PSI-4 Animal and agronomic performance while grazing winter stockpiled novel endophyte tall fescue established with three pasture renovation strategies

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 276-276
Author(s):  
Charlotte L Talbott ◽  
Deidre D Harmon ◽  
Matt H Poore ◽  
Alan J Franluebbers ◽  
Carolyn A Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Grazing Period

Abstract Comparing animal and agronomic performance following renovation of toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) is fundamental to evaluating economic returns and increasing adoption of NE. In 2018, three NE renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Sixty-four Angus heifers (initial BW 290 kg ± 88) were randomly assigned to treatments and strip-grazed stockpiled fescue for 56-d, two years after NE establishment. Forage yield and nutritive value was measured every 14-d. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX of SAS v9.4. Average daily gain was greatest (P = 0.0024) for cattle grazing 1-SM (0.67 kg/d), and least for 3-CM (0.54 kg/d) and C (0.44 kg/d), which did not differ. 3-SM (0.57 kg/d) did not differ from other treatments. Within the grazing period, forage yield was greatest (P = 0.0001) in 3-CM, 3-SM, and C compared to 1-SM (3053, 2941, 2856 and 2465 kg/ha, respectively). Prior to the initiation of grazing, crude protein concentration was greater (P = 0.0089) for 3-CM (17.5%) compared to C, 1-SM, and 3-SM (15.8%, 15.8% and 15.3%, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber was greater (P = 0.0135) for 3-SM (57%) than C (55.1%) and 3-CM (54.5%), but did not differ from 1-SM (54.6%). Concentration of total digestible nutrients was greater (P = 0.0187) for 3-CM (73.2%) compared to 1-SM (72.1%) and 3-SM (71.9%), but did not differ from C (72.5%). Data suggest animal and agronomic performance for NE was improved compared to TF during winter stockpile grazing in years following renovation.

PSXI-19 Impact of toxic-infected tall fescue renovation strategies on second-year hay yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 344-345
Author(s):  
Charlotte L Talbott ◽  
Deidre D Harmon ◽  
Matt H Poore ◽  
Alan J Franluebbers ◽  
Carolyn A Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Second Year

Abstract Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) (TF) pastures to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) is a solution to mitigate the negative associated effects of toxic fescue in beef cattle. However, beef cattle producers are uncertain of the payback period for costs associated with renovation techniques in terms of farm profitability and agronomic performance. In 2018, three renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Each treatment plot (0.81 ha) was evaluated for botanical composition and hay was harvested in May and August of 2020. Round bales from each treatment were weighed to determine yield and core sampled to determine nutritive value. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX of SAS v9.4. Combined forage yield was greater (P = 0.0226) for 3-CM (8,816 kg/ha) compared to 3-SM (7,191 kg/ha) and C (6,920 kg/ha), but did not differ from 1-SM (7,775 kg/ha). Crude protein concentration was greater (P = 0.035) for C (10.2%) in comparison to 3-SM (9.35%) in harvest 1, but was not different (P = 0.93) in harvest 2. Percentage of fescue in the sward was greatest (P = 0.0002) for 3-SM and least for C (84.9 and 62%, respectively). Similarly, presence of undesirable plants was greater (P < 0.0001) for C (37.5%) than 1-SM, 3-CM and 3-SM (23.7, 15.2 and 12.7%, respectively). Percentage of bare ground did not differ among treatments (P = 0.31). Data suggest agronomic performance for 3-CM and 3-SM was improved compared to C in years following pasture renovation.

scholarly journals 147 Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue pastures for profitability, animal performance, and soil health

