Effects of stocking and nitrogen fertilization rates on steers grazing dallisgrass-dominated pasture

To compare the performance of steer calves managed under different stocking rates (SR; 3.7, 6.2, 8.6, and 11.1 steers/ha for 140 d; chi(I1)) and N fertilization rates (112, 224, and 336 kg of N/ha; chi(I2)) in May 1996, 1997, and 1998, 72 steer calves (BW = 231 +/- 2.5 kg) were assigned randomly to one of 12 0.81-ha dallisgrass (51%)/common bermudagrass (32%) pastures. One-third of the fertilizer was applied in the form of ammonium nitrate in May, June, and August to achieve the prescribed totals. Treatments were separated using a polynomial regression equation: gammai = beta0 + beta1chi(I1) + beta2chi(I2) + beta(11)chi2(I1) + beta(12)chi2(I2) + beta(12)chi(i1)chi(i2) + epsilonI, with years as replicates. Within the range of the data, ADG and BW gain per steer were greatest at a stocking rate of 3.7 steers/ha and 336 kg/ha of N. Body weight gain per hectare peaked at 701 kg when cattle were stocked at 8.9 steers/ha and the pasture was fertilized with 336 kg/ha of N. The least cost of production was at a stocking rate of 3.7 steers/ha, with 112 kg/ha of fertilizer N applied, and the greatest cost of production was at a stocking rate of 11.1 steers/ha with 336 kg/ha of fertilizer N applied. Fertilization at 336 kg/ha of N produced the most profitable stocking rate at 7.3 steers/ha and returned 355.64 dollars. The optimal stocking rate for net return was 79, 81, and 82% of that for maximum BW gain per hectare for 112, 224, and 336 kg/ha of N, respectively. Under the assumptions made in the financial analysis, these data show that the economically optimal carrying capacity of similar pastures can be increased with N fertilizer up to at least 336 kg/ha annually.     

Stocking Rate Effects on Steer Performance for Two Methods of Alleviating Fescue Toxicosis

Generally, grazing endophyte-infested tall fescue (Festuca arundinace Schreb.) in the late spring and summer is not recommended because of the effects of fescue toxicosis on cattle weight gains, which can be extreme. For steers conditioned to graze tall fescue in the early spring, stocking rate (3, 4, 5, and 6 steers/ha) effects were evaluated for two methods designed to avoid poor cattle performance during the late spring and summer (compensation period). The evaluation was conducted in 1997 and 1998. During the compensation phase, one replicate of each stocking rate was randomly assigned to 1-ha pastures of eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.), and the other replicate of each stocking rate remained on tall fescue; the steers were fed a 1:1 mixture of broiler litter and corn at 2.27 kg as fed/steer per d. Average daily gain for steers fed eastern gamagrass during the compensation phase declined linearly (P<0.05) as stocking rate increased, but ADG for steers fed tall fescue plus the broiler litter-corn mixture tended to increase (P<0.10) as stocking rate increased. As a result, ADG and live weight gain (kilograms per hectare) with heavier stocking rates were higher for steers fed tall fescue plus the broiler litter-corn mixture, whereas the responses at a lighter stocking rate were higher for steers fed eastern gamagrass. At the conclusion of the compensation phase in 1998, steers fed tall fescue plus the broiler litter-corn mixture had lower (P<0.05) serum prolactin levels, and a higher (P<0.05) proportion of steers fed tall fescue had rough hair coats compared with those fed eastern gamagrass. Results of this study show that, for steers grazing tall fescue pastures, either eastern gamagrass or supplementation with a broiler litter-corn mixture can provide acceptable performance, but responses are affected by grazing pressure. Symptoms of fescue toxicosis can still occur, however.     

Influence of stocking rate and steroidal implants on growth rate of steers grazing toxic tall fescue and subsequent physiological responses

