Armed with new knowledge and more advanced technology, the Livestock Sciences Section is developing feed and feeding systems to maximize livestock production. Scientists are studying the microbial environment of the rumen to find ways to improve feed digestion. By adapting strategies that integrate feed parameters to optimally meet the nutritional needs of animals in feedlots, they're helping producers get the most out of feed and produce a predictable, high-quality carcass. Scientists now have a clearer picture of how protein is absorbed, and how hormones and enzymes affect cattle digestion. By using this new knowledge, they hope to find ways to manipulate the absorption of nutrient compounds so that more proteins are available for growth.
Work is geared toward new technologies that enhance the utilization of forages and grains by cattle.
The basis of this initiative is a thorough understanding of the factors affecting intake and digestion of carbohydrates. These concepts will be integrated into mathematical models of diet formulation, and used to develop feeding strategies that optimize animal performance and health, maximize product quality, and minimize feed costs. Improving forages is a major initiative. The potential increase in animal productivity is great if the digestibility of forages is high. Using processing techniques to increase digestibility, livestock scientists are making high-quality forage a valuable component for backgrounding and finishing beef cattle.