Performance Comparison of Fall-Calving Cow-Calf Pairs Grazing Cover Crops vs. Traditional Drylot System

Abstract

Utilization of cover crops as a forage source for the cowherd provides another feed resource at a time when pasture productivity is minimal. However, limited data are available on cover crop utilization by cattle, including cow and calf performance when grazing cover crops. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate cow and calf performance while grazing cover crops compared to a traditional, drylot management system of the Beef Teaching fall-calving herd.