Get reliable science

Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski) is an invasive noxious grass of Mediterranean origin and is well adapted to the semi-arid climates of the western United States. The channel scablands of eastern Washington includes over 2000 square miles of rangeland with geological, historical and economic significance to the region. Past overgrazing, frequent wildfires and mismanagement have resulted in destruction of plant biodiversity and major degradation of the rangelands providing an opportunity for medusahead invasion. The objective of this study was to determine if canola meal (CM) provided as a protein supplement will increase the utilization of medusahead by grazing beef cattle.  Angus heifers and Hereford steers grazed eight 0.2 hectare pastures during three 10 day grazing periods in June, July and August over two years. Pastures contained one steer and one heifer each with four of the pastures receiving CM and four unsupplemented. Forage consumption was determined using visual bite counts. Bite count categories were annual grasses (AG), consisting of all annual grasses including medusahead, perennial grasses (PG) and forbs (F). Data were analyzed as a two-way factorial in a split-plot with June and July periods reported during 2012 and 2013. There was no difference in the number of total bites taken between treatment groups (P = 0.98).  Supplemented cattle consumed a higher percentage of AG (34%) than unsupplemented cattle (28%; P = 0.058). The percentage of number of bites on AG relative to the total number of bites was greater in 2013 with July of 2013 having the highest utilization (P < 0.01). Forb consumption followed an inverse relationship with AG with the highest utilization in 2012 and the lowest in July of 2013 (P < 0.01). This research showed that a protein supplement (CM) increased consumption of medusahead and other annual grasses by beef cattle.