Life Sciences Commons^™

Greato+ Supplementation Leads To Greater Proportions Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids In The Small Intestines Of Holstein Steers, Ross L. Thorn, James S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study aimed to determine if supplementation of GreatO⁺, an extruded blend of flaxseed and microalgae (NBO3, Manhattan, KS), in Holstein steers would lead to greater amounts of fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, in the small intestines.

Study Description:This study utilized 12 cannulated Holstein steers assigned to two treatments: with or without supplementation of GreatO⁺as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Two periods were utilized, consisting of a 15-day adaptation interval and a four-day collection interval. After the end of the collection period, each steer was transitioned to the other treatment for the second period. …

The Effects Of Seasonal Prescribed Burning On Flint Hills Dung Beetle (Scarabaeinae) Populations, Herman Griese, Andrea Salazar, Victoria Pickens, Cassandra Olds

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study aimed to determine if the season of prescribed burning impacted dung beetle communities on pastures grazed by cattle in the Flint Hills.

Study Description:Dung beetle populations at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker unit were sampled biweekly for three months over the summer grazing period to determine if beetle populations varied between spring, summer, or fall burned pastures.

Results:At least eight species of dung beetles were identified with a total of 8,646 dung beetles collected. Dung beetle populations were not different (P>0.05) between spring, summer, and fall burned pastures although peak beetle populations …

Long-Term Effects Of April, August, Or October Prescribed Fire On Yearling Stocker Cattle Performance And Native Rangeland Plant Composition In The Kansas Flint Hills, Zachary M. Duncan, Alan J. Tajchman, Jack Lemmon, William R. Hollenbeck, Dale A. Blasi, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of our experiment was to determine if prescribed fire applied in April, August, or October influenced stocker growth performance or plant community characteristics in the Kansas Flint Hills over a 6-year period.

Study Description:A total of 1,939 yearling stocker cattle were assigned to one of three prescribed-burn treatments: spring (April 11 ± 5.7 days), summer (August 25 ± 6.2 days or fall (October 2 ± 9.0 days) over a 5-year period. Calves were grazed from May to August for 90 days. Individual body weights were recorded at the start and end of the grazing season. Native …

Reducing Tick Populations Through Prescribed Burning, Andrea Salazar, Herman Griese, Victoria Pickens, Cassandra Olds

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Explore the effect of prescribed fire on tick population dynamics in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:Ticks were collected from spring (April), summer (August), or fall (September) burned pastures as well as control, unburned areas. Burning had been carried out for four consecutive years prior to this study. Tick populations were sampled every other week from March to August using material dragging and dry ice bait sampling methods. Tick species, sex, and life stage were identified morphologically and the total numbers for each burn treatment were calculated.

The Bottom Line:Consecutive burning of grazing pasture could be considered …

Effects Of Dietary Energy Concentration And Feed Intake On Growth Performance Of Newly Received Growing Cattle Fed Diets Based On Corn And Corn Co-Products, Colton D. Weir, Zachary M. Duncan, William R. Hollenbeck, Sean P. Montgomery, Tyler J. Spore, Dale A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study’s focus was to evaluate if feeding equal amounts of energy from a high-energy limit-fed diet has an effect on growth performance of growing beef cattle when compared to traditional high-roughagead libitumdiets.

Study Description:A total of 392 crossbred heifers were fed one of four experimental diets for a 70-day receiving period. Treatments included a high-roughage diet formulated to provide 45 Mcal of net energy for gain (NE_g) per 100 lb of dry matter (DM) and fed forad libitumintake (AL) or a high-energy diet formulated to provide 60 Mcal of NE_{g …}

Post-Weaning Feed Intake And Performance Of Bulls Developed In An Automated Feed Intake Management System, J. Wyatt L. Banks, Karol E. Fike, Jason M. Warner

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Our objectives were to compare expected and observed dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) using modeled nutrient requirement equations, and to evaluate change in DMI over time of beef bull calves fed in an automated feed intake system.

