The objective of this study was to examine the effect of freezing and aging sequence on palatability, overall tenderness, and objective color readings of three different beef muscles and two aging periods. Continue reading “The Effects of Aging Period and Freezing Sequence on Consumer Palatability Ratings, Tenderness, and Color Stability of Longissimus Dorsi, Semitendinosus, and Biceps Femoris Steaks”
Tag: KSUBeef.org
Influence of Degree of Doneness on the Alpha-Gal Content of Striploins and its Relationship with Red Meat Allergy
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an acquired sensitivity to galactosealpha-1, 3-galactose (α-Gal) after exposure to a bite from the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum). Affected individuals can experience a range of symptoms from mild itching to potentially fatal anaphylaxis after consuming products containing mammalian tissues that contain α-Gal. Little research has been done to examine the α-Gal content of different products; thus, the objective of this study was to establish the α-Gal content of striploin steaks cooked to varying degrees of doneness to evaluate if heat treatment reduces the α-Gal content of red meat. Continue reading “Influence of Degree of Doneness on the Alpha-Gal Content of Striploins and its Relationship with Red Meat Allergy”
Evaluation of Calcidol (25(OH)D3) or Combination of Calcidol and Beta-Carotene on Feed Intake, Growth Performance, and Health in High-Risk, Newly Received Beef Heifers
Vitamin D is critical to the normal development and growth of all cattle. Recent reports have shown a positive role for vitamin D in immune function of dairy cattle. Calcidol is a metabolite of vitamin D metabolism. It can be used to prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects on feed intake, growth performance, and health when calcidol [25(OH)D3] or a combination of calcidol and beta-carotene (precursor to Vitamin A) was supplemented in high-risk, newly received growing beef heifers. Continue reading “Evaluation of Calcidol (25(OH)D3) or Combination of Calcidol and Beta-Carotene on Feed Intake, Growth Performance, and Health in High-Risk, Newly Received Beef Heifers”
K-State Research and Extension holding Cow-Calf Production Clinics across state in January, February
Kansas State University beef extension specialists and agents will be hosting several cow-calf production focused meetings throughout the state in January and February. The programs are a joint effort between state specialists and local extension units and aim to address various topics pertinent to local needs and conditions experienced by producers. Specific program details will be made available at KSUBeef.org and county/district websites as events draw nearer, but dates and locations include: Continue reading “K-State Research and Extension holding Cow-Calf Production Clinics across state in January, February”
Can Common Management Strategies Work for Sustainability Markets?
Logan Thompson, sustainable grazing systems & Carlee Salisbury, graduate student
Sustainability is a topic that has been commonly discussed, sometimes at a frustrating frequency, as something the beef industry needs to make progress on, on several fronts. Today, the aspect of sustainability that is brought up by consumers, policymakers and industry members is greenhouse gas emissions. Really, what the conversation is about is carbon. Either carbon in the soil as a result of sequestrated carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4) produced as a byproduct of rumen fermentation. This is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a global warming potential of 28 times that of CO2 over a 100-year time horizon and is responsible for 30% of the methane budget in the U.S. Continue reading “Can Common Management Strategies Work for Sustainability Markets?”
Have a Plan for Lice Control this Winter
AJ Tarpoff, DVM, extension veterinarian
Lice negatively impact the health, performance, and wellbeing of our cows, stockers, and feedlot cattle during the winter months. The months of greatest lice infestations generally range from December through March. Not only can lice be the cause of direct animal performance losses, but also increases wear and tear on our facilities and fences. The direct losses to cattle come in forms of decreased average daily gains (documented 0.25 lbs/day reduction in growing calves), skin infections, and potentially blood loss and anemia. Continue reading “Have a Plan for Lice Control this Winter”
Managing Beef Cows During Cold Stress
Jason Warner, cow-calf specialist & Justin Waggoner, beef cattle specialist, Garden City
Cow-calf producers generally recognize that severe winter weather is a stressor which increases cow nutrient requirements. The practical questions that must be asked when managing cowherds through cold stress events are “What is cold to cow?”, “What nutrients increase and by how much?”, and “How should the feeding program be adjusted to offset the increase?”. Continue reading “Managing Beef Cows During Cold Stress”
Choose the Right Hay Feeder to Reduce Waste and Cut Cost
Emma Briggs, Beef Production Systems, Hays
Reducing hay waste is one of the simplest ways to improve the efficiency and profitability of cattle operations. Every operation is different, but the type of hay feeder you choose can significantly impact how much forage is wasted during feeding. Some feeders are designed to hold hay securely and keep it clean, while others allow for more spillage and contamination. By understanding how feeder design influences hay loss, you can make the best choice for your operation and see the benefits in your bottom line. Continue reading “Choose the Right Hay Feeder to Reduce Waste and Cut Cost”
Briggs joins the Western Kansas Agricultural Research and Extension Centers as Beef Production Systems Scientist
Dr. Emma Briggs is the new Beef Production Systems Scientist (70% research and 30% extension) and assistant professor at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center in Hays, Kansas. In this role, she collaborates with range scientists and agronomists, leveraging a cow herd and feedlot to conduct applied research that directly supports Kansas cattle producers. Continue reading “Briggs joins the Western Kansas Agricultural Research and Extension Centers as Beef Production Systems Scientist”
Considerations for Replacement Heifer Management
Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby
Heifer development is an expensive enterprise for which the return on investment does not begin until the first calf is weaned. The management decisions made during that development period can have a major impact on her productive lifespan and correspondingly cow herd profitability. Costs of production continue to increase and are one of several items of consideration when producers are making plans for raising or purchasing replacement females. Continue reading “Considerations for Replacement Heifer Management”