Performance of Steers on Pensacola Bahiagrass, Coastal Bermudagrass and Coastcross-1 Bermudagrass Pastures and Pellets

Abstract

Forages provide nearly 75% of the feed units consumed by all beef cattle. Beef cows obtain about 95% of their feed units from forages (Hodgson, 1967). Pasture and harvested forages must be of highest quality if acceptable weight gains of growing animals are to be realized, while quantity may be a more important consideration if the forage is to be used for maintaining cows (Hodgson and Hodgson, 1970). Research, particularly that pertaining to tests of new forage varieties and pasture programs, is needed in order to project which forages will contribute to and be compatible with expected future improvements in efficiency of beef production. Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L) Pers) is grown extensively in the South for use as pasture and hay. It is an efficient user of nitrogen and produces high yields of dry matter. Another grass grown commonly in the South is Pensacola bahiagrass (paspalum notatum var. sawae Parodi).