|
|
Bio-Enhancement Systems Corporation
|
|
Cattle Production and Health Update #2
Published by Bio-Enhancement Systems Corporation
January 1999
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF NEWLY ARRIVED FEEDLOT STEERS
USING ANIMAL BEHAVIOR MODIFIER (ABM) TECHNOLOGY
Feeder cattle newly received into the feedlot typically experience reduced feed intake for several weeks due to the stresses of shipment, commingling and exposure to disease. This reduced feed intake further promotes sickness and causes lost production and profits unless successfully managed or prevented. Sickness rates as high as 69% have been reported in newly arrived feedlot cattle. The time, labor and expense of treating sick cattle are all important economic considerations.
ABM technology is based on well-documented scientific principles. ABM-induced stimulation increases feed intake by effecting the excitatory feeding center of the central nervous system. ABM devices attach to the tail and deliver a series of non-painful pressure pulses which stimulate the animal and encourage it to eat.
During February 1995, 84 newly received steers were used to evaluate the effects of ABM technology on weight gain and feed efficiency in newly received feeder cattle in a 28-day study.
Beef steers (average weight 750 pounds) were randomly allotted into 6 groups of 14 steers each. Each group was randomly assigned a pen equipped with a pinpointer for monitoring daily feed intake. Half of the steers in each pen received ABM stimulation with the remaining pen mates serving as controls.
Table 1. Influence of ABM on performance of newly received feedlot steers over 28 days
| ITEM |
CONTROL (b) |
ABM (c) |
% IMPROVEMENT |
| Feed intake, lb/hd |
16.4 |
19.8 |
21% |
| Total Weight Gain, lb |
26.7 |
42.6 |
60% |
| ADG, lb/hd/d |
2.03 |
3.04 |
49% |
| Feed Efficiency |
9.8 |
6.9 |
34% |
| (b, c) Row means differ (P<.05) |
This 28-day trial documented that ABM stimulation significantly and dramatically improved all production parameters measured. ABM usage increased feed consumption by 21%, improved live weight gain by 60%, and improved average daily gain by 49%. Feed efficiency was improved by 34%. No health or nutritional problems due to the ABM devices occurred during the trial.
Variation in daily feed intake was significantly (P<.05) reduced by use of the ABM. Animals which had an ABM device had both a greater daily feed intake and a more consistent intake.
These results clearly document that the ABM device not only increased feed intake but also dramatically increased the efficient conversion of feed consumed to weight gain. ABM stimulation also reduced feed intake fluctuation; this finding could be important in feed bunk management.
ABM devices offer cattle owners and feedlot managers a new tool to deal with the troublesome problem of low and variable feed intake in newly received feeder cattle. By dramatically and constantly improving feed and nutrient intake, ABM devices prevent sickness, improve production, and increase profits. ABM devices are both sturdy and re-usable, offering cost-effective usage for short time periods on multiple turns of feeder cattle.
Kelly, A.P. and E.D. Janzen, 1986. A review of morbidity and mortality rates and disease occurrence in North American feedlot cattle. Can. Vet. J. 27: 496-500.
Chirase, N.K. and G.B. Thompson, 1995. Effect of an Animal Behavior Modifier (ABM(tm)) on the performance and feed consumption patterns of newly received feedlot steers. Submitted to Bio-Enhancement Systems Corporation, Morris Plains, NJ.
Dr. Stuart Fielding, CEO
Written by
Powered by