The Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports contain a summary of research conducted by scientists and graduate students in the Animal Science Department. The target audience for these reports are livestock producers, extension educators, and people in agribusiness. The articles are written in a format and style with the Nebraska clientele in mind that is easy to read and understand.

2025

2025 Beef Cattle Report

Effects of Allocation Frequency on Cattle Performance and Forage Utilization when Swath Grazing a Sorghum-Sudangrass Hybrid in Eastern Nebraska, Thomas E. Aquino, Mary E. Drewnoski, and Pedro Henrique J. Fernandes

Effect of Using Whole Soybeans, Roasted Soybeans, or Soybean Meal in Finishing Cattle Diets, Melissa K. Bausch, James C. MacDonald, Galen E. Erickson, and Pablo L. Loza

Effects of Replacing Wet Corn Distillers Grains with a PureField Distillers Grains® at 15% and 30% (DM basis) in Feedlot Diets, Sofia A. Canafoglia and Pablo L. Loza

Strategies Affecting Performance and Profitability of May-Born Steers, Dempster M. Christenson, Jacki A. Musgrave, and Richard N. Funston

Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers with Multi-Sire Semen, Dempster Christenson, Jordan M. Thomas, Daniel J. Kelly, and Richard N. Funston

Impact of Pre- and Post-breeding Supplementation on Performance of May-born Heifers, Josie N. Crouch, J. Travis Mulliniks, Jacki A. Musgrave, and Kacie L. McCarthy

Impact of Overwinter Gain on Growth and Reproductive Performance in March-born Heifers, Josie N. Crouch, J. Travis Mulliniks, Jacki A. Musgrave, and Kacie L. McCarthy

Effect of Forage Allocation on Steer Performance When Grazing Cereal Rye, Shelby L. Davies-Jenkins, Abigail M. Sartin, Daren D. Redfearn, and Mary E. Drewnoski

Quantifying Cereal Rye Pastures Biomass with Image Analysis, Pedro Henrique J. Fernandes, Shelby L. Davies-Jenkins, Biquan Zhao, Wei‑zhen Liang, Mary E. Drewnoski, and Yijie Xiong

Impact of Full-Fat Wet Distillers Grains Inclusion in Steam-flaked Corn Based Finishing Diets, Gatlin Hissong, Bill Dicke, Doug Smith, Andrea Watson, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Feeding Palm Oil on Finishing Cattle Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Methane Production, Anna M. Kobza, Rebecca L. McDermott, Mitchell C. Norman, Joshua R. Benton, Long Zou, James C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Constant versus Variable Inclusions of Modified Distillers Grains plus Solubles on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics, Paige M. Madison, Rebecca L. McDermott, Isaque F. Vicci, Joshua R. Benton, James C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Feeding Distillers Grains Compared to New Fractionated Distillers Grains (Solbran) on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Enteric Methane, Debora G. Sousa, Rebecca L. McDermott, Mitchell M. Norman, James C. MacDonald, Rick Stock, Ryan A. Mass, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Feeding Fenugreek Extract and Encapsulated Lecithin on Finishing Cattle Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Liver Abscesses, Sofia Suarez Lorences, Rebecca L. McDermott, Joshua R. Benton, Robert Bondurant, Willard Lemaster, James C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Feeding Two Different Feed Additives (Optipartum C+ and Prime Force) on Finishing Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics, Sofia Suarez-Lorences, Rebecca L. McDermott, Joshua R. Benton, Robert Bondurant, Willard Lemaster, James C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Interaction of Backgrounding System and Implant Use on Growing Calf Performance, Sydney T. Vanderhoff, Braden C. Troyer, Rebecca L. McDermott, Mitchell M. Norman, Brandon L. Nuttelman, Galen E. Erickson, Mary E. Drewnoski, and James C. MacDonald

2024

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Predicting Live Body Wight of Yearling Beef Heifers Using 3D Imaging, Dalton J. Anderson, Yijie Xiong, Andrea K. Watson, and J. Travis Mulliniks

Impact of Increasing Level of Milk Production on Cow-Calf Performance in Nebraska Sandhills, Selby L. Boerman, Jacki A. Musgrave, Kathryn J. Hanford, Mitchell B. Stephenson, and J. Travis Mulliniks

Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers with Multi-Sire Semen, Dempster Christenson, Jordan Thomas, Daniel J. Kelly, John G. Maddux, and R. Funston

