Life Sciences Commons^™

Regression Analysis To Predict The Impact Of High Neutral Detergent Fiber Ingredients On Carcass Yield, J. Soto, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, M. A. Goncalves, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Research has shown that carcass yield is reduced when feeding distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or other high fiber ingredients. Considering the financial implications of changing carcass yield, the objective of this project was to develop regression equations to accurately estimate carcass yield from dietary NDF withdrawal strategies. Data from 8 trials originating from 5 journal articles, 2 theses, and 1 technical memo were used to develop a regression equation to predict carcass yield. The regression analysis showed that number of days in the withdrawal period (WP), NDF level in the dietary phase prior to the final phase (NDF1), …

Effects Of Growing-Season Prescribed Burning On Vigor Of Sericea Lespedeza In The Kansas Flint Hills: I. Suppression Of Seed Production And Canopy Dominance, J. A. Alexander, W. H. Fick, J. Lemmon, G. A. Gatson, G. W. Preedy, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a highly fecund noxious weed in Kansas and surrounding states. Individual plants are capable of producing greater than 1,000 seeds annually. Vigorous seed production allows sericea lespedeza to rapidly infiltrate native and cultivated grasslands; seed can be transported great distances via farm machinery and the alimentary canal of wild and domestic herbivores. In Kansas alone, sericea lespedeza infests more than 700 square miles of pasture, primarily in the Flint Hills region. The resulting damage to native habitats for wildlife and pasture quality for domestic herbivores has been devastating.
The predominant grazing management practice …

Zelnate On Arrival Could Decrease The Likelihood Of Subsequent Pulls In Suspect Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex Cases, T. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, G. A. Hanzlicek, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, J. E. Sears, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Antimicrobial metaphylaxis is an important tool used for the prevention of Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex; a disease with a large economic impact that typically affects newly-weaned beef calves that are marketed and transported a distance from their origin.

There are questions involving the potential benefit of Zelnate, a novel non-antibiotic technology designed to activate an animal’s natural immunity to fight Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, being used either solely or in combination with metaphylaxis at the time of initial processing of high risk calves. More knowledge is also needed regarding the possible effects of repeated use of Zelnate when subsequent therapy …

Horn Fly Control And Growth Implants Are Effective Strategies For Heifers Grazing Flint Hills Pasture, S. S. Trehal, J. L. Talley, K. D. Sherrill, T. Spore, R. N. Wahl, W. R. Hollenbeck, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Horn flies (Haematobia irritans(L.)) are considered the most important external parasite that negatively affects pasture-based beef systems with losses estimated to exceed $1 billion annually to the U.S. beef industry. Control strategies have relied heavily on insecticide applications to control horn flies and are implemented when the economic threshold of 200 flies/animal have been exceeded. When horn fly populations are maintained below 200 flies/animal by treating them with insecticides then the level of stress annoyance behaviors such as leg stomping, head throwing, and skin twitching decreases while grazing increases. While most stocker operators utilize some type of fly …

Route Of Mannheimia Haemolytica And Pasteurella Multocida Vaccine Administration Does Not Affect Health Or Performance Of Receiving Heifers, T. Spore, M. E. Corrigan, T. R. Parks, C. S. Weibert, M. L. Detray, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Light weight stocker calves often experience health problems shortly after arrival to feeding facilities. Preventative health programs are routinely administered to calves upon arrival to reduce the incidence of Bovine Respiratory Disease. The major route of vaccine administration in cattle is via injection through either intramuscular or subcutaneous routes. Several products have been introduced that utilize the intranasal route of vaccine administration. There are several reasons why intranasal vaccine administration may be more beneficial: 1) Intranasal vaccine administration alleviates concerns that injections pose for Beef Quality Assurance programs. 2) Intranasal vaccine administration may be less stressful on the animal. 3) …

Intermittent Feeding Of Tylan Reduces Use Of In-Feed Antibiotics While Still Controlling Incidence Of Liver Abscesses In Finishing Steers, H. C. Muller, R. G. Amachawadi, H. M. Scott, J. S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Liver abscesses are a cause of concern for many feedlots across the country as they lead to a decrease in feedlot performance of finishing cattle as well as a decrease in the final carcass value. Loss in carcass value is due to not only the abscessed liver being condemned, but also due to trim loss associated with the condemned liver. The macrolide drug tylosin phosphate is the drug of choice for metaphylactic treatment of liver abscesses in feedlot cattle. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug for over-the-counter use, however, from January 2017 all medically important (used in human …