An 84-d grazing experiment was conducted in 2 growing seasons to evaluate interactions of stocking rate and steroidal implants with BW gain and symptoms of toxicosis in yearling steers grazing endemic endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). A 4 x 2 factoral design was used to evaluate 4 stocking rates (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 steers/ ha) with or without steroidal implants (200 mg of progesterone + 20 mg of estradiol benzoate). Treatment combinations were randomly assigned to eight 1-ha pastures of E+ Kentucky-31 tall fescue (i.e., treatments were not replicated). Treatment effects were analyzed for ADG, total BW gain per hectare, forage availability, and hair coat ratings. At the conclusion of grazing in the second year (22 June), steers were placed on a bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture, and rectal temperatures and serum prolactin concentrations were monitored for 10 d to assess carryover effects of stocking rate and steroidal implants on recovery from toxicosis-related heat stress. Forage availability differed (P < 0.001) between years, but there were no year x treatment interactions (P > 0.10). There was an implant x stocking rate interaction (P < 0.05) on ADG. Differences between the slopes in the regression equations indicated that ADG responded to implantation when stocking rates were low, but the response diminished as stocking rate increased. Stocking rate did not influence (P = 0.89) postgraze rectal temperature, but the regression intercept for implanted steers was 0.4 degrees C greater (P < 0.05) than for nonimplanted steers, and the difference was consistent across the entire 10-d fescue-free grazing period. Concentrations of prolactin increased during the 10-d fescue-free grazing period, but trends differed due to an implantation x stocking rate interaction (P < 0.05). Results indicate that implantation with progesterone + estradiol benzoate increases ADG with lower stocking rates, but the effect diminishes with increased grazing intensity. Implantation with steroid hormones increased rectal temperatures, but during a fescue-free grazing period rectal temperatures and serum prolactins for implanted and nonimplanted steers returned to values indicative of a stable and healthy status in a 192- to 240-h (i.e., an 8- to 10-d) period. However, because the treatments used in this study were not replicated, these observations need to be confirmed with replicated studies.     

Grazing methods and stocking rates for direct-seeded alfalfa pastures: III. Economics of alternative stocking rates for alfalfa pastures

A framework that permits estimation of economically optimal stocking rates for alternative economic parameters and alfalfa forage allowance was developed and applied to a controlled grazing experiment conducted with Holstein steers (243 kg) placed on direct-seeded alfalfa pastures in central Michigan. Responses of ADG to alternative levels of forage allowance (FA) were summarized by a quadratic function and the associated gains/hectare were calculated. The standard stocking rate (SSR; standard livestock units/ha) that maximized gain/hectare increased with FA and was greater than that which maximized ADG. Net returns to fixed resources(NRFR)/hectare were calculated for alternative SSR and economically optimal SSR were identified under various levels of herbage mass (kg/d). The SSR that maximized NRFR were between the SSR that maximized ADG and gain/hectare. Magnitude of the sale price discount for heavier calves, the slide, influenced the optimal SSR and the sensitivity of net return to SSR. The economically optimal SSR increased as the slide increased because animals stocked under higher SSR weighed less off pasture and therefore received a lower price discount.     

An evaluation of production and economic efficiency of two beef systems from calving to slaughter

A 3-yr experiment was conducted with cows and their calves to evaluate resource inputs, animal performance, and carcass characteristics of two production systems. In the control system, cows (CON; n = 99/yr) grazed pasture and were fed hay during the winter, and CON steer calves were finished in the feedlot for 211 d after weaning. In the treatment system (TRT; n = 100/yr), cows grazed pasture and crop residue during the winter and were fed hay. Treatment steer calves grazed crop residue after weaning, grazed pasture in the spring and summer, and were finished in the feedlot for 90 d. Body condition scores after TRT cows returned from crop residue grazing were greater (P < 0.01) for CON than for TRT cows. Calving rates were similar for both groups (CON = 91%; TRT = 93%). In the feedlot, CON steers had lower (P < 0.05) ADG and DMI, but were more efficient (P < 0.01) than TRT steers. Treatment steers had greater (P < 0.05) final weight, hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area, and decreased marbling score. The cost per weaned calf and weaning breakeven were greater (P = 0.07) for the CON system than for the TRT system (CON = 455.12 dollars, 0.91 dollar/0.45 kg; TRT = 421.43 dollars, 0.84 dollar/0.45 kg). When steers were priced into the postweaning phase on an economic basis, slaughter breakeven was lower (P = 0.01), and profit potential tended (P = 0.14) to be greater for TRT steers when they were sold on a live basis. When steers were priced into the postweaning phase on a financial basis, slaughter breakeven was lower (P = 0.03) and profit potential from the sale of steers on a live basis was greater (P = 0.07) for TRT than for CON steers. Economic evaluation of the total system resulted in greater (P = 0.06) profit potential for the TRT system when steers were priced into the system on either an economic or a financial basis and when steers were sold on a live basis, but no differences were observed when steers were sold on a grid basis. Despite differences in cow weight and body condition, calving rates did not differ between systems. Although calves were herdmates, feedlot performance and carcass characteristics differed between systems. The TRT system had lower weaning and slaughter breakeven, lower cost per weaned calf, and greater profit potential when finished steers were sold on a live basis.     

