Effects of Supplemental Protein During Gestation and Grazing Sub-irrigated Meadow During the Postpartum Interval on Pregnancy Rates of Spring Calving Cows and Calf Growth

Authors

Leslie Aaron Stalker, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2005

Comments

Published in 2005 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2004 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

A two year experiment evaluated the influence of supplemental protein during the last trimester of gestation and grazing sub-irrigated meadow during the postpartum interval on pregnancy rates and calf growth in a March calving production system. Supplemental protein during the last trimester did not improve subsequent pregnancy rate but resulted in increased carcass weight. Allowing cows to graze sub-irrigated meadow during the postpartum interval improved pregnancy rates but did not change steer performance in the feedlot. Feeding supplemental protein during the last trimester of gestation and allowing cows to graze sub-irrigated meadow were both economical methods of improving production.