Influence of supplementation method on forage use and grazing behavior of beef cattle grazing bluestem range

Authors

S.D. Brandyberry
R.C. Cochran
E.S. Vanzant
T. DelCurto
J.E. Schneider
L.R. Corah

Keywords

Cattlemen's Day, 1990; Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution; no. 90-361-S; Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service); 592; Beef; Protein supplements; Rangelands; Grazing behavior; Stockers

Abstract

Fifteen ruminally and 12 esophageally fistulated steers were used in two 28-d trials (late summer and early winter) to determine the influence of method of supplementation on forage use and grazing behavior. 1Ceatments were: 1) self-feeding supplement with salt to limit intake; 2) daily hand-feeding supplement and salt; 3) daily hand-feeding supplement without salt. Forage intake was not affected by season or supplementation method; however, total diet organic matter digestibility was higher in the late summer (P<.01) and lower when steers received supplement without salt (P<.05). Supplementation method did not affect the time that animals spent grazing or the distance travelled; however, both were greater (P<.01) during the summer period. Self-feeding supplement did not appear to adversely affect forage use in grazing beef steers.

Recommended Citation

Brandyberry, S.D.; Cochran, R.C.; Vanzant, E.S.; DelCurto, T.; Schneider, J.E.; and Corah, L.R. (1990) "Influence of supplementation method on forage use and grazing behavior of beef cattle grazing bluestem range," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 0: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.2267