Publication Date
1993
Description
Performance of steers (181 kg) grazing slargrass pastures was evaluated al 2 levels of grain supplementation in comparison with unsupplemenled cattle and with steers in drylot fed a high-roughage diet. Supplements during the 140-day winter period were fed at 1.0 (moderate) and 1.5% body weight (BW)lday (high), followed by 0.40 kg (moderate) and 0.5% BW/day (high) during the 98-day spring grazing period. Gains during a subsequent 100-dny, high-energy feeding period and resulting carcass characteristics were also compared. Gains during !he grazing period did not differ between !he 2 levels of supplement. Daily rate of gain of unsupplemented cattle (0.44 kg) was less than that of cattle supplemented on pasture (0.65 kg), while drylot cattle (0.80 kg) gained at !he fastest rate (P<0.05). Rate of gain on the high-energy diet was inversely related to performance during the preceding period. Carcasses of unsupplemented cattle that were older at slaughter due to a longer grazing period (336 d) were heavier, and had similar muscle content with less fat than those of the other 3 treatments, and were a source of high quality, lean beef.
Citation
Horton, G.M.J; Pitman, W D.; and Hodges, E M., "Effects of Grain Supplement for Steers Grazing Stargrass Pastures on Subsequent Feedlot Gains and Carcass Characteristics" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 12.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session55/12
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effects of Grain Supplement for Steers Grazing Stargrass Pastures on Subsequent Feedlot Gains and Carcass Characteristics
Performance of steers (181 kg) grazing slargrass pastures was evaluated al 2 levels of grain supplementation in comparison with unsupplemenled cattle and with steers in drylot fed a high-roughage diet. Supplements during the 140-day winter period were fed at 1.0 (moderate) and 1.5% body weight (BW)lday (high), followed by 0.40 kg (moderate) and 0.5% BW/day (high) during the 98-day spring grazing period. Gains during a subsequent 100-dny, high-energy feeding period and resulting carcass characteristics were also compared. Gains during !he grazing period did not differ between !he 2 levels of supplement. Daily rate of gain of unsupplemented cattle (0.44 kg) was less than that of cattle supplemented on pasture (0.65 kg), while drylot cattle (0.80 kg) gained at !he fastest rate (P<0.05). Rate of gain on the high-energy diet was inversely related to performance during the preceding period. Carcasses of unsupplemented cattle that were older at slaughter due to a longer grazing period (336 d) were heavier, and had similar muscle content with less fat than those of the other 3 treatments, and were a source of high quality, lean beef.
