Life Sciences Commons^™

Ruminally-Protected Lysine (Safegain) Improves Performance Of Growing Beef Cattle, V. A. Veloso, C. L. Van Bibber-Krueger, J. S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Lysine frequently is cited as the first-limiting amino acid for cattle diets. Synthetic lysine, while routinely added to pig diets, is ineffective in fulfilling lysine requirements of cattle due to extensive degradation by microbes within the rumen. Lysine can be encapsulated with compounds, such as saturated fats, that minimize degradation by ruminal microbes, thereby assuring that a greater proportion of the amino acid is available for absorption post-ruminally. The purpose of this experiment was to measure the impact of SafeGain (H.J. Baker & Bro. Inc., Little Rock, AR), an encapsulated form of lysine sulfate, on rate of gain and feed …

Enhancement Increases Consumer Acceptability Of Beef Strip Loin Steaks, K. R. Vierck, K. V. Mckillip, A. K. Wilfong, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, J. A. Unruh, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Juiciness, tenderness, and flavor have been well documented as the primary drivers for beef eating satisfaction and are large contributors to consumer purchasing decisions. Increased marbling, and therefore increased quality grade, in beef products has been the industry tool for predicting eating experience. In order to increase consumer eating satisfaction, the pork industry has implemented widespread use of enhancement technology in fresh pork products to allow products to remain juicy and tender, despite potential overcooking. Using this enhancement technology in the beef industry could allow lower quality beef (USDA Select and lower) to provide better eating experiences for consumers. A …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Flushing Feed Manufacturing Equipment With Chemically- Treated Rice Hulls On Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Cross Contamination During Feed Manufacturing, J. T. Gebhardt, J. C. Woodworth, C. K. Jones, Phillip Charles Gauger, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband, M. Muckey, R. A. Cochrane, M. Niederwerder, C. R. Stark, J. Bai, Qi Chen, Jianqiang Zhang, Alejandro Ramirez, Rachel J. Derscheid, Rodger G. Main, S. S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate potential risk of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) transmission via feed and feed ingredients. Wet decontamination has been found to be the most effective decontamination of feed mill surfaces; however, this is not practical on a commercial feed production-scale. Another potential mitigation strategy, easier to implement, would be using chemically-treated rice hulls flushed through the feed manufacturing equipment. The objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of MCFA- or formaldehyde-treated rice hull flush batches as potential PEDV mitigation strategies during feed manufacturing. Feed without evidence of PEDV RNA contamination was inoculated …

Lessons Learned From Managing Electronic Sow Feeders And Sow Body Weight Data, L. L. Thomas, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

As the swine industry is transitioning from individual gestation stalls to different styles of group housing, new challenges are being presented for collecting data in the gestation barn. Electronic sow feeders (ESF) are computerized feeding stations that track and dispense feed for each sow that enters the feeding station. Individual intakes for sows can be recorded, which creates an opportunity for conducting nutrition studies in gestation. A research study was conducted on a commercial sow farm in central Nebraska, where sows were group-housed with ESF. A total of 74,114 feed intake observations and 663,204 sow weights were recorded during the …

Generating An Equation To Predict Post- Farrow Maternal Weight In Multiple Parity Sows, L. L. Thomas, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

ost-farrow maternal weight is required when partitioning maternal and fetal weight gains throughout gestation. Equations were developed from the analysis of 150 females (Line 1050, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) to predict the weight of conceptus by difference of pre- and post-farrowing weight change in multi-parity sows. Females were individually weighed as they were moved into the farrowing house at d 110 to 112 of gestation and again at 12 to 24 h after farrowing. Data were divided into 4 groups: (1) parity 1 sows; (2) parity 2 sows; (3) parity 3 sows; and (4) parity 4+ sows. Each group tested 3 …

Effects Of Evosure On Nursery Pig Performance, H. Williams, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 360 pigs (PIC C-29 × 359, initially 13.1 lb BW) were used in a 42-d growth trial evaluating the effects of Evosure on nursery pig performance. Evosure is a yeastbased technology designed to enhance weaned pig performance. Pigs were weaned at approximately 16 to 20 d and allotted to pens based on initial BW and gender in a completely randomized design. The 3 dietary treatments included a control diet, or the control diet with Evosure (NUTRIQUEST, Inc., Mason City, IA) fed at 1.0 lb/ton fed from d 0 to 21 followed by 0.5 lb/ton fed from d …

