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Evaluation of Cow-Calf Systems Using Ryegrass Sod-Seeded in Perennial Pastures¹

University of Georgia College of Agriculture, Coastal Plain Station, Tifton 31793-0748

Abstract

Four beef-herd feeding systems were evaluated during a 4-yr period. Animal performance and economic returns on Coastal bermudagrass pastures with (System 1) or without (System 2) sod-seeded ryegrass were compared with performance of animals on Pensacola bahiagrass with (System 3) or without (System 4) sod-seeded ryegrass. Coastal bermudagrass hay was an integral part of winter feeding of each system. Cow gains were higher (P<.05) on Systems 1 and 2 compared with Systems 3 and 4 during the spring (February 18 to May 13) grazing period. Replacement heifers on System 4 had lower (P<.05) daily gains during spring and summer (May 13 to September 15) grazing periods when compared with heifers on other systems, resulting in reduced (P<.05) final weights for System 4 heifers. Calves on Coastal pastures (Systems 1 and 2) had higher (P<.05) gains in all grazing periods and higher (P<.05) weaning weights compared with calves on Pensacola bahiagrass pastures (Systems 3 and 4). Sod-seeding with ryegrass resulted in increased (P<.05) calf gains on each perennial grass during the spring grazing period, and overall gains and weaning weights were higher (P<.05) for calves on systems with overseeded ryegrass. Calves on sod-seeded Coastal pastures (System 1) had higher (P<.05) daily gains compared with calves on sod-seeded Pensacola bahiagrass (System 3) during the spring, and this increase in performance was reflected in overall calf gains and weaning weights. Calving dates and reproductive performance were similar for cows and heifers on all systems, with a tendency for slightly lower pregnancy rates on Pensacola bahiagrass systems (Systems 3 and 4). Total annual costs of variable inputs per cow and replacement heifer were $172.56, $171.89, $201.06 and $179.39, respectively for Systems 1 to 4, and total receipts were $302.44, $281.96, $268.69 and $244.51, respectively for Systems 1 to 4. Returns to capital, land, labor and management per cow were $129.86, $110.07, $67.64 and $65.12, respectively for Systems 1 to 4. Increased input costs of sod-seeded ryegrass systems were recovered on both perennial grasses. Systems with Coastal bermudagrass pastures resulted in substantially higher returns because of higher animal stocking rates and increased animal performance.

¹ Supported by State and Hatch funds allocated to the Georgia Agr. Exp. Sta. Contributing to Southern Regional Project S-167, Utilization of Forages for Production of Slaughter Cattle Throughout the Year.

² Dept. of Anim. Sci.

³ Formerly Head, Dept. of Anim. Sci.; currently Assoc. Director Georgia Agr. Exp. Sta. and Resident Director Coastal Plain Exp. Sta., Tifton.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				V. A. Corriher, G. M. Hill, J. G. Andrae, M. A. Froetschel, and B. G. Mullinix Jr. Cow and calf performance on Coastal or Tifton 85 Bermudagrass pastures with aeschynomene creep-grazing paddocks J Anim Sci, October 1, 2007; 85(10): 2762 - 2771. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]