Influence of method of processing supplemental alfalfa on intake and utilization of dormant, bluestem-range forage by beef steers (1993)

Abstract

A digestion trial was conducted to determine the effect of method of processing supplemental alfalfa on the intake and utilization of dormant, bluestem-range forage. Supplement treatments were 1) control: no supplement; 2) ground and pelleted, suncured alfalfa; 3) ground and pelleted dehydrated alfalfa; and 4) longstem alfalfa hay. Bluestem forage intake (% BW), diet digestibility, and ruminal dry matter fill 4 hours after feeding were increased (P<.10) when supplemental alfalfa was fed, compared with no supplementation. Little difference was evident among different forms of supplemental alfalfa for most of the forage utilization characteristics measured. However, a weak trend (P=.18) was observed for increased intake of bluestem forage by the steers supplemented with dehydrated alfalfa pellets compared with suncured alfalfa pellets. SummaryA digestion trial was conducted to determine the effect of method of processing supplemental alfalfa on the intake and utilization of dormant, bluestem-range forage. Supplement treatments were 1) control: no supplement; 2) ground and pelleted, suncured alfalfa; 3) ground and pelleted dehydrated alfalfa; and 4) longstem alfalfa hay. Bluestem forage intake (% BW), diet digestibility, and ruminal dry matter fill 4 hours after feeding were increased (P<.10) when supplemental alfalfa was fed, compared with no supplementation. Little difference was evident among different forms of supplemental alfalfa for most of the forage utilization characteristics measured. However, a weak trend (P=.18) was observed for increased intake of bluestem forage by the steers supplemented with dehydrated alfalfa pellets compared with suncured alfalfa pellets.

Application of the 1996 NRC to Protein and Energy Nutrition of Range Cattle

“…Research data indicates microbial efficiency is also reduced with lesser quality forages as a slower rate of passage results in slower microbial turnover and elevated microbial maintenance requirements. The Subcommittee on Beef Cattle Nutrition (NRC, 1996) reviewed 5 studies (Stokes et al, 1988;Krysl et al, 1989;Hannah et al, 1991;Lintzenick et al, 1993;Villalobos, 1993) to evaluate microbial efficiency at various diet digestibilities. Across experiments, diet OM (DOM) disappearance ranged from 49.8 to 64.7%.…”