Cattle performance and production when grazing Bermudagrass at two forage mass levels in the southern Piedmont

Performance and production of growing cattle (Bos taurus) on Coastal Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] pasture are affected by forage allowance, but possible interactions with fertilizer nutrient source (i.e., inorganic vs. organic) and time have not been well described. We evaluated the effects of 3 nutrient sources with equivalent N rates: 1) inorganic, 2) crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) cover crop plus inorganic, and 3) chicken (Gallus gallus) broiler litter, factorially arranged with 2 residual forage mass levels [grazing to maintain high (4,528 +/- 1,803 kg/ha) and low (2,538 +/- 1,264 kg/ha) forage mass], on cattle stocking density, ADG, and BW gain during 5 consecutive summer grazing seasons. Across grazing seasons, residual forage mass and nutrient source both affected response variables, but interactions between these variables were rarely significant (P < or = 0.10). Across grazing seasons and nutrient sources, increasing grazing pressure to maintain a lower forage mass reduced ADG (0.67 vs. 0.88 kg/d; P < 0.001) but increased BW gain/ha (726 vs. 578 kg/ha; P < 0.001) due to greater stocking density (8.7 vs. 5.8 steers/ha, P < 0.001; mean BW of growing Angus steers of 212 kg). Inorganic fertilization led to greater stocking density than other nutrient sources (8.2 vs. 6.8 steers/ha, P < 0.001) because of greater forage production. Stocking density to achieve the 2 targeted forage mass levels was widely different during the initial grazing seasons of the study but nearly similar at the end of 5 yr. Cattle performance tended to decline with time during each grazing season under both residual forage mass levels, perhaps as a result of declining forage quality, because performance was positively associated with grazing season precipitation under high forage mass. Steer BW gain/ha was greater (P < 0.05) with lower forage mass early in the grazing season of all years but not necessarily later in the grazing season. Steer BW gain/ha was also greater (P < 0.05) with a lower forage mass during the early years of the study but was similar during the later years of the study. Significant variations in cattle performance and production with time confirmed the short-term seasonal effects but suggested that the long-term effects may also be of importance in maintaining productivity and environmental quality of grazed pastures.     

Grazing methods and stocking rates for direct-seeded alfalfa pastures: I. Plant productivity and animal performance

A 4-yr study was conducted to determine the effects of two grazing methods (GM) at two stocking rates (SR) on alfalfa pasture plant productivity and animal performance and to ascertain the effect of grazing systems on subsequent performance of steers fed a high-concentrate diet. Eight pasture plots (.76 ha) were seeded in 1988 with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. var. WL225) and divided into two blocks of four pastures each. Grazing methods consisted of a traditional four-paddock or an intensive 13-paddock system. Pastures were managed to allow a 36-d rest period with an average grazing season of 110 d. The low and high SR were 5.9 vs 11.7, 5.3 vs 10.5, 5.3 vs 7.9, and 5.3 vs 7.9 steers/ha for years 1989 to 1992, respectively. Following the grazing season, steers were placed in a feedlot and fed a high-concentrate diet (81% high-moisture corn, 14% corn silage, 5% protein-mineral supplement) for an average of 211 d. There was no effect of GM on herbage mass, pasture phase ADG, or live weight gain/hectare. Increasing the number of paddocks was beneficial when herbage mass was limited and stocking rate was above 7.9 steers/ha. Increasing SR above 7.9 steers/ha decreased herbage mass and pasture-phase ADG. As forage allowance increased, pasture-phase ADG increased quadratically (R2 = .82, P < .001), reached a plateau, and then decreased. Previous grazing system did not influence the performance of steers in the feedlot or their carcass characteristics. Optimum SR is dependent on herbage mass produced.     

Technical note: stocking equivalents and stocking rate-gain relationships for steers and cow-calf pairs grazing oversown bermuda grass.

Grazing experiments may use steers or cow-calf pairs for measuring animal performance on pasture treatments, but the validity of extrapolation between these classes of cattle has not been verified. A grazing study was conducted in the spring and summer of both 1988 and 1989 to determine stocking equivalents and stocking rate-weight gain relationships for steers and cow-calf pairs grazing Coastal bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] pers.) oversown with rye (Secale cereale L.) and ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Average daily gain and stocking rate (SR; 3.2, 4.2, 6.2, and 7.4 animals per hectare for steers and 1.7, 2.5, 3.7, and 4.9 pairs per hectare for cow-calf pairs) were both adjusted so that comparisons could be made on an equal BW basis. Disk meter height readings were used as measurements of forage accessibility. Disk meter height responses to SR did not differ (P greater than .10) between steer and cow-calf paddocks. There was a linear (P less than .001) decrease in ADG as SR increased, but this decline was steeper (P less than .001) for steers than for cows or suckling calves. Steers tended to be more productive than calves at low SR but less productive at high SR. Disk meter heights for the range of SR used in the study did not differ (P greater than .10) for steers and cow-calf pairs at equivalent BW per hectare. Our study suggests that live BW is a reasonable basis for determining forage requirements of steers and cow-calf pairs under grazing conditions, but extrapolation of production between classes of livestock will not be reliable.     

