Life Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Limit Feeding Cold Stressed Growing Calves In The Morning Versus The Evening, As Well As Bunk Line Sharing On Performance, C. A. Sasscer, S. P. Montgomery, C. I. Vahl, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, A. J. Tarpoff, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: To determine the response of cold stressed growing calves to being fed in the evening instead of morning hours, as well as the effect of bunk line sharing.

Study Description: Crossbred steers (n = 360) of Texas, Oklahoma, and Idaho origin were blocked by weight into four size groups and randomly assigned to pens, which were randomly allocated to one of five treatments. All steers received a diet formulated to provide 60 Mcal net energy for gain/100 lb of dry matter and were limit fed with a target of 2.0% of their body weight in dry matter …

Sale Price Of Holstein Feeder Steer Lots Relative To Other Breed Descriptions Sold Through Superior Livestock Video Sales From 2010 Through 2018, E. D. Mccabe, M. J. Smith, M. E. King, K. E. Fike, G. M. Rogers, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relative value of Holstein feeder steer lots compared to steer lots of other breed descriptions sold through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced sale price.

Study Description: Data were analyzed from 14,075 lots of feeder steers sold via 211 livestock video auctions from 2010 through 2018. All lot characteristics that could be accurately quantified or categorized were used to develop a multiple regression model with backwards selection. A lot was categorized into one of four breed descriptions: 1) English, English crossed; 2) English-Continental …

Using Modified Intensive Early Stocking For Cow/Calf Production, Keith R. Harmoney, John R. Jaeger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Intensive early stocking (IES) was introduced nearly a half century ago in eastern Kan­sas and has since been adopted as a major management tool to increase animal produc­tion, efficiency of production, and economic return on tallgrass rangelands. These in­creases have come almost exclusively by using IES with young stocker animals. Intensive early stocking and its gains have been proven effective repeatedly in published research. A similar modified IES (MIES) system has increased production efficiency of stocker animals on western Kansas rangelands. Perennial grassland acres for cattle produc­tion, as well as cattle numbers, are declining. Using management practices that mimic the …

Evaluation Of Supplemental Energy Source For Grazing Stocker Cattle, L. W. Lomas, J. K. Farney, J. L. Moyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 216 steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Supplementation treatments evaluated were: no supplement, a supplement with starch as the primary source of energy, and a supplement with fat as the primary energy source. Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head, daily. Supplementation with the starch-based or fat-based supplement during the grazing phase resulted in higher (P < 0.05) grazing gains than feeding no supplement during all six years. In 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, grazing gains of steers supplemented with the starch-based or fat-based supplement were similar (P > 0.05). In 2015, steers …

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

Two hundred fifty-six 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, 2018, and 2019. Fescue cultivars evaluated were high-endophyte ‘Kentucky 31,’ low-endophyte Kentucky 31 ‘HM4,’ and ‘MaxQ.’ In 2016, 2018, and 2019, 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/a were similar (P > 0.05) between pastures fertilized with …

Spices Fed To Growing Heifers On Bromegrass Result In Increased Gains With Some Effects On Tick Populations, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Alternative methods to antibiotics/chemical usage in cattle production have been of interest in recent years and essential oils/spices have been promoted to fill this niche. The purpose of this research was to evaluate effect of feeding spices on heifer gains and as a control method for ticks. Eight bromegrass pastures were stocked (March to November) with four heifers per pasture to compare control mineral (CON) to mineral containing spices (SPICE; garlic + proprietary blend of 4 spices). Mineral (4 oz/hd/d) was blended in dried distillers grains (DDGs) and total blend was supplemented daily at 0.5% of heifer body weight. Heifers …

Southeast Research And Extension Center Agricultural Research 2020

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research report for the Southeast Research and Extension Center, Kansas State University, 2020

Syngenta Enogen Feed Corn Containing An Alpha Amylase Expression Trait Improves Digestibility In Growing Calf Diets, M. A. Johnson, T. J. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, C. S. Kubick, J. S. Garzón, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, C. I. Vahl, E. D. Watson, D. A. Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: To evaluate the digestibility parameters of growing cattle when fed Enogen Feed corn.

Study Description: Seven cannulated Holstein steers were used to determine the effects on digestibility when fed Enogen Feed corn (Syngenta) as whole-corn or processed as dry-rolled at ad libitum intake.

The Bottom Line: When Enogen Feed corn was fed in an ad libitum fashion to growing calves, dry matter and organic matter are digested to a greater extent relative to yellow corn.

Smartamine M Supplementation Reduces Inflammation But Does Not Affect Performance In Receiving Beef Heifers, M. S. Grant, H. F. Speer, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, N. D. Luchini, D. A. Blasi, E. C. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of supplemental methionine to improve health, inflammation status, and performance of receiving cattle.

