Animal Sciences Commons^™

Evaluation Of Different Vitamin Concentrations On Grow-Finish Pig Growth And Carcass Characteristics, L. Del Tuffo, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Vitamins are generally added to swine diets in concentrations well above their requirement estimates to provide a generous margin of safety. However, with the increase in vitamin prices in 2017, there was a need to re-evaluate suggested vitamin additions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare two premixes with different vitamin concentrations on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs reared in a commercial environment. A total of 1,188 pigs (PIC 359 × 1050; initially 35.5 lb) were used in a randomized complete block design with 27 pigs per pen and 22 pens per treatment. The experimental …

The Effect Of Increased Pork Hot Carcass Weights And Chop Thickness On Consumer Visual Appearance And Purchase Intent Ratings Of Top Loin Chops, E. A. Rice, A. B. Lerner, H. E. Price, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, M. W. Allerson, J. M. Gonzales, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increased pork hot carcass weights on consumer visual acceptability and purchase intent of top loin chops cut to various thicknesses in a price labeled versus unlabeled retail display scenario. Pork loins (n = 200) were collected from 4 different hot carcass weight groups: a light weight group (less than 246.5 lb; LT), medium light weight group (246.5 to 262.5 lb; MLT), medium heavy weight group (262.5 lb to 276.5 lb; MHVY), and heavy weight group (276.5 lb and greater; HVY). Loins were fabricated into 4 pairs of chops of …

The Effect Of Increased Pork Hot Carcass Weights On Consumer Palatability Ratings Of Top Loin Chops, E. A. Rice, A. B. Lerner, H. E. Price, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, M. W. Allerson, J. M. Gonzales, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pork hot carcass weight on consumer palatability ratings of top loin chops. Pork loins (n = 200) were collected from 4 different hot carcass weight groups: light weight group (less than 246.5 lb; LT), medium-light weight group (246.5 to 262.5 lb; MLT), medium-heavy weight group (262.5 to 276.5 lb; MHVY), and a heavy weight group (276.5 lb and greater; HVY). Instrumental color, visual color and marbling, and pH were taken for each loin prior to fabrication. Loins from all weight groups differed (P<0.05) in weight (LTP>0.05) were found for loin …

Effect Of Mill Type And Particle Size Variation On Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of Finishing Pigs, M. B. Braun, H. K. Wecker, A. Yoder, J. C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, C. B. Paulk

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of mill type used to grind corn and its particle size variation on diet flowability and subsequent finishing pig growth performance and carcass characteristics. A total of 200 pigs (DNA Line 241 × 600; initially 121.9 lb) were used in a 75-d growth trial. Pigs were randomly assigned to pens with either 5 barrows or 5 gilts per pen. Pens were then randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments balanced by weight and gender with 10 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with 2 …

Effects Of Tylosin Administration Routes On The Development Of Antimicrobial Resistance In Fecal Enterococci Of Finishing Swine, F. Wu, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, K. Chitakasempornkul, N. M. Bello, K. Capps, S. E. Remfry, R. G. Amachawadi, T. G. Nagaraja

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Antibiotics can be administered via various routes in pigs, which may influence antimicrobial resistance development. A total of 40 barrows and 40 gilts (Line 600 × 241; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 207 ± 7.9 lb) were used in a 35-d trial to determine the effects of tylosin administration route on pig growth performance and development of antimicrobial resistance in fecalEnterococcusspp. isolates. Pens of pigs (1 pig/ pen, 20 pigs/treatment) were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and gender. Within blocks, pens were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments. The antibiotic treatments followed US label directions and were: …

Dominance Of Right Ovary Structures In Lactating Dairy Cows, J. S. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

The objectives were to determine the absolute and relative ovary location of dominant and preovulatory follicles and corpora lutea (CL) present in ovaries before and during hormone synchronization and their associations with CL regression, ovulation, and pregnancy rates in lactating dairy cows. Cows were exposed to presynchronization treatments of PGF_2a, GnRH, or both, 3 to 4 weeks before initiating a timed artificial insemination (AI) program (GnRH-1 – 7 days – PGF_2α[1 dose or 2 doses 24 hours apart] – 56 hours after first or only dose of PGF_2α– GnRH-2 – 16 hours – timed …

Sericea Lespedeza Control From Growing-Season Prescribed Burning Causes No Collateral Damage To Non-Target Species, J. A. Alexander, W. H. Fick, J. Lemmon, G. A. Gatson, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 4 consecutive years of prescribed fire applied to native tallgrass range in either April, August, or September on forage biomass production, soil cover, and basal plant cover.

