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Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

2015

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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Effects Of Growth-Promoting Technologies On Muscle Structural Characteristics And Meat Tenderness, S. M. Ebarb, J. S. Drouillard, K. J. Phelps, J. A. Noel, M. A. Vaughn, D. D. Burnett, J. M. Gonzalez Jan 2015

Effects Of Growth-Promoting Technologies On Muscle Structural Characteristics And Meat Tenderness, S. M. Ebarb, J. S. Drouillard, K. J. Phelps, J. A. Noel, M. A. Vaughn, D. D. Burnett, J. M. Gonzalez

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Skeletal muscle tissue consists of two main structures that elicit strong influences on cooked meat tenderness: myofibrillar and connective tissues. The myofibrillar component consists of contractile and cytoskeletal proteins that aid in muscle contraction and support. A large portion of meat science literature documents the effects that postmortem aging elicits in terms of weakening the myofibrillar component to improve tenderness. Connective tissue is primarily comprised of collagen, the most abundant protein within the body. The function of this tissue is to support the myofibrillar component and transfer the force of contraction. Collagen, characterized by its solubility, is most commonly identified …

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Value And Use Of Artificial Insemination By Beef Producers, S. K. Johnson, Garland R. Dahlke Jan 2015

Value And Use Of Artificial Insemination By Beef Producers, S. K. Johnson, Garland R. Dahlke

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Artificial insemination and estrous synchronization remain underutilized by U.S. beef producers. The most recent National Animal Health Monitoring Survey (NAHMS 2007–08) reported that 7.6% of producers used artificial insemination and 7.9% used estrous synchronization. The most common reason cited for not using these reproductive technologies was time and labor, followed by cost and difficulty. Little information is available on actual management practices used by producers who do use these technologies and their value to such operations.

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Supplemental Zinc Oxide Does Not Interact With Zilmax In Feedlot Steers, C. L. Van Bibber, K. A. Miller, J. M. Gonzalez, J. S. Drouillard Jan 2015

Supplemental Zinc Oxide Does Not Interact With Zilmax In Feedlot Steers, C. L. Van Bibber, K. A. Miller, J. M. Gonzalez, J. S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Zilmax (Merck Animal Health; Summit, NJ) is in a class of feed additives known as beta agonists and is designed to improve production efficiency in cattle when fed 20 days prior to harvest. Zilmax works by altering deposition of body tissue to more lean muscle than fat. Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for normal growth and development of all mammals. Zinc functions largely in enzymes involved in protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism along with many other biological reactions. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in blood components and to evaluate the interactive effects of zinc and …

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East Central Kansas Experiment Field Introduction, E. A. Adee Jan 2015

East Central Kansas Experiment Field Introduction, E. A. Adee

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The research program at the 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.

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Tillage And Nitrogen Placement Effects On Yields In A Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotation, D. W. Sweeney Jan 2015

Tillage And Nitrogen Placement Effects On Yields In A Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotation, D. W. Sweeney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 2013, late planting resulted in corn yields that were less than 100 bu/a. Nitrogen (N) placement did not affect yields in the higher-yielding conventional tillage system, but knifing tended to result in greater yield in reduced and no-till systems.

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Corn Response To Foliar-Applied Zinc Fertilizers, A. Lamb, N. O. Nelson Jan 2015

Corn Response To Foliar-Applied Zinc Fertilizers, A. Lamb, N. O. Nelson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study was conducted to determine corn response to three foliar-applied zinc sources. The study was conducted on dryland corn in Manhattan, KS, during the 2014 growing season. Yields were low as a result of very low precipitation during pollination and grain fill. There was no yield response to foliar-applied Zn; however, grain analysis show significant increases in grain Zn concentration from foliar-applied Zn. Foliar-applied Zn products are effective for increasing Zn uptake in corn. Additional studies need to be conducted to determine the yield response.

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Tillage And Nitrogen Placement Effects On Yields In A Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotation, D. W. Sweeney Jan 2015

Tillage And Nitrogen Placement Effects On Yields In A Short-Season Corn/Wheat/Double-Crop Soybean Rotation, D. W. Sweeney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Overall in 2014, adding nitrogen (N) improved average wheat yields, but different N placement methods resulted in similar yields. Double-crop soybean yields were unaffected by tillage or the residual from N treatments that were applied to the previous wheat crop.

