The leader of Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute says that humane treatment of cattle is important for the livestock industry, and not only because it’s considered the right thing to do.

It’s also good for the bottom line, he said.

Dan Thomson leads the Institute, which today opens its International Beef Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare. The event runs through Friday in Manhattan.

“With this symposium, we want people to have a better understanding of beef cattle welfare guidelines from around the world,” Thomson said, noting that animal abuse is far from the norm in the livestock industry.

The symposium will bring together researchers and producers, seeking to help both sides understand the strides that have been made by the beef industry for the welfare of cattle and discuss new areas of opportunity for improvement.

More than 300 people are registered to attend, and more will attend through Internet connections.