Author:
Dicker R. W.,Ayres J. F.,McPhee M. J.,Robinson D. L.,Turner A. D.,Wolcott M. L.,Kamphorst P. G.,Harden S.,Oddy V. H.
Abstract
This paper describes the post-weaning growth of
Bos taurus and Bos taurus x
Bos indicus-derived steers grazing temperate perennial
pasture in northern New South Wales. These cattle were either autumn weaners
from spring-calving herds in summer rainfall environments, or summer weaners
from autumn-calving herds in winter rainfall environments. Autumn weaners were
grown out on 3 pasture systems: (i) pasture only (P1), (ii) pasture
supplemented in late winter–early spring with formulated pellets of high
protein content (P2), or (iii) pasture supplemented with a nitrogen-fertilised
forage crop (P3) to provide different growth pathways towards entry to the
finishing phase. Over the 3-year study, seasonal liveweight gain on P1 varied
between –0.21 and 1.05 kg/head.day; liveweight gain was generally
low (about 0.5 kg/head.day) in winter and high (about 0.8 kg/head.day)
in spring. Bos taurus autumn weaners achieved feedlot
entry specifications for the domestic market (300 kg liveweight) in 6–8
weeks by the end of winter, and feedlot entry specifications for the export
market (400 kg liveweight) in 17–27 weeks by the end of summer. For
B. taurus x B. indicus-derived
autumn weaners, the period to feedlot entry was 19 and 33 weeks for domestic
and export feedlot entry specifications, respectively. Supplementary feeding
generally increased post-weaning growth in late winter–early spring and
reduced the period to feedlot entry for export steers. Summer weaners were
grown out on pasture in P1, P2 or P3 pasture systems, met domestic feedlot
entry specifications on arrival, but did not reach export feedlot entry
specifications before the onset of winter imposed liveweight stasis. The most
effective grow-out system was based on Bos taurus autumn
weaners with supplementary feeding in winter–spring to overcome the
limitations of the winter feed gap.
Subject
General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Cited by
14 articles.
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