Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Burns, Oregon » Range and Meadow Forage Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #149791
Title: INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON COWS CONSUMING LOW-QUALITY FORAGE: PERFORMANCE, GRAZING TIME, DISTANCE TRAVELED, DISTANCE FROM WATER, AND DISTRIBUTION.

Author
item SCHAUER, C - OREGON STATE UNIV
item BOHNERT, DAVID - OREGON STATE UNIV
item Ganskopp, David

Submitted to: American Society of Animal Science Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/5/2003
Publication Date: 6/22/2003
Citation: SCHAUER, C.S., BOHNERT, D.W., GANSKOPP, D.C. INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON COWS CONSUMING LOW-QUALITY FORAGE: PERFORMANCE, GRAZING TIME, DISTANCE TRAVELED, DISTANCE FROM WATER, AND DISTRIBUTION. [abstract] WESTERN SECTION SOCIETY OF ANIMAL SCIENCE PROCEEDINGS. 2003. 83:1715-1725

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Our objective was to determine the influence of crude protein supplementation frequency on cow performance, grazing time, distance traveled, maximum distance from water, and cow distribution within three 810-ha pastures. Treatments included: unsupplemented controls, daily supplementation (0.91 kg cottonseed meal at 43% crude protein), and supplementation once every 6 days (5.46 kg cottonseed meal). Four cows in each treatment were fitted with global positioning system collars to estimate grazing time, distance traveled, maximum distance from water, and percent of pasture used. Cow weight and body condition score change were greater (P<0.04) for supplemented treatments compared to controls. No weight and condition score differences occurred between daily and 6-day supplemented cows. Grazing time was greater for controls compared to supplemented treatments with no difference between the 2 supplemented treatments. Distance traveled, maximum distance from water, and percent of pasture used were not affected (P>0.40) by treatments. Results suggest crude protein cattle supplementation provided daily or once every 6 days for cows grazing low-quality forage increases weight gain and body condition score while decreases grazing time. Livestock distribution was unaffected by supplementation.