Life Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Two Implants For Steers On Early-Intensively Grazed Tallgrass Native Range, J. K. Farney, M. E. Corrigan

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:To evaluate the effect of two implants that have different lengths of effective use on stocker cattle gains within an intensive early double-stocked native tallgrass prairie grazing system.

Study Description:Stocker steers (n = 281) were implanted with Revalor-G (Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) or Synovex One Grass (Zoetis, Inc., Kalamazoo, MI) and grazed on tallgrass native range for 90 days during the summer. The steers were individually weighed, after an overnight shrink, on the day of implanting, at midpoint of grazing, and the end of the grazing period. Total gains and average daily gain were evaluated. …

Including Legumes In Wheat-Bermudagrass Pastures, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Use of legumes in wheat-bermudagrass pastures did not affect summer cow gains in 2018. Forage availability was greater (P<0.05) where nitrogen (N) alone was used than where crimson clover and ladino clover were used in the Legume system. Estimated for­age crude protein (CP) was similar (P>0.05) for the Legume and Nitrogen systems.

Long-Term Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Potassium Fertilization Of Irrigated Grain Sorghum, A. J. Schlegel, H. D. Bond

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Long-term research shows that phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer must be applied to optimize production of irrigated grain sorghum in western Kansas. In 2018, N applied alone increased yields 44 bu/a, whereas N and P applied together increased yields up to 67 bu/a. Averaged across the past 10 years, N and P fertilization increased sorghum yields up to 75 bu/a. Application of 80 lb/a N (with P) produced the maximum yield in 2018, which is slightly less than the 10-year average. Application of potassium (K) has had no effect on sorghum yield throughout the study period. Average grain N …

Thermal Imaging Detects Early Drought Stress In Turfgrass Utilizing Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Mu Hong, Dale J. Bremer, Deon Van Der Merwe

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Plots of fairway-height creeping bentgrass were watered differently to create a gradient of drought stress from severe deficit irrigation to well-watered, under an automatic rainout shelter in Manhattan, KS. Canopy temperature (Tc) measured by a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) predicted drought stress approximately 5 days or more before drought symptoms were evident in either turfgrass visual quality (VQ) or percentage green cover (PGC). The ability of Tc to predict drought stress was comparable to the best spectral parameters acquired by sUAS on companion flights [i.e., near infrared (NIR) and GreenBlue VI], and slightly better than with spectral data obtained …

Field Station Weather Reports, E. A. Adee, M. Knapp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The research program at the Kansas State University East Central Kansas Experiment Field is designed to keep area crop producers abreast of technological advances in agro­nomic agriculture. Specific objectives are to (1) identify top performing varieties and hybrids of wheat, corn, soybean, and grain sorghum; (2) establish the amount of tillage and crop residue cover needed for optimum crop production; (3) evaluate weed and disease control practices using chemical, no chemical, and combination methods; and (4) test fertilizer rates, timing, and application methods for agronomic proficiency and environmental stewardship.

The Kansas River Valley Experiment Field was established to study management …

Nutritional Quality Of Soybean Seeds Relative To Canopy Portion, L. H. Moro Rosso, W. D. Carciochi, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] seed quality (nutritional composition) is affected by genetic × environment × management (G × E × M) interactions. Even at the plant level, where differences might not be largely apparent, seed quality is known to change. This study aims to 1) compare seed yield and nutritional quality within the vertical profile of soybean plant canopy, and 2) explore potential interactions for different geno­types. A field experiment was conducted in Manhattan, KS, during the 2018 growing season. Treatments were composed by six genotypes and evaluated at four canopy portions: upper, middle, and lower sections of …

Plant Growth Regulators To Decrease Wheat Height In High Fertility Scenarios, F. D. Spolidorio, R. P. Lollato

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Lodging is a common concern in wheat production, and its intensity depends on many factors including the straw strength of the variety, nitrogen (N) levels, and plant growth regulator (PGR). However, there are limited data exploring how current Kansas wheat varieties respond to PGR applications at different fertility levels. Thus, our objective was to assess the effects of PGR on wheat varieties exposed to different levels of N fertilization. A field trial was established in a split-split-plot design and four replica­tions in two Kansas locations (Great Bend and Ashland Bottoms) during the 2017–18 growing season. Factors evaluated were two N …

Herbicide Strategies For Managing Glyphosate- And Dicamba-Resistant Kochia In Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybean, V. Kumar, R. Liu, T. Lambert, P. W. Stahlman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kochia populations with multiple resistance to glyphosate and dicamba are an increasing concern for growers in the High Plains region, including Kansas. A field study was conducted at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, to evaluate and develop herbicide options for controlling glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant kochia in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybean. The study site was uniformly infested with a glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant kochia population prior to soybean planting. Fifteen herbicide treatments (programs), including PRE alone and PRE followed by (fb) POST-applied herbicides, were investigated in a randomized complete block design with four replications. …

