Steer Performance on Perennial vs. Winter Annual Pastures in North Georgia

Abstract

Endophyte-free tall fescue has the potential to be a productive and economical alternative to winter annual pasture for beef stocker grazing in areas of the southeastern USA where colder winters result in limited growth in January and February. The objectives of this study were to determine beef steer (Bos taurus) performance on pastures of: (i) ‘AU-Triumph’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) + 120 lb N/acre, (ii) tall fescue + ladino (Trifolium repens L.) and red (T. pratense L.) clovers, (iii) tall fescue + birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and (iv) a mixture of rye (Secale cereale L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.) + 120 lb N/acre in northwest Georgia. Drought conditions reduced potential growth in 2 yr out of the 3-yr study. Spring grazing averaged from 10 March to 28 June on perennial pastures and from 10 March to 7 June on winter annuals. The 3-yr-daily gains of crossbred steers grazing tall fescue-N, tall fescue-birdsfoot trefoil, tall fescue-clover, and winter annuals averaged 1.93, 2.27, 2.31, and 2.59 lb, respectively. Gain/steer on tall fescue-legume pastures was generally similar to that on winter annuals. Stocking rate and gain/acre were highest on winter annuals. Legume stands declined and weeds increased in legume-based pastures, probably a result of serious drought conditions. Results suggest that endophyte-free tall fescue with N and/or legumes may be a viable pasture alternative to winter annuals for beef stocker grazing in many areas.