Source: UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI submitted to NRP
IMPROVED WINTER FEEDING STRATEGIES FOR MISSOURI
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0180116
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 1, 1999
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2004
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
(N/A)
COLUMBIA,MO 65211
Performing Department
PLANT SCIENCES
Non Technical Summary
(N/A)
Animal Health Component
80%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
80%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2051610106020%
2051621106020%
2051631106025%
2051640106020%
2051641106015%
Goals / Objectives
1. To evaluate the forage yield and quality of winter annuals that could provide pasture from December through March. 2. To examine the usefulness of growing alfalfa on beds to improve yield and survival on poorly drained soils. 3. To assess the usefulness of an ion-specific electrode as a tool to predict a potassium deficiency in alfalfa. 4. To test alfalfa varieties currently marketed in Missouri for hay yield, quality and persistence. 5. To describe the yield, yield distribution, forage quality, and persistence of rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil in pure and mixed pastures.
Project Methods
Objective #1, approximatly 20 different winter annuals will be tested at two locations. Each winter annual will be harvested in Dec., Jan., Feb., and Mar. for forage yield, and quality. Objective #2, we will establish alfalfa in three different systems: alfalfa grown on 40 inch beds with out furrow dykes, alfalfa grown on 40 inch beds with furrow dykes and alfalfa grown coventionally. Each system will be evaluated for forage yield and persistence. Objective #3, test an ion-specific electrode to measure the K content of fresh alfalfa sap. Laboratory, greenhouse and field experments will test the accuracy and repeatability of the ion-specific electrode. Objective #4 will establish replicated alfalfa variety trials in Southern and Northern Missouri. These trials will measure both yield and quality of varieties currenty marketed in Missouri. Objective #5, the yield, yield distribution, quality and persistence of rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil (RBFT) will be documented under grazing. Pastures of RBFT and Norcen birdsfoot trefoil in pure stands and in mixed stands (with tall fescue) will be evaluated.

Progress 01/01/99 to 09/30/04

Outputs
Alternative forages for low-cost winter pasture. This research evaluates annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, small grains, several Brassicas, and annual clovers for forage quality and yield during winter. It is the first research to show that annual ryegrass, a crop previously limited to the southern U.S., can be grown for winter pasture in Missouri. Our results also show that selection of cold-tolerant genotypes is critical for success in Missouri. Improve the quality of stockpiled tall fescue with cold-tolerant legumes. Initial studies published from my research at MU suggested that rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil had better stockpiling characteristics (stays green, retains leaves, retains forage quality) than other perennial legumes. I hypothesized that birdsfoot trefoil might be added to stockpiled tall fescue pastures to improve forage quality. Preliminary results show that adding this legume to tall fescue pasture improves forage quality over winter. Reduce the toxicity of stockpiled tall fescue by adding a non-toxic endophyte. Stockpiled tall fescue is one of the lowest-cost winter pastures for beef cattle. However, problems with fescue toxicosis limit animal performance. This research is the first in the USA to evaluate tall fescue infected with a native endophyte, a patented non-toxic endophyte, and with no endophyte. Preliminary results suggest that tall fescue infected with a non-toxic endophyte does not produce as much forage for winter grazing as does fescue infected with a toxic endophyte. Getting cattle back on pasture in early spring by reducing the potential for grass tetany. A problem with early spring pasture is grass tetany. Grass tetany is a fatal syndrome caused low blood Mg in ruminant animals. Earlier work at MU showed that soils low in phosphorus (P) produce forage with low levels of Mg, which in turn increases the risk of grass tetany. My work confirmed that fertilizing pastures with P could reduce the incidence of grass tetany. This research is the first to show that fertilizing pasture with P is as effective as feeding a Mg mineral supplement in preventing grass tetany. Improve the growth and persistence of alfalfa to reduce the cost of hay. This portion of my research program has two thrusts. They are described below. a. Alfalfa cutting management. In cooperation with other MU scientists, I studied the effects of harvest frequency, autumn harvest management, and fall dormancy on alfalfa growth and persistence. We found that: 1) alfalfa should be harvested only four times during the growing season, 2) harvesting dormant alfalfa in autumn is not economic and 3) that cultivars with varying degrees of fall dormancy perform similarly. b. Alfalfa Dormancy. In cooperation with scientists at UC Davis, I developed a rapid method to predict fall dormancy in alfalfa. This rapid but simple method is proposed to be adopted nationally and should help end the confusion about the adaptation alfalfa varieties in the USA.