Study Description: A group of 384 crossbred heifers (initial weight 489 lb) of Tennessee origin were used in a 45-day receiving trial with limit-feeding to evaluate the effects of supplemental methionine (Smartamine M; Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA) on health, inflammation, and performance. Cattle received either 0 (control) or 10 grams/day Smartamine M, a ruminally protected methionine product. Plasma haptoglobin levels measured on days 0, 14, and 45 were used as a biomarker of inflammation.

The Bottom Line: …

The Use Of Bioelectrical Impedance To Assess Shelf-Life Of Beef Longissimus Lumborum Steaks, F. Najar-Villarreal, E. A. Boyle, T. A. Houser, C. I. Vahl, J. Wolf, J. M. Gonzalez, T. G. O'Quinn, J. Kastner, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using surface and internal bioelectrical impedance to assess beef longissimus lumborum shelf-life during 15 days of simulated retail display.

Study Description: Beef strip loins, obtained from three commercial processors (postmortem age = 27, 34, or 37 days), were fabricated into 12 1-inch thick steaks. Steaks were subdivided into six consecutively cut pairs, packaged on Styrofoam trays, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film, and displayed under fluorescent lighting at 32–40°F in coffin-style retail cases for 15 days. Microbiological analysis, pH, bioelectrical impedance analysis, objective color assessment, proximate composition, …

Effect Of Exercise On Health And Performance By Long-Haul, High-Stress Steers During The Receiving Period, John R. Jaeger, Justin W. Waggoner, Keith R. Harmoney, Quentin Rupp

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Morbidity and mortality associated with the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex continue to be a significant challenge to the United States beef industry. Stress associ­ated with maternal separation, environment change, transportation, diet changes, and commingling are common to beef industry marketing channels and have been linked to depressed growth and health of recently weaned calves. Cattle originating from the Southeastern U.S. tend to exhibit high rates of BRD after transportation to Great Plains feedlots.

Previous research has utilized exercise one time per day or three times per week for the receiving period. In those studies, health performance of cattle was …

Roundup 2020: Agricultural Research Center - Hays

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Roundup is the major beef cattle education and outreach event sponsored by the Agricultural Research Center - Hays. The 2020 program is the 106th staging of Roundup. The purpose is to communicate timely, applicable research information to producers and extension personnel.

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 400 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, 2018, and 2019. 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, 2012, and 2019. Daily gains of steers that grazed wheat-crabgrass were greater …

Acknowledgments, Livestock And Meat Industry Council, Inc., Cattlemen's Day 2020

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Listed below are individuals, organizations, and firms that have contributed to the beef research program through financial support, product donations, or services. We appreciate your help!

Livestock and Meat Industry Council, Inc.

An Efficient Stocking Strategy For Grazing Replacement Heifers, Keith R. Harmoney, John R. Jaeger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Even though Kansas native rangelands often have steep slopes or shallow soils not con­ducive to many other uses other than livestock grazing, native rangeland and perennial grassland acres in Kansas have been declining. Cropland acreage over this same time frame has increased, and rangelands have also become more fragmented by small ranch­ettes and urbanization. Producers may be looking to increase production efficiency on a shrinking forage land base. The use of intensive early stocking (IES) is one of the most efficient stocking strategies to produce beef on rangeland acres. The IES strategy has been widely used in eastern Kansas and …

Effects Of Prescribed Fire Timing On Stocker Cattle Performance, Native Plant Composition, Forage Biomass, And Root Carbohydrate Reserves In The Kansas Flint Hills: Year One Of Six, Z. M. Duncan, A. J. Tajchman, M. P. Ramirez, J. Lemmon, W. R. Hollenbeck, D. A. Blasi, K. C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: Our objective was to document the effects of prescribed fire timing on yearling beef cattle performance, native plant composition, and forage biomass ac­cumulation in the Kansas Flint Hills.

Study Description: Our study took place at the Kansas State Beef Stocker Unit located northwest of Manhattan, KS. Pastures were assigned to one of three prescribed burn treatments: early spring (April), mid-summer (August), or early fall (October). Treatments were applied and yearling heifers (n = 360) were subsequently grazed from May to August. Native plant composition and forage biomass were evaluated annually in late June and early July.

The …

Evaluating Stocker Steer Gains On Tallgrass Native Range With Two Burn Dates And Spices In Mineral, J. K. Farney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: The overall objective of this study was to evaluate management practices that may impact stocker steer gains on a 90-day double stocking grazing system in tallgrass native range. Specific objectives include evaluating the timing of burning, addition of spices in a complete free-choice mineral, and determination if the effects are additive.

