2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Facilitate research in forage management and livestock production at the Grazinglands Research Laboratory, El Reno, OK including cooperative research between OAES and ARS. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) OAES and ARS will collaboratively maintain experimental herds of cattle and flocks of sheep at the Grazinglands Research Laboratory, sufficient in number and kind to meet research objectives in the areas of forage and livestock production, impacts of agriculture on the environment, and conservation of natural resources. 3.Progress Report A project investigating cow efficiency and forage intake in beef cows was initiated in 2011 in cooperation with faculty and a graduate student from Oklahoma State University. Data collection for forage intake in different cow breed types was initiated for the late gestation period of production. Data collection for the early lactation production period was prevented due to destruction of facilities by a tornado. The project was redesigned to include a late lactation and a postweaning production period. Analyses evaluating the relationship between cow mature weight and calf weaning weight were done and reported at regional meetings, with the conclusion that larger cows did not produce sufficiently larger calves to compensate for the additional feed costs associated with increased maintenance requirements. The ADODR monitored progress of the project through telephone conversations and emails.