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 37-38
Author(s):  
Sam Ingram ◽  
Matthew H Poore ◽  
Daniel H Poole
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) pastures to non-toxic infected tall fescue (NE) for profitability, animal and agronomic performance without compromising soil health is needed to transition to NE in the southeast U.S. Three renovation strategies were evaluated for impact on soil health, profitability, and animal and agronomic performance in a replicated field trial located in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Soil samples were taken prior to renovation to establish baseline soil health measurements for each strategy. Data were analyzed using proc GLM of SAS v9.4. Thirty-two Angus and Angus cross steers (initial BW 425 ± 27) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of four treatments during the first season of renovation. Average daily gain for cattle grazing the first season of cover crops was greatest (P < 0.001) with 3-CM (0.8 kg/d), 3-SM (0.8 kg/d), in comparison to C and 1-SM (-0.1 kg/d). Gain per hectare differed among treatments (P < 0.001) with 3-SM and 3-CM being greater than C and 1-SM (179, 154, -24, -43 kg/ha, respectively). Within the two-month grazing period, yield different during the month of August (P < 0.001), with 3-SM being the highest (4511 kg/ha) in comparison to 3-CM (3275 kg/ha), 1-SM (2922 kg/ha), and C (2644 kg/ha), while yield was highest (P < 0.001) for 3-CM in September (2931 kg/ha) in comparison to all other treatments. Data suggests agronomic and animal performance for 3-CM and 3-SM were improved compared to C and could partially alleviate initial renovation costs.

scholarly journals 24 Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue pastures for profitability, animal performance, and soil health

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Sam Ingram ◽  
Matthew H Poore ◽  
Daniel H Poole
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Animal Performance ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (TF) pastures to non-toxic infected tall fescue (NE) for profitability, animal and agronomic performance without compromising soil health is needed to transition to NE in the southeast U.S. Three renovation strategies were evaluated for impact on soil health, profitability, and animal and agronomic performance in a replicated field trial located in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Soil samples were taken prior to renovation to establish baseline soil health measurements for each strategy. Data were analyzed using proc GLM of SAS v9.4. Thirty-two Angus and Angus cross steers (initial BW 425 ± 27) were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to one of four treatments during the first season of renovation. Average daily gain for cattle grazing the first season of cover crops was greatest (P < 0.001) with 3-CM (0.8 kg/d), 3-SM (0.8 kg/d), in comparison to C and 1-SM (-0.1 kg/d). Gain per hectare differed among treatments (P < 0.001) with 3-SM and 3-CM being greater than C and 1-SM (179, 154, -24, -43 kg/ha, respectively). Within the two-month grazing period, yield different during the month of August (P < 0.001), with 3-SM being the highest (4511 kg/ha) in comparison to 3-CM (3275 kg/ha), 1-SM (2922 kg/ha), and C (2644 kg/ha), while yield was highest (P <0.001) for 3-CM in September (2931 kg/ha) in comparison to all other treatments. Data suggest agronomic and animal performance for 3-CM and 3-SM were improved compared to C and could partially alleviate initial renovation costs.

173 Grazing Cover Crops: Effects of Cattle Removal Date on Forage Production and Cattle Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 94-94
Author(s):  
Russell C Carrell ◽  
Sandra L Dillard ◽  
Mary K Mullenix ◽  
Audrey Gamble ◽  
Russ B Muntifering
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Total Gain ◽  
Cattle Performance

Abstract Use of cool-season annual cover crops through grazing has been shown to be a potential tool in extending the grazing season, while still mitigating environmental risks associated with warm-season row crop production. Although data describing the effects of grazing on soil health are not novel, effects of grazing length on animal performance and cover crop production are limited. The objective was to determine cattle performance and forage production when grazing a cool-season annual cover-crop. Twelve, 1.2-ha pastures were established in a four species forage mix and randomly allocated to be grazed through either mid-February (FEB), mid-March (MAR), or mid-April (APR) with a non-grazed control (CON). Three tester steers were randomly placed in each paddock and a 1:1 forage allowance was maintained in each paddock using put-and-take steers. Animals were weighed every 30 d for determination of average daily gain (ADG). Forage was harvested bi-weekly and analyzed for forage production, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Fiber fractions were measured using an ANKOM fiber analyzer (ANKOM Tech, Macedon, NY). All data were analyzed using MIXED procedure of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Differences in forage mass were detected between CON and FEB (3,694.75 vs. 2,539.68 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.003), CON and MAR (3,694.75 vs. 1,823.45 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.001), and CON and APR (3,694.75 vs. 1,976.23 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.001). Differences in total gain/acre were detected between APR and MAR (212.24 vs. 101.74 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.0001), APR and FEB (212.24 vs 52.65 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.0001), and FEB and MAR (101.74 vs. 52.65 kg/ha; P &lt; 0.003). No differences were detected for tester ADG (1.23 kg/day, P = 0.56), NDF (44.9%, P = 0.99), or ADF (27.2%, P = 0.92) among treatments. These results indicate that cattle removal date effected forage yield and total gain/hectare.

