Animal and Forage Production and Economics of Three Grazing Systems for Beef Cattle

Abstract

A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate animal performance, costs, and returns for three grazing systems: 1) or- chardgrass/bluegrass; 2) orchardgrass/ bluegrass plus annual plants including sudangrass, small grains, rape, and corn stalks; and 3) orchardgrass/bluegrass, stockpiled fescue, and alfalfa-grass combinations. Fifteen cow-calf pairs contributed to a constant stocking rate within each system at each of two locations. Pastures were subdivided to provide grazing for 3.5 d and sampled pre- and postgrazing. Ungrazed forage mass was harvested as high-moisture baleage. Harvested, fed, and grazed DM masses were measured, and costs and returns were determined. Animal performance was not different across systems or forage varieties (P>0.05); however, calves tended to have less preweaning BW gain (P<0.08) while grazing System 3 (1.22, 1.21, and 1.14 kg/d for Systems 1, 2, and 3, respectively), which contributed to less weaning weight per cow exposed. Pregnancy rate and body condition scores for cows at weaning did not differ across systems. Grazed DM, hay production, and total DM accumulation were not different across systems. System 1 had the greatest net value per land unit ($371.60/ha), but was more sensitive to rainfall; 46% of the net returns were from hay. Alfalfa-grass combinations, corn stalks, and stockpiled fescue components had less annual cost, and System 2 had the least net returns because of tillage costs. Orchardgrass/bluegrass pastures had a greater net return compared with other systems, but DM production is highly dependent on rainfall and a greater portion of return from hay production. Functional grazing systems are available to farmers in the mid Atlantic region.