Cultural Energy Analysis of Pasturing Systems for Cattle Finishing Programs

ABSTRACT Data from a three-year study conducted to integrate pasturing systems with drylot feeding systems were used to assess cultural energy analysis of the cattle production systems. Each year, 84 fall-born and 28 spring-born calves of similar genotypes were brought from Oklahoma and used in the experiment. Fall-born and spring-born calves were started on test in May and October, respectively. Seven treatments were imposed: (1) fall-born calves directly into feedlot; (2) and (3) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of July; (4) and (5) fall-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October; and (6) and (7) spring-born calves put on pasture with or without an ionophore and moved to the feedlot at the end of October. A 12.1 ha bromegrass pasture was available and divided into 16 paddocks of 0.69 ha each. Each treatment group had access to one paddock at a time and was rotated through one of fo...