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Stockpiled bermudagrass can reduce winter feed costs
STILLWATER, Okla. – It is hot and steamy and the middle of summer. That means cow-calf producers looking for economical, effective ways to feed their cattle need to be thinking of the coming winter right now.
Oklahoma State University research indicates cow-calf producers can reduce winter feed costs by stockpiling bermudagrass, but to take full advantage the process of stockpiling must be underway by late August.
Research conducted by the OSU Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources found that 50 pounds to 100 pounds of actual nitrogen fertilizer per acre applied in late summer produced 1,000 pounds to 2,000 pounds of forage per acre. In some ideal situations, even more forage was produced.
Studies between 1997 and 2000 found that stockpiled bermudagrass protein concentrations were impressive, even after frost, said Dave Lalman, OSU Cooperative Extension beef cattle specialist and a member of the research team.
“In November, the range of protein content of the standing forage was 13.1 percent to 15.2 percent crude protein,” Lalman said. “The protein held up in December and ranged from 12.5 percent to 14.7 percent crude protein. In January, the range was 10.9 percent to 11.6 percent crude protein.”
To make the best use of stockpiled bermudagrass, supplementation with 2 pounds per head per day of 14 percent to 25 percent protein feed beginning in early December is recommended.
“Old forage needs to be removed by haying, clipping or grazing, and fertilizer spreading must be planned and scheduled,” said Glenn Selk, OSU Cooperative Extension animal scientist. “Late August, the time to apply the fertilizer, will be here before we know it.”
Grazing should be deferred until at least late October or early November.
“It’s a good idea to control access to forage through rotational or strip grazing,” Selk said. “This will cut waste and extend grazing viability.”
Stockpiled bermudagrass should be used first if a cow-calf operation also has cool season forage available for use during winter.
“Begin supplementation in early December and provide the cattle a free-choice mineral, 6 percent to 9 percent phosphorus and vitamin A, with a trace-mineral package,” Lalman said.
Anyone seeking additional information about winter feeding of cattle should consult OSU Cooperative Extension Circular E-861, “Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Cattle,” and OSU Cooperative Extension Facts Sheets No. 2570, “Reducing Winter Feeding Costs,” and No. 3010, “Supplementing Beef Cows.”
The fact sheets and circulars are available at http://osufacts.okstate.edu on the Internet or by contacting any OSU Cooperative Extension county office, usually listed under “County Government” in most telephone directories.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
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Oklahoma State
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Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
E-Mail: donald.stotts@okstate.edu
