Cow‐Calf Production on Tall Fescue‐Ladino Clover Pastures with and without Nitrogen Fertilization or Creep Feeding: Fall Calves

Hereford cows (Bos taunts L.) with fall born calves were grazed year round for 4 yr on tall fescue‐ladino clover (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.‐Trifolium repens L.) pastures at the Forage Systems Research Center in North Central Missouri. Objectives of the study were to determine if quantity of beef produced/acre could be increased by applying N fertilizer at 0, 100, and 200 lb/acre to tall fescue‐ladino clover pastures or by feeding a supplemental grain‐protein mix (creep feed) to calves from mid‐November to mid‐April. Cows with calves born in late August to early November were assigned to one of six fertilization‐creep feed systems. No differences due to N fertilization of pastures were observed in weaning weight, feeder grade, frame size, percentage body fat of calves, or in conception rate or body weight change of cows. Calves receiving creep feed were heavier at weaning, had higher feeder grades, were taller at the withers, and had higher percentage body fat than calves not receiving creep feed. Creep‐fed bull calves were heavier at weaning and taller at the withers than creep‐fed heifer calves. Calf weight produced per acre was increased by N fertilization and also by creep feeding.