Carbohydrate and Nitrogen Reserve Cycles for Continuous, Season-long and Intensive-early Stocked Flint Hills Bluestem Range

Abstract

Effects of intensive, early stocking (twice the normal stocking rate from May 1 to July 15) and continuous, season-long stocking from May 1 to October 1 with yearling steers on big bluestem carbohydrate and reserve cycles were studied 3 years in the Kansas Flint Hills. Big bluestem reserve carbohydrates were similar during the dormant season under both stocking systems, but lower on the intensive-early stocked pasture during mid-summer than on the continuous, season-long stocked one. By growing season's end carbohydrate reserves were similar for both stocking systems. Stocking system did not affect the nitrogen reserve cycle. Big bluestem vigor and regrowth potential were similar for both systems.