Cattle Weight Gains in Relation to Stocking Rate on Rough Fescue Grassland

Abstract

The effects of 4 stocking rates (1.2, 1.6, 2.4, and 4.8 AUM/ha) on cattle production were examined, over a 35-year period, on a Rough Fescue (Festuca scabrella Torr.) Grassland. Forage productivity was reduced at the higher stocking rates. This resulted in a shortened grazing season in the field stocked at 4.8 AUM/ha. Although individual animals' weights decreased with increased stocking rate, cattle gains per unit area increased. Average daily gain of cows was greatest in May but declined to become a loss in September. Calves showed maximum gains from June to July and never lost weight. Stocking rate affected the relative magnitude of average daily gain as well as the trend over the grazing season.