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Southeast Research And Extension Center Agricultural Research 2024

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The 2024 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research report includes research conducted in the areas of beef cattle management, cropping systems, and forage crops.

Alternatives To Corn For Baiting Wild Pigs, Justin A. Foster, Lee H. Williamson, John C. Kinsey, Ryan L. Reitz, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Nathan P. Snow

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We examined dietary preferences of wild pigs to discern possible bait alternatives to corn. Captive trials were conducted during spring and fall 2021 in the Wild Pig Research Facility at Kerr Wildlife Management Area, Hunt, Texas, USA. We conducted 2‐choice tests by allowing wild pigs to feed ad libitum on soybeans, split peas, mealworms, and peanuts (spring 2021), and oats, acorns, earthworms, and peanuts (fall 2021), always with corn available as a second choice for reference. In each trial, we used proportion of test bait eaten versus total bait eaten, and relative access to both food sources as indices of …

Effects Of Corn Supplementation On Serum And Muscle Microrna Profiles In Horses, Clarissa Carver, Jason E. Bruemmer, Stephen Coleman, Gabriele Landolt, Tanja Hess

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Laminitis associated with equine metabolic syndrome causes significant economic losses in the equine industry. Diets high in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) have been linked to insulin resistance and laminitis in horses. Nutrigenomic studies analyzing the interaction of diets high in NSCs and gene expression regulating endogenous microRNAs (miRNA) are rare. This study's objectives were to determine whether miRNAs from dietary corn can be detected in equine serum and muscle and its impacts on endogenous miRNA. Twelve mares were blocked by age, body condition score, and weight and assigned to a control (mixed legume grass hay diet) and a mixed legume hay …

Changes In Wild Pig (Sus Scrofa) Relative Abundance, Crop Damage, And Environmental Impacts In Response To Control Efforts, Joseph W. Treichler, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Charles R. Taylor, James C. Beasley

USDA Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Background

As the population and range of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to grow across North America, there has been an increase in environmental and economic damages caused by this invasive species, and control efforts to reduce damages have increased concomitantly. Despite the expanding impacts and costs associated with population control of wild pigs, the extent to which wild pig control reduces populations and diminishes environmental and agricultural damages are rarely quantified.The goal of this study is to quantify changes in wild pig relative abundance and subsequent changes in damages caused by invasive wild pigs in response to …

Effects Of Various Modified Corn Protein Inclusion Rates On Nursery Pig Growth Performance, Rafe Q. Royall, Ty H. Kim, Jason C. Woodworth, Mike D. Tokach, Joel M. Derouchey, Jordan T. Gebhardt, Robert D. Goodband, Keith Mertz, John F. Patience

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This experiment was conducted to determine the optimum feeding strategy of a modified corn protein product (MCP; P4000; Cargill Starches, Sweeteners, & Texturizers, Blair, NE) on growth performance and fecal dry matter of nursery pigs. A total of 360 barrows (DNA 200 × 400; initially 12.0 ± 0.14 lb) were used in a 42-d growth trial. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21 d of age, randomly allotted to pens in 1 of 2 weight blocks based on initial BW (initially 10.8 and 13.2 lb), and then allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. There were …

2023 Southeast Research And Extension Center Agricultural Research Report, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The 2023 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research report includes research conducted in the areas of beef cattle management, cropping systems, and forage crops. Topics include various grazing and nutrient input for steers and heifers; wheat, soybean, and corn production practices and results, as well as soil health practices; and burning and nutrient practices along with efforts for improvement of native and tall fescue range grasses.