Evaluating Soybean Cultivars for Forage Yield and Nutritive Values

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 21-22
Author(s):  
Serena Thompson ◽  
Jenny Koebernick ◽  
Russell C Carrell ◽  
Madison Cole ◽  
S Leanne L Dillard
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Arachis Glabrata ◽  
Soybean Cultivars ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Forage Yields

Abstract Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) are frequently utilized by equine producers in the Southeast. However, challenges related to their production have producers searching for alternative legume options. In 2019 and 2020, five soybean cultivars, “Tower of Leaves,” “Stonewall,” “Laredo,” “AG79X9,” and “AG64X8,” were evaluated for yield and nutritive value. Soybeans were grown at two row spacings (36 and 71 cm), two locations (Central and South Alabama), and harvested at three heights (10, 15, and 20 cm; HH). Forages were harvested using a plot harvester, dried at 55°C, and ground to 1 mm. Forage quality was determined using a NIRS, with verification by wet chemistry analyses. The study was a randomized, complete block design (n = 4) and statistical analysis was carried out using PROC Glimmix of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Inst., - Cary, NC). Forage yields were greatest in “Stonewall” and “Tower of Leaves,” and lowest in “Laredo” (2,074, 1,978, and 1,348 kg/ha, respectively). Across years, HH and forage cultivar had a significant effect on yield (P &lt; 0.0001). As expected, yield increased as HH decreased (P &lt; 0.0001). In 2019, crude protein (CP) was affected by HH (P &lt; 0.0001), with 10 cm having lower CP than 15 and 20 cm (14 vs 16%, respectively; P &lt; 0.0001). Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were affected (P &lt; 0.01) by HH and variety. “Stonewall” had the lowest NDF (30.84%) and ADF (29.27%; P &lt; 0.01). “Stonewall” and “AG79X9” had the greatest TDN (74 and 73%, respectively; P &lt; 0.01). The cultivar “Stonewall” shows promise as a forage, with greater yields and moderate forage nutritive value compared with the other cultivars tested. Further research is needed to evaluate “Stonewall” in mixtures with other warm-season annual forages.

scholarly journals Agronomic Performance and Nutritive Value of Mucuna Legume (Stilozobium Deeringianum (Bort) Merr.) as Influenced by Cutting Dates in Peruvian Central Coast

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. p1
Author(s):  
D. Escudero ◽  
M. G. Echevarria ◽  
Y E. D. Malpartida
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Central Coast ◽  
Fresh Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility

The agronomic performance and nutritive value of Mucuna legume (Stilozobium deeringianum (Bort) Merr.) in five stages were evaluated under climatic conditions of Peruvian central coast to estimate optimum stage of use. Five cutting ages were: 21, 42, 63, 84 and 105 days. Crop growing, forage yield, chemical composition, vitro dry matter digestibility and net energy for lactation of Mucuna were evaluated. The optimum cutting age was 84 days with 25633.3 kg. Ha-1 of fresh matter and 6422.6 kg-1 ha-1 of dry matter. In this age crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber and in vitro dry matter digestibility contents were 14.94%, 44.80%, 33.15% and 66.12 %. Net energy for lactation was 1.43 Mcal.kg-1. These results show that Mucuna was well adapted to Peruvian Central Coast with high forage yield and nutritive value.

scholarly journals 111 Metsulfuron and variable nitrogen application rates on infected tall fescue: effects on stocker performance, forage yield, nutritive value, ergovaline concentration and botanical composition

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
Kevin R Meng ◽  
Eric Bailey ◽  
Josh Zeltwanger ◽  
Hannah Allen ◽  
Mikaela Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Seed Head ◽  
Application Rates