Producer Opinions On Antibiotic Use In The Beef Industry, T. Lee, C. D. Reinhardt, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Antibiotic use in the beef industry is of increasing interest to consumers and has become a point of discussion for producers, veterinarians, and professional scientists in recent years. With the vast amount of information available on the internet and social media, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about beef production practices and the use of antibiotics in the food animal industries. Furthermore, scientists have devoted a large amount of time and money to research to investigate consumer opinions and perspectives about management practices used in food animal production. However, many of these investigations fail to include the opinions and perspectives of …

Survey Of Cattle Feedlot Facilities In The High Plains Region Of The United States, J. C. Simroth, D. U. Thomson, E. F. Schwandt, S. J. Bartle, C. K. Larson, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Defining the appropriate dimensions and type of feeding facilities for feedlot cattle fed in outdoor pens is important because the characteristics of these facilities have a significant impact on the performance, welfare, and health of cattle housed in those facilities, as well as a considerable impact on the final cost of the project. Although multiple sources can be found in the literature that provide recommendations with regard to design of facilities to be used in outdoor feeding facilities for feedlot cattle, there are no published data that describe the dimensions and type of feeding facilities currently used by the feedlot …

Feeding A Novel Trace Mineral At Lower Levels To Grazing Stocker Cattle Does Not Impair Performance, C. S. Weibert, W. R. Hollenbeck, S. B. Laudert, J. D. Kubick, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

When grazing stocker cattle on native Flint Hills pasture, optimizing growth rate is important in determining overall profitability. The correct selection of mineral supplements is an important decision that can be used to help promote overall productivity during a grazing season.

Receiving Stocker Cattle Performance Is Similar With Either Corn Or Sorghum Wet Distillers Grains, A. C. Vesco, A. K. Sexten, E. Titgemeyer, W. R. Hollenbeck, L C. Grimes, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Distillers grains are an excellent energy and protein feed source for beef cattle. Corn distillers grains have been fed to beef cattle for many years, but sorghum distillers grains are becoming more popular and may be more cost effective than corn. Sorghum is very comparable to corn in terms of energy, but has a higher crude protein value. All distillers grains are available in a wet and dry form. The moist texture of wet distillers grains can help to reduce sorting at the bunk and appears to improve intake in young calves. The objective of this study was to evaluate …

Differences In Efficacy Between Gamithromycin, Tilmicosin, And Tulathromycin As Metaphylactic Treatments In High Risk Calves For Bovine Respiratory Disease, T. Miller, M. E. Hubbert, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The cost of Bovine Respiratory Disease to the beef industry due to death, poorer conversions, and therapy is estimated to cost more than $3 billion per year. Identifying and mitigating Bovine Respiratory Disease in cattle can be difficult due to the increased susceptibility for Bovine Respiratory Disease in high risk cattle. One management option to minimize an outbreak of respiratory disease is the use of metaphylaxis, the mass treatment of a group of calves to reduce the incidence and adverse effects of respiratory disease on high risk animals. Criteria used to determine the necessity of metaphylactic treatment against Bovine Respiratory …

Particle Size Of Dry-Rolled Corn Affects Starch Digestibility But Not Feedlot Performance, E. F. Schwandt, J. Wagner, T. Engle, S. J. Bartle, D. U. Thomson, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Dry-rolling corn is a common practice in feedlots located in the Midwestern and Northern Plains regions of the United States. Optimizing total digestive tract starch utilization in diets containing dry-rolled corn is essential for maximizing efficiency. However, recommendations often suggest that grain be coarsely cracked to avoid producing an excessive amount of fine material that could potentially increase the rate of fermentation, reduce rumen pH, and cause digestive disturbances.

Wet distillers byproducts may be effectively used as a protein and energy source for feedlot finishing cattle and can replace a portion of the dry-rolled corn in the diet. The average …

A Survey Of Dry Processed Corn Particle Size And Fecal Starch In Midwestern U.S. Feedlots, E. F. Schwandt, D. U. Thomson, S. J. Bartle, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Optimizing grain processing practices in cattle feeding operations is critical to reaching maximum feed utilization efficiency. An increased degree of grain processing has consistently shown improved dry matter and starch digestibility; however, it exists with conflicting results on improving performance in finishing cattle. These inconsistencies are likely due to diet composition, such as roughage and co-product level, that could offset the effects of reduced particle size on rate of fermentation thus reducing the risk of digestive dysfunction.

