PRODUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY OF TALL FESCUE PASTURES: CATTLE PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION DURING FIRST 18 MONTHS

Authors: Franzluebbers, Alan; Endale, Dinku; Franklin, Dorcas; Jenkins, Michael; HILL, N - MISC; BOUTON, J - MISC; KAPLAN, R - MISC; ZUBERER, D - MISC

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2003
Publication Date: 10/26/2003
Citation: Franzluebbers, A.J., Endale, D.M., Franklin, D.H., Jenkins, M., Hill, N.S., Bouton, J.H., Kaplan, R.M., Zuberer, D.A. Production and environmental quality of tall fescue pastures: cattle performance and production during first 18 months. Meeting Abstract. 2003. p. 25-27.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The negative impact of Neotyphodium coenophialum infection of tall fescue on cattle production is well known. Data are also becoming available to show that cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue with a fungal strain selected to reduce toxic ergot alkaloid production do not exhibit serious animal health disorders. The objective of this report was to summarize cattle performance and productivity during the first 18 months of grazing by yearling heifers on 'Jesup' tall fescue. Overall, this replicated water-catchment study integrates multiple objectives, including: cattle performance and production, tall fescue persistence, gastrointestinal parasite control, soil organic C sequestration, soil quality, and water quality. Cattle performance (average daily gain) and production (live-weight gain) were affected by source of tall fescue during 2002 and 2003. These responses were not the same during all evaluation periods. Various environmental quality responses continue to be collected and will be evaluated together with these performance/production responses.