SUPPLEMENTATION TO COMPENSATE FOR DIFFERING STOCKING RATES FOR STEERS GRAZING WHEAT PASTURE

Throughout the southern Great Plains, the inability to predict optimum stocking rates for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pastures limits efficient use of wheat forage by stocker cattle. This is particularly true during the spring graze-out period when forage production can vary greatly due to environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate animal performance and economic returns for systems in which increased stocking rates on spring wheat pastures were accompanied by increasing supplementation levels. Steers averaging 671 lb grazed wheat pastures from March through May in the spring of 1987 and 1992. As stocking rate increased, the amount of 11.6% crude protein (CP) supplement consumed increased from 0 to 1% of body weight (BW). Individual steer performance was similar across stocking rates, but beef production per acre increased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking rate. As wheat matured, forage quality decreased (P < 0.05) and forage available for grazing became primarily stem (P < 0.05). As stocking rate increased, pasture cost per head decreased. At the highest stocking rate, return ($/acre) was $16.89 greater than at the lowest stocking rate. Grain-based supplements can be fed at levels up to 1% BW daily to steers grazing spring wheat pastures to allow stocking rates to be increased to ensure maximum forage use.