Training and Adaptation of Beef Calves to Precision Supplementation Technology for Individual Supplementation in Grazing Systems

Simple Summary: Understanding the relationship between supplementation and animal production requires a systems approach to understand all variables affecting this relationship. Many publications regarding the utilization of consumed supplements have been published, as have studies focused on cattle production response. Supplementation costs strongly influence farm profitability, yet many supplementation strategies aim to supply nutrients to the average of the group, though inter-animal variation within groups can differ vastly meaning both over- and under-supplementation is occurring, potentially decreasing production. Measuring real-time cattle intake is historically labor intensive and typically focuses on total intake instead of individual supplement intake. New precision feeding technologies such as the C-Lock SuperSmart Feeder (SSF, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) allow for real-time supplement intake data collection in field settings but require adaptation periods to facilitate the usage of these technologies by cattle. New technologies, such as the SSF, offer insight into behavioral information relating to cattle adaptation rates, feeding patterns, and the relationship between supplementation and animal production. The objective of this research was to assess the training and adoption rates of three different groups of cattle (suckling calves, weaned steers, replacement heifers) to the SSF. Supplementation of beef cattle can be used to meet both nutrient requirements and production goals; however, supplementation costs influence farm profitability. Common supplementation delivery strategies are generally designed to provide nutrients to the mean of the group instead of an individual. Precision individual supplementation technologies, such as the Super SmartFeed (SSF, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA), are available but are generally cost prohibitive to producers. These systems require adaptation or training periods for cattle to utilize this technology. The objective of this research was to assess the training and adoption rates of three different groups of cattle (suckling calves, weaned steers, replacement heifers) to the SSF. Successful adaptation was determined if an individual's supplement intake was above the group average of total allotted feed consumed throughout the training period. Suckling calves (n = 31) underwent a 12 d training period on pasture; 45% of suckling calves adapted to the SSF and average daily intake differed (p < 0.0001) by day of training. Weaned steers (n = 79) were trained in drylot for 13 d. Of the weaned steers, 62% were trained to the SSF, and average daily intake differed (p < 0.0001) by day of training. Replacement heifers (n = 63) grazed tall fescue pastures and had access to SSF for 22 d of training. The success rate of replacement heifers was 73%. For replacement heifers, the daily intake did not differ (p < 0.0001) by day of training. Results indicate production stage may influence cattle adaptation to precision technologies.