Corn (Zea Mays L.) Production In Living Mulch Systems, Grazing Potential, And Economic Viability, Marcia Peireira Quinby

Doctoral Dissertations

Living mulch (LM) is a practice in which forages are grown simultaneously with the main crop, serving as a living cover throughout the growing season. The LM systems were developed to alleviate concerns of soil depletion and finding ways to reduce tillage negative effects on soil productivity. In addition, when legumes are use can decrease the reliance on N fertilizer. The use of corn in LM have been previously studied due to the crop being a large commodity in the U.S.; In addition, the ability to graze the LM after corn production can increase the land use efficiency. To determine …

Determining The Impact Of Corn Source On Nutrient Availability And Pig Performance, And Improving Boar Performance During Heat Stress, Jordan Jansen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The quality and effectiveness of the feedstuffs included in diets of production livestock directly impact yield efficiency and performance characteristics desired by producers. This thesis focuses on the performance and digestibility of corn from different countries in pig diets and how different feed additives can be supplemented to improve boar reproductive performance during heat stress. Corn is the largest energy source in common pig diets. The physical characteristics of corn such as broken kernels, foreign material, and excessive dust are said to negatively impact the quality of the grain for pig diets by being less digestible and a worsened nutrient …

Effect Of Feed Form, Corn Particle Size, And Extrusion Of Corn On Broiler Performance, Marut Saensukjaroenphon, Caitlin E. Evans, Cassandra K. Jones, Charles R. Stark, Chad B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The pelleting and extrusion processes use both thermal and mechanical energies to alter the crystalline structure of the starch granule, which makes it more digestible than raw starch. The particle size of the ground corn particle in the diet also affects the rate at which gelatinization occurs in the extrusion process. There is limited research on broiler performance when feeding diets that contain different particle sizes of corn prior to extrusion. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed form, corn particle size and the extrusion of corn on growth performance of 21-d-old broiler chicks. To …

Understanding Corn Variability, Edgar O. Oviedo-Rondón

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Corn is the most common feed ingredient used in poultry nutrition. Maize contributes with up to 65% of the metabolizable energy and 20% of crude protein in poultry diets (Gehring et al., 2013; Dei, 2017). Its average nutritional value is well-known, but it is accepted that the variability in its composition and energy value is a very common issue with great impact on poultry performance and health (Cowieson, 2005; Gehring et al., 2013; Latham et al., 2016; Montanhini-Neto et al., 2017). Corn variability affects growth, feed conversion, flock uniformity, digestibility, AMEn, digesta viscosity, gut microbiota composition, …

Coccidia Vaccine Challenge And Exogenous Enzyme Supplementation In Broiler Chicken 1. Effect On Digesta Viscosity, Diet Energy Utilization, And Apparent Metabolizable Energy Value Of Wheat, Andrew E. Dunaway, Sunday A. Adedokun

Animal and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

This study examined the effect of exogenous mixed-enzyme supplementation (xylanase, β-glucanase, and pectinase) to a corn-SBM (CS) and a wheat-CS-based (WCS) diet in birds challenged with coccidia vaccine (Coccivac B-52™). The WCS-based diet was produced by replacing 30% of the energy-yielding portions of the CS-based diet with wheat. On day 14, 448 (n = 7) Cobb by-product breeder male broilers were assigned to a 2 (diet types) × 2 (with or without enzyme supplementation) × 2 (0 or 20 × coccidia vaccine challenge; CVC) factorial arrangement of treatments in a completely randomized design for the determination of the apparent …

Development Of Arkansas Net Energy Equation, Katie Hilton

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The modern broiler is growing at a rapid rate generating tremendous amounts of heat. A sensitive Net Energy (NE) system is needed to measure body heat production (HP) generated primarily by daily maintenance and synthesis and degradation of myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein. The first two chapters present evaluation of the classic way to calculate NE versus a new methodology; the Arkansas NE (Ark NE) system, with birds from two genetic lines fed diets with different AA content or different ME content in two different environmental temperatures.

