McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm

Sequential Grazing Systems for Beef Cattle Production

Authors: , , , , , ,

Abstract

Pasture productivity in Iowa is often limited by low productivity of cool-season grasses during summer. This uneven seasonal distribution of for age production could be improved by including species in pasture systems that perform better under higher temperatures. Warm-season grasses produce most of their growth during summer when cool-season grasses are semi -dormant. By using cool-season and warm-season pastures in a sequential system it should be possible to improve seasonal productivity. The overall objective of this project i s to evaluate the productivity of sequential grazing system s for beef cattle production in Southern Iowa. Specific objectives are to: 1) evaluate the impact of legumes on the productivity of cool-season pastures grazed in the spring and fall, 2) evaluate warm-season grasses f or summer grazing, and 3) determine the effects of pasture sequence on the productivity of season-long grazing systems.

Keywords: Animal Science

How to Cite: Moore, K. J. , Russell, J. R. , Wiedenhoeft, M. H. , Brummer, E. C. , Hintz, R. L. , Secor, L. J. & Maxwell, D. R. (2001) “Sequential Grazing Systems for Beef Cattle Production”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2000(1).