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From: Anibal J. Pordomingo
Category: Cattle
Date: 20 Mar 2006
Time: 13:41:42 -0800
I agree with your comments. Selecting frames will help, but that is not the full solution. Designing the growth curve and the forage/feed base in sync is crucial. We could ruin good genetics with the wrong design (or lack of design). Keep in mind, gains on harvested forages are always more difficult and costly than gain on green grass. Supplemental energy sources help and more so in young stockers (better feed efficiency) and more time for proper fat profile deposition later during growing season. If we hit late fall and winter with heavy steers, and winter annuals are no option because of low temperatures or snow, most likely we will have to go to a moderate gain strategy and prepare the forage chain for high gain in spring and summer. Trying to finish in such a winter conditions will yield high costs and marginal fattening. I do not know of any native range or cool season perennial than can produce enough quality and quantity were small-grain winter annuals cannot thrive because of low temperatures.