Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization and Late-Spring Burning of Bluestem Range on Diet and Performance of Steers

Abstract

Cattle were used to evaluate the effects of late-spring burning and nitrogen fertilization alone and in combination on a typical True Prairie range in the Flint Hills near Manhattan, Kans. Diet quality was improved by higher protein and hemicellulose, and by lower acid-detergent fiber (lignocellulose) of burned than nonburned pastures. Hemicullulose and neutral detergent fiber (cell-wall constituents) increased when 40 lb N/acre was applied. Cellulose and lignin were not affected by either treatment. Average daily gain and gain per acre were higher by steers on burned pastures than by those on nonburned pastures. Daily gain waa highest for steers on pastures burned and fertilized. Gain per acre on fertilized pastures exceeded gains from nonfertilized pastures primarily from heavier stocking rate rather than increased individual performance. Apparent dry-matter digestibility did not differ among treatments, but decreased June through August, then increased in October.