Effects of establishment method and fall stocking rate of wheat pasture on forage mass, forage chemical composition, and performance of growing steers

Stocking rate is a fundamental variable for managing pastures, and there is a distinct relationship between stocking rate and animal performance for each forage type. This research was conducted to determine the effects of fall stocking rate (SR) and method of establishment of wheat pasture planted into dedicated crop fields on animal performance during the fall and subsequent spring. There was a factorial arrangement of tillage methods used in the establishment of wheat pasture and fall stocking rates. Tillage treatments included 1) CT, seed sown into a prepared seedbed, 2) RT, a single pass with a light disk followed by broadcasting of seed, or 3) NT, direct seeding into the undisturbed stubble of the grazed-out wheat pasture from the previous year. The fixed SR during the fall were 1.9, 2.5, and 3.7 growing beef steers (Bos taurus L.)/ha. In the spring all pastures were grazed at the same fixed SR by steers for graze out. Data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS as a randomized complete block design with field as the experimental unit and year as the block. Forage mass, forage nutritive composition, and animal performance during the fall or spring were not affected (P ≥ 0.14) by tillage method. During the fall grazing season, with increasing SR there were linear (P < 0.01) decreases in BW of steers upon removal from pasture, BW gain per steer, and ADG, whereas grazing-day per hectare and BW gain per hectare increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing SR. The carryover effects of fall SR into the spring grazing season decreased (P< 0.01) grazing-day per hectare and tended (P ≤ 0.09) to produce quadratic changes in BW upon removal from pasture and BW gain per hectare. Across the fall and spring grazing seasons, grazing-day per hectare increased linearly (P < 0.01) with greater SR, and BW gain per hectare increased quadratically (P = 0.02) with increased fall SR. A tillage treatment by fall SR interaction (P = 0.10) indicates that although there was no difference (P ≥ 0.12) due to tillage treatment in BW gain per hectare at 1.9 or 2.5 SR, NT fields produced (P ≤ 0.04) more BW gain per hectare than CT or RT at the 3.7 SR. Although increasing SR of growing steers leads to reduced animal performance in the fall and reduced carrying capacity in the spring, NT appears to be capable of withstanding greater fall SR with less impact on total production per hectare than CT or RT.     

Season-Long vs Intensive-Early Stocking with Growing Cattle Grazing Bermudagrass Pasture

Our objective was to compare the performance of weaned steer calves managed with intensive-early stocking (IES; 12.4 steers per ha for 70 d) or season-long stocking (SLS; 6.2 steers per ha for 140 d) with and without supplementation (2 × 2 factorial). Beginning on May 15, 90 steers (BW = 217 ± 0.8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of 12 common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) pastures (0.81 ha each) fertilized with 168 kg of nitrogen/ha. One of the following four treatments was randomly applied to three pastures: i) SLS plus no supplement, ii) SLS plus 0.45 kg/steer of ground corn daily, iii) IES plus no supplement, and iv) IES plus 0.45 kg/steer of ground corn daily. Steers on IES were lighter (P=0.01) than SLS steers on d 70. By d 140, SLS steers supplemented with corn were 33 kg heavier (P=0.02) than nonsupplemented steers. When using SLS, corn increased the BW gain 0.5 kg/kg of corn fed; however, when IES was used, there was no benefit from corn supplementation. Total BW gain/ha did not differ (P>0.17) among treatments, but SLS with corn supplementation could have the potential to produce more BW gain/ha compared to the other treatments. Grazing systems did not affect feedlot ADG (P>0.53), but IES (175 d on feed) steers did have a higher (P<0.01) feedlot total BW gain than the SLS steers (154 d on feed). Using IES positively affected (P<0.08) dressing percentage and longissimus area compared to SLS; however, these differences in carcass characteristics were probably the result of the longer feeding period.     

Season-Long vs Intensive-Early Stocking with Growing Cattle Grazing Bermudagrass Pasture

Our objective was to compare the performance of weaned steer calves managed with intensive-early stocking (IES; 12.4 steers per ha for 70 d) or season-long stocking (SLS; 6.2 steers per ha for 140 d) with and without supplementation (2 x 2 factorial). Beginning on May 15, 90 steers (BW = 217 ± 0.8 kg) were randomly assigned to one of 12 common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) pastures (0.81 ha each) fertilized with 168 kg of nitrogen/ ha. One of the following four treatments was randomly applied to three pastures: i) SLS plus no supplement, ii) SLS plus 0.45 kg/steer of ground corn daily, iii) IES plus no supplement, and iv) IES plus 0.45 kg/steer of ground corn daily. Steers on IES were lighter (P=0.01) than SLS steers on d 70. By d 140, SLS steers supplemented with corn were 33 kg heavier (P=0.02) than nonsupplemented steers. When using SLS, corn increased the BW gain 0.5 kg/kg of corn fed; however, when IES was used, there was no benefit from corn supplementation. Total BW gain/ha did not differ (P>0.17) among treatments, but SLS with corn supplementation could have the potential to produce more BW gain/ ha compared to the other treatments. Grazing systems did not affect feedlot ADG (P>0.53), but IES (175 d on feed) steers did have a higher (P<0.01) feedlot total BW gain than the SLS steers (154 d on feed). Using IES positively affected (P<0.08) dressing percentage and longissimus area compared to SLS; however, these differences in carcass characteristics were probably the result of the longer feeding period.     

