Do cows eat wheat? Some researchers think so. At Kansas State University, beef nutritionists recommend wheat feed for calves and cows. But is wheat really good for cows? What proportions of wheat are acceptable? And are there other benefits? Read on to find out. We’ll look at some of the facts about wheat and cow nutrition. And remember: wheat has a high Ergot content. Here are a few reasons to give your cows wheat.
Adapting to a wheat-based diet
When feeding a cow a wheat-based diet, it is important to start the transition slowly, gradually increasing the amount of grain. Begin by feeding the cow two or three pounds of whole-shelled corn a day. Gradually increase grain levels by one pound per day, while providing roughage. Limit the amount of wheat fed to no more than 40 percent of the cow’s total body weight. Also, make sure the cow receives ample bunk space and hay to reduce overconsumption.
While there are concerns about the health risks associated with high-ergot levels in wheat, other studies show that the wheat diet does not affect animal immune responses. In fact, sprouted wheat has been shown to be similar in nutrient content to undamaged grain. Studies in cattle feed trials have shown no significant differences in performance between cows fed wheat and controls. While sprouted wheat may be riskier for cattle, it does have the potential to reduce acidosis, which can be detrimental for the health of cattle.
Wheat is highly fermentable in the rumen, and therefore, it works well in a cattle diet. However, wheat should not exceed 40% of a cow’s dry matter diet, as high levels may cause gastrointestinal upset. The FDA sets a limit of 10 ppm for beef cattle that are at least four months old. Hence, feeding wheat in moderation is necessary to protect the health of the cows.
Optimal proportions of wheat in rations
Wheat and other grains should be included in the ration of cows, as they provide more energy and fiber than concentrates. Wheat should comprise at least 10% of the cow’s diet. Feeding mixtures of hay and straw will not work as well. The dominant cow will get the better quality feed and the sub-dominant will get the less-preferred feed. However, bale processors allow you to combine high-quality and low-quality bales without causing sorting problems. In addition, feeding mixtures of concentrates and roughage will allow you to optimize bunk space.
To determine the right balance of the two grains, start with the crude protein requirement of the cow. Then divide the ration by the percentage of shelled corn and fescue. This way, you’ll know what proportion of wheat and fescue should go in. Depending on the quality of the straw, you can add urea for a higher energy level. For a medium-framed steer calf, you can feed up to one pound of soybean meal.
Optimal proportions of wheat and corn in cow rations depend on the age of the cows and the type of forage being fed. Growing cattle typically need approximately 0.45 to 0.75% calcium per kilogram of dry matter. While cereal grains are low in calcium, they are a good source of magnesium, sulfur, and potassium, which is a valuable component of cow rations.
Ergot concentrations in wheat
The first stage of ergot infection begins with the development of white soft tissue. This sugary honeydew is a symptom of an infected seed. The fungal mycelium connects to the vascular bundle intended to provide nutrition for the seed. The fungal spores then grow into the ovary, where they mature and produce a kernel. This disease is most prevalent in outcrossing species of wheat with open flowers.
Fortunately, millers have adopted a zero-tolerance policy in their ergot-contaminated products. While this is good for consumer safety, it also reduces the concentration of ergot alkaloids in grain. Even in clean samples, a tiny amount of ergot can lower a wheat’s grade for the class. Ergot tolerances are based on recommendations made by the Western Standards Committee and the Eastern Standards Committee.
Several recent studies have shown that cereal varieties can differ in their susceptibility to ergot. Research in Saskatchewan in 1999 found that ergot levels were similar in Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS) and Canadian Western Amber Durum (CWAD) varieties, while those in Manitoba and Alberta had lower ergot levels. However, the results were too variable to draw firm conclusions. Recent controlled environment studies showed that CWRS and CWAD classes of wheat are both susceptible to the ergot fungus.
