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Display category headings
Research Project:
IMPROVING STOCKER PRODUCTION IN SUSTAINABLE GRAZING SYSTEMS
Location:
Forage and Livestock Production Unit
Project Number: 6218-31630-004-00
Project Type:
Appropriated
Start Date: Oct 29, 2002
End Date: Oct 28, 2007
Objective:
1) To identify the most efficient combination of beef cattle breed type and livestock management for producing stocker cattle; (2) To mitigate factors that limit the ability of stocker cattle to rapidly adapt to novel forages presented for grazing; (3) To determine the factors that regulate forage intake, digestibility and nutrient utilization by stocker cattle; (4) To evaluate new combinations of forage resources to extend the grazing season for stocker cattle.
Approach:
Stocker calves of different breed types will be used to determine the interaction between breed type and intensity of livestock management on stocker performance and subsequent feedlot performance. The animal and plant factors that limit the ability of stocker cattle to rapidly adapt to novel forages presented for grazing will be identified and management practices to mitigate the negative impact of changes in forage resources on stocker performance will be developed. Intake, digestibility and nutrient utilization of annual and perennial cool-season grasses that could decrease the cost of stocker production will be determined under intensive laboratory and extensive field experiments. Production-scale stocker systems developed through the integration of new plant material and innovative management will be tested to validate livestock output and resource input requirements.
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