Abstract
The development of breeding heifers is a critical point in the beef cattle enterprise. The effect of stocking rate and supplementation strategy at high stocking rate were evaluated on Brahman influenced heifers (BW = 250±3.6 kg) continuously stocked on annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. ‘Nelson’) with the following treatments in a completely randomized design with 3 replicates: 1) LOW stocking rate (2.5 heifers/ha); 2) MED stocking rate (5.0 heifers/ha); 3) HIGH stocking rate (7.5 heifers/ha); 4) High stocking rate + 1% BW of ground corn (HIGH+C); and 5) High stocking rate + 1% BW of soybean hulls (HIGH+SBH). Dry matter intake was greater (P = 0.03) for heifers in LOW and MED, while those in HIGH, regardless receiving supplement or not, were the lowest. Heifers grazing LOW and MED did not differ (P = 0.06) in ADG. Supplemented heifers and those in MED produced the most beef per unit of land; however MED and HIGH were not significantly different. Grazing days was greater for LOW and supplemented heifers. There was a year effect for ADG, beef production, and grazing days which were smaller in year 1; however years 2 and 3 were not different (P > 0.05) between them except in production per hectare. Lower stocking rates allowed for appropriate BW gains. Level of supplementation affected DMI from ryegrass, replacing it and affecting animal performance. Weather conditions had an impact on forage production, hence affecting animal performance. Supplementation programs must consider level and type of energy supplement used.
Highlights
In today’s economic environment reducing costs in beef cattle enterprises is the goal for many producers
Energy supplementation is often required in cow-calf production systems, those based on low-quality forages (Schillo, Hall, & Hileman, 1992; Roberts, Nugent III, Klindt, & Jenkins, 1997)
Two weeks before the experiment began heifers were weighed in 2 consecutive days, their BW averaged and were randomly allotted to five treatments (3 replicates per treatment; 6 heifers per treatment/replicate): 1) LOW stocking rate heifers were continuously stocked on annual ryegrass
Summary
In today’s economic environment reducing costs in beef cattle enterprises is the goal for many producers. Heifers are bred with 14-15 months of age, two to three weeks before the rest of the herd This difference will provide them with more time to recover after calving, starting their second breeding season in better condition (Funston & Deutscher, 2004). This program requires heifers to have a greater rate of gain to reach the appropriate BW. As stocking rate is increased, the level of individual animal performance is reduced due to increased competition but the production per unit of land is increased up to a threshold and declines (Mott, 1960). The expenses associated with energy supplementation jas.ccsenet.org
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