Keywords
grazing, supplementation, energy, finishing
Abstract
Thirty-six steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures were used to evaluate the effects of a supplemental energy source on available forage, grazing gains, subsequent finishing gains, and carcass characteristics. Supplementation treatments evaluated were: no supplement, a supplement with starch as the primary source of energy, and a supplement with fat as the primary source of energy. Supplements were formulated to provide the same quantity of protein and energy per head daily. Supplementation with the starchbased or fat-based supplement during the grazing phase resulted in higher (P<0.05) grazing gains than feeding no supplement. Supplementation during the grazing phase had no effect (P>0.05) on finishing gain, feed intake, and feed:gain. Steers supplemented with the starch-based supplement had greater (P<0.05) final finishing live weight and greater (P<0.05) hot carcass weight than those that received no supplement.
Recommended Citation
Lomas, L. W.; Farney, J. K.; and Moyer, J. L.
(2015)
"Evaluation of Supplemental Energy Source for Grazing Stocker Cattle,"
Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports:
Vol. 1:
Iss.
4.
https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1061
Rights Statement
