If you have ever wondered what feedlot cattle eat, you might have been disappointed to find out that they get virtually no access to grass. Most of these cattle are only confined to feedlots for a very short period of time. After this time, these animals are able to graze again on pasture.
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Forage
Feedlot cattle eat a variety of forages. They will consume about 2% of their body weight in dry matter every day. This means that, over a 24-hour period, a 1500-pound (680-kg) cow will consume around thirty pounds (13.5 kilograms) of forage. If forages are fed in whole form, the cows will get 35 pounds (16 kilograms) of forage a day.
Grain
Many people assume that feedlot cattle are denied access to grass during their lifetime, but this is not the case. Most cattle that are raised for consumption in feedlots spend only a short period of time on a grain-based diet, and the remainder of their lives are spent grazing on grass and pasture.
Soybean
The soybean is an important part of the feedlot diet, as it contains a high percentage of protein. The USDA recommends limiting soybeans to less than 0.3 percent of body weight per day, so a 500-pound steer should get no more than 1.5 pounds of whole beans per day. This will reduce the total fat concentration in the diet and prevent the formation of digestive scours. The total fat content of a feedlot beef cattle diet should be less than 6 percent. Most feed grains contain between two and four percent fat.
Corn
Corn is what feedlot cattle eat, and it is a major source of energy. Many people mistakenly assume that grain-finished cattle do not eat grass, but the majority of them do. The vast majority of these cattle spend a short amount of time in feedlots before moving to pasture.
Other grains
Other grains feedlot cattle eat include corn and distillers grains. These grains are byproducts of the various grain milling processes and are a good source of starch. The rations used by feedlot cattle are designed to provide high levels of energy.
Sorghum
Sorghum is a grain crop grown in North America. It is drought resistant and can be used as grain or roughage. Sorghum seed can be planted by hand or with a cheap fertiliser spreader. It is best planted when there is at least five or 10mm of rain in the area where the crop will be planted. The seed should be spread at a depth of 4cm to 5cm. If you plan to use the crop as forage, a drag harrow can be used to cover the seed depth. Sorghum crops will take about 60 to 70 days to mature. However, some varieties can take longer, up to 120 days. Contact your local seed merchant to find the right variety for your area.
Barley
Barley is a major crop that can be grown for feeding cattle. It has a high nutritional value and is readily available. However, not all barley is created equal, and not all varieties provide the same nutrients. For example, barley has varying levels of crude protein and dietary energy, and differs in kernel structure, which impacts nutrient content and processing requirements. The crop has long been a staple for western Canadian farmers, and the country’s production of barley ranged from 7.9 to 10.4 million tonnes in 2019.
Wheat
Wheat is one of the most commonly used feed ingredients in feedlots. This grain is an important source of energy and provides highly digestible starch for the cattle. Wheat often contains more protein and energy than corn, but it cannot replace corn as the primary energy source. In addition, wheat can increase the incidence of founder and acidosis in the cattle. It is best to avoid feeding wheat to young cattle and replacement heifers.
Oats
Oats are an important source of protein for cattle and are often fed in feedlots. Grazing oats during the autumn months can increase the body condition of cattle. This type of forage is tolerant of low fertility and acidic soils and is suitable for low-pH environments. Oats also have a moderate salt tolerance.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is an extremely valuable source of protein, energy and omega-3 fatty acids for beef and dairy cattle. In addition, it can be used as an ingredient in food products to fortify them with omega-3 fatty acids. Feeding flax to cattle improves their bodies’ ability to produce ALA, an essential fatty acid. In addition, niche marketing for products from flax-fed livestock could increase the value of these products.
