Intake and Digestibility of Winter-Range Forage by Cattle with and without Supplements

Intake and digestibility of low-quality native grass hay by beef cows supplemented with graded levels of soybean hulls2

“…A similar response was observed when cattle were fed a diet containing 4 lb of corncobs, 1 lb of alfalfa hay and either 2 or 4 lb of starch (Burroughs et al, 1949b). Rittenhouse et al (1970) reported that supplemental energy levels above .034 Meal ME/kg·75 significantly depressed forage intake, but not forage dry matter digestibility for cattle grazing native range (<5.3% crude protein). Decreased forage intake has been associated with decreased solid turnover time which may have allowed for further digestion of consumed forage (Evans, 1981).…”

“…Rittenhouse et al (1970) reported that supplemental crude protein had a minimal influence on dry matter digestibility or intake of medium quality forage (6.3 to 8.5% crude protein). Utilization of range forage (January through April) that contained over 10.4% crude protein did not respond to supplemental protein (1.7 kg cottonseed cake or 3.5 kg alfalfa pellets fed every other day; Judkins et al, 1985).…”

Supplementation of yearling steers grazing Northern Great Plains rangelands

“…Five daily fecal collections were made following a 10-day adjustment period to insure that chromium had reached a consistent concentration in the digestive tract. During the first 2 trials in 1988, steers were dosed with 10 g chromic oxide per steer daily, which was midway between levels used by Rittenhouse et al (1970) and Adams et al (1986). From the third trial on and for all of the 1989 trials, chromic oxide was given at the rate of 8 g per steer daily (Rittenhouse et al 1970).…”

“…During the first 2 trials in 1988, steers were dosed with 10 g chromic oxide per steer daily, which was midway between levels used by Rittenhouse et al (1970) and Adams et al (1986). From the third trial on and for all of the 1989 trials, chromic oxide was given at the rate of 8 g per steer daily (Rittenhouse et al 1970). The continuous release device used in 1991 had mean release rates of either 1.57 or 1.74 g chromic oxide day -1 and the continuous release device used in 1992 had mean release rates of 1.48 g chromic oxide day -1 according to the manufacturer.…”

Application of the 1996 NRC to Protein and Energy Nutrition of Range Cattle

“…ing low-protein forage increased digestibility and forage intake, whereas other reports have shown variable responses to protein supplementation (Rittenhouse et al, 1970;Kartchner, 1981). Although difficult to assess, differences be- .…”