Effects of grazing system and stocking rate on cow-calf performance in the flint hills

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\u3e.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\u3e.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