Drought feeding studies with cattle and sheep. 3. A preliminary note on the use of grain sorghum as a drought fodder for cattle

Abstract

Eight beef-type heifers, 15-18 months old, fed for 27 weeks on 3 lb. crushed grain sorghum supplemented with ground limestone were in strong condition at the conclusion of the feeding period and made rapid weight gains when returned to pasture. The mean loss of body weight during the first nine weeks of all-grain feeding was 10 lb. per head per week; over the final 18 weeks it was 3.3 lb. per head per week. Serum protein, packed cell volume, plasma volume, and plasma sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations did not appear to be markedly influenced by the ration.