| The objectives of this research were to investigate the performance by spring (S) and fall-calving cows (F) grazing either endophyte-infected fescue (E+) or novel endophyte-infected fescue (NE+) at different percentages of the total pasture area and to determine to what extent having limited access to NE+ prior to weaning will affect post-weaning performance by spring (S) or fall-born calves (F) weaned from cows grazing either E+ or NE+ at different percentages of the total pasture area.;Based on a 3-yr study, a fall-calving season may be more desirable for cows grazing E+ resulting in greater calving rates, increased cow weights, BCS, calf weaning weights, and had a shorter calving interval. Limited use of NE+ may increase calving rates, cow weights at weaning, and serum prolactin concentrations at breeding, particularly in spring-calving cows. Furthermore, fall-born calves resulted in greater weaning weights and fall-born steers had greater feedlot gain, dressing percent, marbling scores, and more grading choice. However, spring-born heifers where heavier at breeding and had greater calving rates. Limited use of NE+ improved steer weaning weights but this advantaged was not maintained through the feedlot phase. |
