What type of grass is best for beef cattle? | Newswise: News for Journalists

Credit: Patrick Keyser

A pasture of big bluestem. Big bluestem is a “warm-season” grass, which means it grows well in warmer, drier conditions during the summer months.

« What type of grass is best for beef cattle?

Credit: J. Henning, University of Kentucky

Big bluestem, a species of grass studied in this research and one that once dominated North American grasslands, can be recognized by its 3-pronged flower resembling a turkey's foot.

« What type of grass is best for beef cattle?

Credit: J. Henning, University of Kentucky

Switchgrass can become stemmy when not grazed or cut for hay. However, with appropriate grazing management, it proves to be an effective summer food source for beef cattle.

« What type of grass is best for beef cattle?

Credit: Patrick Keyser

Part of the study monitored the weight gain of heifers grazing a variety of grasses. Switchgrass pastures grazed during summer proved to be the warm-season forage with the greatest productivity and returns.

« What type of grass is best for beef cattle?

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