K-State beef cattle experts share how cattle's metabolism changes during the feeding period

It is common knowledge that people’s metabolism slows as they age. Similarly, cattle also experience changes in their metabolism as their body ages, say the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, the team of experts addressed a question from a listener about the relationship between the amount of time cattle spend in the feedyard growing to a weight of 1,400 pounds, and the average daily gain they experience during that time period.

“The daily growth or average daily gain of cattle decreases over time because of how the composition of the gain changes,” K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster said. “Calves that are younger and lighter weight are going to deposit a higher portion of lean tissue for each pound of gain, and as they move closer to a processing weight, they will be adding a higher proportion of fat in each pound of gain.”

He said that lean tissue consists mostly of water and that makes the cattle more efficient with their feed consumption. Thus, cattle will gain weight at a slower pace as they get closer to their finished weight.

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K-State beef cattle expert outlines key factors in selecting bulls for fertility, performance, and profitability



A Kansas State University beef cattle expert is urging the state’s producers to consider key factors in selecting bulls for their operation, saying that “thoughtful bull selection sets the foundation for healthier cows, higher-quality calves, and greater overall herd performance.”

Emma Briggs, a beef cattle systems specialist at K-State’s Western Kansas Research-Extension Center in Hays, said selecting the right bull is one of the most important decisions a cattle producer can make, impacting everything from fertility and growth to overall herd profitability.

She notes that a well-chosen bull drives genetic progress, influencing traits such as feed efficiency, carcass quality, and maternal ability.

"Establishing clear breeding and marketing goals is the first step," Briggs said. "Knowing whether you’re keeping replacement heifers or marketing all calves at weaning helps define the traits you should focus on."

Genetic tools like Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) provide valuable insight when selecting a bull, but not all EPDs hold equal importance.

"If you’re keeping replacement females, you’ll want to prioritize maternal traits like calving ease and milk production," Briggs said. "If your focus is the feedlot, then growth and carcass traits will be more relevant."

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K-State wildlife specialist outlines non-lethal ways to protect livestock from predators



Based on 2020 market values, predators cause approximately $4 million in losses annually to Kansas cattle producers. Likewise, they financially burden the state’s small ruminant operations to the tune of about $750,000 per year.

To mitigate the economic impact and other effects of predation, Kansas State University wildlife specialist Drew Ricketts said producers have various non-lethal control methods available to keep livestock safe.

“The number of coyotes around or removed doesn’t tend to be directly associated with how many losses a producer has,” he said. “So, if you're not having problems with predators, then hunting or trapping shouldn't be a chore for you, and trying to lower coyote populations to prevent future predation isn't an efficient thing to do.”

Dead livestock commonly attracts predators. Thus, Ricketts recommends proper disposal of carcasses away from calving, lambing or kidding areas to lower the risk of a predator attack, noting that young livestock become especially vulnerable.

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K-State horticulture expert suggests maintenance regime for cool-season grasses

As lawns begin to turn green, controlling weeds and applying fertilizer is important.

Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue are among the most common cool-season grasses needing attention, said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini, who shares the following maintenance calendar:

March

Spot treat broadleaf weeds, if necessary. Treat on a day that is 50 degrees or warmer. Rain or irrigation within 24 hours of application will reduce effectiveness.

April

Apply crabgrass preventer when redbud trees are in full bloom, usually in April. The preventer needs to be watered in before it will start to work. One-quarter inch of water will be enough to water in any of the products commonly available. Remember that a healthy, thick lawn is the best weed prevention.

May

Fertilize the lawn with a slow-release fertilizer if you water your lawn or if you normally receive enough rainfall that your turf doesn’t go drought-dormant during the summer.

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K-State horticulture expert shares tips for successful crop

For Kansas gardeners, St. Patrick’s Day means something much more than donning a favorite green outfit and heading to local celebrations.

Traditionally, the Irish holiday signals the date for planting potatoes.

“Actually, anytime from mid- to late-March is fine for potato planting,” said Kansas State University horticulture expert Cynthia Domenghini.

“Be sure to buy seed potatoes rather than using those intended for cooking. Seed potatoes are certified disease free and have plenty of starch to sprout as quickly as soil temperatures allow.”

Domenghini notes that most seed potatoes can be cut into four pieces – “though large potatoes may yield more,” she said. Each seed should weigh between 1 ½ to 2 ounces, and likely have more than one eye.

Each pound of seed potatoes should yield 8 to 10 pieces, according to Domenghini.

“Cut the seed 2 to 3 days before planting so that freshly cut surfaces have a chance to suberize, or toughen, which provides a protective coating,” Domenghini said. “Storing seed in a warm location during suberization will speed the process.”

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~ Upcoming Programs ~

SAVE THE DATE!!!

March

March 4: Who Gets Grandma's Yellow Pie Plate Program (Rescheduled Date)

March 5: Wellness Wednesday Program: Parker Library (Soil Testing & Master Gardeners)

March 7: 2025 KSU Cattlemen's Day @ Manhattan, KS

March 11: Louisburg Library Program: Gardening 101

March 18: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Training for 4-H/FFA Youth.

March 23: Miami County Fair - 4-H/FFA Beef Weigh & Tag-in

K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact Katelyn Barthol two weeks prior to the start of the event at 913-294-4306 or kbarth25@ksu.edu.  Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so. 

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

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