Back to Research & Demonstration
Strategic supplementation to improve beef cattle performance in grazing systems
Project Details
Project Lead: Kim Ominski (University of Manitoba)
Collaborators: Karin Wittenberg (University of Manitoba), Emma McGeough (University of Manitoba), Doug Cattani (University of Manitoba) Argenis Rodas Gonzalez (University of Manitoba)
Years: 2019-2021
Project Status: Final stages of completion
Funding & In-Kind Support: Canadian Agricultural Partnership, NSERC
Location: Johnson Farm
Scope: Research
Keywords: Livestock Performance, Livestock Nutrition, Smart Ag, Extended Grazing
Approach
This project was conducted to examine the effects of supplementation on animal performance when grazing stockpiled perennial forages in early spring and late fall/early winter in Manitoba.
Cattle: Thirty-two Angus-Shorthorn cross steers were assigned to one of four treatments:
Killarney orchardgrass/Algonquin alfalfa with supplementation (OA-S)
Killarney orchardgrass/Algonquin alfalfa without supplementation (OA-NS)
Courtney tall fescue/Algonquin alfalfa/Oxley II cicer milkvetch with supplementation (TAC-S)
Courtney tall fescue/Algonquin alfalfa/Oxley II cicer milkvetch without supplementation (TAC-NS)
Supplement: Grain screening pellets delivered by SmartFeed Pro systems for accurate and real-time monitoring of consumption on pasture.
Measurements:
Forage dry matter intake
Forage utilization
Average daily gain
Serum urea nitrogen concentration
Enteric methane emissions
Grazing behaviour
For more information:
National Centre for Livestock and the Environment - University of Manitoba
Related Projects at MBFI:
Industry Resources:
Smart Feed Pro - C-Lock Inc
Feed Quality of Stockpiled Forage - Manitoba Agriculture