Research observation: Influence of over-wintering feed regimen on consumption of locoweed by steers

Abstract

Many producers believe cattle grazing wheat pasture during the winter are likely to graze actively growing locoweed when turned onto short-grass prairie in the spring. White locoweed (Oxytropis sericea Nutt, ex T&G) consumption was compared in a spring grazing study between steers wintered on irrigated 'TAM 105' wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) pasture (Wheat) and steers wintered on native range (Range). Range steers consumed locoweed for 43% of bites compared to 17% for the Wheat steers, and began eating locoweed before steers in the Wheat group. We rejected the hypothesis that steers wintered on wheat are more inclined to graze locoweed than steers wintered on native range.