Results are presented from the first year
of a 2-year study to evaluate the effects of
grazing system (intensive-early stocking or
IES vs season-long grazing or SLG) with or
without a pasture-phase implant (Synovex-S®)
on grazing and subsequent finishing
performance. Compared to a SLG system,
IES resulted in faster rate of gain on pasture
and more beef produced per acre, although
SLG resulted in greater total pasture gain per
animal. Implanting improved rate of gain
and increased beef per acre, particularly for
IES steers. In the feedlot, IES steers gained
weight faster and more efficiently than SLG
steers. However, SLG steers had greater
final live weights and carcass weights at a
common backfat thickness . Pasture-phase
implanting did not affect feedlot
performance. For heavier SLG steers, final
feedlot weights combined with a higher
proportion of total gain being made on pasture
offset their slower gains and higher cost
of production. Implanting IES steers prior to
grazing resulted in a numerical improvement
in final feedlot weight and net return.