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Identification Of Yield-Limiting Factors In Southeast Kansas Cropping Systems, G. F. Sassenrath, X. Lin, D. E. Shoup Jan 2015

Identification Of Yield-Limiting Factors In Southeast Kansas Cropping Systems, G. F. Sassenrath, X. Lin, D. E. Shoup

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Crop performance and yield within production fields varies as a function of growing environment and soil properties within the field. Components contributing to yield in corn, wheat, and soybean production were examined through on-farm measurements of soil properties in southeast Kansas. Additional tests in research plots explored components contributing to yield in greater detail. Environmental variability between the 2013 and 2014 growing seasons contributed to differences in yield. Additional variability in soil parameters influenced crop performance, particularly for soils high in clay content.

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2014 Crop Performance In Southeast Kansas, G. F. Sassenrath, J. Lingenfelser, J. Mengarelli, K. Kusel Jan 2015

2014 Crop Performance In Southeast Kansas, G. F. Sassenrath, J. Lingenfelser, J. Mengarelli, K. Kusel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Crop variety testing determines the production potential of newly released crop cultivars in Southeast Kansas. The genetic potential is moderated by environmental conditions during the growing season as well as soil productive capacity.

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Improving Yield Stability And Resiliency Of Agronomic Production Systems In Southeast Kansas, G. F. Sassenrath, J. K. Farney, Deann Presley, C. Davis Jan 2015

Improving Yield Stability And Resiliency Of Agronomic Production Systems In Southeast Kansas, G. F. Sassenrath, J. K. Farney, Deann Presley, C. Davis

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil health is a critical determinant of crop performance. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties can be modified through production practices such as tillage. Use of cover crops has been shown to benefit soil health and may improve productive capacity of soils. High rainfall and intense crop production practices limit the ability to implement cover crops in current production systems in southeast Kansas. This study explores potential management of cover crops and their contribution to soil health, crop productivity, and animal grazing.

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Weather Information For Tribune, H. D. Bond, R. Mai Jan 2015

Weather Information For Tribune, H. D. Bond, R. Mai

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Tribune, Kansas: In 2014, annual precipitation of 16.31 in. was recorded, which is 1.59 in. below normal. Seven months had below-normal precipitation. June (3.61 in.) was the wettest month. The largest single amount of precipitation was 1.54 in. on July 30.

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Fallow Replacement Crop (Cover Crops, Annual Forages, And Short-Season Grain Crops) Effects On Available Soil Water, J. D. Holman, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, I. Kisekka, A. Obour Jan 2015

Fallow Replacement Crop (Cover Crops, Annual Forages, And Short-Season Grain Crops) Effects On Available Soil Water, J. D. Holman, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell, I. Kisekka, A. Obour

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Producers are interested in growing cover crops and reducing fallow. Limited information is available on growing crops in place of fallow in the semiarid Great Plains. Between 2012 and 2015, spring cover, annual forage, and grain crops were grown in place of fallow in a no-till wheat-grain sorghum-fallow (WSF) rotation in southwest Kansas. Growing a cover, hay, or grain crop in place of fallow reduced the amount of stored soil moisture at wheat planting. On average, cover crops stored slightly more moisture than hay crops, but this soil moisture difference did not affect wheat yields. Soil moisture after grain crops …

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Determining Profitable Annual Forage Rotations, J. D. Holman, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell Jan 2015

Determining Profitable Annual Forage Rotations, J. D. Holman, T. Roberts, S. Maxwell

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Producers are interested in growing forages, yet the southwest region of Kansas lacks proven recommended crop rotations such as those for grain crops. Forage production is important to the region’s livestock and dairy industries and is becoming increasingly important as irrigation well capacity declines. Forages require less water than grain crops and may allow for increased cropping intensity and opportunistic cropping. A study was initiated in 2013 comparing several 1-, 3-, and 4-year forage rotations with no-till and minimum-till (min-till). Data presented are from 2013 through 2014. Winter triticale yields were not affected by tillage in 2013 but were increased …

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Wheat Stubble Height On Subsequent Corn And Grain Sorghum Crops, A. Schlegel Jan 2015

