Effects of corn steep liquor supplementation on performance and herbivory patterns of beefcows grazing native range infested with sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata)

摘要

Increased grazing pressure on sericea lespedeza by beef cattle, the most economicallyrelevant herbivore in the region, may slow its spread and facilitate some measure ofbiological control. Unfortunately, mature plants contain high levels of condensedtannins that decrease protein digestion by beef cattle, and these compounds are potentdeterrents to grazing. Supplementing corn steep liquor has been shown to alleviate thenegative effects associated with ingestion of condensed tannins when beef cattle are fedprairie hay contaminated with sericea lespedeza. In addition, beef cows supplementedwith corn steep liquor did not discriminate between sericea lespedeza–contaminatedand sericea lespedeza–free prairie hay in a preference trial. Therefore, the objective ofour study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental corn steep liquor on herbivorypatterns and performance of beef cows grazing native tallgrass rangeland infested withsericea lespedeza.