![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
Abstract
Rude, B.J., Hanson, K.C. and Tucker, W.B. 2002. Effect of supplementing corn or hay to beef cattle consuming annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) on performance and nutrient utilization. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 21: 35–48.
To evaluate the performance and nutrient utilization of cattle consuming annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), two trials were conducted. Trial 1: 36 heifers (278±6.7 kg) grazed ryegrass for 140 days during year one and 56 days during year two. Six paddocks and three treatments (1) no supplement; (2) cracked corn supplemented three times per week to provide an average of 1.1 kg/heifer day and (3) ad libitum access to bermudagrass hay were utilized (2 paddocks per treatment). No differences (P>0.05) were detected for nutrient composition of ryegrass or for dry matter intake between the paddocks. Weight gains were similar (P>0.05) across treatments for the first 3 periods (year one). Total gains were slower (P<0.05) for heifers not supplemented and those receiving corn compared to those supplemented with hay. Only during period 3 heifers receiving hay had less (P<0.05) blood urea N than those not supplemented or receiving corn. Trial 2: 12 steers (264±10.7 kg) were fed ryegrass soilage in individual metabolism crates and assigned to the same three treatments except that hay in treatment 3 was restricted, to three times per week to provide an average of 1.1 kg/steer day. Total dry matter intake was similar (P>0.05) among treatments; however, ryegrass dry matter intake was less (P<0.05) for steers consuming hay than corn or no supplement. Apparent dry matter, neutral- and acid-detergent fibre digestibilities were similar (P>0.05) among treatments. Apparent organic matter and energy digestibility was greater (P<0.05) for steers not supplemented, than steers consuming hay or corn. Apparent protein digestibility was greater (P<0.05) for steers not supplemented than for those consuming corn. Supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) protein or energy utilization. In summary, providing hay to cattle consuming ryegrass increased gains, but did not alter protein digestion or utilization. By contrast, providing corn to cattle consuming ryegrass did not increase gains above that of unsupplemented cattle. Moreover, com supplementation decreased protein digestibility.