A Comparison of the Chromogen and Clipping Methods for Determining the Consumption of Dry Matter and Total Digestible Nutrients by Beef Steers on Alfalfa Pasture1

Synopsis The chromogen and clipping methods for determining the consumption of dry matter and total digestible nutrients by beef steers on alfalfa pasture were compared using rotational and strip‐grazing systems. Forage was utilized 71.0 and 76.2% with the respective grazing systems. The clipping method estimated dry matter and TDN 40 and 44% greater than did the chromogen method. These methods, however, provided almost identical results in comparing the two grazing systems. The clipping system was concluded to be satisfactory for preliminary pasture evaluation but actual grazing data would be necessary for final interpretation. Strip grazing probably did not justify the extra labor.