Grain Yield and Beef Cow–Calf Growth Performance in Dual-Purpose and Conventional Grain Wheat Production Systems and Stockpiled Tall Fescue Pasturing

Abstract

Dualpurpose wheat (Triticum aestivum L) can be used for cattle grazing while producing grain from the same crop. In a two-year study, wheat forage production, grain yield, and growth performance of beef cow–calf pairs grazed on wheat pasture for 2–3 weeks in spring was compared with the conventional wheat grain production system and stockpiled tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (L.) Schreb) pasturing. Grazing wheat resulted in grain yield (4.1 vs. 4.6 t ha−1) and test weight (65.9 vs. 66.7 kg hL−1) similar to the conventional grain production system. Wheat accumulated significantly lower forage dry matter yield (0.9 vs. 1.9 t ha−1) in spring with higher crude protein (190.2–290.2 vs. 122.0–151.0 g kg−1) and low fiber contents compared to the stockpiled tall fescue pasture. Wheat pasture presented risk for the development of grass tetany with regard to N, K, Na, and Mg contents. Calves grazed on wheat gained 1143–1370 gd−1 body weight compared to the 826–879 gd−1 in the stockpiled tall fescue pasturing. Cows had inconsistent and mixed body weight change response. With warmer temperatures and adequate precipitation controlled grazing of wheat in spring by beef cow–calves offered weight gain benefits exceeding the stockpiled tall fescue pasturing and grain production similar to the conventional wheat grain system.