Impacts
This project has developed some new low-cost winter-feeding systems for beef cattle. Many of these low cost alternatives are being successfully adopted by producers in the Mid-west. These systems are helping farmers reduce production costs and helping them remain profitable.

Publications

  • Roberts, C.A., H.R. Benedict, N.S. Hill, R.L. Kallenbach, and G.E. Rottinghaus. 2005. Determination of ergot alkaloid content in tall fescue by near-infrared spectroscopy. Crop Sci. 45:778-783.
  • Fike, J.H., A.L. Buergler, J.A. Burger, and R.L. Kallenbach. 2004. Considerations for establishing and managing silvopastures. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2004-1209-01-RV.
  • Wen, L., J.E. Williams, R.L. Kallenbach, C.A. Roberts, P.R. Beuselinck, and R.L. McGraw. 2004. Cattle preferentially select birdsfoot trefoil from mixtures of tall fescue and birdsfoot trefoil. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2004-0924-01-RS.
  • Lock, T.R., R.L. Kallenbach, D.G. Blevins, T.M. Reinbott, G.J. Bishop-Hurley, R.J. Crawford, Jr., M.D. Massie, and J.W. Tyler. 2004. Phosphorus fertilization of tall fescue pastures may protect beef cows from hypomagnesaemia and improve gain of nursing calves. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2004-0608-01-RS.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., M.S. Kerley, and G.J. Bishop-Hurley. 2005. Forage accumulation, quality and livestock production from an annual ryegrass and cereal rye mixture in a pine-walnut silvopasture. Agroforestry Systems In Press.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., C.J. Nelson, J.H. Coutts and M.D. Massie. 2005. Cutting alfalfa in late-autumn increases annual yield, does not hurt stands, but is unlikely to increase profit. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2005-0404-01-RS.
  • Lock, T.R., R.L. Kallenbach, D.G. Blevins, T.M. Reinbott, G.J. Bishop-Hurley, R.J. Crawford, and M.D. Massie. 2002. Adequate soil phosphorus decreases the grass tetany potential of tall fescue pasture. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2002-0809-01-RS.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., C.J. Nelson, and J.H. Coutts. 2002. Yield, quality, and persistence of grazing- and hay-type alfalfa under three harvest frequencies. Agron. J. 94:1094-1103.
  • C. M. Taliaferro, J. A. Anderson, W. L. Richardson, J. L. Baker, S. W. Coleman, W. A. Phillips, L. J. Sandage, J. L. Moyer, T. L. Hansen, R.L. Kallenbach, and R. J. Crawford. 2002. Registration of Midland 99 forage bermudagrass. Crop Sci. 42:2212-2213.
  • Roberts, C.A., R.L. Kallenbach, and N.S. Hill. 2002. Harvest and storage method affects ergot alkaloid concentration in tall fescue. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2002-0917-01-BR.
  • Wen, L., R.L. Kallenbach, J.E. Williams, C.A. Roberts, P.R. Beuselinck, R.L. McGraw, and H.R. Benedict. 2002. Performance of steers grazing rhizomatous and non-rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil in pure stands and in tall fescue mixtures. J. Ani. Sci. 80:1970-1976.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., C.A. Roberts, L.R. Teuber, G.J. Bishop-Hurley, and H.R. Benedict. 2001. Estimation of fall dormancy in alfalfa by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Crop Sci. 41:774-777.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., R.L. McGraw, P.R. Beuselinck, and C.A. Roberts. 2001. Summer and autumn growth of rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Sci. 41:149-156.
  • Takele, E., and R.L. Kallenbach. 2001. Analysis of the impact of alfalfa forage production under summer water-limiting circumstances on productivity and grower returns. J. Agron. & Crop Sci. 187:41-46.
  • Kallenbach, R.L. 2000. Field use of an ion specific electrode to measure the concentration of potassium in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 40:772-777.


