Volume 14, Number 1 (January 1961)

American

Society of Range Management

The American Society of Range Management was created allied technologists, and to encourage professional improvement in 1947 to foster advancement in the science and art of grazing of its members.

land management, to promote progress in the conservation and Persons shall be eligible for membership who are interested greatest sustained use of forage and soil resources, to stimu- in or engaged in practicing range or pasture management or late discussion and understanding of scientific and practical animal husbandry ; administering grazing lands; or teaching, range and pasture problems, to provide a medium for the or conducting research, or engaged in extension activities in exchange of ideas and facts among society members and with range or pasture management or related subjects.

The JOURNAL OF RANGE MAN- AGEMENT, published b&monthly, is the official organ of the American Society of Range Management. The Society, however, assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions expressed by authors and contributors.

Off ice, Executive Secretary. Address all inquiries and correspondence including memberships, renewals, replacements of JOURNALS, etc., to Executive Secretary, American Society of Range Management, P.O. Box 5041. Portland 13, Oregon. Dues. Membership dues should be sent to the Executive Secretary. The dues are $8.00 per year including a subscrip- tion to the JOURNAL OF RANGE MAN- AGEMENT. Dues for student members are $4.08 per year, including the JOURNAL. All subscriptions mailed outside the North American continent and insular possessions of the U. S. are $8.50 per year. Subscrip- tions must be paid in advance. Remit by draft or check on U. S. banks in U. S. funds. Reprinting. The reprinting of articles or parts of articles published in the JOURNAL OF RANGE MANAGEMENT is author- ized on the express condition that full credit be given the JOURNAL and the author. The date of original publication must be shown with the credit line.

Posf Office Enfry. Second-class post- age paid at Portland, Oregon, and at ad- ditional offices.

Change of Address. Notices of change of address should be received by the Execu- tive Secretary one month before the date of issue on which the change is to take effect. Both the new and old addresses should be sent to the Executive Secretary, American Society of Range Management, P.O. Box 5041, Portland 13, Oregon.

Printers. The Nebraska Farmer Company, I428 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Copyright 1961 by the American Society of Range Management.

JOURNAL OF RANGE MANAGEMENT EDITOR

E. J. WOOLFOLK

Pacific Southwest Forest & Range Exp. Sta. Berkeley 1, California

EDITORIAL BOARD 1958-60

ARNOLD HEERWAGEN W. R. HANSON

Soil Conservation Service Eastern Rockies Forest 321 New Customs Building Conservation Board

Denver 2, Colorado Calgary, Alberta i959-61

GEORGE E. GLENDENING U.S. Forest Service

Tempe, Arizona

DONALD R. CORNELIUS JACK R. HARLAN

Agricultural Research Service P. 0. Box 245

Oklahoma State University Berkeley 1, California

Stillwater, Oklahoma 1960-62

F. A. BRANSON U.S. Geological Survey

Federal Center Denver, Colorado

L. T. BURCHAM LYNN RADER

California Division of Forestry Pacific Southwest Forest Sacramento, California & Range Exp. Sta.

Susanville, California OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY

President: V. A. YOUNG 733 West 2nd St.

Mesa, Arizona

President Elect: Executive Secretary:

E. WM. ANDERSON JOHN G. CLOUSTON

215 N.W. 10th P. 0. Box 5041

Pendleton, Oregon Portland 13, Oregon BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1959-61

JOHN CHOHLIS C. H. MCKINNON

Western Livestock Journal LK Ranches, Ltd. Sacramento, California Calgary, Alberta

1960-62

KARL G. PARKER GERALD W. THOMAS

Montana State College Texas Technological College

Bozeman, Montana Lubbock, Texas

1961-63

AVON DENHAM OTTO J. WOLFF

Box 4137 912 St. Patrick St.

Portland 8, Oregon Rapid City, S.D. Past President:

FRED H. KENNEDY U. S. Forest Service Albuquerque, N. Mex.

Land

Utilization

Consultants

problems and procedures

Services

in:

Range and Ranch Management

Technical

data analysis

Consulting-Land,

Minerals,

Water

and

Grazing

Privileges

Federal and State applications

Real Estate Appraisals

for Sales, Purchases,

Le.ases, Exchanges & Condemnations.

Throughout

the Mountain

West

Licensed and Bonded Real Estate Broker-State of Utah

Marcellus

Palmer & Associates

351 South State Street-Suite 5 SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

Phone EM 4-9511

FRED

B. HARRIS

Broker

Rankitynd

Counselor

NEVADA

RANCH

SERVICE

Professional Center, 575 Court Street

Box 1010, Elko, Nevada Phone: RE 8-5611

RANCH * Management Service * Consulting and Appraisals * Reseeding Contractors * Ranch Loans

Throughout the Western States and Canada, CalI or Write:

R. B. (Dick) Peck, WESTERN RANCHING SERVICES

IN THIS

ISSUE

Editorial-Where Do We Stand Infernafionally?_...HaroZd F. Heady

Editorial-Range Management as a Profession_._...______________~eZ~~~ S. lMorris

The Use of Molasses fo Increase fhe Utilization of Rank, Dry Forage and Molasses-Urea as Supplement for Weaner Calves

Kenneth A. Wagnon and Harold Goss

Carbohydrate Content of Underground Parts of Grasseis as Affected by Clipping ____ _____ ____ ______ ____ . . . ..FZoyd E. Kinsinger and Harold H. Hopkins

A Quantitative Method for the Description land Classification of Range Vegefafion...__________CharZes E. Poulton and E. W. Tisdale

A Comparison of the Loop and Point Methods of Analyzing Vegetation C. Wayne Cook and Thadis W. Box

The Influence of Perennial Vegefaiion and Precipitation on Occurrence of Halogefon Glomeratus and Bromus Tedorum in Arid and Semi-Arid

Regions .________________________________________--~--_--___--_______.___________._---___.---- W. C. Robocker

Effect of Three Intensifies of Clipping on the Density and Production of Meadow Vegetation... ______ ____ ._____ _____ .______ ____ ____.. _.__._ _____. ____ _______ Floyd W. Pond

Availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur after Brush Burning J. Vlamis and K. D. Gowans

Technical Notes

A Technique for Estimating Grass Yields in Greenhouse Experiments Raymond A. Evans, Richard E. Eckert and Floyd E. Kinsinger Identifying Greenbriar Growih..._..._...________~~H. S. Crawford

Book Reviews: The Range Cattle Industry-Ranching on fhe Great Plains from 1965 io 1925 (Dale); Beef Caffle (Snapp and Neumann); Politics and Grass; The Administration of Grazing on fhe Public Domain (Foss);

Dictionary of Economic Plants (Uphof)... ____ __.__ _____ _ .____ _______________________________

Current Literature .:..._.... _.____ _______ __________._ __ ____________________________.~~~~._._____.___~._._~___~__.___~~__

With the Secfions..._.._.___~_~___~___________________~__~__________~_____~__~_________________________~_________~________~__

Range Management Theses Since 1955... _______ ____ ________ _ ____ ________________._______________________~

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Cover Photo-WINTER

ON THE PLAINS

Journal of

RANGE MANAGEMENT

Editorial

Where Do We Stand Internationallv?

