Publication Date
1997
Description
The objectives of this study was to compare a highly productive introduced warm-season perennial grass to native range for cowcalf production over two years. Three systems, 1) native range with pelleted soybean or cottonseed meal as winter protein supplement (NC); 2) native range with wheat pasture (NW); and 3) Plains Bluestem with wheat pasture (PB) were compared. Protein supplements were given twice weekly and cows grazing wheat pasture were allowed 6 hrs to graze. Cows on NW were heavier with higher condition at breeding in the spring of 1994 than those on NC and cows on PB were heavier and fatter than those on NW. However, no differences were noted in the spring of 1995. Calves were lighter at weaning in 1994 for NW than for the other two systems, and heavier in 1995 for the NC system. The PB produced 2.5 times as much weaned calf per ha as native range and wheat pasture reduced costs of wintering cows. The PB system cost twice as much per cow, but enough hay was harvested to equalize the costs.
Citation
Coleman, S W.; Phillips, W A.; and Volesky, J D., "Native and Introduced Forage Systems for Cow-Calf Production" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 56.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session29/56
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Native and Introduced Forage Systems for Cow-Calf Production
The objectives of this study was to compare a highly productive introduced warm-season perennial grass to native range for cowcalf production over two years. Three systems, 1) native range with pelleted soybean or cottonseed meal as winter protein supplement (NC); 2) native range with wheat pasture (NW); and 3) Plains Bluestem with wheat pasture (PB) were compared. Protein supplements were given twice weekly and cows grazing wheat pasture were allowed 6 hrs to graze. Cows on NW were heavier with higher condition at breeding in the spring of 1994 than those on NC and cows on PB were heavier and fatter than those on NW. However, no differences were noted in the spring of 1995. Calves were lighter at weaning in 1994 for NW than for the other two systems, and heavier in 1995 for the NC system. The PB produced 2.5 times as much weaned calf per ha as native range and wheat pasture reduced costs of wintering cows. The PB system cost twice as much per cow, but enough hay was harvested to equalize the costs.
