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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #169698
Title: EFFECTS OF BIOLOGICAL TYPE OF BEEF STEERS ON VITAMIN D, CALCIUM, AND PHOSPHORUS STATUS

Author
item MONTGOMERY, J - TEXAS TECH UNIV.
item BLANTON, JR, J - TEXAS TECH UNIV.
item Horst, Ronald
item GALYEAN, M - TEXAS TECH UNIV.
item MORROW, JR, K - TEXAS TECH UNIV.
item WESTER, D - TEXAS TECH UNIV.
item MILLER, M - TEXAS TECH UNIV.

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/3/2004
Publication Date: 7/20/2004
Citation: Montgomery, J.L., Blanton, Jr, J.R., Horst, R.L., Galyean, M.L., Morrow, Jr, K.J., Wester, D.B., Miller, M.F. 2004. Effects of biological type of beef steers on vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus status. Journal of Animal Science. 82(7):2043-2049.

Interpretive Summary: We have shown that creating 20-30% elevation in blood calcium by feeding excess vitamin D 2-3 days before slaughter results in a tenderizing effect on meat. We used this approach to study the effects of excess vitamin D supplementation on the vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus status of three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos taurus-Continental, and Bos taurus-English) of feedlot cattle. We found that calcium and phosphorus homeostasis are closely regulated, and that excess vitamin D3 resulted in minimal differences in tissue and blood Ca and P concentrations among three biological types. We did, however, find that vitamin D and vitamin D metabolite concentrations in tissues and blood were influenced by biological type. Bos taurus-English cattle had a greater propensity to store vitamin D and its metabolite, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, in liver and muscle compared to Bos taurus-Continental and Bos indicus cattle. Cooking the tissues eliminated differences found between breeds. We also found that the concentration of the active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, was higher in tissues and plasma of Bos taurus cattle relative to the other breeds. Our results suggest that the optimal concentration of vitamin D3, calcium and phosphorus in feedlot diets to achieve the desired tenderizing effect might differ between Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle. These studies will greatly benefit the beef producers, beef nutritionists, and the beef industry in general.

Technical Abstract: Feedlot steers (n=36) from three biological types (Bos indicus, Bos taurus-Continental, and Bos taurus-English) were used to determine the Ca, P, and vitamin D status of cattle. Typical USDA yield and quality grade traits were measured at slaughter. The concentration of vitamin D3 (VITD) and the metabolites 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25-OHD), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2 D] were determined in longissimus, liver, kidney, and plasma. Plasma and muscle Ca and P were also determined. Biological type of cattle affected (P less than 0.05) a number of carcass traits. Carcasses from Bos taurus-English cattle had a greater amount of marbling resulting in higher quality grades (P less than 0.05). Carcasses from Bos taurus-Continental cattle had lower calculated yield grades (P less than 0.05). In general, biological type effects on carcass traits were consistent with previous reports. Plasma and muscle Ca and P were not affected (P more than 0.05) by biological type of cattle indicating Ca and P homeostasis are conserved traits across the different biological types of cattle. Plasma VITD and 25-OHD were not affected (P more than 0.05). Liver 1,25-(OH)2D concentration was increased (P less than 0.05) in Bos indicus cattle compared to Bos taurus-Continental cattle. All kidney vitamin D metabolite concentrations measured were not affected (P more than 0.05) by biological type of cattle. Muscle VITD concentration was increased (P less than 0.05) in Bos taurus-English cattle compared to Bos indicus cattle. Muscle 1,25-(OH)2D concentration was reduced (P less than 0.05) in the Bos taurus-Continental cattle. Cooking eliminated vitamin D metabolite differences due to biological type. Bos indicus cattle appear to store 1,25-(OH)2D, the biologic active form of vitamin D, in tissues and have elevated 1,25-(OH)2D plasma levels. Thus, it may be possible to eliminate or lower VITD supplementation and lower the amount of Ca and P added in the feedlot diet of Bos indicus cattle.