In this current study, we are evaluating the value of the grazing tolerant, nondormant alfalfa cultivars when used as supplemental pasture in a grass-based beef production system. Large, replicated strips of four cultivars comprised the alfalfa area. In each of two years, cows and calves were limit grazed from approximately April 1 to June 15, followed by creep access for calves until weaning. Limit grazing involves morning access to alfalfa for several hours 3-5 days per week, depending on forage availability. The alfalfa field is split in half with electric fence across the cultivar strips.
Rotational access helps maintain leaf area at levels sufficient to stimulate alfalfa growth.
Rotation continues during summer while calves have continuous access to alfalfa through a creep gate. If alfalfa accumulates, hay cutting or mob grazing with cows can remove excess forage, preventing excessively mature forage. Calves return to bermudagrass pasture and have continuous access to alfalfa following weaning. After two seasons grazing, Alfagraze, AmeriGraze 702, and ABT 805 showed better stand survival and less weed encroachment when compared to Florida 77. Fall and early spring growth was observed to be better on all the nondormant cultivars than Alfagraze.