WICHITA (AP) – Kansas cattle ranchers wrapped up their two-day convention Friday in Wichita by bringing in an animal scientist to talk about the environmental effect of livestock production.

Washington State University professor Jude Capper shared research Friday on modern practices she argues will help dispel attacks by animal rights groups and others on animal production.

She told hundreds of ranchers at the Kansas Livestock Association annual convention that the livestock industry must demonstrate its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.

Slaughter weights have risen over the years, allowing the industry to reduce the number of animals needed. In 1977 it took five animals to produce the same amount of beef that four animals produce in 2007. Capper says that represents less feed, less land, less water and less greenhouse gases.