Supplementing Metabolizable Protein to Yearling Heifers Grazing Winter Range

Authors

Trey Patterson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jacqueline A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Andy Applegarth, Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, WhitmanFollow

Date of this Version

1-1-2000

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2000, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted with pregnant yearling heifers grazing Sandhills winter range to evaluate response of supplementing to meet the metabolizable protein requirement of the heifers versus conventional supplementation based on crude protein. Supplements were fed from October to February (pre-calving) both years. Intake was measured in November, January and February of the first year. Supplementing to meet metabolizable protein requirement improved the heifers’ ability to maintain weight in year one, but not in year two. Heifer intakes ranged from 2.2% of BW in November to 1.5% in February. Feeding hay reduced body weight loss compared to no hay feeding in year two.