Harvest Method, Cultivar, And Time Of Swathing Effects On Yield And Oil Content Of Winter Canola, M. J. Stamm, S. J. Dooley, K. L. Roozeboom

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Producers want to achieve the highest yield and oil content possible using either swathing or direct cutting to harvest winter canola. Multi-year experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of harvest method (swathing versus direct cutting) and cultivar on seed moisture, yield, and oil content; and to evaluate the effects of swathing timing on yield and oil content. The harvest method experiments were conducted for two seasons at the Redd Foundation Field near Partridge, KS. The time of swathing experiments were conducted for two seasons near Manhattan, KS. In 2016 and 2017, harvest method had a significant effect on seed …

Long-Term Tillage And Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates Effect On Grain Yield And Nitrogen Uptake In Dryland Wheat And Sorghum Production, M. Majrashi, A. K. Obour, C. J. Moorberg

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Winter wheat and grain sorghum rotation is a common cropping system in dryland environments in western Kansas. A long-term field experiment (started in 1975) was conducted in Hays, KS, to examine interaction effects of tillage and nitrogen (N) fertil­izer rates on wheat and grain sorghum yields, protein content, N uptake, and N use effi­ciency (NUE). The experimental design was a split-split-plot arrangement of rotation, tillage, and N application treatments in a randomized complete block design. The main plots were the crop phase (winter wheat, grain sorghum, or fallow), sub-plots were three tillage systems (conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and …

Effects Of Soybean Meal Concentration In Lactating Sow Diets On Sow And Litter Performance, K. M. Gourley, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 131 sows (Line 241; DNA, Columbus, NE) were used in a study to evaluate the effect of increasing soybean meal concentration in lactating sow diets on sow and litter performance. Sows were blocked by body weight (BW) and parity on d 112 of gestation, and allotted to 1 of 3 treatments of increasing soybean meal (25%, 30%, or 35% of total diet). Diets were formulated to 1.05% standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine with L-lysine HCl decreasing as soybean meal increased. All other amino acids and nutrients were formulated to meet nutrient requirement recommendations.2 Diets were fed from …

Chef Evaluation Of The Degree Of Doneness Of Beef Strip Loin Steaks Cooked To Six End-Point Temperatures, L. L. Prill, L. N. Drey, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Chao, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess foodservice steak preparation practices and chefs’ abilities to identify degrees of doneness of beef strip loin steaks.

Study Description:Beef strip loins (n = 24) from 12 animals representing five quality treatments (Prime, Top Choice, Low Choice, Select, and Select Enhanced) were collected. Steaks were cooked to an end-point temperature of very-rare (130°F), rare (140°F), medium-rare (145°F), medium (160°F), well-done (170°F), or very well-done (180°F). Each cooked steak was cut in half, perpendicular to the long axis of the steak, and photographs were taken immediately of the internal face …

Effects Of Interseeding Ladino Clover Into Tall Fescue Pastures Of Varying Endophyte Status On Grazing And Subsequent Finishing Performance Of Stocker Steers, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

One hundred ninety-two yearling steers grazing tall fescue pastures were used to evalu­ate the effects of fescue cultivar and interseeding ladino clover on available forage, grazing gains, and subsequent finishing performance in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Fescue cultivars evaluated were high-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ low-endophyte Kentucky 31, ‘HM4,’ and ‘MaxQ.’ In 2016 and 2018, steers that grazed pastures of low-endophyte Kentucky 31, HM4, or MaxQ gained significantly more (P<0.05) and produced more (P<0.05) gain/a than those that grazed high-endophyte Kentucky 31 pastures. Gains of cattle that grazed low-endophyte Kentucky 31, HM4, or MaxQ were similar (P>0.05). In 2017, steer gains were similar (P>0.05) among all cultivars. High-endo­phyte Kentucky 31 pastures had more (P<0.05) available forage than low-endophyte Kentucky 31, HM4, or MaxQ pastures during both 2016 and 2017. Steer gains and gain/acre were similar (P>0.05) between pastures fertilized with nitrogen (N) in the spring and those interseeded …

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.

Characterization Of Claypan Soils In Southeastern Kansas, M. A. Mathis Ii, S. E. Tucker-Kulesza, G. F. Sassenrath

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil erosion reduces topsoil depth. In areas with a claypan, removal of productive topsoil reduces crop yield where the claypan layer is near the surface. The topsoil and claypan layer each have unique characteristics that impact crop production and within-field variability. To better understand these differences, the soil from an area of low crop yield and high crop yield were collected and laboratory tests were performed to determine the soil classification and undrained shear strength. Understanding the soil properties and the interaction between the topsoil and claypan layers may aid in under­standing the process by which topsoil is being eroded.