Utilizing together the Net Energy maintenance (NEm), determined from indirect calorimetry, and Net Energy …

Influence Of Particle Size Of Enogen Feed High Amylase And Conventional Yellow Dent Corn On Nursery Pig Performance, H. R. Williams, H. R. Kerkaert, M. D. Tokach, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, C. B. Paulk, H. I. Calderón

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 pigs (DNA 200 × 400; initially 14.5 lb) were used in a 35-d growth trial to evaluate the influence of particle size of Enogen Feed high amylase (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn on nursery pig performance. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (5 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted by weight to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 12 pens per treatment. Treat­ments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (high amylase or conventional yellow …

Influence Of Particle Size Of Enogen Feed High Amylase And Conventional Yellow Dent Corn On Finishing Pig Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Stomach Ulceration, H. R. Williams, M. D. Tokach, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, V. Shivanna, C. B. Paulk, H. I. Calderón

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 323 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 109.8 lb) were used in an 83-d growth trial to evaluate the influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC, Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn on finishing pig performance. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (9 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted by weight to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 6 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow …

Influence Of Enogen Feed Corn And Conventional Yellow Dent Corn In Pelleted- Or Meal-Based Diets On Finishing Pig Performance And Carcass Characteristics, H. R. Williams, M. D. Tokach, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, C. B. Paulk, H. K. Wecker, H. I. Calderón

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 288 pigs (DNA 241 × 600; initially 117 lb) were used in a 72-d trial to evaluate the influence of Enogen Feed corn (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds, LLC; Downers Grove, IL) and conventional yellow dent corn in pelleted or meal diets on finishing pig performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens (8 pigs per pen) and pens were allotted by weight to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 9 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed …

Insecticidal Effect Of Diatomaceous Earth And Dolomite Powder Against Corn Weevilsitophilus Zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Alyssa Cristina Oliveira Freitas, Adriana Aparecida Sinopólis Gigliolli, Ronaldo Roberto Tait Caleffe Caleffe, Helio Conte

Turkish Journal of Zoology

Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) which develops inside the grain, is an aggressive pest of stored grains. Here, we evaluated the efficiency of diatomaceous earth (DE), Diatomita CI/325 CX, and dolomite (DOL), Dolomita Dr. Kanyo, against S. zeamais reared on corn under laboratory conditions and observed external alterations on treated insects using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Insects treated with both DE and DOL were impregnated with particles on the body surface, and they showed 100% mortality after 10 days of exposure. Damages caused by inert dusts may have contributed to dehydration and desiccation, consequently, leading insects to death. Thus, …

Wildlife Damage To Crops Adjacent To A Protected Area In Southeastern Mexico: Farmers’ Perceptions Versus Actual Impact, Gabriel Can-Hernández, Claudia Villanueva-García, Elías José Gordillo-Chávez, Coral Jazvel Pacheco-Figueroa, Elizabeth Pérez-Netzahual, Rodrigo García-Morales

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Human–wildlife conflicts occur when wildlife has an adverse effect on human activities (e.g., predation of livestock, crop raiding). These conflicts are increasing, particularly in areas surrounding natural protected areas, where villagers engage in subsistence agriculture. Crop damage may cause farmers to retaliate and harm wildlife species considered responsible for the damage. Among the factors that determine the intensity of the conflict are the frequency of the damage and the amount of biomass consumed relative to the perceptions, values, and cultural history of the farmers affected. To better understand the conflicts between farmers and wildlife, we compared farmer perceptions of wildlife …

Metabolizable Energy Determination In Broiler Chickens, Andrew E. Dunaway

Theses and Dissertations--Animal and Food Sciences

Feed accounts for the highest cost associated in poultry production, with energy-containing feedstuffs being the most expensive portion of the cost of feeding. The increasing demand for poultry meat gives reason to determine accurate apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values for various feedstuff through measuring energy utilization in the birds. The adaptation length of birds fed an experimental diet may affect the determined AME value due to the diet matrix and physiochemical properties of the feedstuff. Therefore, the objective of this thesis was to evaluate a select group of energy-containing feedstuff with different diets and with factors such as coccidia challenge …

Impacts Of Small Intestinal Enzyme Activity And Varying Corn Grain Processing Types On Feeding Behavior, And Growth Performance Of Finishing Beef Steers, Wyatt Smith

