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Liquid supplement and forage intake by range beef cows
B F Sowell1, J G P Bowman, E E Grings
1Montana State University, Bozeman 59717, USA.
Journal of Animal Science
|February 25, 2003
Summary
Supplementing beef cows on winter range with liquid protein supplements improved forage digestibility and intake. Restricted access to supplements increased forage consumption but also variability in supplement intake among cows.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Ruminant Nutrition
- Forage Management
Background:
- Beef cows grazing native ranges often require supplementation during winter to meet nutritional needs.
- Liquid protein supplements can enhance the utilization of low-quality winter forages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of liquid supplement delivery method (ad libitum vs. restricted) and cow age on forage and supplement intake.
- To assess the impact of supplementation on forage digestibility, body condition, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Main Methods:
- 180 crossbred cows were assigned to native range pastures over two winters.
- Treatments included no supplement (Control), ad libitum (ADLIB) liquid supplement, and restricted (0.9 kg/cow/day) liquid supplement.
- Cow age ranged from 2 to 6 years.
Main Results:
- Supplementation increased forage digestibility and intake, and reduced body condition loss.
- ADLIB supplementation resulted in higher BUN compared to restricted or control groups.
- Restricted supplementation led to greater forage dry matter intake compared to ADLIB, but also higher variability in supplement intake.
Conclusions:
- Supplementing beef cows with liquid protein enhances forage utilization during winter.
- Delivery method influences supplement intake and forage consumption; restricted access increases forage intake but also intake variability.
- Cow age can affect supplement intake patterns, particularly in younger animals.