1. ASPP-300 Forage Planning Software J. A. Jennings and M. S. Gadberry University of Arkansas

2. How does the program work? Minimum requirements for the Arkansas SPP-300 program are Windows 3.1/95 with a 486-66 MHz CPU. It was developed with Visual Baler® software so it is a self-running program. Arkansas SPP-300 calculates forage production and animal requirements for 100 day periods during spring, summer, fall, and 65 days during winter. Seasonal dry matter yield is calculated for each forage and for the farm. Daily dry matter intake of the cattle herd is calculated based on class of animal, stage of production, and average daily gain. Seasonal forage requirement is based on grazing system efficiency. Data are entered for each pasture based on forage type and estimated annual yield. The program calculates dry matter production in spring, summer, fall, and winter for each pasture based on estimated percentage seasonal production of each forage or forage mixture. Data are entered for cattle based on spring or fall calving season, level of milk production, stocker calf grazing season, and average daily gain expected. Gains are based on NRC values for intake. Quality of the forage is assumed adequate for the expected gain. A basic level of knowledge of forage quality and animal nutrition is necessary to determine realistic cattle gains.

3. Example Scenario The following scenario is depicted in this presentation. Screens for data entry, data summary, and results are shown. A beef producer has 100 acres of available pasture. His forage program includes: 25 acres of orchardgrass / clover mix 25 acres of fescue that is stockpiled in the fall for winter use 25 acres of bermudagrass 25 acres of bermudagrass / fescue mix. He has 40 spring-calving cows with an average weight of 1100 lbs. each. Milk production is average.Two bulls of 1800 lbs. each are in the herd. Continuous grazing management is currently used. Hay feeding begins in early November most years and continues until early April. His question is “what changes are needed to reduce the length of the hay feeding period?”.

4. Start by entering data for each pasture and for each livestock herd. The program can be navigated by windows or by tabs.

5. Forage type or mixture can be selected from a list found in the drop boxes shown. Scrolling down the list shows the available forages. Enter acreage and estimated annual yield for each forage.

6. Enter data for spring calving cows, bulls, and replacement animals. Fall calving herds can be entered on a separate screen for that herd.

7. Enter data for stocker calves under the option that fits the grazing period.

8. Data entered can be viewed and updated if necessary. Summaries of pasture production are shown as well as daily forage requirements for the herd.

9. Forage inventories show the percentage distribution of seasonal yield for each pasture. Forage input data in blue can be changed on this screen.

10. Seasonal tonnage is shown for each pasture as well as total yield for the farm.

11. Summaries of the livestock herd can be viewed and updated here. Data in blue can be changed on this screen. Forage dry matter intake levels as a % of body weight are shown. Defaults for intake can be changed in another section of the program.

12. Daily forage intake requirements are shown for each production class along with the total herd daily requirement.

13. Results show how well forage production matches livestock requirements.

14. Results show total seasonal forage production and seasonal herd requirement based on grazing system Percentage utilization for each grazing system can be changed to match local conditions

15. The answer to our producer’s question may be to use a rotational grazing system since forage is adequate through the fall season. The winter period is set at 65 days from late December until March 1. Other options can be explored to match specific farm conditions.

16. Default values for livestock and forage can be updated to match local conditions.

17. Default forage requirements are shown as percent of body weight and are based on NRC values. Values in blue can be changed.

18. Forage yield distribution can be changed to match local conditions. Values are included for 33 forages and forage mixtures. Spaces are available to add 15 other forages where “blank” is listed under each section.