Effects of nitrogen fertilization and dried distillers grains supplementation: nitrogen use efficiency

In a 3-yr study, 135 crossbred steers (330 ± 10 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate corn dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) fed to yearling steers as a substitute for forage and N fertilizer and its effect on N use efficiency in yearling steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures. Steers were initially stocked at 6.8 animal unit months (AUM)/ha on nonfertilized smooth bromegrass pastures (CONT), at 9.9 AUM/ha on smooth bromegrass pastures fertilized with 90 kg of N/ha (FERT), or at 9.9 AUM/ha on nonfertilized smooth bromegrass pastures with 2.3 kg (DM) of DDGS supplemented daily per steer (SUPP). Paddock was the experimental unit, with 3 replications per treatment per year for 3 yr. Paddocks were strip-grazed, and put-and-take cattle were used to maintain similar grazing pressure among treatment paddocks during the 160-d grazing season. Steers consumed less forage (P < 0.01), but total N intake for SUPP was greater (P < 0.01) per steer and per hectare than for FERT, and both were greater (P < 0.01) than for CONT. Nitrogen retention for steers in the SUPP treatment was increased (P < 0.01) by 31% compared with N retention in the CONT and FERT treatments. Nitrogen retention per hectare for SUPP was 30 and 98% greater (P < 0.01) than N retention per hectare for FERT and CONT, respectively. Nitrogen excretion per steer and per hectare were also greater (P < 0.01) for SUPP than FERT, and both were increased (P < 0.01) compared with CONT. Animal N use efficiency was similar (P = 0.29) for steers in the CONT, FERT, and SUPP treatments. However, system-based N use improved (P < 0.01) by 144% for SUPP compared with FERT. The DDGS increased N intake and N excretion in yearling steers. However, because of improvements in BW gain and increases in stocking rate of pastures, DDGS can be a useful tool to increase the efficiency of N use in smooth bromegrass grazing systems.     

Performance by feedlot steers and heifers: daily gain, mature body weight, dry matter intake, and dietary energetics

Performance, DMI, diet composition, and slaughter data from 9,683 pens of steers and 5,009 pens of heifers that were fed high-concentrate diets for 90 d or more were obtained from 15 feedlots from the western United States and Canada. The data set included pen means for more than 3.1 million cattle fed between 1998 and 2004. Performance measurements assessed included ADG, DMI, dietary NE, shrunk initial weight (SIW), and shrunk final weight. Mature final weight (MFW) for cattle in each pen was estimated based on regression of slaughter weight against SIW and ADG across all pens. Equations were developed to standardize performance projections (ADG, MFW, and break-even values) and analyze feedlot cattle close-outs. Generally, as diet NE concentration increased, DMI was decreased but G:F, dressing percentage, and yield grade all increased. Pens of cattle with greater SIW had greater ADG, DMI, and shrunk final weight but a lower G:F and dressing percentage. Dressing percentage and yield grade were correlated positively. Equations of the NRC relating gain to NE intake explained 85 and 80% of the variation in DMI of steers and heifers, respectively, with mean ratios of predicted to observed DMI (DMIratio) at 1.000 +/- 0.0506 and 0.974 +/- 0.0490. However, a significant (P < 0.001) bias in the NRC estimate of DMI was detected (r(2) = 0.10 and 0.05, for steers and heifers) between the DMIratio and ADG in which DMIratio increased as ADG increased. This was due to inherent confounding of ADG and MFW in the original NE equation of Lofgreen and Garrett. Based on iterative optimization to minimize the difference between expected and observed DMI, revised equations for retained energy (RE, Mcal/kg) were developed for steers and for heifers: RE(steer) = 0.0606 x (LW x 478/MFW(steer))(0.75)ADG(0.905); RE(heifer) = 0.0618 x (LW x 478/MFW(heifer))(0.75)ADG(0.905), where LW = mean shrunk live weight. The revised equations decreased the SD of the DMIratio by 5.4% (from 0.0496 to 0.0469) and eliminated the bias in DMIratio that was related to ADG (r(2) = 0.0006). The similarity between the 2 equations derived for steers and for heifers for estimation of RE from ADG supports the concept that scaling by MFW accounts for energy utilization differences between sexes.     