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to quantify the differences in activity of jejunal maltase and isomaltase between 2 groups of steers with average dry matter intake (DMI) and differing average daily gain (ADG). Dry matter intake and ADG were measured in crossbred steers (n = 69). Jejunal mucosal samples were collected from 8 steers with the greatest (high) or least (low) ADG and average DMI (± 0.55 standard deviation). Homogenates of jejunal mucosa were incubated with increasing amounts of maltose and isomaltose to determine the disaccharidase kinetics. Neither the Km of isomaltase (P = 0.15) or maltase (P = …

Effects Of Grinding Corn With Different Moisture Concentrations On Subsequent Particle Size And Flowability Characteristics, M. B. Braun, K. M. Dunmire, C. E. Evans, C. R. Stark, C. B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of whole corn moisture and hammermill screen size on subsequent ground corn moisture, particle size, and flow- ability. Whole yellow dent #2 corn was used for this experiment. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial design with two moisture concentrations (as-received and high) each ground using 2 hammermill screen sizes (1/8 and 1/4 in). Corn was ground using a laboratory scale 1.5 HP Bliss Hammermill (Model 6K630B) at 3 separate time points to create 3 replications per treatment. Increasing initial whole corn moisture was accomplished by adding 5% …

Effect Of Fumonisin-Contaminated Corn On Growth Performance Of 20- To 60-Lb Nursery Pigs, Z. X. Rao, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband, H. Calderon Cartagena

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding fumonisin (FUM) contaminated corn on growth performance of 20- to 60-lb nursery pigs. A total of 350 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 19.6 lb) were used. Dietary treatments consisted of FUM-contaminated corn blended with relatively FUM-free corn to provide toxin (FB1 + FB2) of 7.2, 14.7, 21.9, 32.7, and 35.1 ppm. Experimental diets were fed in mash form for 28 d. There were 5 pigs per pen and 14 replicates per treatment. After weaning, pigs were fed common diets for 21 days before the experiment started. Then, …

Efficacy Of Commercial Products On Growth Performance Of Nursery Pigs Fed Diets With Fumonisin-Contaminated Corn, Z. X. Rao, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband, H. Calderon Cartagena

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of various commercial products on growth performance of 20- to 50-lb nursery pigs fed diets high in fumonisin (FUM) concentration. In Exp. 1, a total of 350 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 21.8 lb) were used. There were 5 pigs per pen and 14 replicates per treatment. After weaning, pigs were fed common diets for 21 d before the experiment started. Five dietary treatments were utilized and consisted of a positive control (low FUM), a negative control (approximately 50 to 60 ppm of FUM), and 3 other treatments as …

Pelleting And Starch Characteristics Of Diets Containing High Amylase Corn, C. N. Truelock, M. D. Tokach, C. R. Stark, C. R. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of die thickness and conditioning temperature on pelleting and starch characteristics in diets containing either conventional yellow dent or high amylase corn (Enogen^®, Syngenta Seeds, LLC). Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial of corn type (conventional and high amylase), die thickness (L:D 5.6 and 8.0), and conditioning temperature (165, 175, and 185°F). For the high amylase corn treatments, ground high amylase corn replaced conventional ground corn on a lb:lb basis. Diets were pelleted via steam conditioning (10 in × 55 in Wenger twin staff pre-conditioner, …

Effects Of Supplementation With Corn Or Dried Distillers Grains On Gains Of Heifer Calves Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 150 heifer calves grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to compare supplementation with 0.5% of body weight per head daily of corn or dried distillers grains (DDG) in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Daily gains of heifers supplement­ed with corn or DDG were similar (P>0.05) in all years except 2018, when heifers supplemented with DDG had greater (P<0.05) gains than those supplemented with corn.