The 8th International Grass- land Congress was held on the campus of the University of Reading, Reading, England, July 11 to 21. The main objective of the Congress was to encourage worldwide exchange of grass- land information. Previous con- gresses have been held in dif- ferent countries but this was a return engagement in the British Isles. A unique aspect of the Congress until this year was that no international continuing or- ganization existed to carry on its affairs. Members were those in attendance at the business meet- ing. They voted to decide the next host country. That country, or rather the host agencies there- in, was given the reins complete- ly for programs, arrangements and publications. For the 8th Congress, the British Grassland Society was in charge and did a masterful job with some 20 com- mittees taking active part. For the 9th, the host country will be Brazil.

Success of the 1960 Congress may be measured in several ways. Full and associate mem- bers numbered 697 and they rep- resented 53 countries. Day mem- bers and visitors probably in-

creased the number to 1,000. The University of Reading believed in and supported the Congress to an extent beyond providing fa- cilities. They staged an honorary degree granting ceremony which included His Royal Highness, The Prince Phillip, who was President of the Congress. His presence and remarks were men- tioned in Time magazine. The Congress heard 188 papers, in- cluding 7 p 1 en a r y addresses. Even though 52 papers were by people working in Britain, the program was truly international as 34 other countries were rep- resented. The U.S.A. was re- sponsible for 31 papers and the U.S.S.R. for 13.

The 32 sessional meetings were arranged in two main groups, one dealing with animals and the other with plants. There were seven days of technical papers with three given each morning and two each afternoon. Four pre-congress tours of about 10 days gave 150 visitors a chance to see the technical and practical sides of agriculture in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In addition the dele- gates had opportunities to visit many of the 20-some research

Harold

F.

establishments located within 25 miles of Reading. Entertainment included exhibits, numerous and well attended receptions, a dance program, and other features. For many, a highlight in enjoyment was an evening at the Shake- speare Memorial Theater at Stratford-on-Avon.

The handling of papers de- serves special comment. Each person was given a printed copy of all the technical papers at registration. Some authors read their papers, but most used the opportunity to show slides and to elaborate upon the printed word. Each session included about an hour for discussion. At times these were lively. The

2 HEADY

published proceedings will in- clude a summary of the discus- sions and the plenary papers. For those interested, these may be purchased by addressing a request to Mr. W. F. Raymond, Grassland Research Institute, Hurley, Berkshire, England.

The value of any meeting such as this rests in many things; hearing the papers, taking part in the formal discussions, mak- ing international friends, ex- change of ideas over coffee

(tea), seeing the experiments of others on the tours. I believe it will be of interest to pass on some of the more interesting technical aspects of the Congress as I saw them.

Range Management as we know it in the U. S. was nearly ignored. (I have been told it was more prominent in the recent World Forestry Congress at Seattle.) Emphasis was on the many aspects of what is com- monly called pasture. Subjects appearing frequently included breeding, selection, testing, de- scription and nomenclature of pasture plants; fertilization; for- age intake, digestibility and chemical composition; ensilage making and use; and manage- ment systems such as zero, strip and rotation grazing. About 50 papers included some aspect of plant breeding and fertilization. By grouping the papers accord- ing to the plants studied about 50 (duplicates the above to some extent) gave prominent atten- tion to Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundicaceae, Festuca pratensis, Phleum pra- tense and two legumes, Trifoli- urn sp. and Medicago sp. The preoccupation with these species and research functions is under- standable in Britain, northern Europe, parts of New Zealand and Australia and the eastern U.S. because they combine high

forage production, long season of growth, a degree of permanency and also flexibility in crop-grass rotations. In spite of diligent work by many people much re- mains unknown in the manage- ment and use of pastures.

The problem of measuring ani- mal intake is far from being solved and correlations are often small between pasture yields, grazing days and animal outputs. Conflicting results were heard in the evaluation of management systems with the extremes of continuous grazing and zero grazing (green feed cut and hauled to the animals each day) as well as various rotations turn- ing out best in different studies. It was not always clear whether the grass, the animal or the man- agement was being evaluated. The importance of stocking rates in grazing trials became increas- ingly evident as the Congress progressed. We were told that not until the animal potential to produce has been surpassed will differences in the pastures be measured in animal products. As long as the limiting factor is in- herent in the animal, they deter- mine production rather than the grass. This consideration applies to range grazing trials as well and I wonder if it is not time for some re-examination of conflict- ing results from our own experi- ments with grazing animals. Cer- tainly, specialists on the plant and animal sides of this problem should be working together more closely.

Another area of conflicting re- sults was in the testing of forage species and varieties, which were frequently called cultivars. A common test procedure was to measure plant development and production on spaced plants. At one time we were told that the ranking so determined was con- siderably different from one

found with plants in close com- petition, even without grazing. Furthermore, grazing compari- sons with long recommended varieties of ryegrass did not show signif icant differences in animal products. It was not al- ways clear whether “late” and “early” referred to beginning of growth, peak of growth or time of maturity. My impression was that new plant varieties were being recommended before ade- quate tests were made with the grazing animal.

