2009•Forage and GrazinglandsRequires access
Performance by Fall‐Calving Cows Grazing Tall Fescue Pastures With Different Proportions Stockpiled
J. D. Caldwell, K. P. Coffey, Wayne K. Coblentz, John A. Jennings, Don S Hubbell, David L. Kreider, Mike L. Looper, Charles F Rosenkrans
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Abstract
Tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire.] is often stockpiled to reduce winter feed costs for cattle. Over two consecutive years, a total of 158 Gelbvieh × Angus fall‐calving cows (1318 ± 13.2 lb) were allocated randomly to one of eight 24‐acre tall fescue pastures on 18 August 2004 and 17 August 2005. Treatments consisted of no area stockpiled (0‐SP), or 33 (33‐SP), or 50% of the total pasture area stockpiled (50‐SP); stockpiling was initiated on 10 September of both years. Total hay offered tended (P ⁼ 0.07) to be greater for 0‐SP than 33‐SP and 50‐SP. Calf weights at the end of the breeding season were greater (P < 0.05) from 33‐SP than 50‐SP. Therefore, 33% of tall fescue pasture area can be stockpiled to help meet the nutritional needs of fall‐calving cows and reduce winter hay needs.