Wheat Stubble Height On Subsequent Corn And Grain Sorghum Crops, A. Schlegel

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A field study initiated in 2006 was designed to evaluate the effects of three wheat stubble heights on subsequent grain yields of corn and grain sorghum. Corn yields in 2014 were similar to the long-term average, while sorghum yields were greater than the long-term average. Taller cut stubble in 2014 increased biomass production of corn and yield for grain sorghum. When averaged across 2007 through 2014, corn grain yields were 9 bu/a greater when planted into either tall or strip-cut stubble than into low-cut stubble. Average grain sorghum yields were not significantly affected by wheat stubble height. Water use efficiency …

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Wheat And Grain Sorghum In Four-Year Rotations, A. Schlegel, J. D. Holman, C. Thompson Jan 2015

Wheat And Grain Sorghum In Four-Year Rotations, A. Schlegel, J. D. Holman, C. Thompson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research on 4-year crop rotations with wheat and grain sorghum was initiated in 1996 at the Southwest Research-Extension Center near Tribune, Kansas. Rotations were wheat-wheat-sorghum-fallow (WWSF), wheat-sorghum-sorghum-fallow (WSSF), and continuous wheat (WW). Soil water at wheat planting averaged about 9 inches following sorghum, which is about 3 inches more than the average for the second wheat crop in a WWSF rotation. Soil water at sorghum planting was only about 1 inch less for the second sorghum crop compared with sorghum following wheat. Grain yield of recrop wheat averaged about 80% of the yield of wheat following sorghum. Grain yield of …

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Fallow Weed Control With Preemergence Tank Mixes Of Sharpen, Zidua, Sencor, Banvel, Atrazine, Balance Pro, And Corvus, R. Currie, P. Geier Jan 2015

Fallow Weed Control With Preemergence Tank Mixes Of Sharpen, Zidua, Sencor, Banvel, Atrazine, Balance Pro, And Corvus, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

With the exception of the tank mix of Sharpen and Sencor, all other tank mixes that provided 100% kochia control 53 days after treatment (DAT) were three-way tank mixes of atrazine herbicide plus, Banvel, and Balance Pro or Zidua. Only two tank mixes provided 98% kochia control 143 DAT. These were also three-way tank mixes of these chemistries. Combinations of Balance Pro and Sencor were needed to provide greater than 93% control of Russian thistle 143 DAT. No tank mix provided good control of Palmer amaranth 143 DAT. However, tank mixes of Sharpen, Sencor, and Zidua provided 84% control 143 …

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Evaluation Of Colorants On ‘Sharpshooter’ And ‘Cody’ Buffalograss, R. Braun, J. Fry, M. Kennelly, D. Bremer, J. Griffin Jan 2015

Evaluation Of Colorants On ‘Sharpshooter’ And ‘Cody’ Buffalograss, R. Braun, J. Fry, M. Kennelly, D. Bremer, J. Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Turf colorants effectively enhanced green color of dormant buffalograss. Using a higher application rate or adding a midwinter application helped longevity of color. Colorants increased canopy temperatures more consistently than soil temperatures, which may encourage earlier spring greenup.

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Dormant Turfgrass Paint And Glyphosate Application Timing Effects On Annual Bluegrass And Tall Fescue Control, J. Hoyle, J. Reeves Jan 2015

Dormant Turfgrass Paint And Glyphosate Application Timing Effects On Annual Bluegrass And Tall Fescue Control, J. Hoyle, J. Reeves

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Excellent annual bluegrass control can be achieved with dormant glyphosate and glyphosate + Endurant treatments applied November through February. The addition of Endurant to glyphosate in early applications (November and December) increases tall fescue control.

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Swine Day 2015 Supplements, R. D. Goodband, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth Jan 2015

Swine Day 2015 Supplements, R. D. Goodband, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

It is with great pleasure that we present the 2015 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.

