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Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322-4815
2 Correspondence—phone: 435-797-3788; fax: 435-797-2118; e-mail: ken.olson{at}usu.edu.
The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship between range management practices and reproductive performance of beef cattle. The primary axis of this relationship is via the influence of range management on the nutritional status of the cow and the concomitant effect of nutritional status on reproductive status. Abundant research on beef cattle in confinement has established the relationship of nutritional status on reproductive status. Research evaluating beef cow nutritional responses to range management is more limited, and evaluations of reproductive responses to range management are even fewer. Grazing management practices that influence beef cow performance include stocking rate, grazing distribution, and grazing systems. Stocking rate has the greatest influence, with heavy stocking rates diminishing a cow’s ability to select and consume a highly nutritious diet. This limitation on nutrient intake decreases the cow’s reproductive performance. Range management to improve grazing distribution effectively increases forage supply by enticing cows to consume underutilized forage, thereby altering the stocking rate relationship in favor of supporting more cows or higher nutrient intake by individual cows. Grazing systems that involve multiple pastures so grazing and rest can be scheduled among the pastures have variable effects on cattle performance, but they decrease performance more often than not compared with continuous grazing. The limitation of the pasture area to which cattle have access in a grazing system effectively decreases the forage supply, and can thereby decrease diet selection and nutrient intake. Alternative forages, especially complementary forages that grow in the early spring, can dramatically improve cow nutritional status during the critical pre-and postpartum periods of the annual beef cow production cycle. Supplementation, particularly the use of protein with low-quality forages, can augment beef cow reproductive status, as long as it is managed in concert with proper grazing management. In conclusion, various range management practices can have positive or negative effects on beef cow nutrition and reproduction. Range management needs to be carefully planned and implemented to ensure that it contributes to efficient reproduction.
Key Words: Beef Cattle • Grazing Management • Range Management • Reproduction
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