Study Description:Feed intake and performance data from purebred Angus, Hereford, and Simmental bull calves across two calf crops [birth years 2021 (n = 40) and 2022 (n = 37)] were utilized for this analysis. Projected DMI and ADG were calculated for each group of bulls by year on an individual basis using the Growing Bull module of …

Comparing The Performance Of Cattle Castrated Using Different Techniques Upon Arrival At The Feedlot, Tyler Blackwood, Tyler J. Spore, Michael D. Kleinhenz, William R. Hollenbeck, Dale A. Blasi, A. J. Tarpoff

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:To determine the least detrimental castration technique in terms of growth performance when castrating cattle upon entry to the feedlot.

Study Description:Intact bulls were sourced from the Southeastern U.S. and received at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit. After backgrounding, 700-lb bulls were castrated using various techniques, including banding, banding with splitting of the distal scrotum, use of the Henderson Tool, and use of a burdizzo clamp. A group of intact bulls served as a negative control group. Weights were obtained at regular intervals throughout the 56-day study to quantify and compare growth performance.

Results:The day …

Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp And Teaching Program: Growing Student Interest And Engagement In The Feedlot Industry, Danielle M. Stock, Pete Anderson, Karol E. Fike

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Our objectives were to summarize the development and structure of the Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program and examine student interest in careers in the feedlot industry after participation.

Study Description:Since 2019, 95 Kansas State University College of Agriculture undergraduate students participated in the Feedlot Boot Camp Program. The aim was to develop students’ knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management to help meet the critical need for trained professionals in the industry. Components are a four-day Feedlot Boot Camp, student presentations, animal health day, and an optional feedlot internship. Students who completed all …

The Effects Of Thawing Method On Consumer Palatability Ratings Of Beef Strip Loin Steaks, Stephanie L. Witberler, Lindsey K. Decker, Erin S. Beyer, Morgan D. Zumbaugh, Michael D. Chao, Jessie L. Vipham, Travis G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine palatability differences in beef strip loin steaks among various U.S. Department of Agriculture approved thawing methods and those commonly utilized by consumers.

Study Description:Paired Low Choice beef strip loins (n=15) were collected and fabricated into six sections, each section was fabricated into 1-in steaks and assigned one of six thawing methods including: countertop, cook from frozen, cold water, hot water, microwave, and refrigerator. Steaks were cooked to an internal peak temperature of 160°F and consumers were given samples which they evaluated for juiciness, tenderness, flavor liking, overall liking, …

2024 Cattlemen's Day Full Report

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This report includes research conducted in 2023 on beef cattle management, nutrition, and meat science conducted at Kansas State University. Specific topics include effects of prescribed burning and grazing in the Flint Hills, managing livestock pests with prescribed range burning, feeding techniques and methods in feedlots, nutrition supplements for improved health management, and beef thawing methods and consumer palatability preferences.

Evaluation Of Grazing Options During Summer For Growing Heifers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Kloey Rash, Noelle Collins, Emily Black, Hailey Gillespie

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Developing methods to provide high quality forage through most of the year is important for cattle operations. The purpose of this study was to determine forage management options to offset the summer “slump” with fescue. Three grass pasture treatments (8 pastures total; 4 acres each) were used in a completely randomized design and stocked with growing heifers (n = 32; initial weight 559 ± 20 lb). Pasture treatments consisted of crabgrass (CRAB), bermudagrass (BERM), and sorghum-sudan interseeded into novel fescue (SS-FES). Novel fescue is fescue variety that has endophyte organism but does not produce toxin. Heifers were weighed and grazed …

Effect Of Corn Type And Form Of Supplement On Grazing Steers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Kloey Rash, Noelle Collins, Emily Black, Hailey Gillespie

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty stocker steers were grazed on bromegrass from the middle of May to the beginning of November and were provided five different feeds while on grass during the summer. Treatments evaluated included (1) mineral only; (2) free-choice supplementation in the form of liquid feed (MIX30), or (3) block format (Mintrate 40 Red); and hand-fed supplements of 60% corn:40% dried distillers grains at 0.5% of body weight on a dry matter basis offered daily where the corn was either an (4) isoline corn (ISO; parent genetic line) or (5) Enogen feed corn (ENO; includes the alpha-amylase gene). Steers were weighed every …

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.