EDITORIAL

lems in common. Outside the that the Council had rescinded U.S. they have hardly been the authority for the Middle East touched with research programs. Section of the Society came as a The few workers in other coun- jolt to those interested in pro- tries know more of our efforts moting range management in than we know of theirs. The other parts of the world. Isn’t notice in the September Journal the Society missing an opportun-

Range Management

As a Profession

At present, many members of the American Society of Range Management are c o n c e r n e d about the professional status of range managers. Civil Service requirements for range manage- ment positions appear to be somewhat less than desired. In- dividuals with a wide variety of educational backgrounds h a v e responsibility for administration of range lands or lands .having several uses including grazing. The pressure for securing more satisfactory levels of manage- ment of public lands has been viewed apprehensively by stock- men. The professional compe- tence of range managers has been questioned recently. It is, therefore, timely that the Society review the characteristics of the profession, perhaps give some di- rection to current thinking, and clarify, if possible, the profession as to definition. This can lead to better educational standards and internship for development of qualified range managers. This article attempts to present a viewpoint on the matter.

and to society. The three main elements involved are:

1. A satisfactory intellectual background.

2. Specialized skills and ability to use them.

3. An ethical basis for associa- tion with people.

A satisfactory intellectual background is fundamental. Bi- ological and physical principles and laws must be known and understood. E c o n o m i c s and political ideas and concepts are also elements of knowledge which must be related to phe- nomena in nature before satis- f a c t o r y conclusions may be

It is first necessary to char- acterize the training of a pro- fessional man regardless of the particular field involved. Pro- fessional t r a i n i n g must have both breadth and depth, it should include a code of conduct defining limits of individual be- havior and responsibility rela-

tive to others in the profession _{Melvin S. Morris}

3

ity for International good will, exchange of information and im- provement of human needs?- Harold F. Heady, Associate Pro- fessor, School of Forestry, Uni- versity of California, Berkeley, Calif.

drawn. Analysis, synthesis, and ultimately proper generalization to practical situations must be part of the intellectual equip- ment of well-educated individu- als. At the professional level of competence, the best of a variety of possible solutions, is the goal. The professional individual must be competent to work under a variety of conditions. A facility for communication through skill in speaking and writing is de- sirable and will enhance his effectiveness.

Next in importance is an un- derstanding of the principles and the acquisition of the techniques and skills used in the specialized field. This includes both the unique and those developed in related areas which have appli- cation to the particular field. The essential elements are an understanding and recognition of biotic successions, knowledge of food habits and requirements of herbivores, the measurement of herbage production and utiliza- tion, the seasonal manipulation of herbage in various vegetative types as well as the control measures needed to fit grazing habits of animals to the particu- lar local conditions. Further- more, maximum professional competence is manifest when the technician can interpret prin- ciples and develop practices to fit local conditions which will result in sound economic objec- tives.

EDITORIAL

lems in common. Outside the that the Council had rescinded U.S. they have hardly been the authority for the Middle East touched with research programs. Section of the Society came as a The few workers in other coun-

tries know more of our efforts

jolt to those interested in pro-

than we know of theirs. The

moting range management in other parts of the world. Isn’t notice in the September Journal the Society missing an opportun-

3

ity for International good will, exchange of information and im- provement of human needs?- Harold F. Heady, Associate Pro- fessor, School of Forestry, Uni- versity of California, Berkeley, Calif.

Range Management

As a Profession

At present, many members of the American Society of Range Management are c on c e r n e d about the professional status of range managers. Civil Service requirements for range manage- ment positions appear to be somewhat less than desired. In- dividuals with a wide variety of educational backgrounds h a v e responsibility for administration of range lands or lands having several uses including grazing. The pressure for securing more satisfactory levels of manage- ment of public lands has been viewed apprehensively by stock- men. The professional compe- tence of range managers has been questioned recently. It is, therefore, timely that the Society review the characteristics of the profession, perhaps give some di- rection to current thinking, and clarify, if possible, the profession as to definition. This can lead to better educational standards and internship for development of qualified range managers. This article attempts to present a viewpoint on the matter.

It is first necessary to char- acterize the training of a pro- fessional man regardless of the particular field involved. Pro- fessional t r a in i n g must have both breadth and depth, it should include a code of conduct defining limits of individual be- havior and responsibility rela- tive to others in the profession

and to society. The three main elements involved are:

1. A satisfactory intellectual background.

2. Specialized skills and ability to use them.

3. An ethical basis for associa- tion with people.

A satisfactory intellectual background is fundamental. Bi- ological and physical principles and laws must be known and understood. E c o nom i c s and political ideas and concepts are also elements of k n o w 1 e d g e which must be related to phe- nomena in nature before satis- factory conclusions may be

Melvin S. Morris

drawn. Analysis, synthesis, and ultimately proper generalization to practical situations must be part of the intellectual equip- ment of well-educated individu- als. At the professional level of competence, the best of a variety of possible solutions, is the goal. The professional individual must be competent to work under a variety of conditions. A facility for communication through skill in speaking and writing is de- sirable and will enhance his effectiveness.

Next in importance is an un- derstanding of the principles and the acquisition of the techniques and skills used in the specialized field. This includes both the unique and those developed in related areas which have appli- cation to the particular field. The essential elements are an understanding and recognition of biotic successions, knowledge of food habits and requirements of herbivores, the measurement of herbage production and utiliza- tion, the seasonal manipulation of herbage in various vegetative types as well as the control measures needed to fit grazing habits of animals to the particu- lar local conditions. Further- more, maximum professional competence is manifest when the technician can interpret prin- ciples and develop practices to fit local conditions which will result in sound economic objec- tives.

4 MORRIS

functional need, i.e, the best way to harvest herbage, and not with an administrative organization such as the Forest Service, or with a related field such as Agronomy. A test of the unique- ness of a professional field is in the demand by ranchers, game departments and others for its specialized assistance.

When the public associates a high level of ethical behavior with a group of practitioners, and when the relationship be- tween individuals working the field is based on mutual respect, a profession begins to h a v e maturity and stature. Specifical- ly, an ethical basis for profes- sional identity should include:

a. Socially-oriented ends b. Objectivity in all problems c. Loyalties within the profes-

sion.

The Problem of Related Fields

Ranchers and others may ex- pect a range manager to have competence in related fields far beyond those needed for the major profession. Also, adminis- trative agencies concerned with multiple use of land frequently require generalists rather than specialists in every-day adminis- tration under present intensities of land management, and may try to adapt specialists to their administrative needs. The fact that the range manager must utilize knowledge of several sub- jects, including soils, ecology, taxonomy, animal nutrition and disease as well as economics; and must be concerned with the needs of ranchers, wildlife man- agers, water users and forest managers, presents problems in their training and in maintain- ing professional uniqueness.

