Windrow Grazing and Baled-Hay Feeding Strategies for Wintering Calves

Authors

Jerry D. Volesky, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Richard T. Clark, 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

Windrow grazing is a strategy where livestock directly graze windrow-stored forage, generally during a time when packaged hay is provided. We evaluated calf performance, forage quality and waste, and determined economic returns under windrow grazing and bale-fed strategies. Quality of windrow- stored forage remained constant through fall and winter and resulted in adequate calf gains. Forage waste under windrow grazing was closely associated with grazing management. Economic analysis indicated costs for windrow grazing were substantially less than those associated with a bale feeding strategy. Correspondingly, net returns per head and acre were greater for windrow grazing compared to the bale-fed strategy.