Effects Of Varying Lipid Sources As Alternatives To Zinc Oxide Or Carbadox On Nursery Pig Growth Performance And Fecal Consistency, P. L. Dahmer, G. E. Luebcke, A. B. Lerner, C. K. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 weaned pigs (DNA; 241 × 600; initially 11.9 ± 0.02 lb) were used in a 35-d study evaluating the ability of varying lipid sources to replace ZnO or carbadox in early nursery pig diets. Pigs were weaned at approximately 21 days of age and allotted to pens based on initial weight in a completely randomized design to one of six dietary treatments: 1) Negative control (no added ZnO or carbadox); 2) Control + 3,000 ppm Zn from ZnO in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm Zn in phase 2; 3) Control + 50 g/ton carbadox; 4) Control …

Effects Of Spray-Dried Lactococcus-Based Fermentation Products On Growth Performance Of Nursery Pigs, K. M. Dunmire, M. B. Braun, G. E. Nichols, C. E. Evans, M. Saensukjaroenphon, C. N. Truelock, J. C. Woodworth, J. Callura, C. B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 720 barrows (initially 13.0 lb; Line 200 × 400; DNA, Columbus, NE) from 2 study groups (360 pigs per study group), were used in a 42-d growth trial to test the effects of spray-driedLactococcus-based fermentation products on nursery pig performance. There were 24 replications per treatment and 5 pigs per pen. For both experiments, pens of pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. There were six treatment diets fed in 3 phases. The positive control diet included zinc oxide (phase 1), zinc oxide + chlortetracycline (CTC; phase …

Evaluating The Interactive Effects Of Cordyceps Mushroom Powder And Carbadox To Pharmacological Copper And Zinc For Nursery Pigs, J. Richert, M. Thayer, C. Chastain, A. Duttlinger, J. Feldpausch, R. Garcia, B. Richert, J. L. Nelssen

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate the independent and additive effects ofCordycepsmushroom powder (MP) and carbadox to pharmacological levels of copper and zinc in nursery pig diets. Two hundred and ten crossbred weanling pigs (Duroc × (York × Landrace)) average of 19 d of age and 12.8 lb were used in a 33-day growth trial. Pigs were allotted by weight, sex, ancestry, and assigned to body weight (BW) blocks. Within BW blocks, sex ratios were constant in each pen. Pen was the experimental unit, and growth performance was analyzed using BW, average daily gain (ADG), average …

Determining The Effects Of Manganese Source And Level On Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Economics Of Growing-Finishing Pigs, H. R. Kerkaert, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 1,944 mixed sex growing-finishing pigs (PIC; 337 × 1050; initially 76.0 ± 3.71 lb) were used in a 107-d growth trial to determine the effects of increasing levels of two different manganese sources on the performance of growing-finishing pigs from 76 to 295 lb. Pens were assigned to 1 of 6 treatments in a randomized complete block design with initial weight as a blocking factor. There were 12 replicate pens per treatment and 27 pigs per pen. The experimental diets were corn-soybean meal-based and were fed in 4 phases. The 6 dietary treatments were arranged in a …

Should Phytase Be Given Release Values For Amino Acids And Energy In Diets For Growing Pigs?, M. R. Wensley, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, H. Calderon Cartagena

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 2,268 mixed gender pigs (PIC; 337 × 1050; initially 62.9 lb) were used from 2 barns in a 55-d growth trial. On d 0 of the trial, pens of pigs were blocked by weight and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 27 pigs per pen and 14 pens per treatment (7 pens per barn). Treatments were fed in 2 different phases. Phase 1 diets were fed from d 0 to 29 (62.9 to 112.6 lb) and phase 2 diets were fed from d 29 to 55 (112.6 to 159.7 lb). Treatments consisted of a …

Effect Of Die Retention Time On Pellet Quality And Phytase Stability Of A Corn-Soybean Meal Swine Diet, M. Saensukjaroenphon, C. E. Evans, C. K. Jones, C. H. Fahrenholz, C. B. Paulk, C. R. Stark

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Phytase is a phosphohydrolytic enzyme that releases phosphorus from phytate in animal feed. However, pelleting is a thermal process that can denature phytase. It is hypothesized that there are many factors that can account for phytase denaturing during the pelleting process, such as pellet mill model, die length to diameter ratio (L:D), steam quality, and residence time in conditioner and die. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of pellet mill model, die thickness, and die retention time on pellet quality and phytase stability. Treatments were arranged as a completely randomized design to determine the effect …