Finishing diets are commonly formulated with processed grain to increase utilization of starch and improve animal performance. Processing methods including steam-flaking, grinding, or …

Steak Location Within The Semitendinosus Muscle Impacts Metmyoglobin Accumulation On Steaks During Retail Display, K. J. Phelps, T. G. O'Quinn, T. A. Houser, J. M. Gonzalez

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beef color is a major attribute consumers utilize to make purchasing decisions. It is estimated poor color shelf-life of beef steaks costs the meat industry more than $1 billion annually. Shelf-life color is influenced by a balance of two biochemical processes within steaks: metmyoglobin reducing ability and oxygen consumption. Steaks that exhibit a greater metmyoglobin reducing and a reduced oxygen consumption are typically characterized as more color stable. Characteristics of the muscle fiber or muscle cell are what determine the properties of a steak. Commonly, muscles with more oxidative fibers have an elevated oxygen consumption and reduced metmyoglobin reducing ability. …

Angus Ground Beef Has Higher Overall Consumer Acceptability Than Grass-Fed Ground Beef, F. Najar, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn, R. Danler, S. Stroda, L. N. Drey, K. R. Vierck, G. D. Mccoy

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Ground beef is considered one of the major sources of animal protein in the U.S., accounting for approximately 40% of beef consumption per capita (USDA, 2011). Consumers’ concern about animal welfare, sustainable production, and low fat products has influenced purchasing decisions, resulting in an increased demand for grass-fed ground beef (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, 2007). Grass-fed cattle are fed natural based forages or grass-hay, thus resulting in a higher deposition of omega-3 fatty acids in meat. Meat from grain-fed cattle has a lower omega-3 content due to the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid profile found in a …

Liver Abscess Severity At Slaughter Does Not Affect Meat Tenderness And Sensory Attributes In Commercially Finished Beef Cattle Fed Without Tylosin Phosphate, E. J. Mccoy, T. G. O'Quinn, E. F. Schwandt, C. D. Reinhardt, D. U. Thomson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Liver abscesses are a significant problem in the United States’ cattle feeding industry, costing the industry an estimated $15.9 million annually in liver condemnation, trim losses, and reduced carcass weights and quality grades. Recent reported incidence rates of liver abscesses at slaughter range from 10 to 20%. Liver abscess incidence may be influenced by a number of factors including: breed, gender, diet, days on feed, cattle type, season, and geographical location. Liver abscesses typically occur secondary to rumen insults caused by acidosis or rumenitis. It has been proposed that pathogens associated with liver abscess formation enter the blood stream through …

Supplemental Zinc Sulfate Interacts With Optaflexx In Feedlot Heifers, C. L. Van Bibber-Krueger, R. G. Amachawadi, H. M. Scott, J. M. Gonzalez, J. S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Optaflexx is a beta-adrenergic agonist, and is fed to cattle during the final 28 to 42 days on feed to improve growth rate and feed efficiency. Beta-adrenergic agonists are repartitioning agents that stimulate muscle deposition at the expense of fat deposition. Zinc is a trace mineral element that functions as an important component of many enzyme systems, including those associated with nucleic acid synthesis and metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, thus making it an essential nutrient for growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate growth, carcass characteristics, and plasma urea nitrogen concentrations in finishing heifers supplemented with Optaflexx …

High Energy Digestible Fiber-Based Diets Improve Efficiency In Growing Heifers, T. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, G. A. Hanzlicek, K. T. Cavalli, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, E. Titgemeyer, Christopher Vahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

An inherent challenge of long hauled, highly stressed calves is decreased feed intake upon destination arrival. Highly stressed, newly received stocker calves not consuming adequate amounts of energy are prone to a variety of disorders such as Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex and decreased performance throughout the feeding period. One mechanism that can be used to increase energy intake upon arrival is to make the diet more energy dense. Often times, this is accomplished by the addition of cereal grains high in fermentable carbohydrate including starch. Unfortunately, this has also been linked to increasing morbidity due to metabolic disorders. The goal …

Flake Density, Roll Diameter, And Flake Moisture All Influence Starch Availability Of Steam-Flaked Corn, E. F. Schwandt, M. E. Hubbert, D. U. Thomson, Christopher Vahl, S. J. Bartle, C. D. Reinhardt

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Steam-flaked corn is commonly fed in feedlot finishing diets because steam-flaking improves starch availability and nutrient utilization, thus improving the overall feeding value of corn. In most operations which utilize steam-flaked corn, grain is processed to a pre-determined flake density by setting the rolls to a specific separation distance and using tension to hold rolls together. Flaked grain is most often produced to a bulk density between 24 and 32 lb/bu, with a common recommendation of 27 lb/bu for corn; however, flake density among steam-flakers within a single mill and among feedlots can vary greatly. Flaking to a similar density …

Length Of Aging Has Greater Effect Than Lactic Acid Treatment On Color Stability Of Beef Chuck Muscles, G. D. Mccoy, T. A. Houser, T. G. O'Quinn, E. A. Boyle, K. J. Phelps, J. M. Gonzalez

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Lactic acid spray washes are widely used as an antimicrobial intervention in the beef industry. Sprays are typically applied to the exterior of carcasses and subprimal cuts to reduce or eliminate potential pathogenic bacteria. While the efficacy of these washes has been proven, other questions remain about their effect on color attributes of meat when applied to subprimal cuts. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a lactic acid subprimal wash on the color stability of beef chuck rolls.