Effect of Biochar on Enteric Methane Production and Cattle Performance, Hanna Cronk, Holly Heil, Rebecca McDermott, Mitch Norman, Galen E. Erickson, and Andrea Watson

Effect of Heifer Percent Mature Body Weight at Breeding on Heifer Performance, Calf Production, and Subsequent Pregnancy Rates, Josie N. Crouch, J. Travis Mulliniks, J. A. Musgrave, Kathy J. Hanford, and Kacie L. McCathy

Impact of Strip-Grazing Stockpiled Annual/Cover Crop Forages on carrying Capacity and Animal Performance, Shelby L. Davies-Jenkins, Abigail Sartin, Devin Jakub, Zac Carlson, Erin Laborie, Jack Arterburn, Ben Beckman, Brad Schnick, and M. E. Drewnoski

Cereal Rye, Winter Triticale or Winter Wheat: Which is Best for Early Spring Grazing?, Alyssa K. Hall, Abigail M. Sartin, Kallie J. Calus, Morgan T. Grabau, Daren D. Redfearn, Robert B. Mitchell, and Mary E. Drewnoski

Long-term Performance of Steers Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures, Morgan Hodges, Holly Heil, Rebecca McDermott, Anastasios Mazis, Tala Awada, Galen E. Erickson, and Andrea K. Watson

Nebraska Producer Perceptions on the Role and Implications of Negotiations in Fed Cattle Transactions, TaraLee Hudson, Elliott James Dennis, Brad D. Lubben, and James C. MacDonald

Survey of Current Management Practices and Evaluation of their Impact on Nutrient Content of Small Cereal Silage in Nebraska, Alexa R. Johnson, Mary E. Drewnoski, Daren D. Redfearn, Susan VanderPlas, Jenny Rees, Ben Beckman, Erin Laborie, Todd Whitney, Kim Clark, Brad Schick, Gary Lesoing, and Conner Biehler

Effect of Glucogenic Feed Additive on Reproductive Performance in Young Postpartum Range Cows, Tasha M. King, J. A. Musgrave, Nicole M. Woita, Shelby L. Boerman, J. C. MacDonald, and J. Travis Mulliniks

Comparison of Corn Silage and Earlage in Finishing Diets when fed as a Roughage on a Neutral Detergent Fiber Basis, Garrett N. Lemon, Rebecca McDermott, Alfredo DiCostanzo, Galen E. Erickson, and Pablo L. Loza

Evaluation of Vivalto® on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Growing and Finishing Beef Steers, Garrett N. Lemon, Rebecca McDermott, Galen E. Erickson, Jeff Heldt, and Pablo L. Loza

Evaluation of Gas Emissions from Cattle on Different Diet Adaptation Strategies Using Either Forage or RAMP, Cindy D. Mansfield, Rebecca McDermott, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Maggie Youngers, Andrea K. Watson, Rick Stock, and Galen E. Erickson

The Effect of Late Gestation Supplementation Strategy on Cow-Calf Performance in March-Calving Mature Cows, J. A. Musgrave, Kacie L. McCathy, and J. Travis Mulliniks

The Impact of Prepartum Supplementation Strategy on Cow-Calf Performance in May-Calving Mature Cows, J. A. Musgrave, Kacie L. McCathy, and J. Travis Mulliniks

Impact of Feeding New Fractioinated Distillers Grains (Fiber plus Syrup) on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics, Debora G. Sousa, Rebecca L. McDermott, Mitch M. Norman, James C. MacDonald, Rick Stock, Ryan A. Mass, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Varying Inclusion of Modified Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Compared to Constant Inclusion on Feedlot Cattle Performance and Carcass Characteristics, Debora G. Sousa, Rebecca McDermott, Mitch M. Norman, J. C. MacDonald, Rick A. Stock, and Galen E. Erickson

Vitamin A in Cow-Calf Production: Impacts of Maternal Supplementation and Status on Offspring, Hannah F. Speer, Harvey C. Freetly, Karla H. Jenkins, and Mary E. Drewnoski

Effect of Methionine Supplementation During Late Gestation in Beef Females, Landon F. Tadich, Jim R. Teichert, Kathryn J. Hanford, Jacki A. Musgrave, and Rich N. Funston

Statistics Used in the Nebraska Beef Reports and Their Purpose, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Strategies for DDGS Supplementation Frequency to Frazing Yearling Streers, Sydney T. Vanderhoff, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Mitchell M. Norman, Isaque F. Vicci, Jim C. MacDonald, and Mary E. Drewnoski

