Long-term Performance of Steers Grazing Smooth Bromegrass Pastures

Authors

Morgan Hodges, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Holly Heil, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rebecca McDermott, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Anastasios Mazis, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Tala Awada, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Andrea K. Watson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2024

Citation

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, pages 32-34

University of Nebraska Extension, 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Board of Regents, University of nebraska. Used by permission

Abstract

Summary with Implications

Body weight gain of yearling steers grazing smooth bromegrass pastures was measured across 17 years from 2005 to 2021. Three treatments were applied, (1) control pastures with no additional inputs, (2) pastures fertilized with 80 lb of N per acre, and (3) pastures grazed with cattle supplemented daily with approximately 5 lb of dry distillers grains. The cnntrol treatment pastures (1.4 acres/steer) were stocked 30% lighter than the fertilized and supplemented pastures (1.0 acre/steer). Across the 17 years, the supplemented cattle gained 2.24 lb/day while the non-supplemented cattle (both control and fertilized treatments) gained 1.57 lb/day. Body weight gain per acre was greatest for the supplemented cattle (358 lb/acre), intermediate for cattle grazing the fertilized pastures (251 lb/acre) and least for the control pastures (172 lb/acre). Fertilizing smooth bromegrass pastures directly or through supplementation of cattle improved land use efficiency in eastern Nebraska, while supplementation also improved cattle body weight gain.