Effects Of Increasing Zn From Zinc Sulfate Or Zinc Hydroxychloride On Finishing Pig Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Economic Return, C. Carpenter, K. Coble, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, S. S. Dritz, J. Usry

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 1,008 pigs [TR4 (Fast × L02 PIC; initially 70.6 lb BW)] were used in a 103-d growth study to determine the effects of Zn source and level on finishing pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and economic return. The 6 dietary treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of Zn source (ZnSO_⁴; Agrium Advance Technology, Loveland, CO, or Zn hydroxychloride; Intellibond-Z®; Micronutrients, Indianapolis, IN) and level (50, 100, or 150 ppm added Zn). The trace mineral premix was formulated to contain no added Zn. There were 21 pigs per pen and …

Benchmarking Reproductive Efficiency And Transition Cow Health Of Kansas Dairy Herds, A. Scanavez, B. E. Voelz, L. Mendonca

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Comparing key performance indicators across dairy farms may provide insightful information to dairy producers. Differences in management philosophies, facilities, and locations of dairy farms may influence overall performance of dairy operations. An ongoing extension program aims to benchmark reproductive performance and transition cow health of dairy farms located in Kansas and adjacent states. In this report, we compiled data from 2013 to 2015 of herds enrolled in the program and divided the data in warm and cool seasons to evaluate the impact of heat stress on key performance indicators. Annual pregnancy risk and warm to cool ratio of pregnancy risk …

Acknowledgments, The Livestock And Meat Industry Council, Inc.

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!

Dairy Research 2016, Full Report, B. Bradford

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Kansas State University is pleased to present the 2016 Dairy Research Report of Progress.

Pregnancy Rates To Artificial Insemination In Yearling Beef Heifers Is Not Influenced By Injectable Trace Mineral, S. K. Johnson, M. W. Holman

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Heifers that conceive early in their first breeding season have a long-term advantage in future reproductive success and production. Reproductive performance is more likely to be maximized if nutritional requirements are met, including those for trace minerals. Reproductive response to supplementation of trace minerals has been variable. Bioavailability of source, mineral antagonisms, intake, and long-term animal nutrient status may all contribute to that variability. A recent study found pre- and post-partum bolus injections of trace mineral increased pregnancy rate to AI in mature beef cows. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an injectable trace mineral …

Gilt Training For Electronic Sow Feeding Systems In Gestation, C. M. Vier, M. A. Gonçalves, L. L. Thomas, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An electronic sow feeding (ESF) system provides the capability of feeding group-housed gestating gilts and sows on an individual basis. One of the most critical and yet often neglected steps in making an ESF system a success is proper gilt training. Different farms have protocols adapted to their particular situation, but the overall goal of gilt training is to ensure that a high percentage of gilts learn how to utilize the ESF station before they are moved to gestation. There are three critical steps in proper gilt training. These include: 1) pre-training; 2) training once the gilts have been moved …

Delayed Insemination Of Non-Estrual Beef Heifers In 7-Day Co-Synch Timed Artificial Insemination, D. C. Shaw, K. E. Fike, David Grieger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Reproductive performance in cattle is considered to be the most economically important trait and is essential for the success of an operation. In the last decade, timed artificial insemination (AI) in the beef cattle industry has increased in popularity due to the decreased amount of labor required for estrous detection. To increase the use of AI; however, cost and time inputs need to be further decreased. The objective of this study was to determine if fertility could be improved in beef heifers that are not expressing estrus before timed AI by delaying insemination.

Premium Choice Steaks Purchased From Grocery Outlets Are Generally More Tender Throughout The Year Than Lower Quality Grade Steaks, A. M. Collins, J. A. Unruh, T. A. Houser, S. Stroda

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Consumers typically have the opportunity to select steaks from a variety of marketing categories that relate to quality, price, and expected tenderness. Research on quantifying characteristics of strip steaks from different marketing programs available in self-serve retail display cases and establishing benchmark data for strip steak comparisons for future years is needed. The purpose of this study was to determine mechanical tenderness as well as physical and cooking characteristics of strip steaks purchased from self-serve display cases in grocery store outlets throughout the year.