A Novel Approach Of Using Electrostatic Field To Reduce Thawing Time And Improve Frozen Beef Quality, Grace E. Corrette, Haley J. Jeneske, Sara R. Hene, Linnea A. Rimmer, Larissa A. Koulicoff, Morgan D. Zumbaugh, Travis G. O'Quinn, Scott J. Eilert, Bret Flanders, Michael D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of applying an electrostatic field (EF) on thawing characteristics, such as thawing speed and purge loss, as well as its impact on quality attributes during subsequent aging and retail display of beef.

Study Description:Striploins from both sides of USDA Choice carcasses (n = 12) were collected and portioned into four equal parts (n = 48). Portions were vacuum packaged and frozen at -40°F for 14 days and randomly assigned to one of four EF thawing treatments: 0 kV (control), 2.5 kV (EF-2.5), 5 kV (EF-5), and 10 kV …

Supplementation Of Methionine Or Choline Did Not Improve Health Or Growth Performance In High-Risk, Newly Received Beef Heifers, Madeline S. Grant, Dale A. Blasi, Evan C. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study was conducted to determine if supplemental methionine or choline improves health or growth performance in high-risk, newly received beef heifers.

Study Description:In a 3-year experiment, 1,440 beef heifers (480 per year; 493 lb initial weight; Tennessee origin) were received in 15 truckloads (five per year) in October of 2020, 2021, and 2022. Heifers were limit-fed in 60-day receiving trials to evaluate the effects of supplemental methionine or choline on health and growth performance. Cattle received one of five treatments: control (no added methionine or choline); 5 or 15 g/day available methionine (8.33 or 25 g/day Smartamine …

Evaluation Of Thawing Curves Of Beef Strip Loin Steaks Using Various Thawing Methods, Lauren M. Frink, Lindsey K. Decker, Erin S. Beyer, Michael D. Chao, Morgan D. Zumbaugh, Jessie L. Vipham, Travis G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate and determine thaw rate and time of strip steaks thawed using methods that are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and those commonly used by consumers.

Study Description:Strip steaks collected from a beef packing facility were randomly assigned a thaw method. Initially, steaks were vacuum packaged and then frozen at -40°F until thawed. Two thawing methods were USDA-approved: thawing in a refrigerator (REF) and in cold water (CW); while the other two methods evaluated are commonly used by consumers: thawing on the countertop (CT) and in hot water (HW). …

The Effects Of Thawing Methods On Trained Sensory Evaluation Of Beef Palatability Traits And Instrumental Measurements Of Quality, Lindsey K. Decker, Erin S. Beyer, Michael D. Chao, Morgan D. Zumbaugh, Jessie L. Vipham, Travis G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Using beef strip loins steaks, evaluate six common thawing methods and assess the quality attributes through a trained panelist evaluation and an array of instrumental quality measures.

Study Description:Paired Low Choice strip loins (n = 15) were collected from a beef packing facility. The paired loins were fabricated into 1-in steaks and blocked into six blocks of four steaks. Each block was assigned a different thawing method, and each steak within the block a test, then aged 21 days and frozen. Thaw methods consisted of the four USDA-approved thaw methods: refrigerator (REF), cold water (CW), microwave (MIC), cooking …

Restricting Bunk Space Allotments To 6 Or 10 Inches Has Minimal Impact On Growth Performance In Limit-Fed Receiving Cattle, W. Cole Ellis, Zachary M. Duncan, Madeline S. Grant, William R. Hollenbeck, Evan C. Titgemeyer, Dale A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of our experiment was to determine if bunk allotments of 6, 10, 14, or 18 in per head in pens containing 18 to 28 head impacts growth performance of growing calves limit-fed a high-energy dietbased on corn and corn co-products.

Study Description:A total of 332 crossbred heifers were blocked by source, stratified by individual arrival weight, and assigned to a pen. Pens were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: 6, 10, 14, and 18 in of bunk space per head. Pens contained 18 to 28 head per pen. Heifers were limit-fed once daily at …

Effects Of Supplementing Corn Silage To Fall-Calving Heifers And Cows Grazing Tall Fescue On Cow Performance, J. Wyatt L. Banks, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Karol E. Fike, Jason M. Warner

