Limited Energy Supplementation of Yearling Steers Grazing Irrigated Pasture and Subsequent Feedlot Performance

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Abstract
Two trials were conducted to measure the influence of feeding different levels of supplemental energy to yearling steers grazing irrigated pasture upon weight gain, nitrogen utilization, and subsequent feedlot performance. Energy supplementation increased grazing weight gains in a linear manner (P > .05) in both trials. Supplementation above 4.0 lb. (1.82 kg) per day did not improve gain in Trial II indicating this may be near the maximum amount of supplemental energy justifiable. Increasing energy supplementation decreased BUN and increased the urinary Cr/N rations, suggesting that the irrigated pasture forage contained too much protein or nitrogen in relation to its available energy. Time required to finish steers in the feedlot decreased with increased energy supplementation while grazing steers fed more supplement on pasture performed as well in the feedlot as those fed less. Carcass characteristics were not affected by grazing energy supplementation. Copyright © 1974. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1974 by American Society of Animal Science.

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