Session: Production, Management, and Environment I

276 - Relationship Between Water Use Efficiency and Feedlot Steer Performance and Health

Thursday, July 15, 2021

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Location: Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC), L007/008

Presenting Author(s)

Kelsey Bruno, PhD

Assistant Professor
Northwest Missouri State University
Sand Springs, Oklahoma

PDF Slides and Audio

Author(s)

CA

Cashley Ahlberg-Smith

Kansas State University
Manhatten, Kansas
Levi J. McPhillips, MS

PhD Student
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
HM

Heather Meador

Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
AT

Alex Taylor

Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
MC

Michelle S. Calvo-Lorenzo, M.S., Ph.D.

Technical Consultant
Elanco Animal Health
Fayetteville, Arkansas
UD

Udaya Desilva

Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Clint Krehbiel

University of Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
RM

Raluca Mateesku

University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
SP

Sara Place

Elanco Animal Health
Fayetteville, Arkansas
MR

Megan M. Rolf, PhD

Kansas State University
Manhatten, Kansas
DV

Deb VanOverbeke

Assistant Dean Fergusion College of Agriculture
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
BW

Blake K. Wilson

Assistant Professor
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
CR

Chris Richards

Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma

As climate change progresses, it is expected that water availability for livestock production will be challenged due to competition from human population growth and use by other agricultural sectors. The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in animal performance and health between feedlot steers with differing water use efficiencies. Four groups of steers from numerous sources (n = 469) were randomly allocated to 2 body weight (BW) blocks. Individual feed and water intake (WI) were measured daily using an Insentec RIC feeding system. Steers had ad libitum access to feed and water for 70 d (BAS). After a 28 d step-down period, steers were maintained at 50% of ad libitum water consumption for 42 d (RST) while feed continued to be offered ad libitum. Based on average daily water intake during BAS, steers were sorted into low, medium, or high water use efficiency (LWE, MWE, or HWE) using k-means clustering. Every 14 d BW was collected in addition to blood samples for complete blood counts. Body weight was used to evaluate ADG and G:F. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the model statement including effects of water use efficiency, day, and the interaction. Body weights were greater in HWE than MWE and LWE at the end of BAS and RST (P < 0.01). Steer ADG and G:F were greater in HWE compared to MWE and LWE (P < 0.01)during BAS, but not different during RST (P > 0.54). Hematocrit and red blood cell counts initially increased during water restriction step down, and then returned to normal levels (P < 0.01); these values were also greater in HWE compared to MWE and LWE (P < 0.01). All steers adapted to limited water access similarly and the degree of health differences had little clinical significance.