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Guanidinoacetic Acid As A Precursor Of Creatine For Cattle, M. Ardalan, E. Batista, C. Armendariz, E. Titgemeyer Jan 2015

Guanidinoacetic Acid As A Precursor Of Creatine For Cattle, M. Ardalan, E. Batista, C. Armendariz, E. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Creatine serves as an energy-storing molecule in muscle, and in mammals it can be synthesized in the liver from guanidinoacetic acid (GAA). With this study, we evaluated whether GAA supplementation would lead to creatine production in cattle similarly to other species. Because the synthesis of creatine from GAA requires the use of a methyl group, we also evaluated the effect of supplementing methionine, as a methyl group donor, on the synthesis of creatine.
Supplemental GAA did increase plasma concentrations of creatine. Also, blood concentrations of arginine, a precursor to GAA, were increased by GAA supplementation, suggesting that arginine use for …

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Evaluation Of Calcium Hydroxide-Treated Stover (Second Crop) In Receiving And Growing Diets And Effects On Cattle Performance, T. Spore, S. Montgomery, C. Vahl, B. E. Oleen, W. R. Hollenbeck, J. W. Waggoner, J. Hill, D. A. Blasi Jan 2015

Evaluation Of Calcium Hydroxide-Treated Stover (Second Crop) In Receiving And Growing Diets And Effects On Cattle Performance, T. Spore, S. Montgomery, C. Vahl, B. E. Oleen, W. R. Hollenbeck, J. W. Waggoner, J. Hill, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Production of ethanol from corn as an alternative fuel source has significantly affected the pricing landscape for corn as an energy source for livestock. As ethanol usage has become more prevalent, corn prices have become more volatile, especially in critical corn-growing areas that have been affected by drought. Consequently, many beef cattle feeders have become interested in alternative energy sources in an effort to control cost of gain. Second Crop (ADM Corp., Decatur, IL) is a process in which calcium hydroxide is added to fibrous crop residues, such as wheat straw and corn stover. When applied to low-quality roughages, calcium …

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Efficacy Of Anthem, Anthem Atz, Solstice, Keystone Nxt, Corvus, And Surestart Ii In Glyphosate-Resistant Irrigated Corn, R. Currie, P. Geier Jan 2015

Efficacy Of Anthem, Anthem Atz, Solstice, Keystone Nxt, Corvus, And Surestart Ii In Glyphosate-Resistant Irrigated Corn, R. Currie, P. Geier

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The best treatments provided excellent green foxtail, crabgrass, or shattercane control. All treatments dramatically increased corn yield compared to the control.

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Irrigation Scheduling Based On Soil Moisture Sensors And Evapotranspiration, J. Aguilar, D. Rogers, I. Kisekka Jan 2015

Irrigation Scheduling Based On Soil Moisture Sensors And Evapotranspiration, J. Aguilar, D. Rogers, I. Kisekka

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Irrigation scheduling is crucial to effectively manage water resources and optimize profitability of an irrigated operation. Tools that can be customized to a field’s characteristics can greatly facilitate irrigation scheduling decisions. Soil moisture sensors and the evapotranspiration (ET)-based KanSched are two of the tools that could be implemented in an irrigated farm. Focusing on the installation of soil moisture sensors, demonstration set-ups were established at the Southwest Research-Extension Center plots in Garden City, Kansas, and in a producer’s field, each with three types of moisture sensors at different depths. Among others, this project validates the importance of moisture sensors being …

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Evaluation Of Overseeding And Colorants On ‘Chisholm’ Zoysiagrass During Winter Dormancy, R. Braun, J. Fry, M. Kennelly, D. Bremer, J. Griffin Jan 2015

Evaluation Of Overseeding And Colorants On ‘Chisholm’ Zoysiagrass During Winter Dormancy, R. Braun, J. Fry, M. Kennelly, D. Bremer, J. Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Annual ryegrass overseeding into lawn-height zoysiagrass provided acceptable turf color for only four weeks. The colorant Green Lawnger provided a darker green and considerably longer duration of acceptable color as compared to the colorant Match Play (bermudagrass), which was lighter green on zoysiagrass. A single colorant application resulted in acceptable turf color for 7 to 24 weeks; a sequential midwinter application provided acceptable color until spring greenup.

