Plant Response and Livestock Weight Changes on Big Bluegrass Range Grazed during Late Fall, Winter, and Early Spring

Abstract

Yearling heifers grazing Sherman big bluegrass ranges in Colorado during the cold winter period gained weight during late fall with or without a protein supplement, but they gained less than animals that grazed native range and received 1/2-lb protein/day. During winter and early spring, animals lost weight in most pastures. Exposure as well as kind and quantity of forage and feed available evidently influenced livestock weights. Grazing was not detrimental to Sherman big bluegrass during any period from late fall to early spring, and stands improved during the study. For most effective use, big bluegrass should replace native range for fall grazing in a management system. More animals could be carried over winter, or a set number of animals could be overwintered on fewer acres.