Publication Date
1997
Description
Four 8-ha areas, primarily Cynodon dactylon forage, were overseeded in autumn with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and clover (Trifolium incarnatum and Trifolium repens). Two areas received no nitrogen (N) fertilizer and two received 168 kg N/ha annually. Within N level (2 x 2 factorial), one area was divided into 4 paddocks (pad) and the other into 16 pad for rotational grazing. Spring-calving beef cows were stocked (2.5/ha) year-round on each area with calves weaned in October. Annual dry matter forage accumulation was greater where N was applied (18.2 vs 14.2 Mg/ha, P=.02) but was unaffected by pad number. Forage availability and annual days of grazing were affected positively both by N and pad number (P<.05). N x pad number interaction affected forage quality (P<.07), cowcalf performance and net returns (P<.01). Generally, responses were similar between 4 and 16 pad at 0 N, but at 168 N, responses were greater for 4 compared with 16 pad. Overall, there was little benefit of increasing pad number from 4 to 16 irrespective of N level, although increased carrying capacity was indicated particularly where N was applied.
Citation
Morrison, D G.; Willis, C C.; Castle, D L.; and Cuomo, G J., "Grazing Management and Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects in Grazing Systems for Beef Cows" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 38.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session29/38
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Grazing Management and Nitrogen Fertilizer Effects in Grazing Systems for Beef Cows
Four 8-ha areas, primarily Cynodon dactylon forage, were overseeded in autumn with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) and clover (Trifolium incarnatum and Trifolium repens). Two areas received no nitrogen (N) fertilizer and two received 168 kg N/ha annually. Within N level (2 x 2 factorial), one area was divided into 4 paddocks (pad) and the other into 16 pad for rotational grazing. Spring-calving beef cows were stocked (2.5/ha) year-round on each area with calves weaned in October. Annual dry matter forage accumulation was greater where N was applied (18.2 vs 14.2 Mg/ha, P=.02) but was unaffected by pad number. Forage availability and annual days of grazing were affected positively both by N and pad number (P<.05). N x pad number interaction affected forage quality (P<.07), cowcalf performance and net returns (P<.01). Generally, responses were similar between 4 and 16 pad at 0 N, but at 168 N, responses were greater for 4 compared with 16 pad. Overall, there was little benefit of increasing pad number from 4 to 16 irrespective of N level, although increased carrying capacity was indicated particularly where N was applied.