Productivity of one‐ and two‐year‐old steers grazing Coastcross II (Cynodon hybrid) at four stocking rates

Coastcross II pastures were continuously grazed with 1‐ or 2‐year‐old steers at stocking rates between 5.4 and 13.4 animals ha^?1 in 1985–86 and 1986–87 at the Ukulinga research farm near Pietermaritzburg. In the first season there was no difference between animals of different ages in the ADG‐stocking rate and herbage availability‐stocking rate regressions. In the second season ADG for 2‐year‐old steers was higher (P≤0.05) and herbage availability lower (P≤0.05) than for 1‐year‐olds. Maximum gain ha^?1 for 2‐year‐old steers in the second season (1 178 kg) was 38% higher than for 1‐year‐olds (853 kg).     

Effect of species of cool-season annual grass interseeded into Bermudagrass sod on the performance of growing calves

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of species of cool-season annual grass on the growth of stocker cattle over 3 yr. In Exp. 1, the small grains (SG) oat (O), rye (R), and wheat (W), or combinations of SG and annual ryegrass (RG), were interseeded into Bermudagrass sod in a completely randomized design with a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. In Exp. 2, RG was planted alone or with O, R, triticale (T), or W in a completely randomized design. Pastures were planted in late October of each year, and seeding rates were 134.4 and 22.4 kg/ha for SG and RG, respectively. In Exp. 1, grazing was initiated on December 18. In Exp. 2, grazing was initiated on December 23 for SG pastures and January 21 or February 16 for RG pastures in yr 1 and on December 8 for all pastures in yr 2. Grazing was managed using the put-and-take method, in which additional calves were added as needed to maintain equal grazing pressure among pastures. In Exp. 1, no interactions (P > or = 0.28) were detected, so the main effects of SG species and RG addition are discussed. From December 18 to March 12, there were no differences in ADG (P > or = 0.17), whereas during the spring (from March 12 to May 7), addition of RG increased (P = 0.05) ADG. Using RG increased (P < or = 0.01) animal grazing-days/hectare and BW gain/hectare. Wheat tended (P = 0.08) to increase BW gain/hectare compared with the other SG, and O tended (P = 0.09) to produce less BW gain/hectare than the other SG. The treatment x year interaction was significant (P < or = 0.05) in Exp. 2. In yr 1, no differences (P = 0.25) were observed for ADG from December 23 to March 8, but during the spring grazing period (from March 8 to May 5), ADG of calves grazing TRG was less (P < or = 0.04) than that of those grazing RG, RRG, or WRG. The RRG combination produced more (P < or = 0.03) BW gain/hectare than ORG, RG, or TRG and tended (P = 0.06) to produce more BW gain/hectare than WRG. The WRG combination produced more (P < or = 0.05) BW gain/hectare than TRG and RG, and ORG tended (P = 0.09) to produce more BW gain/hectare than RG alone. Pastures planted to R or W produced more (P < or = 0.05) BW gain/hectare than RG alone or T. During yr 2, there were no differences (P > or = 0.44) in ADG, BW gain/hectare, or grazing-days/hectare. In conclusion, the choice of cool-season annual to establish is highly weather-dependent, but R and W are generally superior to other small grains, and RG is a necessary complement to SG when interseeding cool-season annuals into Bermudagrass sod.     

Effect of the gain rate during growing phase on the performance and characteristics of carcass and meat of super precocious steers

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different rates of weight gain during the backgrounding on animal performance and carcass and meat characteristics of steers finished in feedlots. Thirty-six Angus steers, 12 ± 2 months of age, were backgrounded during 91 days on Aruana grass pasture (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) managed under different stocking rates to achieve three different weight gains: HIGH ADG (average daily gain)—no feed restriction (ADG = 0.846 kg); MEDIUM ADG—moderate feed restriction (ADG = 0.456 kg); and LOW ADG—high feed restriction (ADG = 0.154 kg). To ensure the difference in ADG, we offered 0.7% live weight of concentrate feed in the HIGH treatment and a better forage supply in the MEDIUM treatment. After the backgrounding, the animals were finished in feedlot. There was no effect of the previous performance on the animals' performance in the feedlot. The LOW presented higher weight (218.9 vs. 207.9 kg) and hot (54.0% vs. 51.3%) and cold (53.5% vs. 50.5%) carcass yield than the MEDIUM, besides presenting meat with less cooking losses (15.0% vs. 18.2%), marbling (7 vs. 4.0 points), palatability (7.1 vs. 6.3 points), juiciness (7.2 vs. 6.4 points), tenderness (7.1 vs. 6.3 points), and lower shear force (5.78 vs. 8.75 kg) than HIGH. LOW ADG steers stay longer in the finishing phase but presented in general better quality carcass and meat than those with MEDIUM or HIGH during the backgrounding.     