Abstract Chemical seed-head suppression of endophyte infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) improves stocker cattle performance but may decrease forage yield. Spring nitrogen application increases tall fescue growth with a concomitant increase in ergot alkaloids, produced by the symbiotic endophyte Epichloë coenophiala. We hypothesized that greater amounts of nitrogen applied to tall fescue would increase forage yield and offset losses in forage production from chemical suppression of seed-heads with metsulfuron without effect on alkaloid concentration. Ninety-six steers (270 ± 20 kg) were randomly assigned to one of sixteen paddocks (1.8 ha) on April 18 and continuously grazed for 57 d. Paddocks were blocked by previous use (n = 4) and randomly assigned to one of four treatments; no metsulfuron, no nitrogen (NEGCON), metsulfuron with 0 (MET0), 67 (MET67), or 134 (MET134) kg/ha of ammonium nitrate, applied March 11. Steers grazing MET0 paddocks were removed 17 d early due to insufficient forage availability. Steer weight, forage yield, forage nutritive value and ergot alkaloids in forage samples were measured monthly. Seed-head frequency and species composition were determined in June. Metsulfuron application reduced (P &lt; 0.01) tall fescue seed-heads by 80%. Metsulfuron decreased (P = 0.03) ergovaline but ergovaline increased (P &lt; 0.01) at each monthly sampling across treatments. Nitrogen had no impact on ergovaline concentration (P = 0.50). Forage yield tended to be least (P = 0.07) for MET0, intermediate for NEGCON and MET67, and tended to be greatest for MET134 (P = 0.08). Steer ADG was not affected by treatment (P &lt; 0.80). Metsulfuron decreased NDF (P=0.02) regardless of fertilization rate. Forage CP increased with fertilization (P &lt; 0.01) and no differences were detected between NEGCON and MET0 (P = 0.45). Species composition was not impacted (P &gt;0.07) by treatment. Metsulfuron decreased seed-head growth and ergovaline concentration in tall fescue. Additional nitrogen fertilizer ameliorated forage yield lost to metsulfuron application but did not impact steer gain.

Determining the Rate of Ergot-alkaloid Degradation in Toxic Endophyte-infected Tall Fescue Hay and Haylage During Long Term Storage

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 22-22
Author(s):  
Charles A Zumbaugh ◽  
Susannah A Gonia ◽  
Kathryn M Payne ◽  
Thomas B Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Day Treatment ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Storage Period ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Experimental Unit

Abstract The objectives of this experiment were to determine changes in the nutritive value and ergot alkaloid concentrations of endophyte-infected tall fescue hay and haylage during a 180-d storage period. Forage from a single field of Kentucky-31 tall fescue was cut for hay in late June and allowed to dry in the field. The dry matter (DM) of the windrow of cut forage was measured every 2 h after clipping. Forage was sampled from the windrow in 6 location blocks once forage DM reached target levels for haylage and hay treatments. Haylage and hay samples were taken when the DM of the windrow reached 50% and 80%, respectively. Seven subsamples of each treatment within block were chopped to 1.91 cm in length with a lettuce chopper and vacuum sealed in oxygen-excluding bags. Sample bags were stored indoors and opened at 30 d intervals over the 180-d storage period. Samples were analyzed for pH, nutritive value, and individual ergot alkaloid concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Within each storage day, treatment within block was considered the experimental unit. Data were analyzed in SAS using the MIXED procedure with fixed effects of treatment, day, and the treatment by day interaction. Location block was considered a random effect. As expected, pH was decreased for haylage compared to hay at all time points (P &lt; 0.01) and DM was greater (P &lt; 0.01) for hay compared to haylage. Neutral detergent fiber values were greater (P &lt; 0.01) for hay compared to haylage and declined during storage (P &lt; 0.01). Total ergot alkaloid concentrations did not differ by treatment (P = 0.61), but ergovaline concentrations declined (P &lt; 0.01) during storage. Collectively, these results indicate minimal differences in nutritive value and ergot alkaloid concentrations between hay and haylage during storage, and that ergovaline concentrations decline during storage.

scholarly journals 57 Effects of Diploid and Tetraploid Annual Ryegrass Cultivars on Cattle Performance, Herbage Mass, and Nutritive Value