It may be considered desirable to be competent in a wide vari- ety of fields, but there are some significant limitations. It should

be recognized that a four-year educational program at the col- lege level can cover only a limited area of knowledge and training. The sum of knowledge is expanding at a tremendous rate. Few individuals have the time to review and absorb the amount of literature which ap- pears each year in any one field. Many technicians are active land managers. The diversif ied de- mand on their time retards ac- quisition of more specialized knowledge a f t e r graduation. Even in the case of researchers or teachers, limitations exist. Specialization is more intensive, and the scope of knowledge among these individuals may be more limited.

Perhaps it would be desirable at this point to indicate what a range manager is and what he is not. He needs to know how to grow , and harvest vegetation, both tame and native, but he need not necessarily be compe- tent to operate a ranch. To meas- ure a range man by his ability in {ranch operation would be to presume that all ranch owners are competent operators or to ignore the fact that a fair num- ber of range managers have be- come good ranch operators. It can also be said that the ability to be a cowboy is desirable, but cowboys do not always qualify as good range managers. Being a good cowboy has little relation- ship to the total knowledge and skill required to manage range. Similarly, a range man age r should have some degree of com- petence in botany, animal nutri- tion, animal production, genetics, agronomy, engineering and eco- nomics, and yet he may lack the proficiency expected of a trained specialist in each of these fields. To paraphrase an old saying, he should not be a “jack of all trades and a master of none”,

but a “jack of all trades and a master of one”. In other words, he should be characterized as having a combination of diverse talents with high competence in one field. He will be employed for this particular capability, and his recommendations will be accepted and used with con- fidence. He will know when to call a professional in a related field. The public will recognize the special nature of range and seek out the range manager for the special skills which he has.

Qualif icafions of a Professional Range Manager

EDITORIAL

5

Perhaps three of the most sig-

In the final analysis, the prob-

land management. Their atti-

nificant qualifications of a range

lem of obtaining satisfactory re- tudes, interests and range knowl-

manager should be:

source use depends upon a num- edge may be more significant in

To understand the basic

ecological relations in two

or more major plant com-

munities.

To be able to manipulate

and use these communities

for sound economic ends.

To be capable of recogniz-

ing problems of improper

management and to recom-

mend and secure satisfac-

tory solutions.

her

things. The availability of

properly qualified technicians is the general condition of the re-

only one aspect of the problem.

_{source than anything done to im-}

Research must be more compre-

prove the quality of research or

hensive, particularly with refer-

_{the competence of professional}

ence to the development of tools managers. The man who controls

to adequately measure the pro-

the grazing animal on the range

ductive characteristics of the re- is

be

recognized that the actual

School of Forestry,

Montana

of the resource, ranchers and State University, Missoula, Mon-

sportsmen, are the key

tana.

The Use of Molasses to Increase the Utilization

of Rank, Dry Forage and Molasses-Urea as a

Supplement for Weaner Calves

KENNETH A. WAGNON AND HAROLD GOSS Specialist in Animal Husbandry and Professor of Ani- mal Husbandry,

Davis, California.

At times forage grows very

rank on some California annual

ranges. As it matures and dries,

palatability

decreases to the

point where cattle, especially

younger animals, largely reject

it. The accumulation of exces-

sive litter decreases the quality

of next year’s vegetation by

shading out some of the more

valuable species (Talbot et al.,

1939).

Spraying molasses on coarse

roughage to increase palatability

is an old practice. Besides test-

ing this use of molasses, urea was

mixed with the molasses to see if

it would replace a portion of the

animal’s protein requirements

when on deficient forage. Other

studies have indicated that about

one-third of the animal’s protein

requirements could be supplied

by urea. This study was con-

ducted at the San Joaquin Ex-

perimental Range, O’Neals, Cali-

fornia (Hutchinson and Kotok,

1942).

Emeritus, University of California,

The annual foothill vegetation

varies

considerably, both in

quantity and quality, from year

to year and season to season. It

is composed of a mixture of

grasses, broad-leafed herbs and

grass-like plants, usually about

two-thirds soft chess

b r o a d - 1 e a f filarees

and

and foxtail fescue

(Festuca megalum).

There are

appreciable amounts of t r u e

clovers

b u t

little of the more valuable bur

clover

and

red-stem filaree

(Talbot and Biswell, 1942; Bent-

ley and Talbot, 1951). Analyses

of the dry, mature herbage have

shown that crude protein runs 5

percent or less (Wagnon et al.,

1942). Total digestible nutrients

were estimated to be about 40

percent and digestible protein

about 2 percent. Thus, 12 to 14

pounds of such dry herbage

would provide weaner calves

less than one-third of their daily

digestible protein requirement

(Guilbert

1945).

The experiments were con-

ducted through the dry forage

period, early July until the onset

of fall rains in 0 c t o b er or

November, in 1947, 1951, 1952,

and 1953. Because winter rain-

fall for 1946-47 was below nor-

mal, the 1947 forage crop was too

thin to spray without losing most

of the molasses-urea mixture on

the ground. Therefore, in 1947 a

group of heifers was self-fed

molasses-urea as a check, and

another group received daily

supplements of c o t t o n s e e d

pellets. Further study was de-

layed until better range condi-

tions occurred.

EDITORIAL

5

Perhaps three of the most sig-

In the final analysis, the prob-

land management. Their atti-

nificant qualifications of a range

lem of obtaining satisfactory re- tudes, interests and range knowl-

manager should be:

source use depends upon a num- edge may be more significant in

To understand the basic

ecological relations in two

or more major plant com-

munities.

To be able to manipulate

and use these communities

for sound economic ends.

To be capable of recogniz-

ing problems of improper

management and to recom-

mend and secure satisfac-

tory solutions.

her

things. The availability of

properly qualified technicians is the general condition of the re-

only one aspect of the problem.

_{source than anything done to im-}

Research must be more compre-

prove the quality of research or

hensive, particularly with refer-

_{the competence of professional}

ence to the development of tools managers. The man who controls

to adequately measure the pro-

the grazing animal on the range

ductive characteristics of the re- is

be

recognized that the actual

School of Forestry,

Montana

of the resource, ranchers and State University, Missoula, Mon-

sportsmen, are the key

tana.

