Abstract
Three hundred thirteen mixed breed steers (558 lb) were used to determine the effect of long-term management of native grass pastures on gain. Steers were allotted randomly to eight pastures previously grazed for 1/2 season (1 steer/2 acres from April to July 15, 81 days) or 3/4 season (1 steer/3 acres from April to August 15, 112 days) from 1990 to 1998. In 1999, all pastures were stocked at 1 steer/2 acres and grazed 83 days until July 15 or 16. The steers received free-choice mineral and were supplemented six times with 2 lb of 20% crude protein range cubes to aid in gathering. The steers on pastures previously grazed for 3/4 season gained faster (P<.01) than those on pastures previously grazed for 1/2 season. The 1/2-season pastures appeared to have taller, more mature grass left after the 1999 grazing season than those previously grazed for 3/4 season. The 1999 season was extremely wet until July 15, which may have been a factor in the gain difference. This study clearly showed that gains were good following either system of grazing. However, under these environmental conditions, pastures previously grazed for 3/4 season had the advantage.
Highlights
When pastures are overstocked for years, grass composition can change, which affects future stocking rates and animal performance
Steers were allotted randomly to eight pastures previously grazed for 1/2 season (1 steer/2 acres from April to July 15, 81 days) or 3/4 season (1 steer/3 acres from April to August 15, 112 days) from 1990 to 1998
The steers received free-choice mineral and were supplemented six times with 2 lb of 20% crude protein range cubes to aid in gathering
Summary
Three hundred thirteen mixed breed steers (558 lb) were used to determine the effect of long-term management of native grass pastures on gain. Steers were allotted randomly to eight pastures previously grazed for 1/2 season (1 steer/2 acres from April to July 15, 81 days) or 3/4 season (1 steer/3 acres from April to August 15, 112 days) from 1990 to 1998. The steers on pastures previously grazed for 3/4 season gained faster (P
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