Abstract

A 6-year study was designed to measure the influences of stocking rate and grazing system on performance of cow-calf pairs grazing tallgrass prairie. This paper summarizes the initial 3 years. Late-season rest-rotation was compared to continuous grazing over low, moderate, and high stocking rates. No differences (P>.10) were observed in body weight of cows or calves as a result of grazing system or stocking rate. However, calf weaning weight tended (P=.20) to be greater with continuous grazing than with late season rest-rotation. Cow body condition score was unaffected (P>.10) by stocking rate or grazing system. Conception rates were also similar between stocking rates and grazing systems. This preliminary information suggests that application of a late-season rest-rotation grazing system will support cow-calf performance comparable t o that with a continuous system at a similar stocking rate.

Keywords: Cattlemen's Day, 1995, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station contribution, no. 95-357-S, Report of progress (Kansas State University. Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service), 727, Beef, Stocking rate, Grazing systems, Cow-calf performance

How to Cite:

Cochran, R., Johnson, D., Olson, K. C., Hartnett, D. C. & Owensby, C. E., (1995) “Effects of grazing system and stocking rate on cow-calf performance in the Flint Hills”, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports 1(1), 1-3. doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.1998