Drylot Wintering of Range Cows: Adaptation to the Ranching Operation

Abstract

The progressive rancher always looks for ways to cut cost without reducing production. He also looks for ways to improve his range. Drylotting offers one way of doing both. Recent work on drylotting with silage (Marion et al., 1965) and with all-concentrate rations (Thomas and Durham, 1964) indicates the possibility of integrating, either of these drylot techniques into the ranching operation. In a five-year study, Marion et al. (1965) found that drylotting a cow herd with sorghum silage and grain compared favorably with maintaining a cow herd on native range throughout the year. Their studies suggest that drylotting can be successfully integrated into the ranching operation to increase ranch production without increasing ranch size. Thomas and Durham (1964) reported studies which show distinct advantages of limited feeding of all-concentrate rations for cattle maintenance. They pointed out possibilities of integrating all-concentrate feeding into the ranching operation, the need for further study of all-concentrate feeding, and its place in ranching operations. The cost of grains is often such that net energy obtained per dollar spent for concentrate feed, such as sorghum grain or corn, may be greater than for roughage. Ellis (1965) reviewed recent developments in the use of allconcentrate rations in commercial feedlots. The pros and cons of all-concentrate feeding are about evenly divided, and in the fin al analysis economic factors will determine whether roughages or concentrates should be used. When local surpluses of grains occur, maintenance rations of concentrates may be cheaper than roughage rations. Too, the ease of handling and transporting concentrated feedstuffs give them a distinct advantage for isolated ranches. Because of these factors, more information is needed on the adaptability of range cattle to all-concentrate feeding. This study was designed to determine whether pregnant beef cows could be wintered successfully on limited all-concentrate rations and whether they could readjust back to the native range environment. The drylot technique was compared with commonly used methods of wintering the brood cow herd. Procedures The study was initiated on November 30, 1964 on the Edwin Forrest Ranch, Slaton, Texas. The 144 grade Hereford cows used for the study were maintained on a sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) stubblefield for 45 days prior to beginning the study. After an overnight shrink the cattle were weighed, tagged individually, and randomly separated into four groups of 36 each. The following feeding treatments were established: 1. Pasturing on native range supplemented with 1.0 lib. of 20% protein range cubes per head daily (native range). 2. Pasturing on a combination of