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Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of annual forages in animal production systems. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of cool season annual forages on animal production and forage productivity in stocker production systems. Forages systems evaluated were rye (R), rye plus ryegrass (RRG), rye plus wheat (RW), and rye plus crimson clover and arrowleaf clover (RC). Cattle grazing RRG produced a higher amount of BW gained in two out of three years. During years of cooler temperatures and abundant precipitation, RC was able to sustain a higher amount of BW gained. Experiment 2 studied the effects of warm season annual forages on animal production and meat quality in forage-finishing operations. Forage systems evaluated were pearl millet (PM), pearl millet plus crabgrass (PMCG), sorghum x sudangrass (SS), and brown-midrib sorghum x sudangrass (BMR). No differences were found for animal production. Cattle grazing treatments of SS had more yellow fat.