Effects of percentage Brahman and Angus breeding, age-season of feeding and slaughter end point on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics

Steers (n = 165) of known percentage Brahman (B) and Angus (A) breeding were used to study effects of breed group (A, 3/4A:1/4B, 1/2A:1/2B, 1/4A:3/4B), age-season of feeding (calves fed during the cool season vs yearlings fed during the warm season) and slaughter end point (less than .90, 1.0 to 1.15, 1.27 to 1.40, greater than or equal to 1.5 cm of adjusted fat over the ribeye) on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. The 1/2B and 3/4B steers had heavier (P less than .05) initial and final feedlot weights than the A and 1/4B steers and higher (P less than .05) unshrunk ADG than the A steers did. Breed types did not differ for feed efficiency. Yearling steers fed in the warm season had higher (P less than .05) unshrunk ADG than calves fed in the cool season, but ADG calculated on an empty-rumen basis did not differ between the two age-seasons of feeding. Calves fed in the cool season were more efficient (P less than .05) than yearlings fed in the warm season when efficiency was expressed on an empty-rumen basis; however, on a live weight basis there was no difference in feed efficiency. No breed group by age-season of feeding interactions on performance were detected. Slaughter end point did not significantly affect feed efficiency on an empty-rumen basis. The 1/2B and 3/4B steers had smaller ribeye areas (REA) per 100 kg hot carcass and lower marbling scores than the 1/4B and A steers. Yearlings fed in the warm season produced heavier carcasses (P less than .05) than calves fed in the cool season. As s.c. fat thickness at slaughter increased, hot carcass weight and numerical yield grade increased, whereas REA per 100 kg of hot carcass decreased. Marbling also increased as fatness increased up to about 1.5 cm subcutaneous fat.     

Cow-calf and feedlot performances of Brahman-derivative breeds

A study was conducted to compare Brangus, Beefmaster, Gelbray, and Simbrah breed influences for economically important traits. Brangus (9), Beefmaster (12), Gelbray (10), and Simbrah (7) sires were used in purebred and crossbred (Brahman x Hereford F1 cows) matings to generate calves (326) in eight breed groups. Beefmaster cows were of similar size (448 kg), Brangus and Gelbray cows were 11% heavier (501 and 503 kg), and Simbrah cows were 21% heavier (548 kg) compared to Brahman x Hereford F1 cows (452 kg). Calves sired by Brangus and Beefmaster bulls had lower birth weights (35 vs 38 kg; P < 0.05), preweaning growth rates (0.87 vs 0.91 kg x d(-1); P < 0.01), and weaning weights (206 vs 219 kg; P < 0.01) than Gelbray- and Simbrah-sired calves. Birth weights, preweaning ADG, and weaning weight and hip heights were similar between Brangus- and Beefmaster-sired calves. Simbrah-sired calves had greater preweaning growth rates (0.94 vs 0.88 kg x d(-1); P < 0.05), weaning weights (227 vs 211 kg; P < 0.01), and adjusted 205-d hip heights (126 vs 122 cm; P < 0.05) than Gelbray-sired calves. Straightbred Angus steers were introduced in the postweaning portion of the study. Steer calves were placed on feed at an average age of 14.5 mo. Steers were removed from the feedlot upon attaining a targeted 10 mm of backfat. Feedlot ADG did not differ among sire breeds. Brahman-derivative sired steers required an additional 54 d on feed (P < 0.01) and were 86 kg heavier (P < 0.01) at harvest than Angus steers. Continental-Brahman steers spent an additional 25 d on feed (P < 0.05) and were 35 kg heavier (P < 0.01) at harvest than British-Brahman steers. Simbrah-sired steers were 52 kg heavier (P < 0.01) at harvest than Gelbray-sired steers when fed for a similar number of days (211 vs 203 d). However, straightbred Simbrah steers required an additional 12 d on feed (P < 0.01) and weighed 47 kg more (P < 0.01) than Simbrah-sired crossbred steers. The economic value of the heavier calf weaning weights may be offset by the attendant larger cow size of the Continental-Brahman compared to the British-Brahman breeds. Similarly, the heavier weights of Continental-Brahman compared to British-Brahman steers, when harvested at a prescribed level of fatness may be viewed as a benefit, but the increased number of requisite days in the feedlot is a disadvantage.     