Evaluation Of The Effects Of High-Lysine Sorghum On Nursery Pig Performance, L. L. Thomas, R. D. Goodband, C. D. Espinosa, H. H. Stein, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. M. Derouchey

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids in a high-lysine sorghum cultivar, followed by a growth trial to determine the effect of this sorghum on pig performance using increasing additions of feed-grade amino acids at the expense of soybean meal. In Exp. 1, ten growing barrows (initially 57.1 lb; Line 359 × 1050; PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum and randomly assigned to 1 of 5 test diets in a 5-period, cross-over design. Experimental diets consisted of a corn-based diet, a diet containing high-lysine sorghum, or …

Effects Of Supplementation With Corn Or Dried Distillers Grains On Gains Of Heifer Calves Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Distillers grains, a by-product of the ethanol industry, have tremendous potential as an economical and nutritious supplement for grazing cattle. Distillers grains contain a high concentration of protein (25 to 30%), with more than two-thirds escaping degradation in the rumen, which makes it an excellent supplement for younger cattle. Recent advancements in the ethanol manufacturing process have resulted in extraction of a greater amount of fat; therefore, creating distillers grains that may contain less energy than corn. This research was conducted to compare performance of stocker cattle supplemented with corn or DDG at 0.5% body weight per head daily while …

Effects Of Increasing Oat Groats On Nursery Pig Performance, J. A. Chance, A. B. Lerner, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, S. S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In Exp. 1, a total of 225 pigs (241 × 600, DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 13.9 lb BW) were used in a 28-d study to evaluate the effects of increasing ground oat groats on nursery pig growth performance. Pigs were weaned at 21 d of age and randomly allotted to pens and fed a commercial starter diet for 7 d prior to the start of the experiment. Pens of pigs were assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design by body weight (BW) with 4 or 5 pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment. …

Syngenta Enhanced Feed Corn (Enogen) Containing An Alpha Amylase Expression Trait Improves Feed Efficiency In Growing Calf Diets, M. A. Johnson, T. J. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, C. S. Weibert, J. S. Garzon, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, E. D. Watson, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:To determine the response of growing calves when fed Enogen Feed (Syngenta) corn, containing an alpha amylase expression trait.

Description:A total of 384 English crossbred steers having an average weight of 538 lb and originating from Texas were used to determine the effects on performance when fed Enogen Feed corn as either whole shelled or processed as dry-rolled at ad libitum intake.

The Bottom Line:When fed in an ad libitum fashion to growing calves, Enogen Feed corn improves feed efficiency of growing calves by 5.50%.

Cleaning Reduces Mycotoxin Contamination In Corn, A. Yoder, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, C. B. Paulk, C. R. Stark, C. K. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A single load of corn naturally contaminated with aflatoxin (1,074 ppb), fumonisin (8.3 ppm), and ochratoxin A (206 ppb) was procured from central Oklahoma to evaluate the role of cleaning to remove mycotoxin contamination in corn. Corn was divided into twenty 333-lb lots, which were then cleaned using an EBM Gentle Roll corn cleaner to remove overs (material>1/2 inches) and unders (material<3/16 inches). The resultant 4 treatments included: 1) uncleaned corn; 2) overs from cleaned corn; 3) cleaned corn; and 4) unders from cleaned corn. Samples of each fraction were analyzed for mycotoxin content using multiclass liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Cleaning generated approximately 6% screenings (unders + overs), and reduced (P<0.05) aflatoxin by an average of 26%. Cleaning also reduced (P<0.05) fumonisin by 45%, but did not impact ochratoxin A. Unders had nearly 4 times the aflatoxin and 7.5 times the fumonisin as the uncleaned corn. In conclusion, cleaning corn may substantially reduce mycotoxin contamination, but the resultant screenings should be used cautiously.

Digestibility And Nutrients Of Whole Corn Plant, Gavin Harsh, Jana L. Gramkow, Robert G. Bondurant, Shelby E. Gardine, Andrea K. Watson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

UCARE Research Products

In 2013, Nebraska planted roughly nine million acres of corn, the third most in the United States and continues to grow. Therefore, beef production resources have become scarce and relatively expensive. The diminished pasture forages available for grazing cattle has ignited the importance and need for alternative uses. Nebraska has a strong advantage over several other states, as there is an abundant supply of corn residue to compensate for these shortages. The research conducted shows the differences in the amount of residue produced and digestibility of each plant part per treatment.

Objective: 1.) Determine if the amount of residue to …