Effect of Interseeding Legumes into Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Pastures on Forage Production and Steer Performance

Abstract

Grazing and subsequent finishing performances of steers (Bos taurus) (n=135) that grazed high-endophyte [Neotyphodium coenophialum Glen, Bacon, Price, and Hanlin (formerly Acremonium coenophialum)] tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) pastures interseeded with lespedeza (Lespedeza stipulacea Maxim.), ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.), or red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) were evaluated during 1995, 1996, and 1997. Nine 5-acre established pastures of Kentucky 31' tall fescue with approximately 70% endophyte infection were used in a randomized complete block design containing three replications of each legume treatment. Pastures were seeded with legumes each year in late winter, and steers grazed continuously from early spring to mid-fall. At the end of the grazing phase, steers were finished for slaughter. Legume cover, available forage dry matter, grazing and subsequent feedlot performances of steers, and carcass parameters were measured. Total available forage dry matter was similar among legume treatments. A significant (P 0.05) among legume treatments in 1995 and 1996. In 1997, steers grazing ladino clover pastures gained 36% more (P< 0.01) and 28% more (P < 0.01) than those grazing lespedeza and red clover pastures, respectively. Gains by steers grazing red clover and lespedeza pastures were similar. Legume treatment during the grazing phase had no effects on subsequent finishing performance. Total gains (grazing + finishing) were similar among legume treatments in 1995 and 1996; however, in 1997, steers that grazed ladino clover had higher (P < 0.01) overall gains than those that grazed red clover or lespedeza.