Supplement intake variation weight and body condition change in yearling heifers grazing late-summer dryland pastures with Rumax BoviBox vs. Rumax BoviBox HM protein supplements

摘要

Beef production is an important facet to the global economy and is the top agricultural commodity in Montana. In 2019, there were 380,000 replacement heifers developed in Montana, representing 15% of all cattle in the state (NASS, 2019). Proper heifer development needs to be economically managed without sacrificing heifer performance (Funston and Deutscher, 2004). Heifers developed in forage-based systems may provide economic advantages compared to heifers developed on high-quality diets in confinement (Funston et al., 2007; Mulliniks et al., 2013). In addition, the high costs of feed associated with developing heifers have encouraged producers to search for alternative methods of reducing the reliance of harvested feeds (Adams et al., 1986; Funston et al., 2007). Effective use of forage-based heifer development systems requires strategic supplementation to offset nutrient deficiencies (Bowman and Sowell, 1997; DelCurto et al., 2000; Bodine et al., 2001).