Supplementation Programs for High-Intensity Grazing Systems and High-Quality Forages-A Review

Abstract

Newer grazing systems such as Intensive Early Stocking and Short Duration Grazing for native ranges and improved pastures typically involve heavier stocking densities than extensive systems. High-quality forages such as small grains are almost always stocked heavily. Because intensively grazed cattle are more likely to be marginally over-stocked and consume slightly less daily forage than cattle grazed extensively, the effect of a supplement on forage intake and digestibility must be considered very carefully. Effects of supplementation on gain per ha must be considered along with gain per animal. Feeding supplements to cattle on high-quality pastures and intensively grazed patterns is most likely to be efficient when forage is limited and supplementation permits a greater carrying capacity. The best supplement ingredients will be those high in digestible fiber and low in starch because forage utilization is not adversely affected. The supplements are safe and gain per ha as well as gain per head may be efficiently enhanced.