Crude Protein Content of Diet of Cattle Grazing Native and Introduced Pastures

Crude protein contents of diets were compared for steers grazing introduced, high condition native and low condition native grass pastures under spring-deferment or season-long grazing systems. This study was conducted at the SDSU Cottonwood Research Station near Cottonwood, SD, in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Esophageally fistulated steers were used to obtain diet samples throughout the grazing season on all treatments. Esophageal samples were analyzed for crude protein content and data were compared among grazing treatments within each year. In all three years, cattle diets were not limiting until late summer. Contrary to what was expected, diets of cattle on introduced grass pastures were typically higher in crude protein throughout the summer than diets of cattle grazing native pastures. Average daily gains were similar for all pastures and grazing systems for all years