| Popis: |
Crossbred beef steers (n = 328, initially 495 lb) were used to determine the effects of energy supplementation on grazing and subsequent finishing performance of steers grazing early-season, native range. Treatments consisted of either no supplemental energy or access to feeders containing a free choice, grainbased energy supplement. On the first day of the grazing period, steers were weighed and randomly allotted among eight pastures, providing four replications per treatment. Stocking density was 34% higher for supplemented than for unsupplemented pastures. At the end of the grazing period, steers were transported to a commercial feedlot and allowed ad libitum access to a common finishing diet for an average of 171 days. Supplement intake averaged 5.4 ± 1.1 lb/day (dry matter basis) or approximately 0.90% of body weight during the grazing period. Supplementation increased (P |
