Energy supplementation of steers grazing early-season, native range: effects on grazing and subsequent finishing performance and carcass merit

Crossbred beef steers (n = 328, initially 495 lb) were used to determine the effects of energy supplementation on grazing and subsequent finishing performance of steers grazing early-season, native range. Treatments consisted of either no supplemental energy or access to feeders containing a free choice, grain-based energy supplement. On the first day of the grazing period, steers were weighed and randomly allotted among eight pastures, providing four replications per treatment. Stocking density was 34% higher for supplemented than for unsupplemented pastures. At the end of the grazing period, steers were transported to a commercial feedlot and allowed ad libitum access to a common finishing diet for an average of 171 days. Supplement intake averaged 5.4 ± 1.1 lb/day (dry matter basis) or approximately 0.90% of body weight during the grazing period. Supplementation increased (P\u3c0.01) grazing period gains from 1.47 to 2.20 lb/day. Supplementation also increased (P\u3c0.01) ribeye area, back fat, and rump fat at the end of the grazing period. Supplementation did not affect subsequent finishing performance or carcass merit, but it reduced (P\u3c0.01) time required for finishing by 18 days. Energy supplementation of steers grazing early-season, native range resulted in more pounds of gain per acre due to improved grazing performance as well as a 34% increase in stocking density