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Effect of Dietary Supplements on Cows on a Semi-Desert Range¹

University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

A study was conducted for 5 years to determine cattle response to supplements when fed on the semi-desert range in southern Nevada. Cows were randomly allotted into treatment groups in a 2 x 4 factorial experimental design. The dietary supplements were: phosphorus, energy (barley), and protein (alfalfa, soybean oil meal or cottonseed oil meal).

Cows receiving dietary supplements (commercial protein, alfalfa, and barley) maintained body weights during the winter while the control cattle lost 0.2 lb. daily. Yearly weight changes were similar for all cattle irrespective of supplements. The number of calves weaned was increased by both barley and alfalfa. In addition, weaning weights of calves were significantly heavier when barley was fed which resulted in appreciably greater production from this treatment. The cows receiving commercial protein had significantly more calf deaths at birth than any other group.

The level of blood erythrocytes during the first 3 years of this study was greater when protein (alfalfa or commercial protein) was fed. Protein-supplemented cows had consistently higher hemoglobin levels than those receiving the control or barley supplements. Blood carotene and vitamin A levels were higher when barley was fed in comparison to other treatments. Alfalfa, when fed as a source of carotene, had no apparent effect on the blood carotene or vitamin A levels. Cows receiving only bone meal in addition to the other treatments had consistently higher blood inorganic phosphorus levels. Cows not receiving supplemental phosphorus had average blood phosphorus levels sufficiently high for maximum production during normal years.

The levels of blood constituents analyzed in this study did not reveal any symptoms that could be related to reproduction, weaning percent or weaning weights.

¹ This study was conducted in co-operation with the regional project W-34, Range Livestock Nutrition.

² Department of Animal Husbandry.

³ Present address—California Extension Service, Fresno, California.

⁴ Present address—Philips Petroleum Company, Arco, Idaho.