Diving into Diets: Fertilization vs. Supplementation in Grazing Cattle

In this episode of Diving into Diets on Bovine Science, Dr.Brad White and Dr. Phillip Lancaster discuss a 17-year study comparing fertilizing pasture versus supplementing cattle on smooth bromegrass and found that supplementation led to higher daily gains and greater gain per acre than either fertilized or unfertilized systems. Fertilization increased carrying capacity but did not improve individual animal performance compared to the control. Importantly, supplementing cattle maintained soil nitrogen levels similar to those in fertilized pastures, likely due to manure recycling, with no long-term effects on forage stands. Overall, the results suggest producers can flexibly choose between fertilization and supplementation based on economics, with supplementation also reducing year-to-year variability in performance.

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