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Evaluating The Effect Of Manufacturing Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Pedv)-Contaminated Feed On Subsequent Feed Mill Environmental Surface Contamination, L. L. Schumacher, R. A. Cochrane, C. E. Evans, J. R. Kalivoda, J. C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, C. K. Jones, Rodger G. Main, Jianqiang Zhang, S. S. Dritz, Phillip Charles Gauger Jan 2015

Evaluating The Effect Of Manufacturing Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Pedv)-Contaminated Feed On Subsequent Feed Mill Environmental Surface Contamination, L. L. Schumacher, R. A. Cochrane, C. E. Evans, J. R. Kalivoda, J. C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, C. K. Jones, Rodger G. Main, Jianqiang Zhang, S. S. Dritz, Phillip Charles Gauger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study aimed to utilize the only known pilot feed mill facility approved for pathogenic feed agent use in the United States to evaluate the effect of manufacturing Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)-contaminated feed on subsequent feed mill environmental surface contamination. In this study, PEDV inoculated feed was manufactured and conveyed on equipment along with four subsequent batches of PEDV-free feed. Equipment and environmental surfaces were sampled using swabs and analyzed for the presence of PEDV RNA by PCR. The experiment was replicated three times with decontamination of the feed mill and all equipment between replications. Overall, environmental swabs indicated …

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Grain Sorghum Yield Response To Water Availability, J. P. Broeckelman, G. J. Kluitenberg, K. Roozeboom, I. A. Ciampitti Jan 2015

Grain Sorghum Yield Response To Water Availability, J. P. Broeckelman, G. J. Kluitenberg, K. Roozeboom, I. A. Ciampitti

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Yield effects of irrigation on sorghum and corn were compared, focusing only on the grain sorghum phase. Average water use for irrigation was 22 in., and dryland sorghum used 17 in. Average yields based on 12.5% grain moisture for dryland and irrigated sorghum were similar, with 138 bu/a for the irrigated and 142 bu/a for the dryland environment. Irrigated sorghum yields were similar, but in dryland, the Pioneer 84G62 hybrid yielded 149 bu/a, a 10 bu/a increase over Pioneer 84Y50 and DKS 53-67 hybrids, which yielded 139 bu/a and 138 bu/a, respectively. Although there was a difference in the yield …

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Surface Runoff Characteristics From Claypan Soil In Southeastern Kansas Receiving Different Plant Nutrient Sources And Tillage, D. W. Sweeney, Philip Barnes, Gary Pierzynski Jan 2015

Surface Runoff Characteristics From Claypan Soil In Southeastern Kansas Receiving Different Plant Nutrient Sources And Tillage, D. W. Sweeney, Philip Barnes, Gary Pierzynski

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Preliminary results show that two-year average total nitrogen (N) runoff losses and ortho-phosphorus (P) and total P runoff losses in the second year were greater with N-based turkey litter/no-till applications than P-based turkey litter or fertilizer-only applications. Incorporation of turkey litter applied based on N requirements resulted in N and P losses that did not differ from losses from P-based or fertilizer-only treatments. Chemical and statistical analyses of third-year samples will allow for final results and interpretation.

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Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization Of Irrigated Corn, A. Schlegel, H. D. Bond Jan 2015

Long-Term Nitrogen And Phosphorus Fertilization Of Irrigated Corn, A. 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 corn in western Kansas. In 2014, N applied alone increased yields 58 bu/a, whereas P applied alone increased yields only 12 bu/a. Nitrogen and P applied together increased yields up to 152 bu/a. This is slightly above the 10-year average, where N and P fertilization increased corn yields up to 146 bu/a. Application of 120 lb/a N (with P) produced about 91% of maximum yield in 2014, which was similar to the 10-year average. Application of 80 instead of 40 lb P2O5/a …

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Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Iron Chelates In Managing Iron Deficiency Chlorosis In Grain Sorghum, A. Obour, R. Perumal Jan 2015

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Iron Chelates In Managing Iron Deficiency Chlorosis In Grain Sorghum, A. Obour, R. Perumal

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Grain sorghum production in alkaline or calcareous soils is frequently affected by iron (Fe) chlorosis. Soil conditions such as high pH, high free calcium carbonate (lime), and low organic matter favor development of iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC), which can delay crop maturity and reduce yields. Two field experiments were conducted in the summer of 2014 to determine the effectiveness of Fe chelate application in alleviating IDC in grain sorghum. Treatments in the first study were four Fe chelate application rates (0, 3, 6, and 9 lb/a) applied either in-furrow with the seed at the time of planting or 2 weeks …

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Adaptability Of Miscanthus Cultivars For Biomass Production, J. L. Moyer Jan 2015

Adaptability Of Miscanthus Cultivars For Biomass Production, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In 2014, miscanthus dry matter (DM) did not differ between cultivars, averaging 10,970 lb/a. Total two-year production totaled 15,920 lb DM/a.

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