The Effect Of Enhancement On Trained Panel Beef Palatability Scores Is Dependent Upon Usda Quality Grade, K. V. Mckillip, A. K. Wilfong, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, J. A. Unruh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Quality grades are used to determine beef value. The U.S. Department of Agriculture grading system categorizes beef into levels of eating satisfaction with the highest being Prime and decreases until reaching the Canner quality grade. Currently the premium of Prime graded carcasses over Select is $16.73 (USDA, 2015). Traditionally, USDA Select cuts are known to have lower palatability ratings for juiciness, tenderness, and overall liking. Select steaks also fail to meet consumer eating expectations more than 33% of the time (Corbin, 2015). This failure rate represents a large cost for the industry. Product enhancement utilizing a water, salt, and phosphate …

Breeding Objectives Indicate Value Of Genomics For Beef Cattle, M. D. Macneil

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Genomics may have much to offer in the implementation of breeding objectives. Advantages of genomic prediction include increased accuracy of expected progeny differences (EPDs) for traits that have been components of routine genetic evaluations. Perhaps more importantly, genomic prediction makes it possible to include traits that are too costly or too difficult to measure, and traits that are measured too late in life or are sex-limited such that candidates for selection cannot have EBV with high accuracy at the time when selection decisions are made. Genomically enhanced EPDs may also allow for a marked reduction in generation interval, thus accelerating …

Effects Of Intensive Late-Season Sheep Grazing Following Early-Season Steer Grazing On Population Dynamics Of Sericea Lespedeza In The Kansas Flint Hills, J. Lemmon, W. H. Fick, J. A. Alexander, G. W. Preedy, C. A. Gurule, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata; SL) is a high-tannin, invasive forb in the Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem. In Kansas, sericea lespedeza infests 980 square miles of pasture, primarily in the Flint Hills region. Sericea lespedeza infestations reduce native grass production by up to 92% through a combination of aggressive growth, prolific reproduction, canopy dominance, and chemical inhibition (allelopathy). Herbicides retard the spread of sericea lespedeza, but application is laborious and expensive; moreover, herbicides are lethal to ecologically-important, non-target plant species.

Increased grazing pressure on sericea lespedeza by domestic herbivores may slow its spread and facilitate some measure of biological control. …

Comparing Standing Heat And Estrotect Heat Detection Patches, S. K. Johnson, J. R. Jaeger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A recent survey showed that 66% of producers surveyed used some amount of heat detection in their artificial insemination program, and 74% of producers that used heat detection aids had tried Estrotect (Rockway, Inc.; Spring Valley, WS) heat detection patches. The peel-and-stick application made Estrotect more popular than types that required adhesive application. The patches are designed so that when the animal is mounted the top surface layer is removed, much like scratching a lottery ticket. After several mounts the entire layer is removed, leaving a bright-colored surface behind. A new type of patch, Standing Heat (Standing Heat, LLC; Dannebrog, …

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

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Use of legumes in bermudagrass pastures has often increased summer cow gains. Forage production was greater where ladino clover was used in the Legume system than where Nitrogen (N) alone was used in the first sampling, but the reverse was true in midsummer. Estimated forage crude protein during 2015 was greater for the Legume than the Nitrogen system in the first and last samplings, but similar in mid-summer pasture. Cow performance over the season was increased 68% where legumes were used.

Foreword And Supplemental Information, Swine Day, 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 2016 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.

Swine Day 2016 Full Report, 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 2016 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.

Assessing Training Methods To Educate Dairy Workers, L. Mendonca, B. E. Voelz, A. Scanavez

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Training employees is fundamental for dairy producers to achieve efficiency in order to increase profitability. Training videos offered online are becoming more common and recommended to train employees. The goals of this survey were to evaluate the comfort level of dairy employees in using computers and tablets, and preferred training delivery methods. A total of 71 employees from 6 dairies were interviewed. Interviews were conducted in the preferred language of the interviewee – English or Spanish. Of the respondents, 52 and 65.6% of employees consider computers and tablets easy to use, respectively. More than half of the employees reported that …

Evaluation Of Weather Information From On-Farm And Meteorological Stations To Assess Heat Stress In Dairy Cows In Southwest Kansas, A. Scanavez, L. Rocha, B. E. Voelz, L. Hulbert, L. Mendonca

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Heat stress represents a challenge for the dairy industry. In order for producers to implement appropriate management practices, it is crucial for researchers to assess the extent of heat stress to which cows are exposed during the summer. Temperaturehumidity index (THI) may be used to determine the severity of heat stress that cows are exposed to during the summer. The objective of this study was to evaluate climate conditions by calculating THI using information from: 1) an official meteorological station, 2) loggers at the pen-level, and 3) loggers at the cow-level from a commercial dairy located in southwest Kansas. Temperature-humidity …

Acknowledgments, Dairy Research 2016, B. Bradford

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Appreciation is expressed to the following organizations for their support of dairy teaching, research, and extension at Kansas State University during 2015-2016.