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective was to test the effect of fescue cultivars and supplemental feeding of cows grazing fescue pastures on cow performance and pasture management. Primiparous and multiparous Angus-based crossed cows (n = 45) averaging 151 ± 7 d of gestation at turnout, were randomly allocated and stratified to pasture treatment by parity. Each pasture contained 3 cows of different ages, consisting of a young (first-calf heifer), middle-aged (3-5 yrs.), and old (≥ 6 yrs.) cow. Treatment was a 2 by 2 factorial design with two types of pasture (toxin producing or non-toxin producing fescue) and two levels of supplemental feeding …

Effects Of Supplementing Corn Silage To Fall-Calving Heifers And Cows Grazing Bermudagrass And Calf Performance And Physiology, J. Wyatt L. Banks, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Karol E. Fike, Jason M. Warner

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective was to test the effect of supplemental feeding on cows grazing bermudagrass pastures on cow-calf performance and pasture management. In a completely randomized design, (n = 24) primiparous and multiparous Angus-based cross cows were allocated to bermudagrass pasture with one of two levels of supplemental feeding (non-supplemented or supplemented at 1% of BW on a DM basis of corn silage). Each treatment consisted of (n = 4) pastures stocked with three cows of different ages, a young (first-calf heifer), middle-aged (3-5 yrs.), and old (≥ 6 yrs.) cow, each averaging 155 ± 14 d of gestation at turnout. …

Stocker Steer Gains And Fly Numbers As Impacted By Burn Date And Type Of Mineral On Tallgrass Native Range – Year 5, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Kloey Rash, Hailey Gillespie, Emily Black, Noelle Collins

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date of March (MAR) or April (APR). The second management strategy was free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) or without spices (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 566 lb) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Steers were weighed individually, randomly assigned to treatment, and grazed for 89 days. Weekly, 33% of steers were photographed to count flies and evaluated for hair coat score. Steers that grazed pastures that were burned …

Weaning Method Evaluation For Beef Cattle, Jaymelynn K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Weaning is a stressful event for calves. Various management practices have been suggested to reduce weaning stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate three different weaning management practices on calf gains at weaning. Eighty-eight bull and heifer calves were assigned to one of three weaning treatments at two research locations. The weaning management options were abrupt weaning, fence-line weaning, and use of a nose-flap weaning device. Calves were weighed at the start of the measurement period and then two weeks later after weaning was completed. Calves that were weaned using the nose-flap method had significantly lower gains than …

Delayed Timing Of Insemination Relative To Estrus Improves Pregnancy To Artificial Insemination With Sex-Sorted Semen In Beef Heifers, K. Aubuchon, J. A. Odde, A. R. Hartman, K. E. Fike, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective was to evaluate the effect of timing of artificial insemination (AI) relative to the onset of estrus on pregnancy outcome when using sex-sorted semen in beef heifers.

Study Description:Beef heifers were subjected to the melengestrol acetate with prostaglandin (MGA-PG) estrous synchronization protocol and visually observed for estrus every four hours for five days following injection of PG. Following detection of estrus, heifers were inseminated with semen sorted to contain X-chromosome bearing sperm cells (4.0 × 10⁶live cells per 0.25 mL straw of SexedULTRA 4M). Heifers were retrospectively categorized into one of three intervals from …

Assessment Of Novel Semen Evaluation Technologies And Breed Comparisons In Yearling Beef Bulls, A. R. Hartman, I. E. Batey, D. M. Grieger, K. E. Fike

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objectives were 1) to evaluate the iSperm, when conducting breeding soundness exams (BSE) on bulls by comparing sperm motility to a technician’s assessment and 2) to evaluate correlations between sperm response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and functional sperm measurements.

Study Description:Ejaculates were collected via electroejaculation from yearling bulls as part of a BSE. All BSE were conducted by one veterinarian and ejaculates were evaluated by a single technician. Additional sperm motility analysis was conducted with the iSperm analyzer. Ejaculates meeting minimum thresholds for passing a BSE were diluted and sent overnight for flow cytometry evaluation. Data …

