Montgomery, Sean P.Packard, R.L.Forcherio, J.C.Scott, R.R.Blasi, Dale A.2010-08-042010-08-042010-08-04http://hdl.handle.net/2097/4457Crossbred beef steers (n = 328, initially 495 lb) were used to determine the effects of energy supplementation on grazing and subsequent finishing performance of steers grazing early-season, native range. Treatments consisted of either no supplemental energy or access to feeders containing a free choice, grain-based energy supplement. On the first day of the grazing period, steers were weighed and randomly allotted among eight pastures, providing four replications per treatment. Stocking density was 34% higher for supplemented than for unsupplemented pastures. At the end of the grazing period, steers were transported to a commercial feedlot and allowed ad libitum access to a common finishing diet for an average of 171 days. Supplement intake averaged 5.4 ± 1.1 lb/day (dry matter basis) or approximately 0.90% of body weight during the grazing period. Supplementation increased (P<0.01) grazing period gains from 1.47 to 2.20 lb/day. Supplementation also increased (P<0.01) ribeye area, back fat, and rump fat at the end of the grazing period. Supplementation did not affect subsequent finishing performance or carcass merit, but it reduced (P<0.01) time required for finishing by 18 days. Energy supplementation of steers grazing early-season, native range resulted in more pounds of gain per acre due to improved grazing performance as well as a 34% increase in stocking density.BeefEnergySteersFinishing performanceCarcass meritConference paper