Effects of Grazing on Nebraska Sandhills Meadow Forage Nutrient Content

Authors

Jared V. Judy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jacki A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
L. Aaron Stalker Stalker, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Karla H. Jenkins, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

2015 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension, MP101.

Comments

Copyright © 2015 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Nebraska Sandhills subirrigated meadow pastures were used to measure the effects of grazing on forage nutrient content in summer pastures. Non-grazed pastures had greater diet CP content than grazed pastures early in the grazing season. By late July, grazed vs. non-grazed pastures did not differ in diet CP content. Non-grazed pastures had greater in vitro organic matter disappearance compared with grazed pastures from late July through September; however, early summer pastures were not affected. Observed results indicate the greatest differences in nutrient content between grazed and non-grazed meadow pastures occur early and late in the grazing season when the majority of cool-season grass species growth occurs.