The Use of Molasses to Increase the Utilization

of Rank, Dry Forage and Molasses-Urea as a

Supplement for Weaner Calves

KENNETH A. WAGNON AND HAROLD GOSS Specialist in Animal Husbandry and Professor of Ani- mal Husbandry,

Davis, California.

At times forage grows very

rank on some California annual

ranges. As it matures and dries,

palatability

decreases to the

point where cattle, especially

younger animals, largely reject

it. The accumulation of exces-

sive litter decreases the quality

of next year’s vegetation by

shading out some of the more

valuable species (Talbot et al.,

1939).

Spraying molasses on coarse

roughage to increase palatability

is an old practice. Besides test-

ing this use of molasses, urea was

mixed with the molasses to see if

it would replace a portion of the

animal’s protein requirements

when on deficient forage. Other

studies have indicated that about

one-third of the animal’s protein

requirements could be supplied

by urea. This study was con-

ducted at the San Joaquin Ex-

perimental Range, O’Neals, Cali-

fornia (Hutchinson and Kotok,

1942).

Emeritus, University of California,

The annual foothill vegetation

varies

considerably, both in

quantity and quality, from year

to year and season to season. It

is composed of a mixture of

grasses, broad-leafed herbs and

grass-like plants, usually about

two-thirds soft chess

b r o a d - 1 e a f filarees

and

and foxtail fescue

(Festuca megalum).

There are

appreciable amounts of t r u e

clovers

b u t

little of the more valuable bur

clover

and

red-stem filaree

(Talbot and Biswell, 1942; Bent-

ley and Talbot, 1951). Analyses

of the dry, mature herbage have

shown that crude protein runs 5

percent or less (Wagnon et al.,

1942). Total digestible nutrients

were estimated to be about 40

percent and digestible protein

about 2 percent. Thus, 12 to 14

pounds of such dry herbage

would provide weaner calves

less than one-third of their daily

digestible protein requirement

(Guilbert

1945).

The experiments were con-

ducted through the dry forage

period, early July until the onset

of fall rains in 0 c t o b er or

November, in 1947, 1951, 1952,

and 1953. Because winter rain-

fall for 1946-47 was below nor-

mal, the 1947 forage crop was too

thin to spray without losing most

of the molasses-urea mixture on

the ground. Therefore, in 1947 a

group of heifers was self-fed

molasses-urea as a check, and

another group received daily

supplements of c o t t o n s e e d

pellets. Further study was de-

layed until better range condi-

tions occurred.

6 WAGNON AND GOSS

FIGURE 1. Upper: Rank growth of slender wild oats with understory of other annual forage plants. Rank growth of grass-like plants and grasses in swale in foreground. Below: Same area as above showing good utilization

had been sprayed with molasses-urea mixtures.

of the poor quality forage after it

yards from the self-feeder and judged to be of equal conven- ience. One group was on dry, rank forage sprayed with mo- lasses-urea mixture, the second on dry, rank forage sprayed only with molasses, and the third on untreated dry range. The group with only molasses sprayed on the forage was added to see if differences in gain might be due to greater net energy intake rather than to protein alone. The purpose of the 1953 test was to

see if one-third of the protein requirements could be supplied by urea. Two groups of steers were used that received their supplement of cottonseed pellets hand fed to obtain better control of the intake of this feed. The group on range sprayed with mo- lasses-urea received one pound of cottonseed pellets per head daily, whereas the second group on untreated range received one and one-half pounds, the objec- tive being to promote daily gains

of about a pound per head. Each year there was a control group on natural dry range without supplements.

Cane molasses was used throughout. The molasses-urea mixture had a crude protein equivalent of 30 percent’. Before spraying, the molasses and the mixture were diluted one-fourth to one-third with water, depend- ing on consistency as affected by temperature. To minimize losses of material, only thick stands of dry grasses or grass-like plants were sprayed (Figure 1). The spraying was done by hand with a 50-gallon spray rig mounted in a pickup.

W e e k 1 y applications of 14 pounds of molasses or molasses- urea mixture per-? animal were made on areas selected to pro- vide about 12 pounds of herbage per animal day. Spraying was done along area margins to pre- vent excessive trampling. The cottonseed pellets and meal had a 41 percent crude protein con- tent. It was estimated that when cottonseed meal was mixed with salt and fed free choice, daily in- take of at least one pound of meal per head would result.

To s e c u r e information on losses of urea through weather- ing a protected patch of rank, dry grass was sprayed July 26, 1951, with the molasses-urea mixture diluted with an equal volume of water. This sprayed herbage was sampled for chemi- cal analysis the day following spraying and at frequent inter- vals until after the first fall rains.

The calves were grade Here- fords produced at the station. Initial experimental w e i g h t s were the July weaning weights. Periodic weights were taken at about monthly intervals after an overnight shrink in dry lot. Ten or more animals were in each lot

1The Pacific Molasses Company

MOLASSES ON RANGE FORAGE 7

Table 1. Chemical analyses of grasses sprayed wifh molasses-urea mixture and exposed fo weafher July 26 fo November 19, 1951 (Average 10 samples)

~- -_-- --

Date of collection July 27 Aug. 7 Aug. 17 Sept.? Sept. 28s Nov. 19; Days after spraying 1 12 22 43 64 114

_-_--.--- _{Percent ---} Solids extracted by hot

water 32.2 28.9 28.4 30.0 27.8 6.3

Crude protein (N x 6.25)

extracted by hot water 8.2 7.6 8.2 8.1 6.6 1.3 Insoluble solids 67.8 71.1 71.6 70.0 72.2 93.7

Grass equivalent2 79 83 82 82 84 -

Molasses residue 21 17 18 18 16 -

_ .~

125 days after 0.72 inches rain; most of urea-molasses leached out.

2Grass equivalent calculated from insoluble solids by dividing by 0.86. Molasses residue is a measure of the partly dried molasses-urea mixture remaining on the grass. The original dry grass before spraying with urea- molasses contained 14 percent solids soluble in hot water and 0.84 percent hot water soluble crude protein.

sFew light dews between September 7-28.

except in 1947 when the control group consisted of nine heifers.

