Forage Dynamics and Calf Behavior In Two Creep Grazing Systems.

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate forage availability, nutritive value, and calf movement within two creep grazing systems.   The study was initiated in 2008 at the Virginia Tech Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research Center at Steeles Tavern, VA.  Two creep grazing systems were evaluated: 1) forward creep grazing (FCR) where dams and offspring rotate through a series of paddocks with offspring as first grazers and dams as last grazers, and 2) a dedicated creep grazing (DCR) system where calves have access to a nil-ergot, endophyte-infected fescue + alfalfa pasture at all times while rotating through a series of paddocks with dams.  The experiment also has treatments that included grazing by medium or large frame cows and paddocks devoted to winter stockpile grazing.  From 2008 to 2010, available forage and nutritive value data showed inconsistent trends between creep grazing treatments. Grazing of winter stockpile had positive effects on forage availability and nutritive value in subsequent growing seasons.  We used GPS collars to track calf movements in creep grazing treatments and found that calves spent more time in DCR pastures (15%) compared with FCR pastures (4%).  Greater time in DCR pastures likely reflected higher forage nutritive value during summer months and lower fescue toxicity.  The study is still on-going, but our findings thus far suggest a dedicated creep grazing system with improved forage varieties may be the better option for beef producers.  In addition, we found that grazing stockpiled tall fescue in winter may improve forage production the subsequent year.