Evaluating Soybean Meal Quality Using Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy, K. M. Dunmire, J. Dhakal, K. Stringfellow, C. R. Stark, C. B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to establish a range of soybean meal quality to evaluate the correlations between official analytical methods and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Crushed soybean white flakes (Mark Hershey Farms, Lebanon, PA) exposed to mechanical oil extraction, but not heat processing, were used in this experiment. Ground samples (500 g) were put into cotton bags and autoclaved at 262°F for 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min at 29 PSI. This was done to simulate varying degrees of heat processing. A total of 2 samples per treatment were autoclaved in 3 separate blocks. The …

The Effect Of Pellet Mill Production Rate And Knife Distance On Pellet Quality, C. E. Evans, R. J. Beeman, M. Saensukjaroenphon, C. B. Paulk, C. R. Stark

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Longer pellet lengths may lead to decreased pellet breakage, resulting in increased pellet durability index (PDI). Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of production rate and knife distance on pellet length and subsequent pellet quality. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with two production rates (16 and 33 lb/min) and three knife distances (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 in). All diets were conditioned at 185°F and pelleted using a CPM pellet mill (Model 1012-2 HD, California Pellet Mill Co., Crawfordsville, IN) equipped with a 0.19 in × 1.25 in die. The production rate …

2019 Swine Day Foreword, Etc., R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

It is with great pleasure that we present the 2019 Swine Industry Day Report of Progress. This report contains updates and summaries of applied and basic research conducted at Kansas State University during the past year. We hope that the information will be of benefit as we attempt to meet the needs of the Kansas swine industry.

Effects Of A High-Protein Corn Product On Nutrient Digestibility And Production Responses In Mid-Lactation Dairy Cows, W. E. Brown, B. J. Bradford

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of a high-protein corn product (56% crude protein; CP) relative to other sources of protein on the lactation performance of dairy cows. Twenty-four Holstein cows (1,367 ± 105 lb of body weight, 111 ± 34 days in milk, 2.28 ± 0.46 lactations; mean ± standard deviation) were randomly assigned to treatment sequence in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design balanced for carryover effects. Cows were individually fed one of four diets with a different protein concentrate source during each 28-day period, including: soybean meal (SBM), high-protein corn product (HPCP), soybean …

Winter Survival Of Experimental Bermudagrasses In The Upper Transition Zone, Mingying Xiang, Jack Fry, Yanqi Wu

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A winter with very cold temperatures in 2017–2018 allowed for good separation of standard and experimental bermudagrasses for freezing tolerance. When evaluated in May 2018, survival of commonly used cultivars was: Tifway, 0%; Latitude 36, 20%; Northbridge, 25%. Some experimental progeny had up to 98% winter survival on the same rating date.

Cattlemen's Day 2019, E. A. Boyle

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report for 2019 on Kansas beef cattle research, including cattle management, cattle nutrition, and meat science.

Quality Grade Has No Effect On Top Sirloin Steaks Cooked To Multiple Degrees Of Doneness, B. A. Olson, E. A. Rice, J. M. Gonzalez, J. L. Vipham, M. D. Chao, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cooking top sirloin steaks from four quality grades to multiple degrees of doneness (rare, medium, well-done) on beef palatability traits.

Study Description:Beef top sirloin butts (n = 60; 15/quality grade) from four U.S. Department of Agriculture quality grades [Prime, Top Choice (Modest and Moderate marbling), Low Choice, and Select] were selected from a Midwest beef processor. Top butts were transported to the Kansas State University Meat Laboratory, fabricated into 1-in steaks, vacuum packaged, and aged for 28 days at 39.2°F. Following aging, steaks were frozen …

Effects Of Various Grazing Systems On Grazing And Subsequent Finishing Performance, L. W. Lomas, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 mixed black yearling steers were used to compare grazing and subsequent finishing performance from pastures with ‘MaxQ’ tall fescue, a wheat-bermudagrass double-crop system, or a wheat-crabgrass double-crop system in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Daily gains of steers that grazed MaxQ fescue, wheat-bermudagrass, or wheat-crabgrass were similar (P>0.05) in 2010, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-bermudagrass or wheat-crabgrass were greater (P>0.05) than those that grazed MaxQ fescue in 2011 and 2012. Daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-crabgrass were greater (P>0.05) than those …

Nitrogen Fertilizer Timing And Phosphorus And Potassium Fertilization Rates For Established Endophyte-Free Tall Fescue, D. W. Sweeney, J. K. Farney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A tall fescue production study was conducted at two locations, beginning in the fall of 2016 and the fall of 2017. At both sites, phosphorus (P) fertilization rate only affected the spring harvest, with few differences in yield. Applying nitrogen (N) in late fall or late winter resulted in greater spring yields than applying N in spring or not applying N. However, at Site 1 in 2017 fall harvest yields were greater from the spring N applica­tion, but this response was less at Site 2 in 2018. In both years, applying N increased tall fescue yield, but at Site 2 …