Abstract #T189

# T189
Sequential and mixed grazing of stockpiled toxic tall fescue by fall-calving Angus cows and Katahdin ewes.
Taylor N. Drane*1, Richard E. Daugherty1, James D. Caldwell1, Bruce C. Shanks1, Chris L. Boeckmannn1, Cindy A. Deornellis1, Amy L. Bax1, Abbey J. Kempker1, Jason D. Walker1, 1Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO.

There are many potential benefits with multi-species grazing including possible performance improvements for one or both species involved. For this reason, there is renewed interest in evaluating mixed versus sequential grazing schemes; however, little research has been done in hair sheep and cattle especially grazing stockpiled toxic tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh; E+]. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine performance and reproductive measurements by fall-calving Angus cows and Katahdin ewes grazing stockpiled E+ under a mixed or sequential grazing scheme. Over 3 consecutive yr, fall-calving Angus cows (n = 60; 499.8 ± 56.4 kg initial BW; 5.7 ± 0.7 initial BCS) and Katahdin ewes (n = 121; 26.1 ± 6.9 kg initial BW; 2.9 ± 0.4 initial BCS) were stratified by BW and age within species and allocated randomly to 1 of 4 groups representing 2 treatments: 1) sequential grazing (SG; 6 replications) or 2) mixed grazing (MG; 6 replications). Each year, a total of 8.16 ha (0.68-ha per group) were grazed 40 d for yr 1 and 2 and 42 d for yr 3. In SG, cows always followed ewes and all groups were rotated based on available forage. Initial weight, initial BCS, end weight, end BCS, total gain, and ADG did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) between treatments. Cow and ewe pregnancy rates did not differ (P ≥ 0.96) between treatments. Calf birth date and calf birth weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.33) between treatments. Calf start weight was heavier (P = 0.03) for MG vs. SG, but calf end weight, total gain, and ADG were similar (P ≥ 0.13) between treatments. Lamb birth date, birth weight, and number of lambs born did not differ (P ≥ 0.12) between treatments. Therefore, sequential grazing compared with mixed grazing may not improve performance and reproductive measurements in fall-calving Angus cows and Katahdin ewes. Thus, the extra labor associated with a multi-species, sequential grazing scheme may not be justified.

Key Words: fescue, mixed grazing, sequential grazing