Washington - Good cost-cutting news for producers. Cattle fed on grass plus a supplement are as market-ready as those fed on a mostly grain diet, a result that could mean big savings for producers, according to a study by the Agricultural Research Service.
A three-year study by scientists at the Grazinglands Research Laboratory in El Reno, Okla. compared the performance of cattle from similar herds primed for market using grass and a supplement with those fed a diet high in grain.
The cattle fed on the wheat pasture and perennial grass pastures received a high-energy supplement mostly of corn to give additional energy for fattening. The study showed beef cattle finish as efficiently on grass pastures with the supplement as they would on a mostly grain diet.
The major difference could be the cost: The study found producers could save $25 per animal.
Cattle made market-ready in the pasture have about the same end weight as those prepped in the feedlot. But they have about 3 % less fat, according to the service.
Research service animal nutritionist Samuel W. Coleman said either system would bring producers the same amount of money, but production costs are lower for the grass-based system.
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Return to Home Page