Abstract
Evaluation of Supplemental Energy Source for Grazing Stocker Cattle
Highlights
Supplementation of grazing cattle is most economically feasible when cattle prices are high relative to the price of grain
Thirty-six steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of a supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics
Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head daily
Summary
Thirty-six steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of a supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics. Supplementation treatments evaluated were: no supplement, a supplement with starch as the primary source of energy, and a supplement with fat as the primary source of energy. Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head daily. Supplementation with the starchbased or fat-based supplement during the grazing phase resulted in higher (P < 0.05) grazing gains than feeding no supplement. Supplementation during the grazing phase had no effect (P > 0.05) on finishing gain, feed intake, and feed:gain. Steers supplemented with the starch-based supplement had greater (P < 0.05) final finishing live weight and greater (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight than those that received no supplement
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