Rethinking Corn Residue: Effects of Grain Yield on Quality and Quantity of Residue, Kaylee E. Wheeler, Jessica Miller, Sadie Ference, Stephan Geu, Bill Struckmeyer, Amanda Easterly, Cody F Creech, Brian Maust, Daren D. Redfearn, Jay Parsons, and Mary E. Drewnoski

The Effect of Postpartum Supplementation Strategy on Performance in May-Calving 2- and 3-yr-old Range Cows, Nicole M. Woita, Selby L. Boerman, J. A. Musgrave, Kacie L. McCathy, and J. Travis Mulliniks

2023

2023 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Timing of Implant Use in the Backgrounding System, Kelton C. Adair, Kylie M. Butterfield, Zach E. Carlson, Braden C. Troyer, Jiehua Xiong, Mitchell M. Norman, James C. MacDonald, Galen E. Erickson, M. E. Drewnoski, and Brandon L. Nuttelman

Forage Evaluation of Crested Wheatgrass, Kelton C. Adair, K. H. Jenkins PAS, Andrea K. Watson, and James C. MacDonald

Artificial Insemination of Beef Heifers with Multi-Sire Sexed Semen, Dempster Christenson, John Maddux, Jordan M. Thomas, and R. Funston

Extending Melengestrol Acetate Treatment from Fourteen to Eighteen Days in Beef Heifers, Dempster Christenson, Jordan M. Thomas, Daniel J. Kelly, and R. Funston

Effect of Alga Bio 1.0 on Reducing Enteric Methane Emission from Cattle, Reba L. Conlin, Kassidy K. Buse, Andrea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson, and Paul J. Kononoff

Supplemental Lysine in Finishing Cattle Diets, Hanna Cronk, Zac Carlson, Mitch Norman, Levi McPhillips, Andrea Watson, Galen E. Erickson, and Gary Ducharme

Effect of Ad Libitum vs. Limit Feeding Program at Receiving on Morbidity and Performance of Feedlot Calves, Rebecca A. Funk, Braden C. Troyer, Levi J. McPhillips, Mitchell M. Norman, and Galen E. Erickson

Ponderosa Pine Wood Biochar used as an Emissions Reduction Strategy in a Finishing Beef Cattle Diet, Holly A. Heil, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Andrea K. Watson, and Galen E. Erickson

Evaluation of Ankom F58 Filter Bags Compared to Beakers for Analysis of Neutral Detergent Fiber, Sawyer R. Kappel, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, and J. C. MacDonald

Evaluation of Encapsulated Megasphaera Elsdenii in an Accelerated Beef Step-Up Program and an Acidosis Challenge Event, Cindy D. Mansfield, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Tyler Spore, Mark Corrigan, Galen E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Two Beef Systems from Birth to Slaughter in Eastern Nebraska, Levi J. McPhillips, Zac E. Carlson, Andrew E. Suyker, J. C. MacDonald, Tala Awada, Jane Okalebo, Shree Dangal, Rick R. Stowell, Andrea K. Watson, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Pistachio Shell Biochar in Finishing Beef Cattle Diets, Levi J. McPhillips, Mitchell M. Norman, J. L. Sperber, Andrea K. Watson, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Enogen Feed Corn Inclusion in Conventional and Natural Finishing Cattle Diets, Jessica Miller, K. H. Jenkins PAS, Galen E. Erickson, and Pablo L. Loza

Effects of Corn Processing and Silage Inclusion in Feedlot Diets on Steer Performance, Jessica L. Miller, Nolan R. Meier, K. H. Jenkins PAS, Galen E. Erickson, and Pablo L. Loza

Effect of Corn Processing on Steer Performance and Fecal Starch Content, Jessica L. Miller, Braden C. Troyer, Levi J. McPhillips, Mitchell M. Norman, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Quantifying Residual Feed in a Fence-line Feedlot Bunk using Depth Camera Imaging Techniques, Jean Niwenshuti, Galen E. Erickson, Tami M. Brown-Bandl, Eric T. Psota, and Yijie Xiong

Including Gene Edited Sires in Genetic Evaluations, Leticia P. Sanglard, Garret M. See, and Matthew L. Spangler

