Impact of feeding and vaccination strategies on carcass outcomes in beef cattle

In western Canada, increased nutrient demand associated with decreased temperatures and increased fetal growth may lead to nutrient deficiencies in pregnant cattle. Compromised maternal nutrition can impact fetal muscle development, body weight gain, hot carcass weight, back fat and marbling. Vaccination strategy may also impact carcass outcomes of the offspring. Carcass evaluation is necessary to determine if these reactions persist until slaughter. In this study we will compare the growth performance, muscle development and carcass outcomes in male offspring from cows supplemented or non-supplemented from day 109 of gestation to parturition. The impact of injection techniques using needle-free vs. needle syringe injections on carcass outcomes, including injection site reactions will also be studied. To conclude, we will potentially define novel management strategies to improve cow performance as well as growth and carcass outcomes of the progeny.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kim Ominski

Student:

Genet Mengistu

Partner:

Manitoba Cattle Producers Association

Discipline:

Animal science

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Program: