Observations of Forage Quality and Calf Gain when Grazing Double Cropped Forage following Wheat Harvest

Authors

Kristen M. Ulmer, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Robert G. Bondurant, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jana L. Harding Harding, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Gary Lesoing, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
M. E. Drewnoski, University of Nebraska, LincolnFollow
James C. MacDonald, West Texas A&M UniversityFollow

Date of this Version

2016

Citation

2016 Nebraska Beef Reports

Comments

© The Board Regents of the University of Nebraska. All rights reserved.

Abstract

A 2- year cover crop grazing study was conducted following wheat harvest to evaluate the quality and yield of a 5- way forage annual forage mix in addition to cattle performance. In 2013, gain of steer calves was 2.03 lb/day, while 2014 steer calves had gain of 1.55 lb/day. Above ground forage production was 1.08 and 1.72 tons/acre in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Daikon radish and purple top turnip (brassicas) were high in sulfur and low in fiber. Fall forage production of brassica and oat based mixes following wheat grain harvest provide 97 to 137 lb of gain per acre.