Coarse Marbled Beef Is Juicier And More Flavorful Than Fine Or Medium Marbled Beef, K. R. Vierck, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Beef palatability and eating experience is driven primarily by U.S. Department of Agriculture quality grade and marbling levels. Beef USDA quality grade consists of both marbling levels and maturity. Conventionally, marbling texture has not been a consideration of quality grades. Currently, only one study has assessed the effects of marbling texture on beef palatability. Despite this, preferences for fine or medium marbling exist with both packers and retailers, as approximately 75% of branded beef programs under the supervision of USDA-AMS require fine or medium textured marbling, which equates to losses of premiums for packers and producers (USDA, 2016). The objective …

Acknowledgments, Livestock And Meat Industry Council Inc, Biological Variability

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!

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 90 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, and 2016. Daily gains of heifers supplemented with corn or DDG were similar (P>0.05).

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 280 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, and 2016. Daily gains of steers that grazed MaxQ fescue, wheatbermudagrass, or wheat-crabgrass were similar (P>0.05) in 2010 and 2016. 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 that grazed wheat-bermudagrass and …

Cattlemen’S Day 2017, Full Report

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Full Cattlemen's Day 2017 publication, including research articles on beef cattle management, nutrition, and meat science.

Effect Of Calsporin On Nursing Piglet Growth Performance And Fecal Microflora, M. B. Menegat, C. M. Vier, H. S. Cemin, D. Shawk, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 26 lactating sows (DNA 241, DNA Genetics, Columbus, NE) and litters were used in a discovery study to evaluate the effects of Calsporin, a direct-fed microbial containingBacillus subtilisC-3102, on fecal microflora of nursing pigs. The treatments consisted of providing a daily oral dose of Calsporin or a placebo control to piglets during the nursing phase. Sows were randomly assigned to treatments based on farrowing date, parity, and initial BW. The treatments were applied individually to piglets once a day from d 2 after farrowing and equalization until weaning on d 19. Sow BW, sow ADFI, …

Validation Of Individual Computerized Sow Feeding Systems In Lactation, G. E. Nichols, K. M. Gourley, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, H. L. Frobose

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments evaluated the accuracy of individual computerized feed delivery systems for lactating sows (GESTAL Solo, JYGA Technologies Inc., St-Lambert-de-Lauzon, Quebec, Canada). The feeders volumetrically dispense feed based on rotations of a screw auger. In Experiment 1, 29 prototype feeders were used across 3 farrowing groups. On d 0, 1 feeder was selected to calibrate the computer system to the bulk density of the lactation diet. Feeders were programmed for 5 feeding periods per day with feeding period allowing up to 4 feed drops triggered by the sow. Sows activate a trigger within the feed bowl to receive a targeted …

Effects Of Increasing Salt Concentrations On Growth Performance Of Pigs Weighing 60 To 140 Lb, D. Shawk, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 1,188 pigs (PIC 359 × 1050; initial BW 59.8 lb) were used in a 44-d growth trial to determine the effects of added salt on the growth performance of pigs weighing approximately 60 to 140 lb in a commercial setting. Pens of pigs were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design with 27 pigs per pen and 11 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were corn-soybean meal-based with 20% dried distillers grain with soluble containing either 0.10, 0.33, 0.55, or 0.75% of added salt, which resulted in …

Dietary Supplementation Of Choline Or Potassium In Low Crude Protein Diets On Growth And Carcass Performance Of Finishing Pigs From 245 To 295 Lb, J. Soto, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 284 pigs (DNA 600 × 241, initially 247.4 lb) were used in a 26-d trial to determine the effect of added choline or potassium on growth and carcass performance of finishing pigs fed low CP diets. Pens of 7 or 8 pigs were allotted by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 9 replications per treatment. Experimental treatments included a 12% CP, positive control diet with 10.6% SBM; a 10% CP, negative control diet with 4.0% SBM; the negative control with added choline; or potassium such that the added choline or potassium matched …

Effect Of Supplementation Of Choline In Moderate And Low Crude Protein Diets On Growth Performance Of Finishing Pigs From 245 To 275 Lb, J. Soto, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 254 pigs (DNA 600 × 241, initially 247.4 lb) was used in a 19-d trial to determine the effects of added choline on growth performance of finishing pigs fed moderate and low CP diets. Pens of 7 or 8 pigs were allotted by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 8 replications per treatment. Experimental treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of CP (12 or 10%) and choline (none or added) to reach a final diet concentration of chloride of 823 mg/lb of diet. For overall growth …