Life Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Limit Feeding And Shade Allocation On Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, And Animal Comfort, Z. L. Debord, Z. M. Duncan, M. G. Pflughoeft, K. J. Suhr, W. C. Ellis, W. R. Hollenbeck, S. P. Montgomery, T. J. Spore, E. C. Titgemeyer, D. A. Blasi, A. J. Tarpoff

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of limit feeding in conjunction withshade allotment on animal performance, animal comfort, and water usage during periods of heat stress.

Study Description:During the summers of 2021 and 2022, 852 heifers were assigned to one of four treatments: limit-fed high-energy ration or high-roughage ration fed forad libitumintake with or without access to shade. Growth performance and water usage were measured during a 90-day growing period. Calves were fed a gut equilibration diet for 7 days to account for gut fill.

The Bottom Line:Limit feeding a …

Evaluation Of Kansas Beef Consumers’ Awareness And Understanding Of Business-To-Consumer Marketing, L. K. Decker, K. R. Lybarger, J. Kwon, G. Ibendahl, Y. Teng-Vaughan, D. Kehler, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of the study was to determine the understanding and knowledge level of consumers purchasing beef in a business-to-consumer (B2C) format within Kansas.

Study Description:A digital survey was created to evaluate consumers’ familiarity and satisfaction of buying beef in a B2C format. The survey was made available for a two-week period to consumers utilizing the Shop Kansas Farms online social media group.

Results:Results of the survey showed 93% of consumers (n = 174) reported having previously purchased beef products from a local producer or locker. Of these, 63.1% reported that their most recent purchase was their …

Change In Myoglobin Denaturation Among Three Degrees Of Doneness Of Three Muscles, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, E. G. Kidwell, S. G. Davis, K. M. Harr, K. R. Lybarger, L. A. Egger, M. D. Chao, M. D. Zumbaugh, J. L. Vipham, M. C. Hunt, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the changes in myoglobin denaturation through cooking three different muscles to medium rare, medium, or well-done degrees of doneness.

Study Description:Strip loins (n= 12) and top butts (n= 12) were used to evaluate the physiochemical properties of thelongissimus dorsi, biceps femoris,andgluteus mediusfor three degrees of doneness (DOD; medium rare, medium, and well-done).

The Bottom Line:As expected, the myoglobin denaturation percentage increased with increasing DOD and behaved similarly to changes in the a* values. This research gives more insight into the impacts of cooking …

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 …

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 …

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 …

2023 Cattlemen’S Day Full Report, Liz Boyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This report includes research conducted in 2022 on beef cattle management, reproduction, nutrition, and meat science conducted at Kansas State University.

Determination Of Consumer Color And Discoloration Thresholds For Purchase Of Retail Ground Beef When Evaluating Multiple Days Of Display Simultaneously, 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:The objective of this study was to identify the threshold for color and discoloration for consumers to purchase ground beef in a simulated retail display and to determine the best objective measurement to predict consumer purchase intent.

Study Description:For this study, 180 1-lb 80% lean/20% fat ground beef packages were assigned to a day of retail display (day 0–9). Consumers (n = 216) and trained descriptive panelists evaluated ground beef samples from each day of display simultaneously. InstrumentalL*(lightness), a*(redness),andb*(yellowness) values were collected, and spectral data were recorded. Logistic and simple …

Consumer Sensory Evaluation Of Ground Beef And Plant-Based Ground Beef Alternatives Used In A Hamburger 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 the palatability traits and consumer acceptance of three plant-based ground beef alternatives in comparison to ground beef in a foodservice-like hamburger application.

Study Description:Three popular plant-based ground beef alternatives (GBA) and 80% lean, 20% fat composition ground beef chubs (n = 20) were selected for consumer analysis. Samples were cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F, plated on a bun and served to consumers with the opportunity to apply ketchup, mustard, cheese, lettuce, and pickles. Consumers evaluated the differences in palatability traits and purchase intent for the samples identified as: …

Evaluation Of Implants, Clover, And Fescue Variety On Stocker Steers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Larissa Muniz, Harley Allen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sixty-four growing steers were used in a split-plot experiment, where the whole plot was pasture, and the split-plot was the implant level. Whole plot treatment was a 4 × 2 factorial with four levels of fescue (High Endophyte, Low Endophyte, Novel, or Endophyte Free) and two levels of legume (Legumes or No Legumes). The split-plot included four implant levels (No Implant, Synovex One Grass, Revalor-G, or Ralgro). Data collected were weights and ultrasound carcass characteristics when steers were coming off grass. Steers on High Endophyte had a lower average daily gain (ADG) and final weight than steers on novel endophyte, …

Evaluation Of Grazing Options During Summer For Growing Heifers – Year 3, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Larissa Muniz, Harley Allen

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. Four grass pasture treatments (10 pastures total; 4 acres each) were used in a completely randomized design and stocked with growing heifers (n = 49; initial wt 461 ± 65 lb). Pasture treatments consisted of novel fescue (FES), crabgrass (CRAB), bermudagrass (BERM), and sorghum-sudan interseeded into novel fescue (SS-FES). Heifers were weighed and they grazed pastures from May to September. Heifers on FES were continuously …

Effect Of Corn Type And Form Of Supplement On Grazing Steers – Year 2, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Harley Allen, Larissa Muniz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Eighty stocker steers were grazed on bromegrass from the end of May to the middle of August 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 alpha-amylase gene). Steers were weighed every 28 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Sire Distribution Of Calves In A Beef Herd With Use Of Fixed Time Artificial Insemination Followed By Immediate Bull Exposure For Natural Service In Cows And Heifers, A. R. Hartman, E. D. Mccabe, D. R. Jacobs, K. E. Fike, D. M. Grieger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Our objective was to determine the relative percentages of calves sired by either natural service sire or fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) sire within the same estrous period.