Study Description:Nine fire-management units (14 ± 6 acres) were burned at 1 of 3 prescribed times: early spring (April 1), mid-summer (August 1), or late summer (September 1). Plant species composition and soil cover were assessed annually each July using a modified step-point technique.

The Bottom Line:Burning during the summer for 4 consecutive years resulted in …

Late Summer Prescribed Fire And Fall Herbicide Application Show Strong Suppressive Effects On Sericea Lespedeza Frequency And Vigor, G. A. Gatson, W. H. Fick, W. W. Hsu, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a one-time application of late summer prescribed fire followed by fall herbicide application for substantially reducing sericea lespedeza frequency and vigor.

Study Description:A single 80-acre native tallgrass pasture was divided into 16 units. Each of these units was either burned in early September (burn only), sprayed with Escort XP (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) in late September (spray only), burned in early September and subsequently sprayed in late September (burn + spray), or neither burned nor sprayed (control). Sericea lespedeza frequency and vigor was measured shortly before …

Restricting Intake And Increasing Energy Improves Efficiency In Newly Received Growing Cattle And Zelnate Has No Effect, T. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, E. Titgemeyer, G. A. Hanzlicek, Christopher Vahl, T. G. Nagaraja, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objectives:Study effects of two limit-fed diets formulated to provide two levels of dietary energy and offered at two different intake rates to target similar gains and analyze the efficacy of a novel DNA-immunostimulant administered on arrival.

Study Description:A 56-day pen study was conducted utilizing 370 Angus × Brahman heifers shipped from Florida (1,455 mi) to study the effects of limit-feeding at 2 intakes based on prior research conducted at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit, Manhattan, KS, to achieve similar gains and effects of Zelnate under the dietary conditions.

The Bottom Line:Limit-feeding a …

Evaluation Of Salt, Trace Mineral Sources, And Growth Implants On Performance Of Stocker Cattle Grazing Native Flint Hills Pasture, C. S. Weibert, T. J. Spore, M. A. Johnson, F. K. Brazle, G. L. Kuhl, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Determine the efficacy of providing salt alone or with injectable trace minerals compared to a complete mineral supplement and growth implants for improving the growth of stocker calves grazing native grass pastures in the Flint Hills region of Kansas.

Study Description:A total of 248 steers originating from Texas and New Mexico were used to determine the effects on performance when provided with salt blocks with or without an injectable trace mineral, compared to performance when provided with a complete mineral supplement. Moreover, the response of two commonly-used growth implants were evaluated.

The Bottom Line:While there was no …

Grazing Diets Of Mature Ewes In The Flint Hills Contain A Significant Proportion Of Sericea Lespedeza, C. A. Sowers, J. D. Wolf, W. H. Fick, K C. Olson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to characterize diets selected by sheep grazing sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) infested native tallgrass pastures and contrast these diets to those of cattle grazing the same range earlier in the grazing season. Multi-species grazing may provide an additional tool to aid landholders in the control of sericea lespedeza compared to cattle grazing only.

Study Description:The study was conducted on 8 native tallgrass pastures grazed by more than 800 mature ewes. Pastures were infested with sericea lespedeza (basal frequency = 2.9 ± 2.43%) and stocked with yearling steers at a relatively …

Programming A Variety Of Gains Is Possible By Controlling Intake Of A Single High-Energy By-Product-Based Diet Early In The Receiving/Growing Period Without Affecting Efficiency, T. J. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, E. C. Titgemeyer, G. A. Hanzlicek, Christopher Vahl, T. G. Nagaraja, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Analyze the effects on performance when feeding a high-energy by-product-based diet to newly received growing cattle.

Description:A total of 400 Angus × Hereford heifers originating from Montana were used to determine the effects on performance when intake of a high-energy corn by-product-based diet is increased to near ad libitum intake.

The Bottom Line:One high-energy diet based on wet corn gluten feed can be offered to achieve a variety of gains efficiently by only altering the amount of feed offered.

Wet Distiller’S Grains And Wet Corn Gluten With Dry-Rolled Or Whole-Shelled Corn In High-Energy Limit-Fed Diets Do Not Affect Growing Cattle Performance, T. J. Spore, S. P. Montgomery, E. C. Titgemeyer, G. A. Hanzlicek, Christopher Vahl, T. G. Nagaraja, W. R. Hollenbeck, R. N. Wahl, Dale Blasi

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:Compare wet distiller’s grains plus solubles and wet corn gluten feed with dry-rolled or whole-shelled corn in a novel programmed-feeding strategy being developed at the Kansas State University Beef Stocker Unit.

