Energy Analysis of Oklahoma Rangelands and Improved Pastures

Abstract

The energy costs of beef production were examined for native rangelands and improved pastures grazing systems in the State of Oklahoma. Energy analysis models were constructed to examine the necessary energy inputs and outputs of the grazing systems. Energy requirements to maintain improved pasture systems ranged from 10 to 100 times that to maintain native rangeland. Comparing only fossil-fuel expenditures showed that rangelands are two to three times more efficient producers of beef than the improved pastures, although their beef production is considerably lower per hectare. Regression analysis indicates that the maximum possible efficiency of beef production from fossil-fuel subsidies in Oklahoma is approximately 14.8%. At the time of the research, authors were with the Environmental Sciences Division, be compared, such as beef production, solar energy, and cost of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge,Tennessee 37830,and the Department of fertilizing improved pastures. Models and energy analysis tech-Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma! Norman 73019. Currentjy, Klo-niques were used to address these evaluation requirements.

The Relevancy of Forage Quality to Beef Production

“…Genetic selection that increases calf weaning weight, mature cow frame size, milk production potential, or other production traits will also increase dietary nutrient requirements and may push animal nutritional needs beyond the capacity of forages to supply needed energy and protein (Coleman et al, 2001; Sandelin et al, 2002; Johnson et al, 2003). Supplementation strategies have been developed to meet higher nutritional requirements of beef cattle, but the majority of dietary supplements are purchased at retail prices, which increases cost of production and decreases profitability (Klopatek and Risser, 1982; Kruse et al, 2008; Huston et al, 2002). For example, hay is a major cost in beef herds that calve in late winter.…”