Steer Gains under Six Systems of Coastal Bermudagrass Utilization

Abstract

Steer gains on 'Coastal' Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.), utilized by continuous, weekly rotation, or daily strip grazing, or green chop, dehydrated hay, or pellet feeding, were studied for 3 years. Previous studies had included fewer methods of utilization, or had run for only a short time. Average daily gains and gains per hectare were: continuous, 594 g and 600 kg; rotation, 449 g and 469 kg; strip, 392 g and 487 kg; green chop, 369 g and 647 kg; hay, 671 g and 971 kg; and pellets, 800 g and 967 kg. Differences among grazing methods in average daily gain were largely accounted for by differences in grazing pressure. Differences among feeding methods reflected differences in forage intake and lignin content of the forage. Seasonal changes in gain and forage intake were influenced by seasonal changes in lignin content and increasing steer weights.