Description:A total of 320 crossbred steers were used to determine the effects of two corn by-products and methods of corn processing, utilizing a high-energy limit-fed feeding strategy.

The Bottom Line:Kansas producers have the option of feeding corn by-product and whether or not to process corn in a high-energy limit-fed feeding strategy without the risk of negatively affecting performance.

Relationship Of Myofibrillar Fragmentation Index To Warner-Bratzler Shear Force And Palatability Tenderness Of Longissimus Lumborum And Semitendinosus Steaks, L. L. Prill, K. J. Phelps, J. M. Gonzalez, T. A. Houser, E. A. Boyle, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the myofibrillar fragmentation index, Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory traits oflongissimus lumborum(strip loin), and thesemitendinosus(eye of round) steaks.

Study Description:Forty beef strip loins and 40 eye of rounds were collected, divided into anatomical location, and cut into steaks. Steaks used for Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory panel review were cooked to 160°F. For Warner-Bratzler, six 1-in cores were sheared with a Warner-Bratzler shear head. Sensory steaks were served to panelists trained according to American Meat Science Association guidelines for sensory evaluation. Procedures described …

Biological Variability And Chances Of Error

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Variability among individual animals in an experiment leads to problems in interpreting the results. Animals on treatment X may have higher average daily gains than those on treatment Y, but variability within treatments may indicate that differences in production between X and Y were not the result of treatment alone. Statistical analysis allows us to calculate the probability that such differences are from treatment rather than chance.

Effects Of Early Or Conventional Weaning On Beef Cow And Calf Performance In Pasture And Drylot Environments, G. W. Preedy, J. R. Jaeger, J. W. Waggoner, K C. Olson, K. R. Harmoney

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

During widespread drought, pasture availability and productivity are reduced. This, coupled with increasing land prices and lease rates, has prompted the evaluation of al­ternative management strategies that decrease grazing pressure on perennial pasture or reduce feed and pasture costs. Weaning early and moving cows from pasture to a drylot environment is used commonly for reducing grazing pressure on perennial pastures. A premature end to lactation reduces cow nutrient requirements and reduces grazing pressure. Removal of the calf further reduces grazing pressure, as calves are significant consumers of forage dry matter (DM) during mid and late lactation. The combina­tion can be …

Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Increased Pregnancy In Suckled Beef Cows Not Detected In Estrus And Subjected To A Split-Time Artificial Insemination Program, S. L. Hill, D. M. Grieger, K C. Olson, J. R. Jaeger, K. R. Harmoney, C. R. Dahlen, M. R. Crosswhite, N. Negrin Pereira, S. R. Underdahl, B. W. Neville, J. Ahola, M. C. Fischer, G E. Seidel, J. Stevenson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Estrus-synchronization programs allow insemination of all females in a herd at one fixed time on the first day of the breeding season. Inseminating cows after they have expressed estrus increases pregnancy rate (PR) compared with cows that do not display estrus in a timed AI (TAI) program. Identification of estrus status can be facilitated by using estrus-detection patches. Varying AI timing according to estrus status has increased PR in some previous studies. Reducing the number of injections in a TAI program decreases labor requirements, stress on cows, and overall cost of the program. Previous studies have demonstrated that PR is …

Two Split-Time Artificial Insemination Programs In Suckled Beef Cows, J. Stevenson, S. L. Hill, D. M. Grieger, K C. Olson, J. R. Jaeger, K. R. Harmoney, J. Ahola, G. E. Seidel, R. K. Kasimanickam

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Successful programs to manipulate estrus and ovulation to maximize pregnancy out­comes in suckled beef cattle have been developed to limit animal handling and to elimi­nate the need to detect estrus, thereby providing more opportunity to incorporate AI to start the breeding season. The most successful and consistent synchronization scheme employs an intravaginal progesterone insert (controlled internal drug release, CIDR) in place for 7 d concurrent with GnRH treatment, and, upon removal of the insert, injection of PGF_2α, followed by timed AI at 60 to 66 h concurrent with a second dose of GnRH (CO-synch + CIDR).

Inseminating cows …

Can Modified Intensive Early Stocking Be Used In Cow/Calf Production?, K. R. Harmoney, J. 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 a …