Prediction of forage intake and production of steers in a winter forage system

Currently there are no means to accurately predict intake in grazing animals. Two experiments were conducted to determine and validate the use of intake markers in grazing ruminants as well as to compare performance of steers in winter forage systems. Six Angus-Hereford steers were halter and fecal harness broke. Entities commonly found in forages and used as markers were evaluated. Experiment 1 was conducted during the summer 2004, at the West Virginia University Livestock Farm, using animals in a confined area. Steers were fed timothy or orchardgrass hay chopped to fine or coarse lengths. Experiment 2 was conducted at the Reedsville Experimental Farm, during the winter, 2004-05, but with animals in a grazing situation. Experiment 2 also examined four different forage systems for wintering steers and compared animal performance using ultrasonography and animal weight changes