When you are looking for the best grain mix for beef cattle, there are several factors to consider. The most popular grains are wheat, oats, corn, cottonseed, and rye. Each of these grain mixes is beneficial in different ways. Wheat is a good source of protein, while oats and corn are great for digestion.
Contents
Wheat
When it comes to choosing the best grain mix for beef cattle, it is important to use the proper proportions for each crop. Wheat, for example, should not comprise more than 40 percent of the grain mix. It should also be fed lightly, with no more than eight pounds per head daily. Wheat should also be avoided in cattle diets for heifers or dry cows.
Wheat is a difficult feed crop to manage, due to its high protein content and faster digestion than other grains. Wheat can cause bloating, acidosis, and erratic feed patterns. It is therefore advisable to choose a different grain mix for beef cattle than for cattle fed on corn.
Wheat, barley, and oats are superior energy sources for cattle. However, they are less palatable to cattle than other grains. Wheat and barley require processing to make them digestible. The preferred method is dry rolling. Corn, on the other hand, can be fed either whole, dry rolled, or steam flaked.
Oats
Oats and turnips are excellent for growing cattle. Combined, they produce a protein-rich diet that provides a variety of nutritional benefits. Their combined yields can save producers as much as $350 per head each winter. Both of these crops are relatively inexpensive and make for a good grain mix for growing cattle.
Oats contain about 11 percent crude protein and a moderate level of fiber. This makes them easy to feed and cause few digestive upsets. They are used widely for creep feeding young calves, and also work well as a starter feed for older cattle. The energy content of oats depends on the test weight, and the heavier the test weight, the higher the energy density.
Oats are an excellent grain for raising beef cattle. They are high in fiber and low in energy. Their hulls are especially dense, so they provide high bulk for animals. The lower energy content in oats helps the animals replace lost forage. Ohio State University Extension recommends feeding oats to calves from the time they’re weaned. Oats are also low in fat and will not add extra weight during the finishing process.
Corn
The best grain mix for beef cattle depends on the type of cattle and where you live. Choose grains that are high in energy and fiber, and those that are low in protein. Corn is a high-energy feed, and is often the most affordable grain in corn-producing areas. Oats are high in fiber, but have a low energy value and are considered to be the safest grain to feed cattle.
Among the most common grains for beef cattle is corn, but soyhulls are also available. Soyhulls are cheaper than corn, and offer about the same amount of protein. However, their energy content is more difficult to determine. Three different NRC publications assign soyhulls different values, ranging from 64 percent TDN to 77 percent TDN.
Beef cattle can also be fed two types of hay. A mix of 50 percent alfalfa and 50 percent grass hay can provide a ration with 11.7 percent crude protein and 54 percent TDN. The mix should be fed to cattle once daily, on clean ground, or in feed bunks. A mature beef cow consumes about 20 pounds of hay a day.
Cottonseed
If you’re considering using cottonseed for your beef cattle’s grain mix, you may be wondering whether it’s the best choice for your cows. While there are many benefits to feeding cottonseed to cattle, it isn’t the best choice for every type of cow. Cottonseed is not a high-quality forage and may cause digestive problems. It is best used for supplementing protein and energy.
In addition to cottonseed, you can use cottonseed hulls. These are byproducts of the cotton industry, and can be added to your cattle’s ration. Cottonseed hulls contain a high amount of crude fiber and low digestibility, but are also a valuable source of roughage for your cattle. However, cottonseed hulls are bulky and need to be stored separately. Feeding levels of cottonseed hulls to growing cattle should not exceed ten to twenty-five percent of their diets.
Whole cottonseed contains a high amount of oil, so feeding levels should be carefully monitored. Feeding levels should not exceed 0.33% of the body weight of mature cows and 0.33% of the body weight of weaned calves. The grain should not be more than 15% of the total ration dry matter. The high fat content of cottonseed can lead to diarrhea in cows, so it’s important to keep the level at an appropriate level.
