Comparative Calf Grazing of Corn and Soybean Residues

Authors

D. J. Jordon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mark Klemesrud, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 1998

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 1998, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

A grazing trial was conducted in the winter of 1996-97 to compare the feeding value of soybean stubble to that of cornstalks. Irrigated bean residues were stocked at 0.5 animals/acre, while irrigated corn residues were stocked at 1.2 animals/acre. Calves grazing cornstalks gained (0.17 lb/day) faster (P = .003) than calves consuming soybean stubble (-0.03 lb/day). In addition, calves grazing cornstalks remained in fields 14 days longer. Diet samples were collected on both corn and soybean residues. Ruminally fistulated steer calves grazing bean stubble consumed diets high in crude protein (12- 25%), but low in organic matter digestibility (40-46%). Calves grazing cornstalks consumed diets from 5-6% crude protein and 60-65% digestibility.