Study Description:During two consecutive years, heifers and cows were synchronized and inseminated using the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR FTAI protocol. All females were exposed to natural service bulls immediately following insemination. After calving, DNA was collected from a random subset of calves born in the first 21 days of the calving season for parentage analysis. Calves born from heifers totaled 59 in Year 1 and 82 in Year 2; calves …

Effects Of Prescribed-Fire Timing On Stocker Cattle Performance, Forage Biomass Accumulation, And Native Plant Species Composition, Z. M. Duncan, A. J. Tajchman, J. Lemmon, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this experiment was to document the effects of prescribed-fire timing on stocker cattle performance, forage biomass accumulation, soil cover, and plant species composition in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description:A total of 1,416 yearling stocker cattle were assigned to one of three prescribed-burn treatments: spring (April 9 ± 5.1 days), summer (August 23 ± 4.9 days), or fall (September 29 ± 8.7 days) over a 4-year period. Calves were grazed from May to August for 90 days. Individual body weights were recorded at the beginning and end of the grazing season. Native plant composition and …

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.

Effects Of Almond Hull Inclusion On Growth Performance Of Limit-Fed Growing Cattle, Z. M. Duncan, Z. L. Debord, M. G. Pflughoeft, K. J. Suhr, 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 evaluate the effects of almond hull inclusion and almond hull processing on growth performance of limit-fed growing beef cattle during a 56-day growing period.

Study Description:A total of 364 steers were assigned to one of four diets. The control diet contained (dry matter basis) 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, 40% wet-corn gluten feed, and 13% prairie hay. Almond hulls replaced prairie hay or prairie hay and dry-rolled corn and were fed at 13 and 26% of the diet, respectively. A subset of almond hulls was processed using a grinder mixer with …

Evaluation Of Bovine Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms And Muscle Fiber Cross-Sectional Area On The Eating Quality Of 11 Different Beef Muscles, S. Hene, H. Ness, E. Verrill, P. A. Hammond, C. K. Chun, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of muscle fiber type and size on the eating quality of 11 different beef muscles.

Study Description:Eleven different beef muscles were utilized from two separate studies. In study 1, shoulder clod, flank, knuckle, mock tender, top sirloin butt, brisket, eye of round, and ribeye were collected from 10 U.S. Department of Agriculture choice carcasses (n = 80), and each muscle was fabricated into steaks at 2 days postmortem. In study 2, strip loin, tri-tip, and heel were collected from 10 USDA low choice carcasses (n = 30). Myofibrillar …

Effects Of Late-Summer Prescribed Fire On Botanical Composition, Soil Cover, And Forage Production In Caucasian Bluestem-Infested Rangeland In The Kansas Smoky Hills: Year 4 Of 5, H. P. Giefer, K. R. Harmoney, M. P. Ramirez, A. J. Tajchman, Z. M. Duncan, J. Lemmon, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Our objective was to determine effects of late-summer prescribed fire on frequency of Caucasian bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii) in the Kansas Smoky Hills as well as changes in soil cover, botanical composition, and forage production associated with fire treatment.

Study Description:The study was in Ellsworth County, KS. Eighteen one-acre plots were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: no burn, one burn (August 14, 2019), and two burns (August 14, 2019, and August 11, 2021). Soil cover, botanical composition, forage production, and Caucasian bluestem frequency were measured annually beginning in 2019.

The Bottom Line:These data suggest …

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 …

Assessment Of Kansas Beef Producers’ Perception And Knowledge Level Of Business-To-Consumer Marketing, K. R. Lybarger, J. Kwon, G. Ibendahl, Y. Teng-Vaughan, D. Kehler, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the perception and knowledge level of Kansas beef producers regarding business-to-consumer marketing.

Study Description:A digital survey was created to assess the perception and knowledge level of business-to-consumer (B2C) marketing of Kansas beef producers. The survey was disseminated to Kansas beef producers utilizing the Shop Kansas Farms online social networking group.

Results:Results from this study showed that 25.5% of beef producer respondents (n = 41) raise another species in addition to beef. It was found that 50.0% of survey respondents sold 20 or fewer head of finished beef cattle in …

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) …

Effects Of Adding Egg Powder From Hens Immunized Against Phospholipase Α2 On Ground Striploin Shelf Life, C. Velasco Ayala, L. A. Koulicoff, C. K. Chun, T. G. O'Quinn, E. Boyle, M. Richards, C. K. Jones, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The present study investigated the effect of incorporating three different levels of dried egg powder (EP) containing antiphospholipase α2 (aPLA2) on lipid oxidation and discoloration for its potential to extend ground striploin shelf life.

Study Description:U.S. Department of Agriculture choice striploins from ten beef carcasses were used. Impacts on beef discoloration, L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness) parameters, and lipid oxidation over a 7-day display period were studied. The fatty acid and phospholipid profiles of the beef patties were also examined.

Results:The EP was confirmed to contain active aPLA2. As expected, a* and b* values decreased …

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 …

Stocker Steer Gains And Fly Numbers As Impacted By Burn Date And Type Of Mineral On Tallgrass Native Range – Year 4, Jaymelynn K. Farney, Harley Allen, Larissa Muniz

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 …