FkSUltS

Under prevailing high tem- peratures and low humidities the molasses and molasses-urea mix- tures, even though diluted with water, “candied” quickly when sprayed on the dry forage. There was no loss of urea nitrogen or molasses solids until light dews occurred between 43 and 63 days after the initial spraying (Table 1). These dews diluted the mo- lasses-urea mixture so that some material ran down the plant stems, causing a small loss. Prac- tically all molasses-urea mixture was washed from the forage by 0.72 inch of rain received 90 days after the initial spraying.

Self-feeding Molasses-urea

Group 1, self-fed the molasses- urea without additional natural protein, and group 3, subsisting entirely on native forage, did not make worthwhile gains during the first 66 days (Table 2). How- ever, group 2, fed 0.88 pound of cottonseed pellets per h e a d daily, gained 0.65 pound per head daily. The responses of groups 2 and 3 were similar to those of groups similarly treated i n previous experiments

(Wagnon et al., 1959). Group 1 took about as much molasses-

urea per head (2.10 p o un d s daily) as later groups consumed when the mixture was sprayed on the dry forage. Under these conditions molasses-urea was not an effective supplement.

By September 5, deteriora- tion of the dry forage warranted increasing supplements to group 2 to 1% pounds cottonseed pellets per animal. At the same time, group 1 was given one pound of cottonseed pellets per head daily. During this period consumption of molasses-urea in- creased markedly. Group 1 made average daily gains of 1.22

pounds, group 2 gained 0.91 pound, and group 3 lost 0.47 pound per day. It seems likely that there were benefits from the urea; however, the greater gains of group 1 may have been due to greater digestible nutri- ent intake.

Molasses-urea Sprayed on Forage

The use of salt, mixed with cottonseed meal, to regulate in- take of that supplement self-fed, was not too successful in 1951 and 1952 as daily consumption was below the desired levels both years (Tables 3 and 4). Furthermore, the drying-up of the water source near the self- feeder, in mid-period of 1951, resulted in a further marked de- crease in consumption. D a i 1 y consumption of cottonseed meal in the 1952 experiments was not equal in supplemented groups, even though the water sources were near the self-feeders.

The average gain of 24 pounds for the group of 4 calves in the first period in 1951, compared with 28 pounds for group 5, in- dicates that the urea promoted weight gains similar to those produced by a 0.7 pound daily intake of cottonseed meal per animal. The average gain of 5 pounds for control group 6 indi-

Table 2. Growfh of weaner heifers and feed consumed on dry range wifh a free choice molasses-urea supplemenf wifh coffonseed pellefs: and wifh no supplemenf.

____ ___

July 1 to Sept. 5 to Sept. 5, 1947 Oct. 7, 1947

(66 days) (32 days)

.-~-____-~

Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 1 Group2 Group 3 Range Range Range Range Range Range

and and only and and only molasses- cotton- molasses- cotton-

urea seed urea seed mixture cake mixture cake

10 -10 10 -

Number of heifers 9 10 9

________ (Pounds)-_---___

8

WAGNON

AND GOSS

Table 3. Growth of weaner heifers on dry range plus molasses and urea; cottonseed meal-salt supplement and with no supplement.

July 7 to Sept. 6 to Sept. 6, 1951 Nov. 3, 1951

(63 days) (58 days)

Group 4 Group 53 Group 6 Group 4 Group 53 Group 6 -~

Range Range Range Range

and plus Range plus plus Range molasses salt- only molasses salt- only

urea cotton- urea cotton- mixture seed mixture seed

meal meal

Number of heifers 23 12 10 23 12 _~- 10 ----_-_- _(Pounds)---

Average initial weight 487 479 526 511 507 531 Average final weight 511 507 531 550 505 487 Average gain or loss +24 +28 +5 +39 -2 -44 Average daily gain

or loss +0.38 + 0.44 + 0.08 +0.67 -0.03 -0.76 Cottonseed meal-salt

mix daily None 1.01 None None 0.64 None Cottonseed meal

daily None 0.71 None None 0.45 None

Salt Daily1 None 0.30 None None 0.19 None Molasses-urea fed

daily2 1.81 None None 1.94 None None Cottonseed cake fed

daily None None None 1.00 None None

.~- IDoes not include salt provided in salt licks.

2 Protein equivalent 30bercent. 3 Included two steers.

cates the nutritional qualities of

the forage were similar to those

of the first period in 1947.

During the second phase of the

experiment, group 4 made an

average 39-pound gain, whereas

group 5 lost 2 pounds and control

group 6 lost 44 pounds. These

differences can be explained by

the 0.72 inch of rain which fell

October 24. Unpublished studies

have shown a sudden change. in

cattle grazing habits immediate-

ly following the first substantial

fall rain. The cattle commence

to graze the newly germinated

forage plants, rejecting the old,

leached forage as much as possi-

ble, which results in a weight

loss due to a marked reduction

in ruminal fill. In this instance

group 4 continued to eat the old

forage that had been sprayed

with molasses-urea mixture.

Over the 113-day period in

1952 group 7, receiving the mo-

lasses-urea mixture on forage

and consuming 0.27 pound of

cottonseed meal per head daily,

made weight gains comparable

to group 9 (74 and 70 pounds,

respectively) that subsisted on

natural forage and 0.66 pound of

cottonseed meal per head daily.

Further evidence that the urea

was effective in supplying part

of the calves’ protein require-

ments lies in the data from group

8 (Table 4). This group with

its forage sprayed with molasses

and an average daily consump-

tion of 0.49-pound cottonseed

meal only made an average 45

pounds gain. These data also in-

dicate that under these forage

conditions available protein is a

more restrictive factor in weight

gains than total energy intake.

Data from the 1953 study show

that urea effectively supplied

one-third of the needed protein

supplements to promote average

daily weight gains of about a

pound daily (Table 5). Over the

loo-day experimental p e r i o d

groups 11 and 12 made similar

daily gains (1.09 and 1.07 pounds,

respectively).

Spraying the coarse dry for-

age with molasses-urea mixture

or molasses resulted in its com-

plete utilization even though

more desirable fine-stemmed

forage was abundant (Figure 2)

Table 4. Growth of weaner heifers and feed consumed on annual type range with molasses-urea plus cottonseed meal-sal,t, molasses plus meal- salt, meal-salt and without any supplement.

