Protein and energy content of wheat pasture and comparable processed feeds on a dry matter basis. Energy is the limiting nutrient for gains higher than two and one-half pounds per day. Limited gains due to energy, is more of a problem with small calves due to limited intake. Also note in Table 1 that calcium mineral supplementation is required. Calcium deficiency could reduce gains and some studies suggest low calcium levels may be implicated in wheat pasture bloat.
Frothy bloat can be a major cause of death in stocker calves grazing wheat pasture.
Phosphorous and magnesium levels in wheat pasture are usually adequate while potassium is well above the requirements of the grazing animal. The elevated potassium levels pose no known problems. Calves on wheat pasture do not always gain to the forage's potential. Graze-out are those wheat pastures grazed throughout the early spring months where no grain is harvested. The most common reason is a lack of dry matter quantity, not forage quality.