Effect of species and Maturity on Small Grain Silage Yield and Quality, Abigail M. Sartin, Kallie J. Calus, Morgan T. Grabau, Alyssa K. Kuhn, Mary E. Drewnoski, and D. D. Redfearn

Effects of Individual Sweet Bran Components in Beef Finishing Diets on Nutrient Digestion, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Rittikeard Prachumchai, Maggie Youngers, Rick A. Stock, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Comparison of Semi-confined and Pasture-based August Calving Beef Cow Systems, Hannah F. Speer, Harvey C. Freetly, and M. E. Drewnoski

Impact of Removing 20% Distillers Grain after One-third or Two-thirds of the Feeding Period on Performance of Finishing Yearling, Sofia Suarez Lorences, Braden C. Troyer, Mitch M. Norman, Pablo L. Loza, Rick Stock, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Constant Inclusion or Decreasing Inclusion of Distillers Grains with High-quality or Low-quality Roughage on Finishing Cattle Performance, Sofia Suarez Lorences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Increasing Energy 30 days Prior to Artificial Insemination in Beef Heifers, Landon F. Tadich, Rachel E.S. Rogers, Jim R. Teichert, and R. Funston

Evaluate the Effect of Corn Processing, Drying Distillers Grains, Oil Removal from Distillers Grains, and Distillers Inclusion on Cattle Performance, Braden C. Troyer, Elliott James Dennis, Alfredo DiCastanzo, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Planning Horizon Length on Breeding Objectives and Resulting Selection Decisions, Hunter F. Valasek, Bruce L. Golden, and Matthew L. Spangler

Evaluation of LactiproFLX in an Acidosis Challenge Model, Samantha K. Wagner, Rebecca J. Sjostrand, Tyler J. Spore, Mark E. Corrigan, Galen E. Erickson, and J. C. MacDonald

Analysis of Spoilage Bacteria Present in Vacuum Packaged Chilled Beef Treated with Organic Acids, Samuel C. Watson, Rebecca A. Furbeck, Byron D. Chaves, Samodha C. Fernando, and Gary Sullivan

Effects of Strategic Supplementation on Return to Management and Performance of Yearling Cattle, Kaylee E. Wheeler, Dean Dustin, Jay Parsons, M. E. Drewnoski, and K. H. Jenkins PAS

2022

2022 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Impact of a Natural Feed Additive using Direct Fed Microbes on Finishing Beef Cattle Performance and Liver Abscess Rate, Kelton C. Adair, Alison C. Bartenslager, Zachary E. Carlson, Galen E. Erickson, Samodha C. Fernando, and J. C. MacDonald

Economics of Grazing Calves on Oats Planted After Corn Silage in Eastern Nebraska, Kallie J. Calus, McKenna M. Brinton, Benjamin H. Hansen, Kristen M. Ulmer, Zachery E. Carlson, Fred H. Hilscher, M. E. Drewnoski, Jay Parsons, and J. C. MacDonald

Comparison of Partially Confined and Traditional Cow-Calf Systems, Zac E. Carlson, Levi J. McPhillips, Galen E. Erickson, M. E. Drewnoski, and J. C. MacDonald

Evaluation of Processing Technique for High-Moisture and Dry Corn on Nutrient Digestion when fed to Finishing Cattle, Caitlin A. Coulson, Mitch M. Norman, Nicole M. Woita, Hannah C. Wilson, Kylie M. Butterfield, Tyler J. Spore, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Feeding CARS on Digestibility and Fatty Acid Flow in Finishing Cattle Diets, John C. Gibbons, Mitchell M. Norman, Tyler J. Spore, Hannah C. Wilson, Kylie Butterfield, Andea K. Watson, Galen E. Erickson, and Jonathan W. Wilson

Growth Performance in Livestock with Stress-Induced Low Birthweight is Recovered by Clenbuterol Administration, Rachel L. Gibbs, Rebecca M. Swanson, Joslyn K. Beard, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica Lynn Petersen, and Dustin T. Yates

Impact of Spring Corn Residue Grazing on Soil Physical Properties and Crop Yield, Morgan T. Grabau, J. C. MacDonald, Zachary E. Carlson, and M. E. Drewnoski

Zipaterol Supplementation Improved Indicators of Well-Being, but not Growth in Heat-Stressed Red Angus Steers, Pablo C. Grijalva, Duarte E. Diaz, Samuel R. Garcia, Ty B. Schmidt, Jessica Lynn Petersen, and Dustin T. Yates

