Beef--Feeds and Commodities
USE ALTERNATE FEEDS
General
For cattle, all nutrient requirements except protein and energy can easily be met with a commercial mineral mix, or even one that can be mixed at home for less cost. But protein and energy must be met by what we normally think of as conventional feed, either pasture, hay, or something we haul out from the feed store in a sack or block.
It is important to remember that we are trying to provide that needed protein or energy, rather than simply trying to make some extra feed available. So it is important to calculate those needs in terms of cost per pound of protein or cost per pound of energy. The table below provides estimates of such costs, based on the prices stated for the raw commodity:
| Ingredient |
% |
% |
Price |
¢/lb. |
¢/lb. |
¢/lb |
| |
Pro. |
TDN |
|
|
Pro. |
TDN |
| Bermuda Hay |
8 |
49 |
$90/tn |
4.5 |
56.3 |
9.18 |
| Corn |
9 |
79 |
$2.50/bu |
4.49 |
49.9 |
5.68 |
| Cottonseed Meal |
41 |
74 |
$190/tn |
9.5 |
23.17 |
12.83 |
| Fescue Hay |
10 |
62 |
$90/tn |
4.5 |
45.0 |
7.26 |
| Liquid supplement |
32 |
55 |
$165/tn |
8.3 |
25.7 |
15.0 |
| Broiler litter |
21 |
59 |
$10/tn |
.005 |
2.4 |
.85 |
| Rye pasture |
22 |
68 |
$88/ac |
5.2 |
23.6 |
7.6 |
| Whole cottonseed |
22 |
90 |
$140/tn |
7.0 |
31.81 |
7.77 |
The table shows that our old standby, average quality bermuda hay (at $90/tn) rates rather poorly as a provider of protein, and rates only fair as a provider of energy. The values above are subject to local price check. Some of them are not available at this time of year, while other ingredients not listed in the table may be available in some areas. Some feed ingredients face limitations in their use. Any cattleman, when considering use of an unfamiliar feed ingredient, should first consult with an Extension agent or specialist in livestock nutrition.
Forages
The ruminant can utilize forages. Put cows on common bermuda or into fenced in woods, or unimproved pasture. When rains do arrive, graze plainer grasses, i.e., crab grass, common bermuda, and bahia. Allow the more productive forages, coastal bermuda and fescue, to accumulate for late hay crops and late fall grazing. Remember, nitrogen application must be made when the rains come.
By-products
By-products that can not be otherwise used such as old bread, cookies, cotton seed hulls, cotton seed, soybean hulls, and dried citrus pulp are available in many areas and are good alternate feeds. Others include wheat mids, hominy feed, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal. Comparing unit cost for protein and energy will help determine the cheapest substitute. Feed a balanced diet and do not over-feed. Local county Extension offices and area Extension agents can help in balancing diets if needed.
Broiler and Turkey Litter
Grain with chicken litter (45-50% of mix) can reduce the pasture demand by 20-40% for cows. However young calves (under 300 lbs) can not utilize this type of ration efficiently.
| CHART 1. NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF POULTRY WASTE |
| |
Item(%) |
Broiler Litter |
Turkey Litter |
| |
Dry Matter |
75 |
81
|
| |
Crude Protein |
32 |
18 |
| |
TDN |
55 |
45 |
| CHART 2. RECOMMENDED LEVELS OF POULTRY WASTE |
| |
Classes of Cattle |
Maximum Level |
| |
|
of Poultry Waste |
| |
Feedlot Cattle |
Low: 25-30% |
| |
First Calf Heifers |
Medium: 60% |
| |
Wet Cows |
Medium: 60% |
| |
Dry Cows |
High: 80% |
| |
Replacement Heifers |
Medium: 40% |
| |
Stocker Cattle |
Medium: 50% |
Best results when feeding litter is with deep stacked litter or ensiling it along with a forage crop. Deep stack is the way most cattlemen feed litter. Piling waste in a cone shaped stack, under shelter is best. The stacked material goes through a heat, 150+ degrees, is ready in 4-6 weeks and the heat process makes the litter more palatable. When stacking the litter, moisture should run 30-35% to ensure proper heating. The heat destroys all pathogenic microorganisms present. Be certain that moisture is not greater than 40% as rotting will result. If possible, stack the litter under a pole-type structure or a cinder block building. If you must stack in the open, stack on concrete slab and cover the stack with plastic.
Summer Annuals or Winter Annuals
When rain comes, do you plant summer annuals or simply plant winter annuals early? Plan to have land ready and plant winter annuals early (September). Winter annuals will provide excellent grazing, include some crimson clover when planting. When summer annuals are planted late, you are gambling that the rains will follow.
Plan for Fall and Winter
Taking care of the immediate needs may drain part or all of your winter supply of feedstuffs for your herd. You need to start planning for the fall and winter. How are you going to feed the herd through the fall and winter? Can you make hay before the fall frost? Can you stock-pile some forages? Are you able to buy feedstuffs at a reasonable price? Can you plant winter annuals like rye, oats, wheat, barley or others and feed or graze it? Can you overseed your pastures with winter annuals? What can you handle with your resources and finances? If you can not plan for enough to carry you through, you need to down-size early to work within your planned resources to keep the animals in satisfactory condition.
Making wise use of feed ingredients depends on putting two things together: 1) cost of the feed, and 2) protein and energy requirements of the animal. Some substitute feeds can be obtained at relatively attractive prices.