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 20-20
Author(s):  
Sarah M Montgomery ◽  
Brandi Karisch ◽  
Jane A Parish ◽  
Jesse Morrison ◽  
Brian Baldwin
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Cattle Grazing ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Daily Gain

Abstract Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) can be divided into two cytotypes: diploid (2n = 2x) and tetraploid (2n = 4x). Polyploid versions of a given plant species result in increased seedling vigor, more robust growth and, potentially, greater yield. While most data suggest no difference in yield between diploid and tetraploid cultivars, there is still potential for weight gain advantages thanks to increased non-structural carbohydrates in tetraploid cells. The objectives of this study were to compare weight gain of cattle grazing either diploid or tetraploid cultivars of annual ryegrass. Two diploid annual ryegrass cultivars (Marshall and Tam 90) and two tetraploid cultivars (Jumbo and Nelson) were planted in 0.81-ha pastures, each replicated four times. Four steers (mean initial BW = 214 kg) were randomly assigned to each pasture for an 82-d grazing period. Body weights were recorded starting at d0 then every 28 days throughout the season. Data were analyzed in the GLM procedure of SAS using a significance level of α = 0.05. There were significant differences between cytotypes with respect to seasonal yield with diploids (9547.90 kg/ha) yielding greater than tetraploids (7762.00 kg/ha). As expected, ADF and NDF fractions were significantly less for tetraploids (ADF; 31.39%, NDF; 31.39%) compared to diploids (ADF; 33.75%, NDF; 53.25%). Tetraploids also contained significantly greater crude protein (13.50%) than diploids (12.90%). Cytotype had no effect on final average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.9427). However, final ADG was significantly impacted by cultivar (P = 0.0134). Final ADG for Tam 90 (1.10 kg/d) was greater than Marshall (0.92 kg/d). Cattle grazing Nelson (1.04 kg/d) and Jumbo (0.99 kg/d) did not differ. Results show that regardless of differences in seasonal yield and nutritive value between cytotypes, there were no advantages in ADG for cattle grazing either cytotype.

scholarly journals 145 Stocker gains on diverse summer annual pastures

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 28-29
Author(s):  
Kelly Mercier ◽  
Chris Teutsch ◽  
Ray Smith ◽  
Eric Vanzant ◽  
Kenny Burdine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Vegetative State ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Sunn Hemp ◽  
Sorghum Sudangrass ◽  
Forage Utilization

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if increasing forage botanical diversity improved stocker gains on warm-season annual (WSA) pastures. An opportunity exists to add extra gain on fall-born calves by grazing summer pastures after spring weaning and selling at a more favorable late summer market. However, cool-season perennial pastures in the Mid-South often have insufficient quality and yield to support desired summer gains. Therefore, the improved production and nutritive value of WSA forages shows promise in this system. A study was conducted near Princeton, KY, where calves (329, 366, and 297 kg in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively) grazed one of three WSA forage treatments without supplementation in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included 1) sorghum-sudangrass monoculture (MONO), 2) simple mixture (SIMPLE = sorghum-sudangrass, pearl millet, soybean), and 3) complex mixture (COMPLEX = SIMPLE + sudangrass, corn, crabgrass, cowpea, sunflower, sunn hemp, daikon radish, forage rape, Korean lespedeza). In 2017, MONO and SIMPLE calves had higher average daily gain (ADG) than COMPLEX calves (0.79 kg/day vs. 0.66 kg/day, P &lt; 0.03). In 2018, no differences in ADG were detected among treatments (P &gt; 0.3); however, calves only gained 0.01 kg/day. In 2019, MONO and SIMPLE calves again had higher ADG than COMPLEX calves (0.59 kg/day vs. 0.43 kg/day, P &lt; 0.03). The exceptionally low 2018 ADG was likely due to the higher nutritional demand of heavier calves and the lower nutritive value of mature forages compared to other years. In conclusion, complex WSA forage mixtures did not offer any improvement in animal performance, and proper management of all WSA forages (maintaining a vegetative state) is paramount to achieving adequate gains on stockers without supplementation; however, supplementation may be necessary to improve WSA forage utilization in the rumen, potentially leading to more favorable gains.

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