Beef Quality and Oxidative Stability from Cattle Fed High Levels of Vitamin E, Nicolas J. Herrera, Joe A. Sonderman, David M. Velazco, and Chris Calkins

Beef Quality following Prolonged Aging after Supplementing High Levels of Vitamin E, Nicolas J. Herrera, Joseph A. Sonderman, David M. Velazco, and Chris Calkins

Fate of Salmonella in Beef Steaks during Sous Vide Cooking, Heather B. Hunt, Samuel C. Watson, Byron D. Chaves, and Gary Sullivan

Effect of Rapeseed Inclusion in Late-Summer Planted Oat Pasture on Growing Performance of Beef Steers, Devin A. Jakub, Hannah E. Riley, Kristin E. Hales, Steven D. Shackelford, Harvey C. Freetly, and M. E. Drewnoski

Interaction of Urea with Frequency and Amount of Distillers Grains Supplementation for Growing Steers, Haley F. Linder, Zachary E. Carlson, M. E. Drewnoski, and J. C. MacDonald

Interaction of Urea with Frequency and Amount of Distillers Grains Supplementation on Growing Steer Rumen Digestion Parameters, Haley F. Linder, Joshua E. Sebade, Tyler J. Spore, M. E. Drewnoski, and J. C. MacDonald

Evaluation of Methane and CO2 Production in Growing and Finishing Cattle Raised in Conventional or Partial Confinement-based Herds, L. J. McPhillips, Z. E. Carlson, Rick R. Stowell, J. C. MacDonald, Andrew E. Suyker, and Galen E. Erickson

Inflammatory Modulators Improve Daily Gain of Heat-Stressed Wethers, Micah S. Most, Pablo C. Grijalva, and Dustin T. Yates

Effects of Lime Amendment on Antibiotic Resistance in Beef Cattle Manure of Open Feedlots, Noelle A. Mware, Galen E. Erickson, Amy Schmidt, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, and Xu Li

Interaction of Sweet Bran Inclusion and Corn Processing Method in Beef Finishing Diets on Digestibility, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Kathlyn Hauxwell, Maggie Youngers, Rick Stock, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Interaction of Sweet Bran Inclusion and Corn Processing Method in Beef Finishing Diets, Rebecca L. Sjostrand, Levi J. McPhillips, Braden C. Troyer, Maggie Youngers, Rick Stock, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Effect of Biochar as a Feedlot Pen Surface Amendment on Manure Nutrient Capture, J. L. Sperber, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Levi J. McPhillips, Heather Nobert, Andrea K. Watson, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Biochar Supplementation in Finishing Diets on Greenhouse Gas Emissions, J. L. Sperber, Braden C. Troyer, Mitchell M. Norman, Levi J. McPhillips, Heather Nobert, Andrea K. Watson, and Galen E. Erickson

Impact of Urea on Corn Silage Growing Cattle Diets, Tyler J. Spore, Hannah C. Wilson, Nolan R. Meier, Galen E. Erickson, James C. MacDonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, and Andrea K. Watson

Effect of Finishing Cattle with Blends of High Moisture and Steam-Flaked Corn with and without Distillers Grains, Braden C. Troyer, Zac C. Carlson, Levi J. McPhillips, Mitchell M. Norman, Andrea K. Watson, J. C. MacDonald, and Galen E. Erickson

Evaluating Performance of Cattle Fed Steam-Flaked Corn Based Finishing Diets fed Increasing Inclusions of Wet or Modified Distillers Grains, Braden C. Troyer, Levi J. McPhillips, Mitchell M. Norman, and Galen E. Erickson

Statistics Used in the Nebraska Beef Cattle Report and Teir Purpose, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Quality Parameters of Wet and Dry Aged Beef Loins from Cattle Fed High Doses of Vitamin E, David M. Velazco, Joe A. Sonderman, Nicolas J. Herrera, and Chris Calkins

Impact of Steam-Flaked Rye Fed in Combination with Steam-Flaked Corn on Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Yearling Steers, Samantha K. Wagner, Braden T. Troyer, Levi J. McPhillips, Rebecca S. Brattain, and Galen E. Erickson

Evaluation of Green Grass on Nutrient Digestibility and Fatty Acid Flow in Cattle Finishing Diets, Aksel R. Wiseman, Tyler J. Spore, Mitchell M. Norman, Hannah C. Wilson, J. C. MacDonald, Andrea K. Watson, and Galen E. Erickson