Escape protein supplementation of growing steers grazing stargrass

A grazing trial utilizing 35 individually supplemented growing steers (211 +/- 42 kg initial body weight (BW)) was conducted to study the effect of supplemental escape protein on the performance of steers grazing on stargrass (Cynodon plectostachyus) during the dry season. N in supplements was 100%, 50%, or 0% natural protein (bloodmeal, coconut meal, and soybean meal), and 0%, 50% or 100% urea. All steers received 2 kg of supplement dry matter (DM) (2.2% N) daily during the 90 days of the experiment. Steers fed the urea supplement had the lowest ADG (0.97 kg day(-1)). There was a linear (P < 0.05) response in ADG to the natural protein level (50 and 100%) in supplements containing bloodmeal (1.11 and 1.21 kg day(-1)) and coconut meal (1.05 and 1.21 kg day(-1)), but no response was observed with soybean meal (1.01 and 1.0 kg day(-1)). Forage intake was not affected by supplementation. As a result of the growth response observed for supplements containing bloodmeal and coconut meal above the urea-based and soybean meal supplements, it was concluded that growing ruminants grazing stargrass in the dry season were deficient in escape protein. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.