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Alternative forages for low-cost winter pasture. This research evaluates annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, small grains, several Brassicas, and annual clovers for forage quality and yield during winter. It is the first research to show that annual ryegrass, a crop previously limited to the southern U.S., can be grown for winter pasture in Missouri. Our results also show that selection of cold-tolerant genotypes is critical for success in Missouri. 2.Improve the quality of stockpiled tall fescue with cold-tolerant legumes. Initial studies published from my research at MU suggested that rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil had better stockpiling characteristics (stays green, retains leaves, retains forage quality) than other perennial legumes. I hypothesized that birdsfoot trefoil might be added to stockpiled tall fescue pastures to improve forage quality. Preliminary results show that adding this legume to tall fescue pasture improves forage quality over winter. 3.Reduce the toxicity of stockpiled tall fescue by adding a non-toxic endophyte. Stockpiled tall fescue is one of the lowest-cost winter pastures for beef cattle. However, problems with fescue toxicosis limit animal performance. This research is the first in the USA to evaluate tall fescue infected with a native endophyte, a patented non-toxic endophyte, and with no endophyte. Preliminary results suggest that tall fescue infected with a non-toxic endophyte does not produce as much forage for winter grazing as does fescue infected with a toxic endophyte. 4.Getting cattle back on pasture in early spring by reducing the potential for grass tetany. A problem with early spring pasture is grass tetany. Grass tetany is a fatal syndrome caused low blood Mg in ruminant animals. Earlier work at MU showed that soils low in phosphorus (P) produce forage with low levels of Mg, which in turn increases the risk of grass tetany. My work confirmed that fertilizing pastures with P could reduce the incidence of grass tetany. This research is the first to show that fertilizing pasture with P is as effective as feeding a Mg mineral supplement in preventing grass tetany. 5.Improve the growth and persistence of alfalfa to reduce the cost of hay. This portion of my research program has two thrusts. They are described below. a. Alfalfa cutting management. In cooperation with other MU scientists, I studied the effects of harvest frequency, autumn harvest management, and fall dormancy on alfalfa growth and persistence. We found that: 1) alfalfa should be harvested only four times during the growing season, 2) harvesting dormant alfalfa in autumn is not economic and 3) that cultivars with varying degrees of fall dormancy perform similarly. b. Alfalfa Dormancy. In cooperation with scientists at UC Davis, I developed a rapid method to predict fall dormancy in alfalfa. This rapid but simple method is proposed to be adopted nationally and should help end the confusion about the adaptation alfalfa varieties in the USA.

Impacts
This project has developed some new low-cost winter-feeding systems for beef cattle. Many of these low cost alternatives are being successfully adopted by producers in the Mid-west. Preliminary information suggests that these systems are helping farmers reduce production costs and helping them remain profitable.

Publications

  • Wen, L., C.A. Roberts, J.E. Williams, R.L. Kallenbach, P.R. Beuselinck, and R.L. McGraw. 2003. Condensed tannin concentration of rhizomatous and non-rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil in grazed mixtures and monocultures. Crop Sci. 43:302-306.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., G.J. Bishop-Hurley, M.D. Massie, M.S. Kerley, and C.A. Roberts. 2003. Stockpiled annual ryegrass for winter forage in the lower Midwestern USA. Crop Sci. 43:1414-1419.
  • Kallenbach, R.L., G.J. Bishop-Hurley, M.D. Massie, G.E. Rottinghaus, and C.P. West. 2003. Herbage mass, nutritive value, and ergovaline concentration of stockpiled tall fescue. Crop Sci. 43:1001-1005.


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Alternative forages for low-cost winter pasture. This research evaluates annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, small grains, several Brassicas, and annual clovers for forage quality and yield during winter. It is the first research to show that annual ryegrass, a crop previously limited to the southern U.S., can be grown for winter pasture in Missouri. Our results also show that selection of cold-tolerant genotypes is critical for success in Missouri. 2.Improve the quality of stockpiled tall fescue with cold-tolerant legumes. Initial studies published from my research at MU suggested that rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil had better stockpiling characteristics (stays green, retains leaves, retains forage quality) than other perennial legumes. I hypothesized that birdsfoot trefoil might be added to stockpiled tall fescue pastures to improve forage quality. Preliminary results show that adding this legume to tall fescue pasture improves forage quality over winter. 3.Reduce the toxicity of stockpiled tall fescue by adding a non-toxic endophyte. Stockpiled tall fescue is one of the lowest-cost winter pastures for beef cattle. However, problems with fescue toxicosis limit animal performance. This research is the first in the USA to evaluate tall fescue infected with a native endophyte, a patented non-toxic endophyte, and with no endophyte. Preliminary results suggest that tall fescue infected with a non-toxic endophyte does not produce as much forage for winter grazing as does fescue infected with a toxic endophyte. 4.Getting cattle back on pasture in early spring by reducing the potential for grass tetany. A problem with early spring pasture is grass tetany. Grass tetany is a fatal syndrome caused low blood Mg in ruminant animals. Earlier work at MU showed that soils low in phosphorus (P) produce forage with low levels of Mg, which in turn increases the risk of grass tetany. My work confirmed that fertilizing pastures with P could reduce the incidence of grass tetany. This research is the first to show that fertilizing pasture with P is as effective as feeding a Mg mineral supplement in preventing grass tetany. 5.Improve the growth and persistence of alfalfa to reduce the cost of hay. This portion of my research program has two thrusts. They are described below. a. Alfalfa cutting management. In cooperation with other MU scientists, I studied the effects of harvest frequency, autumn harvest management, and fall dormancy on alfalfa growth and persistence. We found that: 1) alfalfa should be harvested only four times during the growing season, 2) harvesting dormant alfalfa in autumn is not economic and 3) that cultivars with varying degrees of fall dormancy perform similarly. b. Alfalfa Dormancy. In cooperation with scientists at UC Davis, I developed a rapid method to predict fall dormancy in alfalfa. This rapid but simple method is proposed to be adopted nationally and should help end the confusion about the adaptation alfalfa varieties in the USA.

Impacts
This project has developed some new low-cost winter-feeding systems for beef cattle. Many of these low cost alternatives are being successfully adopted by producers in the Mid-west. Preliminary information suggests that these systems are helping farmers reduce production costs and helping them remain profitable.

Publications

  • Kallenbach, R.L., C.J. Nelson, and J.H. Coutts. 2002. Yield, quality, and persistence of grazing- and hay-type alfalfa under three harvest frequencies. Agron. J. 94:1094-1103.
  • C. M. Taliaferro, J. A. Anderson, W. L. Richardson, J. L. Baker, S. W. Coleman, W. A. Phillips, L. J. Sandage, J. L. Moyer, T. L. Hansen, R. L. Kallenbach, and R. J. Crawford. 2002. Registration of `Midland 99' forage bermudagrass. Crop Sci. 42:2212-2213.
  • Roberts, C., Kallenbach, R., and Hill, N. 2002. Harvest and storage method affects ergot alkaloid concentration in tall fescue. Online. Crop Management doi:10.1094/CM-2002-0917-01-BR.
  • Lock, T.R., R.L. Kallenbach, D.G. Blevins, T.M. Reinbott, G.J. Bishop-Hurley, R.J. Crawford, and M.D. Massie. 2002. Adequate soil phosphorus decreases the grass tetany potential of tall fescue pasture. Online. Crop Mgt. doi:10.1094/CM-2002-0809-01-RS (Lock was my M.S. Student). (40


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Alternative forages for low-cost winter pasture. This research evaluates annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, small grains, several Brassicas, and annual clovers for forage quality and yield during winter. It is the first research to show that annual ryegrass, a crop previously limited to the southern U.S., can be grown for winter pasture in Missouri. Our results also show that selection of cold-tolerant genotypes is critical for success in Missouri. 2.Improve the quality of stockpiled tall fescue with cold-tolerant legumes. Initial studies published from my research at MU suggested that rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil had better stockpiling characteristics (stays green, retains leaves, retains forage quality) than other perennial legumes. I hypothesized that birdsfoot trefoil might be added to stockpiled tall fescue pastures to improve forage quality. Preliminary results show that adding this legume to tall fescue pasture improves forage quality over winter. 3.Reduce the toxicity of stockpiled tall fescue by adding a non-toxic endophyte. Stockpiled tall fescue is one of the lowest-cost winter pastures for beef cattle. However, problems with fescue toxicosis limit animal performance. This research is the first in the USA to evaluate tall fescue infected with a native endophyte, a patented non-toxic endophyte, and with no endophyte. Preliminary results suggest that tall fescue infected with a non-toxic endophyte does not produce as much forage for winter grazing as does fescue infected with a toxic endophyte. 4.Getting cattle back on pasture in early spring by reducing the potential for grass tetany. A problem with early spring pasture is grass tetany. Grass tetany is a fatal syndrome caused low blood Mg in ruminant animals. Earlier work at MU showed that soils low in phosphorus (P) produce forage with low levels of Mg, which in turn increases the risk of grass tetany. My work confirmed that fertilizing pastures with P could reduce the incidence of grass tetany. This research is the first to show that fertilizing pasture with P is as effective as feeding a Mg mineral supplement in preventing grass tetany. 5.Improve the growth and persistence of alfalfa to reduce the cost of hay. This portion of my research program has two thrusts. They are described below. a. Alfalfa cutting management. In cooperation with other MU scientists, I studied the effects of harvest frequency, autumn harvest management, and fall dormancy on alfalfa growth and persistence. We found that: 1) alfalfa should be harvested only four times during the growing season, 2) harvesting dormant alfalfa in autumn is not economic and 3) that cultivars with varying degrees of fall dormancy perform similarly. b. Alfalfa Dormancy. In cooperation with scientists at UC Davis, I developed a rapid method to predict fall dormancy in alfalfa. This rapid but simple method is proposed to be adopted nationally and should help end the confusion about the adaptation alfalfa varieties in the USA.

Impacts
This project has developed some new low-cost winter-feeding systems for beef cattle. Many of these low cost alternatives are being successfully adopted by producers in the Mid-west. Preliminary information suggests that these systems are helping farmers reduce production costs and helping them remain profitable.

Publications

  • Wen, L., R.L. Kallenbach, J.E. Williams, C.A. Roberts, P.R. Beuselinck, R.L. McGraw, and H.R. Benedict. 2002. Performance of steers grazing rhizomatous and non-rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil in pure stands and in tall fescue mixtures. J. Ani. Sci. (30
  • Takele, E., and R. Kallenbach. 2001. Analysis of the impact of alfalfa forage production under summer water-limiting circumstances on productivity, agricultural and growers returns and plant stand. J. Agron. & Crop Sci. 187:41-46. (40
  • Kallenbach, R.L., C.J. Nelson, and J.H. Coutts. 2002. The influence of cultivar and harvest frequency on alfalfa yield, quality, and persistence in southern Missouri, USA. Agron. J. (40


Progress 01/02/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
1.Alternative forages for low-cost winter pasture. This research evaluates annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, small grains, several Brassicas, and annual clovers for forage quality and yield during winter. It is the first research to show that annual ryegrass, a crop previously limited to the southern U.S., can be grown for winter pasture in Missouri. Our results also show that selection of cold-tolerant genotypes is critical for success in Missouri. 2.Improve the quality of stockpiled tall fescue with cold-tolerant legumes. Initial studies published from my research at MU suggested that rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil had better stockpiling characteristics (stays green, retains leaves, retains forage quality) than other perennial legumes. I hypothesized that birdsfoot trefoil might be added to stockpiled tall fescue pastures to improve forage quality. Preliminary results show that adding this legume to tall fescue pasture improves forage quality over winter. 3.Reduce the toxicity of stockpiled tall fescue by adding a non-toxic endophyte. Stockpiled tall fescue is one of the lowest-cost winter pastures for beef cattle. However, problems with fescue toxicosis limit animal performance. This research is the first in the USA to evaluate tall fescue infected with a native endophyte, a patented non-toxic endophyte, and with no endophyte. Preliminary results suggest that tall fescue infected with a non-toxic endophyte does not produce as much forage for winter grazing as does fescue infected with a toxic endophyte. 4.Getting cattle back on pasture in early spring by reducing the potential for grass tetany. A problem with early spring pasture is grass tetany. Grass tetany is a fatal syndrome caused low blood Mg in ruminant animals. Earlier work at MU showed that soils low in phosphorus (P) produce forage with low levels of Mg, which in turn increases the risk of grass tetany. My work confirmed that fertilizing pastures with P could reduce the incidence of grass tetany. This research is the first to show that fertilizing pasture with P is as effective as feeding a Mg mineral supplement in preventing grass tetany. 5.Improve the growth and persistence of alfalfa to reduce the cost of hay. This portion of my research program has two thrusts. They are described below. a. Alfalfa cutting management. In cooperation with other MU scientists, I studied the effects of harvest frequency, autumn harvest management, and fall dormancy on alfalfa growth and persistence. We found that: 1) alfalfa should be harvested only four times during the growing season, 2) harvesting dormant alfalfa in autumn is not economic and 3) that cultivars with varying degrees of fall dormancy perform similarly. b. Alfalfa Dormancy. In cooperation with scientists at UC Davis, I developed a rapid method to predict fall dormancy in alfalfa. This rapid but simple method is proposed to be adopted nationally and should help end the confusion about the adaptation alfalfa varieties in the USA.

Impacts
This project has developed some new low-cost winter-feeding systems for beef cattle. Many of these low cost alternatives are being successfully adopted by producers in the Mid-west. Preliminary information suggests that these systems are helping farmers reduce production costs and helping them remain profitable.

Publications

  • Kallenbach, R.L., C.A. Roberts, L.R. Teuber, G.J. Bishop-Hurley, and H.R. Benedict. 2001. Estimation of fall dormancy in alfalfa by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Crop Sci. In Press. (Will appear in July/Aug 2001 issue).
  • Kallenbach, R.L., R.L. McGraw, P.R. Beuselinck, and C.A. Roberts. 2001. Summer and autumn growth of rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil. Crop Sci. 41:149-156.
  • Takele, E., and R.L. Kallenbach. 2001. Analysis of the impact of alfalfa forage production under summer water-limiting circumstances on productivity and growers returns. J. Agron. & Crop Sci. In Press.
  • Kallenbach, R.L. 2000. Field use of an ion specific electrode to measure the concentration of potassium in alfalfa. Crop Sci. 40:772-777.


Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
The main thrust of this project is on winter-feeding systems for cattle. We are examining several low-cost alternatives in this area including winter annual pasture options, use of novel endophyte-infected tall fescue for winter stockpile feed, and increasing alfalfa hay production. 1. Alternative forages for low-cost winter pasture. Forages such as annual ryegrass, hairy vetch, small grains, several Brassicas, and annual clovers are being evaluated for forage yield and quality during winter. Preliminary information suggests that new cold-tolerant types of annual ryegrass are quite promising for winter-pasture although some of the Brassicas might work too. 2. Quality and yield of stockpiled tall fescue infected with a novel endophyte. Stockpiled tall fescue is one of the cheapest winter pastures for beef cattle. However, problems with fescue toxicosis limit animal performance. We are among the first in the USA to evaluate endophyte-free, endophyte-infected, and novel endophyte-infected tall fescue for winter grazing. Every two-weeks during the winter we are measuring the yield, forage quality, and toxicity level of these tall fescue-endophyte associations. 3. Detecting K deficient alfalfa in the field. Under the correct management, alfalfa is the most productive hay crop in Missouri. It is also one of the cheapest to produce for winter-feed. But, alfalfa production in Missouri is limited by widespread potassium deficiencies. What makes this problem so difficult to manage is these deficiencies often go undetected. To address this problem, we experimented with a new device (called the KSE meter) that detects the potassium content of alfalfa in the field. Initial results show that the meter is accurate from 0 to 4000 mg/kg K but inaccurate above 4000 mg/kg. In essence, producers could use this meter to detect deficient fields but it would not find it useful for predicting excess K. This research is complete and being published in Crop Science. 4. Alfalfa dormancy in Missouri. With over 200 different alfalfa varieties on the market today, producers are confused about which variety or varieties to plant. Specifically, there is a lot of confusion about what dormancy class of alfalfa should be planted in Missouri. In September 1998, we planted several new alfalfa varieties at the Southwest Center that vary in fall dormancy. This past year we measured yield, quality, Kalu-Fick development parameters and plant persistence for each variety and intend to continue this work over the next three years. In addition, we are developing a new and rapid method to predict fall dormancy in alfalfa. These data should help end the confusion about the adaptation and development alfalfa varieties in our state and give us the tools to detect differences quickly.

Impacts
This project has developed some new low-cost winter-feeding systems for beef cattle. Many of these low cost alternatives are being successfully adopted by producers in the Mid-west. Preliminary information suggests that these systems are helping farmers reduce production costs and helping them remain profitable.

Publications

  • Kallenbach, R.L. 1999. Field use of an ion specific electrode to measure the concentration of potassium in alfalfa. Crop Sci. In Press.
  • Wen, L., J.E. Williams, R.L. Kallenbach, C.A. Roberts, R.L. McGraw, P.R. Beuselinck, J.F. Thompson and L. Gebrehiwot. 1999. Effect of birdsfoot trefoil and tall fescue pastures on steer performance. J. Ani. Sci. 77:208 (Suppl. 1).
  • Kallenbach, R.L. C.A. Roberts, P.R. Beuselinck, R.L. McGraw, J.E. Williams and L. Wen. 1999. Performance of beef cattle on mixtures and monocultures of rhizomatous birdsfoot trefoil and tall fescue. p. 151. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
  • Naylor, J.B. and R.L. Kallenbach. 1999. Mounted forage plot harvester for small tractors. p. 57. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.
  • Kallenbach, R.L. 1999. Other forages to extend the grazing season. p.24-26 In Proc. Missouri Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conf. Lake Ozark, MO. Vol. 1:24-26. November 8-9, 1999. Invited.
  • C.A. Roberts, T.R. Rickard, R.L. Kallenbach, S.A. Hamilton, B.J. Steevens, K.W. Bailey and W.D. Heffernan. 1999. Enhancing profitability and viability of SW Missouri Dairy Farms. p. 26. In Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Madison, WI.