicates each consisting of 15 steers. Steers were randomly assigned within block to one of 5 treatments (3 pens/treatment; 1 steer/ pen; 2 replicates/treatment). Water treatments consisted of: 1) 0.0 &mu;g, 2) 160 &mu;g, 3) 320 &mu;g 4) 480 &mu;g Mo/L, and 5) 960 &mu;g of supplemental Mo/L added as Na₂MoO₄ to the drinking water. Steers were housed in individual pens that contained individual 265 L water tanks for monitoring water intake. Daily water intake was recorded for each steer. Steers were individually weighed on 2 consecutive days at the beginning and end of the experiment and interim weights and jugular blood samples were obtained every 28 d. Liver biopsies were obtained on d0 and 84 from each steers. Steers were transported to a commercial abattoir, slaughtered, and individual carcass data and liver samples were collected. Initial BW was used as a covariate for statistical analysis of the data and significance was determined at <i>P</i> &le; 0.05. No differences were observed for final BW (<i>P</i> &le; 0.98). Overall ADG, DMI, feed efficiency and water intake were similar across treatments. Hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, yield grade, LMA, adjusted fat thickness, KPH, and marbling scores were similar across treatments. Liver and plasma Cu, Mo, and Zn concentrations were similar across treatments. These data indicate that water Mo concentration had no impact on performance, mineral status, water intake, and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers fed a high concentrate diet.</p>