Reducing beef winter-feeding costs through swathgrazing of strategically-constructed forage mixtures.

阿尔伯塔的冬季可能很长（长达200天），这表明这一时期的饲养活动占阿尔伯塔奶牛-小牛部门生产成本的大部分。在干地系统中越冬牛群的成本增加可能会削弱牛肉产业的竞争力，因为放牧（最经济的饲养选择）在此期间受到限制。生产成本更高，因为干地选择需要饲料交付，粪便运输和围栏维护。确定降低冬季喂养成本的战略将提高该部门的可持续性。仅通过带状放牧牧草单一栽培扩大放牧可能无法满足牛的营养需求。生产者通常采用补充计划来维持动物的身体状况，以及满足动物的生产和繁殖需求。饲料混合物或鸡尾酒作为放牧选择越来越受欢迎，但很少有研究详细说明它们在促进牛肉生产方面的潜力。牛肉生产商越来越受欢迎是由于饲料产量，动物性能和土壤健康的改善，但科学数据有限。大多数商业共混物的构建不针对动物性能。我们不知道在构建混合物之前针对动物营养需求的任何研究。 与Union Forage合作，该项目将构建一种饲料混合物，以满足生长牛的营养需求和目标生长。本项目不针对任何特定的商业混合物，但将评估开发混合物的策略，以满足幼牛（平均275 kg）的营养需求。饲料混合物将包括多达六种饲料物种，包括谷物（燕麦）、芸苔属植物和豆类植物。混合将比较燕麦单一栽培的牧草产量，质量和动物的性能。播种将在5月/6月进行，9月进行，然后从11月开始进行80至100天的放牧。该战略的经济性也将根据其降低生产和市场风险的潜力进行评估，同时提高牛肉生产系统的整体盈利能力。

The winter season in Alberta could be lengthy (up to 200 days), indicating that feeding activities during this period account for the majority of the production costs in Alberta's cow-calf sector. The increased cost of overwintering the herd in a drylot system could undercut the competitiveness of the beef industry, as grazing (being the most economical feeding option) is limited during this period. Production costs are higher because drylot options require feed delivery, manure hauling, and maintenance of pens. Identifying strategies that will reduce winter-feeding costs will increase the sustainability of the sector. Extending grazing through swathgrazing forage monocultures alone may not meet the nutrient needs of cattle. Producers usually employ supplementation programs to maintain the body condition of animals, as well as meet the production and reproduction needs of the animals. Forage mixtures or cocktails are growing in popularity as grazing options but few studies have detailed their potentials in promoting beef production. The increasing popularity among beef producers is due to a perceived improvement in forage yield, animal performance, and soil health but there is limited scientific data. Most commercial blends are constructed without targeting animal performance. We are not aware of any study targeting animal nutritional requirements prior to constructing the blend. In partnership with Union Forage, this project will construct a forage blend to meet the nutrient needs and targeted growth for growing cattle. This project is not targeting any particular commercial blend but will evaluate the strategy of developing the blend to meet the nutritional needs of young calves (average of 275kg). The forage blend will constitute up to six forage species, including a cereal (oats), brassicas, and legumes. The blend will be compared to oats monoculture for forage yield, quality, and animal performance. Seeding will occur in May/June, swathing in September, then followed by an 80 to 100 days of grazing starting in November. The economics of the strategy will also be evaluated on its potential to reduce production and market risks while improving the overall profitability of the beef production system.