EFFECTS OF STAGE OF MATURITY OF GRASS HARVESTED FOR SILAGE IN NORTHERN ONTARIO ON THE PERFORMANCE OF GROWING STEERS

Abstract

Over a 2-yr period, grass was harvested at different times during the primary growth cycle, ensiled and fed to 7- to 8-mo-old steers. The results demonstrated that silage made from grass in Northern Ontario can support liveweight gains of up to 0.94 kg/day and that performance can be expected to decline by about 0.01 kg/day for each day the harvest is delayed after mid-June. The maturity of the grass ensiled did not affect the amount of dry matter eaten by steers.