Study Description: Two pasture burning times (March or April) and free-choice mineral with or without addition of spices were evaluated using 281 head of stocker steers on eight pastures of tallgrass native range. The spices included garlic oil in powder form and Solace (Wildcat Feeds LLC). …

Beef Longissimus Lumborum Steak Ph Affects External Bioelectrical Impedance Assessment, F. Najar-Villarreal, E. A. Boyle, T. A. Houser, C. I. Vahl, J. Wolf, J. M. Gonzalez, T. G. O'Quinn, J. Kastner, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: To use external bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess postmortem chemical changes in normal- and high-pH beef longissimus lumborum steaks during simulated retail display.

Study Description: Beef strip loins (n = 20; postmortem age = 14 d) obtained from a commercial processor were sorted into two treatments, normal-pH (5.61–5.64; n = 11) and high-pH (6.2–7.0; n = 9). Loins were fabricated into five 1-inch thick steaks (n = 100), and randomly assigned to one of five display days: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. External bioelectrical impedance values, oxygen consumption, metmyoglobin reducing ability, protein degradation, water holding capacity, …

Cattlemen's Day 2020

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research on beef cattle management, nutrition, and meat science at Kansas State University.

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Bermudagrass is a productive forage species when intensively managed. However, it has periods of dormancy and requires proper management to maintain forage quality. Legumes in a bermudagrass sward could improve forage quality and reduce fertilizer usage; however, legumes are difficult to establish and maintain with the competitive grass. Clovers can maintain survival once established in bermudagrass sod, and may be productive enough to substitute for some N fertilization. This study was designed to compare dry cow performance on a bermudagrass pasture system that included ladino and crimson clovers (Legume) vs. bermudagrass alone (Nitrogen). Use of legumes in wheat-bermudagrass pastures did …

Effects Of Guanidinoacetic Acid On Lean Growth And Methionine Flux In Cattle, M. Ardalan, M. D. Miesner, C. D. Reinhardt, D. U. Thomson, C. K. Armendariz, E. C. Titgemeyer

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: To evaluate the effect of supplementing guanidinoacetic acid in the presence or absence of L-methionine on nitrogen retention (lean tissue growth) when cattle were purposefully maintained under conditions of a methionine deficiency.

Study Description: Seven ruminally-cannulated Holstein steers (355 lb) were used in an experiment where each steer received each of six treatments. Treatments were abomasal infusion of 0 or 6 g/day methionine, and 0, 7.5, or 15 g/day guanidinoacetic acid, with all combinations represented. Energy was supplied by ruminal infusion of volatile fatty acids and abomasal infusion of glucose. All essential amino acids except methionine were …

Factors Affecting The Sale Price Of Bred Heifers And Bred Cows Sold Through Superior Livestock Video Auctions, M. J. Smith, E. D. Mccabe, M. E. King, K. E. Fike, G. M. Rogers, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate potential factors influencing the sale price of bred heifers and bred cows sold through video auctions while adjusting for all other factors that significantly influenced prices.

Study Description: Descriptive characteristics of lots offered for sale were obtained through a livestock video auction service (Superior Livestock Auction, Fort Worth, TX). Data were available on 1,870 lots of bred heifers sold through video auctions from 2010 through 2018 and 1,237 lots of bred cows sold through video auctions from 2011 through 2018. Two separate multiple regression models were developed to determine …

Region Of Origin In The United States Affects Price Premiums Associated With Value-Added Health Protocols Of Beef Calf Lots Sold Through Summer Video Auctions From 2010 Through 2018, M. J. Smith, E. D. Mccabe, M. E. King, K. E. Fike, G. M. Rogers, K. G. Odde

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effects of value-added calf health protocols within various regions of the United States on the sale price of beef calf lots sold via summer video auction.

Study Description: Information describing lot factors was obtained through a livestock video auction service (Superior Livestock Auction, Fort Worth, TX). Descriptive characteristics were available over nine years (2010-2018) representing 43,242 lots of beef calves. Data were evaluated to investigate participation in various health programs across regions. A multiple regression model was developed for each region to determine the value associated with health protocols throughout regions …

Sensory Evaluation From Asian Consumers Of Six Different Beef Shank Cuts, W. Wu, E. A. Rice, B. A. Olson, T. G. O'Quinn, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, M. D. Chao

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate factors affecting Asian consumers’ purchasing decisions and eating preferences of six different beef shank cuts.

Study Description: Six different beef shank cuts, three from the forequarter [biceps brachii (shank A); a combination of deep digital flexor and flexor digitorum superficialis (shank B); extensor carpi radialis (shank C)], and three from the hindquarter [flexor digitorum superficialis (shank D); deep digital flexor (shank E); and a combination of long digital extensor, medial digital extensor and peroneus tertius (shank F)] were collected from 12 U.S. Department of Agriculture Low Choice beef carcasses. …