Influence of Maternal Carbohydrate Source (Concentrate-Based vs. Forage-Based) on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Progeny
Erin R. Gubbels,
Janna J. Block,
Robin R. Salverson,
Adele A. Harty,
Warren C. Rusche,
Cody L. Wright,
Kristi M. Cammack,
Zachary K. Smith,
J. Kyle Grubbs,
Keith R. Underwood,
Jerrad F. Legako,
Kenneth C. Olson,
Amanda D. Blair
Affiliations
Erin R. Gubbels
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Janna J. Block
Hettinger Research Extension Center, North Dakota State University, Hettinger, ND 58639, USA
Robin R. Salverson
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Adele A. Harty
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Warren C. Rusche
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Cody L. Wright
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Kristi M. Cammack
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Zachary K. Smith
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
J. Kyle Grubbs
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Keith R. Underwood
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Jerrad F. Legako
Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Kenneth C. Olson
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Amanda D. Blair
Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of maternal prepartum dietary carbohydrate source on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of offspring. Angus-based cows were assigned to either a concentrate-based diet or forage-based diet during mid- and late-gestation. A subset of calves was selected for evaluation of progeny performance. Dry matter intake (DMI), body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), gain to feed (G:F), and ultrasound measurements (muscle depth, back fat thickness, and intramuscular fat) were assessed during the feeding period. Carcass measurements were recorded, and striploins were collected for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), trained sensory panel, crude fat determination and fatty acid profile. Maternal dietary treatment did not influence (p > 0.05) offspring BW, DMI, ultrasound measurements, percent moisture, crude fat, WBSF, or consumer sensory responses. The forage treatment tended to have decreased (p = 0.06) 12th rib backfat compared to the concentrate treatment and tended to have lower (p = 0.08) yield grades. The concentrate treatment had increased (p a* and b* values compared to the forage treatment. These data suggest variation in maternal diets applied in this study during mid- and late-gestation has limited influence on progeny performance.
