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ARS Home » Plains Area » Mandan, North Dakota » Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #404146
Research Project: Sustainable Agricultural Systems for the Northern Great Plains

Location: Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory

Title: Nutrients in Kentucky bluegrass do not meet requirements for cow-calf pairs throughout the grazing season in central North Dakota

Author
item Christensen, Rachael
item Toledo, David
item MEEHANS, MIRANDA - North Dakota State University
item SWANSON, KENDALL - North Dakota State University
item DAHLEN, CARL - North Dakota State University

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2023
Publication Date: 5/1/2023
Citation: Christensen, R., Toledo, D.N., Meehans, M., Swanson, K., Dahlen, C. 2023. Nutrients in Kentucky bluegrass do not meet requirements for cow-calf pairs throughout the grazing season in central North Dakota. Meeting Abstract. 1.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) has invaded natural grasslands displacing native species in the northern Great Plains. This domination suggests forage quality of pastures of Kentucky bluegrass might supply all the feed cattle may be grazing, but not meet nutrient levels for cow-calf pairs. We examined the nutritional quality of Kentucky bluegrass. Forage samples were collected for two grazing seasons, tested and modeled. Results show that most months the pastures did not meet the needs of the cows, suggesting supplementation might be needed for cows in this time period. Cattle body size should be considered to better match pasture resources, and this was explored in the project.