Karn et al. compared animal gains, and forage production and utilization at two stocking rates (moderate and heavy) on flat and rolling native grasslands with seeded smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis), western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) pastures grazed season-long by cattle. On all pasture types, cattle spent more time grazing at the heavy stocking rate compared to the low stocking rate, possibly because of the lower forage production, which also reduced average daily gains at this stocking rate. Cattle spent more time grazing on smooth bromegrass pastures, probably because these pastures produced the least standing crop, however, animal gains were lowest on rolling native pastures. The results of the study suggest that production and animal gains in seeded pastures that are grazed season-long are similar to those that would be achieved on native range, and that seeded pastures are a good alternative to native range in the Great Plains. In addition, results suggest that seeded cool-season grasses can be successfully grazed season-long in the Northern Great Plains where environmental conditions and precipitation patterns are comparable to central North Dakota.
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