~-

July 8 to October 29, 1952 (113 days)

--

Group 7 Group 6 Group 9 Group kl Molasses- Molasses Meal- Range urea plus plus salt only meal-salt meal-salt

Number of heifers 15 15 10 10

._--_----(Pounds) _--_----

Average initial weight 461 459 488 457 Average final weight 535 504 558 444 Average gain or loss +74 +45 +70 -13 Average daily gain or loss +0.64 +0.39 +0.61 -0.11 Cottonse’ed meal-salt mix daily 0.38 0.70 0.94 None

Cottonseed meal daily 0.27 0.49 0.66 None

Salt daily1 0.11 0.21 0.28 None

Molasses-urea fed daily2 1.86 None None None Cane molasses fed daily None 1.86 None _{___~} None

MOLASSES ON RANGE FORAGE

9

Table 5. Growth of weaner calves and feed consumed on dry range plus cottonseed pellets, with molasses-urea and cottonseed pellets, and wifh- ouf supplemen&.

June 25 to October 3, 1953 - 100 days

Group 11 Group 12 Group 13

Number of animals

Average initial weight Average final weight Average gain or loss Average daily gain Cottonseed pellets daily Molasses-urea daily

Range plus cottonseed

pellets

Range plus molasses- urea and cottonseed

pellets

Range only

10 steers 10 steers 10 heifers -.

----_-_- Pounds-_-_-_-___

514 522 485

623 629 492

+ 109 + 107 +7

+1.09 +1.07 +0.07

1.36 0.91 None

None 1.82 None

-_

Summary

Under range conditions there

was no loss of molasses solids or

urea nitrogen until light dews

commenced about

days after

spraying.

A 0.72-inch rain

washed the mixture from the

forage.

Rank, dry forage of low palata-

bility was completely utilized by

weaned calves after spraying

with cane molasses or a cane

molasses-urea mixture. Similar

unsprayed forage was mostly

left ungrazed.

T h e molasses-urea mixture

self-fed to weaner heifers on dry

protein-deficient range was an

ineffective supplement. W h e n

sprayed on dry forage the urea

furnished some of the required

protein. When weaner steers

were supplemented to promote

average daily gains of a pound,

the urea replaced a third of the

cottonseed pellets.

LITERATURE CITED

BENTLEY, J. R. AND M. W. TALBOT. 1951. Efficient use of annual plants on cattle ranges in the California foothills. U. S. Dept. of Agr. Cir. 870.

GUILBERT, H. R., PAUL GERLAUGH, AND L. L. MADSEN. 1945. Recommended nutrient allowances for beef cattle. A Report of the Committee on Animal Nutrition, National Re- search Council.

HUTCHISON, C. B. AND E. I. KOTOK. 1942. The San Joaquin Experi- mental Range. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 663.

TALBOT, M. W. AND H. H. BISWELL. 1942. The forage crop and its management. In Hutchison, C. B. and E. I. Kotok. The San Joaquin Experimental Range. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 663.

AND A. L. HOR~VIAY: 1939. Fluctuations in the annual vegetation of California. Ecology 20: 394-402.

WAGNON, K. A., H. R. GUILBERT, AND G. H. HART. 1942. Experimental herd management. In Hutchison, C. B. and E. I. Kotok. The San J o a q u i n Experimental Range. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 663.

.

1959. Beef cattle investigations at the San Joaquin Experimental Range. 1935-1948. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 765.

Carbohydrate Content of Underground

Parts

’ of Grasses as Affected by Clipping’

FLOYD E. KINSINGER AND HAROLD I-I. HOPKINS

Associate Plant Ecologist, Nevada Agricultural Experi- ment Station, Rena, Nevada; and Chairman, Dept. of Biology, St. Cloud State College, St. Cloud, Minnesota

A grazing system which per-

mits maximum herbage produc-

tion with a minimum of harm to

the plant becomes increasingly

important as a growing popula-

tion demands more and more

meat. Sustained herbage pro-

duction depends to a great ex-

tent upon the ability of the plant

to withstand moderate to heavy

utilization. Preservation of per-

ennial grasses depends upon the

manufacture and storage of car-

bohydrates in excess of those re-

quired for growth. Any system

of grazing that consistently re-

moves most of the photosyn-

thetic tissue, thus preventing

manufacture and storage of car-

bohydrates, will eventually re-

sult in destruction of the grass.

Therefore, it is important to

know the effects of defoliation

upon the amount of carbohy-

drates stored in the underground

parts. The present study was

made to determine the influence

of different intensities and sea-

son of clipping on the carbohy-

drate content of roots, rhizomes,

and crowns of big bluestem

dropogon gerardi

Vitmani.),

western wheatgrass

Rydb.), and a mixture

of blue grama

(H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud.)

and buffalo grass

(Nutt.) Engelm.)

Review

of

Many workers have found that

a moderate system of clipping or

grazing is less likely than intense

MOLASSES ON RANGE FORAGE

9

Table 5. Growth of weaner calves and feed consumed on dry range plus cottonseed pellets, with molasses-urea and cottonseed pellets, and wifh- ouf supplemen&.

June 25 to October 3, 1953 - 100 days

Group 11 Group 12 Group 13

Number of animals

Average initial weight Average final weight Average gain or loss Average daily gain Cottonseed pellets daily Molasses-urea daily

Range plus cottonseed

pellets

Range plus molasses- urea and cottonseed

pellets

Range only

10 steers 10 steers 10 heifers -.

----_-_- Pounds-_-_-_-___

514 522 485

623 629 492

+ 109 + 107 +7

+1.09 +1.07 +0.07

1.36 0.91 None

None 1.82 None

-_

Summary

Under range conditions there

was no loss of molasses solids or

urea nitrogen until light dews

commenced about

days after

spraying.

A 0.72-inch rain

washed the mixture from the

forage.

Rank, dry forage of low palata-

bility was completely utilized by

weaned calves after spraying

with cane molasses or a cane

molasses-urea mixture. Similar

unsprayed forage was mostly

left ungrazed.

T h e molasses-urea mixture

self-fed to weaner heifers on dry

protein-deficient range was an

ineffective supplement. W h e n

sprayed on dry forage the urea

furnished some of the required

protein. When weaner steers

were supplemented to promote

average daily gains of a pound,

the urea replaced a third of the

cottonseed pellets.

