Beef Tips

Author: Sandy Johnson

Effects of Limit Feeding and Shade Allocation on Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, and Animal Comfort

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of limit feeding in conjunction with shade allotment on animal performance, animal comfort, and water usage during periods of heat stress. Continue reading “Effects of Limit Feeding and Shade Allocation on Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, and Animal Comfort”

Effects of Biuret and Lasalocid (Bovatec) Inclusion into a Commercial Mineral Supplement on Growth Performance of Yearling Calves Grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills

Objective: The objective of this experiment was to measure the effects of non-protein nitrogen (NPN; i.e., biuret) or NPN + ruminal modifier (i.e., biuret + lasalocid) inclusion in a commercial mineral mix on growth performance of yearling beef calves grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills. Continue reading “Effects of Biuret and Lasalocid (Bovatec) Inclusion into a Commercial Mineral Supplement on Growth Performance of Yearling Calves Grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills”

Sire Distribution of Calves in a Beef Herd with Use of Fixed Time Artificial Insemination Followed by Immediate Bull Exposure for Natural Service in Cows and Heifers

Objective: Our objective was to determine the relative percentages of calves sired by either natural service sire or fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) sire within the same estrous period. Continue reading “Sire Distribution of Calves in a Beef Herd with Use of Fixed Time Artificial Insemination Followed by Immediate Bull Exposure for Natural Service in Cows and Heifers”

Assessment of Kansas Beef Producers Perception and Knowledge Level of Business-to-Consumer Marketing

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the perception and knowledge level of Kansas beef producers regarding business-to-consumer marketing. Continue reading “Assessment of Kansas Beef Producers Perception and Knowledge Level of Business-to-Consumer Marketing”

Consumer Sensory Evaluation of Ground Beef and Plant-Based Ground Beef Alternatives Used in an Eating Hamburger Application

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the palatability traits and consumer acceptance of three plant-based ground beef alternatives in comparison to ground beef in a foodservice-like hamburger application. Continue reading “Consumer Sensory Evaluation of Ground Beef and Plant-Based Ground Beef Alternatives Used in an Eating Hamburger Application”

Want More Forage? Kill Some Cedars

By Keith Harmoney, range scientist, Hays

Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the only evergreen tree native to Kansas, and it was originally found from eastern Canada, south to parts of Florida, and westward to eastern Texas and North Dakota.  Before European settlement of the plains, it was believed to be found mainly in eastern Kansas on bluffs, ridges, and extremely steep slopes, or basically places that were difficult for fires to reach and travel through as prairie fires helped form the dominant grassland regions of Kansas. Continue reading “Want More Forage? Kill Some Cedars”

The Importance of Colostrum: Do We Really Need to Talk About This Again?

By Gregg Hanzlicek, DVM, Veterinary Diagnostic Lab

At the beginning of every calving season, we find ourselves discussing the importance of colostrum (first milk) in cow-calf herds. We discuss this topic so often; it makes one wonder if we shouldn’t move on to other topics? The short answer to that question is NO because of the great importance of this single dietary ingredient to calf health and growth. Continue reading “The Importance of Colostrum: Do We Really Need to Talk About This Again?”

Is Newer Better? The 7 & 7 Synch Protocol

By Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

Twenty plus years ago, when ovulation synchronization protocols first produced industry acceptable pregnancy rates from a single fixed time insemination there was concern if the three handlings needed would still be viewed as too much hassle. The 2017 NAHMS survey shows use of AI trending up compared to earlier surveys, especially in herds sizes of 200 or more and in the Central region. Now after years of good success, would a protocol with an additional handling be worth it? The level of “hassle” for an AI program differs for each operation based on several factors but includes facilities and labor and perhaps attitude towards working cows. This article reviews data from synchronization protocols using 3 or 4 handlings. Continue reading “Is Newer Better? The 7 & 7 Synch Protocol”

Finding the Best Deals for Feed and Forage

By Dale Blasi, stocker, forages, nutrition and management specialist and Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby

In Kansas, drought conditions are a common occurrence and livestock producers consequently plan for the worst and hope for the best. Complicating matters this year is the extent to which drought is impacting areas of the U.S., the dramatic increase in feed cost and transportation cost for purchased feed. How does a producer adapt to the current situation without affecting cowherd productivity, while also keeping feed costs from breaking the bank? Continue reading “Finding the Best Deals for Feed and Forage”