By Scout Nelson
At K-State Research and Extension, cow-calf specialist Jason Warner recently led a discussion on the essential aspects of sustainability in beef cattle production. The conversation included advanced topics like genetic selection and methane emissions monitoring.
Megan Rolf, a geneticist and associate professor of animal science at K-State, highlighted the critical role of genetics in achieving sustainability. "Genetics can play a really big role in getting some of those traits that are really important to sustainability, but really difficult to get without genetic selection tools,” Rolf explained.
She emphasized how economic, social, and environmental factors intertwine with the fertility of cattle, affecting the longevity of the animals and financial returns for producers.
K-State doctoral student Elizabeth Dressler is using GreenFeed to measure methane emissions from cattle in the fields where they graze. The portable system allows researchers to gather data directly in the pastures, enhancing sustainability efforts. Dressler emphasizes the advantages of GreenFeed's portability in capturing data on grazing animals.
K-State is implementing comprehensive initiatives to improve sustainability in cattle production, focusing on long-term environmental and producer benefits. Their work sets a benchmark for sustainability in the industry, pushing boundaries in agricultural practices.
Photo Credit - gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle