Nutritional status of beef cows grazing reclaimed strip mined pastures

Abstract

A series of four trials over the grazing season were conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of beef cows grazing reclaimed strip-mined pastures in southwestern, Virginia. Blood samples, esophageal fistula forage samples and hand plucked forage samples were taken in each trial. An external marker, Ytterbium, and an internal marker, indigestible neutral detergent fiber (INDF) were used to estimate organic matter intake, fecal output and digestibility. In addition to samples taken during the trials, blood samples and hand plucked forage samples were taken monthly for 11 mo prior to the trial period. In late summer esophageal masticate samples had a low fiber fraction (ADF and NDF), high crude protein and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) which contributed to a high organic matter digestibility. Hand plucked forage samples had higher TNC than esophageal masticate samples. Organic matter digestibility predicted by the internal marker was highest in late summer 61.6%, similar in spring and late fall, and lowest in mid-summer, 52.6% (p < .01). Fecal output was highest in mid-summer and lowest in spring (p < .05). Estimated intake was not significantly different in any of the trials. Although data was variable, forage quality was higher in May, June, October and November samplings, as indicated by highest CP, TNC, and lower NDF and ADF values, compared with July and August data when forage quality was lowest. Packed cell volume, BUN and serum P and Mg concentrations fell within normal ranges for beef cattle. Low BUN values were observed in spring and late fall which corresponded to low crude protein values observed in the esophageal masticate samples for the same trials. Serum Cu was on the low end of normal values in the late spring and decreased to .6 ppm by late fall. Serum K levels were above the expected values for beef cattle. Serum Na concentrations were lower than normal with lowest values observed throughout spring and summer months.