Evaluation of the APEX cattle weight gain component for grazing decision-support in the Western Great Plains

Rotational grazing studies have produced mixed results related to animal performance (weight gain), which has contributed producer uncertainty regarding management decisions. To enhance decision-support for producers, we improved algorithms in the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model better represent cattle weight gain real-world rangeland conditions under two strategies. Simulated and forage effects were evaluated with experimental data from 2014 2018 The traditional strategy used continuous season-long stocked at a moderate level. collaborative adaptive employed one large herd rotated using sequence developed by stakeholder group movement between pastures driven predetermined decision triggers. For each strategy, yearling steers grazed mid-May October on ten 130-ha pastures. With APEX modifications, daily was adequately simulated both (traditional management) intensive rotational (collaborative grazing. Dry matter intake, total digestible nutrients, temporal distribution of dry intake primary influencers gain). Once shown be accurate, evaluate several alternatives (i.e., stocking rate, rotation interval, criteria) showcase its support capabilities. These important enhancements increase utility semiarid environments, such as western Great Plains, providing science-based ranchers, agency land managers, policy makers.