Native or seeded rangeland for cows with high or low milk production

Abstract

Multiparous cows (n = 91, 1986; n = 92, 1987) were selected from 2 populations to obtain cattle with high and low milk production. After March-April calving, high and low producing cows grazed either native range (treatment 1) or seeded range (treatment 2) until weaning in September. Seeded range included paddocks of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum, Fisch. ex [Link]Schult), contour furrowed native range interseeded with "Ladak" alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.), and Russian wildrye grass Psathrostachys juncea[Fisch.]Nevski.). In treatment 2, crested wheatgrass was grazed mid-April to 17 June, followed by contour furrowed rangeland 18 June to 5 August, and ended with Russian wildrye 6 August to weaning (mid-September). Data were analyzed as a split plot with treatment and year in the main plot and cow type in the subplot. Number of cows exhibiting estrus before the beginning of the breeding season and fall pregnancy rate were not influenced (P > 0.05) by range treatment. Twelve-hour milk production during May, June, August, and September ranged from 11.3 to 6.8 kg and 7.6 to 3.9 kg for high and low producing cows, respectively. Cows with high milk production lost body condition during and after the breeding season, whereas cows with low milk production maintained body condition during the same period. Live weight gain of calves was greater (P < 0.01) for cows with high production than cows with low production but was not affected (P > 0.05) by range treatment. We concluded that native and seeded ranges were of similar nutritive value for cows with high and low milk production and that cows with high milk production may have greater nutrient requirements during late summer-early fall than what was provided by native or seeded ranges. Protein may be the primary limiting nutrient in forages during the late summer for lactating cows grazing Northern Great Plains range.