Seasonal Beef Production from Russian Wildrye-Alfalfa Pastures

Abstract

Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.)-Rambler alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pastures were grazed for 28 days by yearling steers from various starting dates of use, early May, mid-May, early June and for a longer period, June to September, to determine the influence on pasture production and beef cattle performance. Steer gain per acre from Russian wildrye-alfalfa pasture was greatest under early June grazing use. Daily gain per head was greatest when the pasture was grazed from early June. Forage production was highest from the early June and early June-summer use period pastures. The trial indicates that the most productive season of use of Russian wildrye-alfalfa pastures in southwest Saskatchewan is from early June. Such use will result in maximum production in terms of beef production either per acre or individual animal daily weight gain and in maintenance of the Russian wildrye-alfalfa stand.