Studies on Forage Utilization by Steers and Sheep

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A factorially designed experiment was conducted to compare the gains and feed utilization of sheep or cattle when fed alfalfa or trefoil-orchard grass forage either as soilage or pasture. Sheep given either forage as pasture made a faster rate of gain than those fed soilage. Little difference existed in feed consumption among the sheep treatments. Consequently the forage consumed from pasture by the sheep was much more efficiently used for weight gains. In addition the sheep on pasture fattened more rapidly than either the sheep fed soilage or the steers given soilage or pasture. The steers fed soilage or pasture, however, made about the same weight gains. Greater gains were made by the steers fed trefoil-orchard grass either as soilage or pasture than by the steers given alfalfa. Feed consumption by the steers grazing alfalfa was lower than the feed consumption of the steers fed alfalfa soilage. This difference was not noted between the steer treatments fed trefoil-orchard grass forage. Meat production per acre between sheep and steers was not significantly different except for the animals fed alfalfa soilage. In general as measured by rate of gain, type of gain and efficiency of feed utilization, it was concluded that under these conditions sheep utilize pasture more efficiently than do steers. However, steers did utilize alfalfa soilage more efficiently when meat production per acre was considered. Soiling of either crop for sheep produced about 6% more meat per acre than pasturing these forages. Beef production per acre from soiling was approximately 25% greater than that from pasturing either forage. The relative increase from soiling for both sheep and cattle was the same for alfalfa or trefoil-orchard grass. It was concluded from these data that soiling a tall forage would not produce relatively more meat per acre than soiling a short, dense forage when soiling is compared to pasturing. Copyright © . .