| Crossbred steers were intensively grazed in this study to compare the animal and forage performance of four forage systems; Sumrall 007 bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) (S007), Tifton 44 bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) (T44), common bermuda-grass ( Cynodon dactylon)/dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) (CD), and Alamo switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) (AS) in a summer stocker program for three years. Pastures were 1.6 ha in size and each forage system was replicated three times. Fertilization was identical for all pastures and at a rate suitable for hybrid bermudagrasses. A mixed model analysis was used to analyze both the animal and forage data. Forage type significantly (P < 0.05) affected stocking rates (kg), ADG's (kg/d), and gains (kg/ha) during certain periods and overall. Overall stocking rate (kg) for S007 and T44 were greater (P < 0.05) than CD and AS. Forage type did not significantly affect DM, but did significantly affect IVDMD in overall measures. Sample date significantly affected overall DM, IVDMD, NDF, and ADF. |
