Supplementing Yearling Summer Grazing Cattle with Fat and Protein and Subsequent Feedlot Performance

Authors

Ivan G. Rush, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Yearling steers supplemented with protein (40% - 29% NPN - 19% from biuret) while grazing primarily crested wheat grass in the summer gained at a faster rate than control steers which were only provided a commercial salt/ mineral mix. A lower level of protein (20% - 6.7% NPN)/fat (15% -20%) combination supplement also increased gain over controls, but the supplement response was less than the higher protein supplement. Gain responses were greater during the latter part of the grazing season when forage quality was poorest. Supplementation intake varied but tended to be greater during the latter part of the grazing season. The control summer grazing cattle that gained at a slower rate did not compensate and gain faster when finished after the summer grazing season. When both the grazing and finishing phases were considered, cattle receiving either the protein or the protein/fat summer supplement gained 59 more pounds than the control mineral supplemented cattle. Carcass traits were similar for all cattle.