Effects Of Biuret And Lasalocid (Bovatec) Inclusion Into A Commercial Mineral Supplement On Growth Performance Of Yearling Calves Grazing In The Kansas Flint Hills, M. G. Pflughoeft, Z. M. Duncan, Z. L. Debord, W. R. Hollenbeck, F. K. Brazle, E. C. Titgemeyer, K. C. Olson, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; i.e., biuret) or NPN + ruminal modifier (i.e., biuret + lasalocid) inclusion in a commercial mineral mix on growth performance of yearling beef calves grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:Over a two-year period, 742 crossbred steers [initial body weight (BW): 655 ± 52.2 lb] of Texas and Nebraska origin previously backgrounded at the Kansas State Beef Stocker Unit were used in this experiment. The three mineral treatments consisted of a basal supplement (Control), a basal supplement plus biuret (Biuret), and a basal …

Consumer Color And Discoloration Thresholds For Purchase Of Retail Ground Beef When Evaluating Packages Of A Single Day Of Display, K. R. Lybarger, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, L. A. Egger, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, M. D. Chao, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study utilized a simulated retail display to investigate the impact of ground beef color and discoloration on consumer purchase intent, while identifying the best objective measurements to predict consumer preferences of ground beef on the same day of retail display.

Study Description:For this study, 180 1-lb 80% lean/20% fat ground beef loaves were assigned to a specific day of retail display (day 0–9). Consumers (n= 318) and trained descriptive panelists assessed ground beef samples, with a single day of display evaluated per consumer group. Spectral data andL*(lightness),a* (redness), andb* (yellowness) …

Establishing Spoilage Thresholds Of Ground Beef In A Traditional Retail Case Scenario, G. E. Corrette, E. S. Beyer, E. A. Mendez, V. Hay, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine spoilage in fresh ground beef and the perception of consumers regarding alteration of sensory characteristics, as well as the acceptability at different days of shelf-life.

Study Description:Ground beef loaves (n= 84) of 80% lean, 20% fat composition and aerobically packaged were stored in a simulated refrigerated retail case for 6 days. Consumers evaluated visual color, odor, touch, and taste. Instrumental color, lipid oxidation, aerobic plate count, andEnterobacteriaceaecount were determined.

The Bottom Line:In this study, color was shown to be the important product characteristic of spoilage to …

Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of Ground Beef And Plant-Based Ground Beef Alternatives Used In A Taco Application, L. A. Egger, K. J. Farmer, E. S. Beyer, K. R. Lybarger, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, M. D. Chao, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate consumer preferences for palatability traits and consumer acceptability of three plant-based protein alternatives and ground beef in a taco application.

Study Description:Three commercially available plant-based ground beef alternative (GBA) treatments (n = 20) were selected based upon industry prevalence. The GBAs’ were identified as the most popular in the marketing sectors of foodservice (FGBA), retail (RGBA), and traditional (TGBA). One ground beef (80% lean; 20% fat) treatment (n = 20) was selected. Samples were crumbled into a skillet and cooked to a surface temperature of 180°F. Following cooking, a generic …

Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of The Impact Of Bone-In Versus Boneless Cuts On Beef Palatability, K. J. Farmer, E. S. Beyer, S. G. Davis, K. M. Harr, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Zumbaugh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine palatability traits of beef cuts of differing bone status and quality grade.

Study Description:Paired (n = 12 pairs; 24 total/cut/grade) boneless and bone-in ribeye rolls, and short loins were procured. Short loins were fabricated into boneless strip loins with corresponding bone-in tenderloins or bone-in strip loins with boneless tenderloins. Post aging, subprimal cuts were fabricated into steaks that were randomly selected for further analysis. Consumer sensory panelists (n = 144) were recruited from Manhattan, KS, and the surrounding area and paid for their participation in the study. Panels were conducted …

Evaluating The Effect Of Accelerated Aging At Different Temperature And Time Points On Beef Quality And Enzyme Activity Of Lower Quality Beef Cuts, H. Jeneske, C. K. Chun, S. Hene, L. A. Koulicoff, H. Aufdemberge, J. L. Vipham, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:This study aimed to explore the effects of four accelerated aging (AA) methods at different temperature and time points on meat quality and enzymatic activity of two lower quality beef cuts.

Study Description:Shoulder clod and top round were collected from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture choice beef carcasses, fabricated into steaks, and assigned to one of six treatments: 3 days postmortem (control), cooler aged for 21 days, AA 120°F for 2 h, AA 120°F for 3 h, AA 130°F for 2 h, and AA 130°F for 3 h. Yield was calculated based on loss during AA and cooking …