Stocker Steer Gains and Fly Numbers as Impacted by Burn Date and Type of Mineral on Tallgrass Native Range

This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date March (MAR) or April (APR). second free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) without (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 612 ± 57 lb) were used in a 2 × factorial treatment structure. Steers weighed individually, randomly assigned treatment, grazed 85 days. Weekly, 33% steers photographed count flies hair coat score. Cattle on the APR-SPICE had greater average daily gain (ADG) than MAR-SPICE APR-CON MAR-CON intermediate. SPICE 10 lb heavier cattle consuming CON mineral. In general, number weeks 8, 10, 11, corresponding time when intake averaged 72% formulated intake. Additionally, steers. year 4 this study, there minimal difference based date, primarily because dates only 12 days apart. use increased but resulted more control addi­tion these added $0.02/hd/day cost production improved positive return investment.