Corn oil or corn grain supplementation to steers grazing endophyte-free tall fescue. I. Effects on in vivo digestibility, performance, and carcass quality

Twenty-eight Angus (289 +/- 3.8 kg) steers were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effect of isocaloric supplementation of 2 different energy sources to steers rotationally grazing tall fescue pastures for 197 d in comparison to positive and negative controls. Steers were supplemented with either corn grain (0.52% BW on a DM basis; PC) or soybean hulls plus corn oil (0.45% BW on a DM basis + 0.10% BW on an as-fed basis; PO) using Calan gates for individual intake measurement. Negative, pasture only (PA), and positive, high-concentrate control diets (85% concentrate:15% roughage on DM basis; C) were also included in the study. Steers on PC, PO, and PA treatments were managed together under a rotational grazing system, whereas C steers were fed a high-concentrate diet for the final 113 d using Calan gates. Forage DMI and apparent DM and NDF digestibility for the grazing treatments were evaluated using Cr(2)O(5) and indigestible NDF as digesta markers. Energy supplementation decreased (P = 0.02) forage DMI (% of BW) with respect to PA, but not (P = 0.58) total DMI. There were no differences (P = 0.53) among grazing treatments on apparent total DM digestibility. However, NDF digestibility was less (P < or = 0.05) in PC than in PO and PA; the latter 2 treatments did not differ (P > 0.05). Overall ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in supplemented, regardless of type, than in nonsupplemented grazing treatments. During the final 113 d, ADG was greater (P < 0.01) in C than in the grazing treatments. Overall supplement conversion did not differ (P = 0.73) between supplement types and was less (P = 0.006) than C. Carcass traits did not differ (P > 0.05) between energy sources. Dressing percentage and HCW were greater (P < 0.01) in supplemented cattle than in PA. Fat thickness and KPH percentage for PA were less (P < 0.05) than for PO but did not differ (P > 0.14) from PC. Marbling score, LM area, and quality grade did not differ (P > 0.05) between grazing treatments. Hot carcass weight for C was heavier (P < 0.001) than for pastured cattle. Quality and yield grades of C carcasses were also greater (P < 0.001) than carcasses from pastured steers. Energy supplementation, regardless of source, to grazing steers increased ADG, dressing percentage, and carcass weight compared with PA steers; however, supplemented steers had less ADG, efficiency, dressing percentage, and carcass weight compared with high-concentrate finished steers.     

Effects of grazing residues or feeding corn from a corn rootworm-protected hybrid (MON 863) compared with reference hybrids on animal performance and carcass characteristics

One grazing and two feeding experiments were conducted to compare the feeding value of corn residue or corn grain from a genetically enhanced corn hybrid (corn rootworm-protected; event MON 863) with nontransgenic, commercially available, reference hybrids. In Exp. 1, two 13.7-ha fields, containing corn residues from either a genetically enhanced corn root-worm-protected hybrid (MON 863), or a near-isogenic, nontransgenic control hybrid (CON) were divided into four equal-sized paddocks. Sixty-four steer calves (262 +/- 15 kg) were stratified by BW and assigned randomly to paddock to achieve a stocking rate of 0.43 ha/steer for 60 d, with eight steers per paddock and 32 steers per hybrid. A protein supplement was fed at 0.45 kg/steer daily (DM basis) to ensure protein intake did not limit performance. Steer ADG did not differ (P = 0.30) between steers grazing the MON 863 (0.39 kg/d) and CON (0.34 kg/d) corn residues for 60 d. The four treatments for the feeding experiments (Exp. 2 and 3) included two separate reference hybrids, the near-isogenic control hybrid (CON), and the genetically enhanced hybrid (MON 863) resulting in two preplanned comparisons of CON vs. MON 863, and MON 863 vs. the average of the reference hybrids (REF). In Exp. 2, 200 crossbred yearling steers (365 +/- 19 kg) were fed in 20 pens, with five pens per corn hybrid. In Exp. 3, 196 crossbred yearling steers (457 +/- 33 kg) were fed in 28 pens, with seven pens per corn hybrid. In Exp. 2, DMI and G:F did not differ (P > 0.10) between MON 863 and CON; however, steers fed MON 863 had a greater (P = 0.04) ADG than steers fed CON. Gain efficiency was greater (P = 0.05) for MON 863 cattle than for REF cattle in Exp. 2, but other performance measurements (DMI and ADG) did not differ (P > 0.10) between MON 863 and REF. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed for performance (DMI, ADG, and G:F) between MON 863 and CON or MON 863 and REF in Exp. 3. In terms of carcass characteristics, no differences (P > 0.10) were observed between MON 863 and CON, as well as MON 863 and REF, for marbling score, LM area, or 12th rib fat thickness in both Exp. 2 and 3. Overall, performance was not negatively affected in the corn residue grazing or feedlot experiments, suggesting the corn rootworm-protected hybrid (event MON 863) is similar to conventional, nontransgenic corn grain and residues when utilized by beef cattle.