LITERATURE CITED

BENTLEY, J. R. AND M. W. TALBOT. 1951. Efficient use of annual plants on cattle ranges in the California foothills. U. S. Dept. of Agr. Cir. 870.

GUILBERT, H. R., PAUL GERLAUGH, AND L. L. MADSEN. 1945. Recommended nutrient allowances for beef cattle. A Report of the Committee on Animal Nutrition, National Re- search Council.

HUTCHISON, C. B. AND E. I. KOTOK. 1942. The San Joaquin Experi- mental Range. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 663.

TALBOT, M. W. AND H. H. BISWELL. 1942. The forage crop and its management. In Hutchison, C. B. and E. I. Kotok. The San Joaquin Experimental Range. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 663.

AND A. L. HOR~VIAY: 1939. Fluctuations in the annual vegetation of California. Ecology 20: 394-402.

WAGNON, K. A., H. R. GUILBERT, AND G. H. HART. 1942. Experimental herd management. In Hutchison, C. B. and E. I. Kotok. The San J o a q u i n Experimental Range. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 663.

.

1959. Beef cattle investigations at the San Joaquin Experimental Range. 1935-1948. Calif. Agr. Exp. Sta. Bul. 765.

Carbohydrate Content of Underground

Parts

’ of Grasses as Affected by Clipping’

FLOYD E. KINSINGER AND HAROLD I-I. HOPKINS

Associate Plant Ecologist, Nevada Agricultural Experi- ment Station, Rena, Nevada; and Chairman, Dept. of Biology, St. Cloud State College, St. Cloud, Minnesota

A grazing system which per-

mits maximum herbage produc-

tion with a minimum of harm to

the plant becomes increasingly

important as a growing popula-

tion demands more and more

meat. Sustained herbage pro-

duction depends to a great ex-

tent upon the ability of the plant

to withstand moderate to heavy

utilization. Preservation of per-

ennial grasses depends upon the

manufacture and storage of car-

bohydrates in excess of those re-

quired for growth. Any system

of grazing that consistently re-

moves most of the photosyn-

thetic tissue, thus preventing

manufacture and storage of car-

bohydrates, will eventually re-

sult in destruction of the grass.

Therefore, it is important to

know the effects of defoliation

upon the amount of carbohy-

drates stored in the underground

parts. The present study was

made to determine the influence

of different intensities and sea-

son of clipping on the carbohy-

drate content of roots, rhizomes,

and crowns of big bluestem

dropogon gerardi

Vitmani.),

western wheatgrass

Rydb.), and a mixture

of blue grama

(H.B.K.) Lag. ex Steud.)

and buffalo grass

(Nutt.) Engelm.)

Review

of

Many workers have found that

a moderate system of clipping or

grazing is less likely than intense

10

utilization to harm the plant and still maintain high yields (To- manek, 1948; Weaver and Hou- gen, 1939; Weaver and Darland, 1948; and Weaver, 1950). Hanson and Stoddart (1940) reported carbohydrate food reserves of bunch wheatgrass were reduced 19.4 percent in heavily grazed plants as compared to protected plants. As a result of this weak- ened condition, its dominant pos- ition was taken over by sage- brush. McCarty and Price (1942) found that root reserves of all clipped plants were lower than those of unclipped plants in a study of grasses and herbs of the Wasatch Mountains. McCarty

(1935, 1938) concluded that starch and sugars were the most potent stored foods. Sampson and McCarty (1930) reported an inverse correlation between sea- sonal fluctuations of the carbo- hydrates and growth rate of Stipa pulchra. Graber et al. (1927) and Graber (1930) re- ported retardation of both root and top growth and a decrease of organic reserves in the roots fol- lowing frequent defoliation. Cook et al. (1958) found decreased carbohydrate content in the roots of crested wheatgrass as clipping intensity and frequency in- creased. Hyder and Sneva (1959) reported the fluctuations of car- bohydrate storage with growth of crested wheatgrass. Dodd and Hopkins (1958) studied the car- bohydrate content of roots and crowns of young stands of blue grama and found that stored foods declined following defolia- tion.

Methods of Study Three plots were staked out in each of the communities of grasses studied. Two plots con- sisted of 9 square-meter quad- rats each and one contained 5 quadrats. The short grasses had not been grazed for 10 years; big bluestem and western wheat- grass had never been grazed by domestic livestock. The clipping treatments were as follows: un- clipped; moderately clipped

KINSINGER AND HOPKINS

every 3 weeks to a stubble height of 2,3, and 7 inches, respectively, for the two short grasses, big bluestem, and western wheat- grass; and heavily clipped every 2 weeks to a stubble height of

y2, 1, and 3 inches on the same grasses. Samples of underground parts were removed to a depth of 4 inches from each treatment monthly except for 5 winter and early-spring months. The roots were washed free of soil, dried quickly, finely ground, and stored for chemical analysis. Starch was determined in ac- cordance with McCarty and Price (1942)) and hemicellulose, sucrose, and reducing sugars by methods outlined in Official Methods (1945) of the Associa- tion of Official Agricultural Chemists. Starch, sucrose, and reducing sugars are reported as total readily available carbohy- drates.

Environmental Conditions Climatic conditions during the 2 years of this study varied con- siderably. Precipitation for April through September in 1951 was 37.45 inches, considerably above the normal of 18.03 inches. Tem- peratures for the same period were below normal resulting in

cool, moist weather, ideal for plant growth. In contrast, during 1952, precipitation w a s 9.06 inches, far below average. Ample soil moisture was present to a depth of 5 feet for rapid plant growth during the entire 1951 growing season. But in 1952, available moisture was present only in May and June.

Results

Soluble Carbohydrafes

Blue grama and buffalo grass Sugar and starch content of the underground parts in the un- clipped quadrats varied with the growth of the grasses (Figure 1). When growth was rapid in the spring, the amount of readily available carbohydrates was low, but as these warm-season grasses were approaching maturity and dormancy in the fall, a peak in stored foods occurred. In 1951 a low of 8.1 percent occurred on July 31, during flowering and seed set. On January 1, 1952, a high of 12.0 percent had been reached, but this decreased to 8.8 percent by May 6 when growth was rapid. Further fluc- tuations, which can apparently be correlated with growing con- ditions and phenological de-

t i

26

n WESTER WHEAT GRASS 2, 23 ?2