Effectiveness Of Two Ruminally Protected Methionine Sources For Lactating Dairy Cows, M. Ardalan, F. Vargas-Rodriguez, G. I. Zanton, M. Vázquez-Añón, E. Titgemeyer, B. Bradford

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two sources of ruminally protected methionine were tested for their ability to provide available methionine to lactating dairy cattle. Based on milk protein yield and milk protein percent, NTP-1401 (an unreleased product from Novus International, Inc., St. Charles, MO) and Smartamine (Adisseo, αretta, GA) provided similar amounts of available methionine to the cows. These two products led to different methioninerelated compounds appearing in blood plasma, suggesting that they contained different methionine precursors.

Determining The Influence Of Kemtrace Cr And/Or Micro-Aid On Growth Performance And Carcass Composition Of Pigs Housed In A Commercial Environment, J. T. Gebhardt, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband, J. Loughmiller, S. S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A study was conducted to determine the interactive effects of chromium propionate (KemTRACE Cr; Kemin Industries Inc., Des Moines, IA) and Micro-Aid (Yucca schidigera-based product; Distributors Processing Inc., Porterville, CA) on growth performance and carcass composition of finishing pigs housed in a commercial environment. There were a total of 1,188 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initial BW = 60.3 lb) with 27 pigs/ pen and 11 pens/treatment. Pigs were split by gender upon arrival at the facility, with 5 blocks of each gender and a final mixed sex gender block. Gender blocks were randomly allotted to groups of …

Palatability Of Ground Beef Increases When Brand Is Disclosed In Consumer Testing, A. K. Wilfong, K. V. Mckillip, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, J. A. Unruh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Of the beef products on the market, ground beef is one of the least expensive and most universal. Ground beef represents the largest volume of protein served in the foodservice industry, at 64%, and is the most popular beef item for consumers when preparing meals in their home (NCBA, 2012). To date, little research has evaluated ground beef palatability despite representing a large sector of the beef market. All ground beef is not the same to consumers. Ground beef from branded beef programs, higher lean points, and primal-specific blends are traditionally sold at retail for higher prices. Branding is used …

Does Knowing Brand Or Usda Grade Of Beef Strip Steaks Affect Palatability For Consumers?, A. K. Wilfong, K. V. Mckillip, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, J. A. Unruh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

In consumers’ eyes, not all beef is considered equal. In addition to USDA quality grades, close to 150 branded beef programs are approved for the segregation and marketing of beef products (USDA, 2015). This large number of product categories allows consumers to have a choice in the products they purchase. Blind sensory panel testing of beef, where consumers are not shown the brand or information about a product, has been used for many years. While important to determine palatability characteristics of beef when evaluated blind, consumers do not select, purchase, and consume beef without additional product information. Evidence suggests that …

How Do Alternative Pressures Affect The Accuracy Of The Pressed Juice Percentage (Pjp) At Predicting Consumer Juiciness Rating?, M. M. Kline, A. K. Wilfong, K. V. Mckillip, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, J. A. Unruh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Texture is the most important sensory trait when evaluating meat products (Gomes et al., 2014). In beef products, tenderness and juiciness interact to form overall texture and mouthfeel. As a result, beef juiciness is one of the most important factors in creating a satisfactory beef eating experience. A recent study by Woolley (2014) developed an instrumental technique for measuring beef juiciness and predicting consumer beef juiciness satisfaction. The method utilizes a texture analyzer to compress cooked beef samples for a period of 8 seconds at 17.6 lb of force and quantifies the percentage of moisture lost as Pressed Juice Percentage …

Pressed Juice Percentage Can Accurately Sort Beef Into Categories Of Predicted Juiciness, K. V. Mckillip, A. K. Wilfong, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, J. A. Unruh, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

There are three main factors that contribute to meat palatability: tenderness, juiciness, and flavor (Bratzler, 1971). These three individual factors all play a role in the overall palatability perceived by a consumer. If a product fails for juiciness, there is a greater chance that it will fail in overall acceptability (Emerson et. al, 2013). In the past, research has established a method of segregating steaks based on tenderness acceptability. Researchers have been able to institute thresholds to be able to accurately explain at what shear force a steak will be rated tender by consumers. Similar methods have not been evaluated …