Creating a feed ration for your cattle is a complex process that requires the input of a veterinarian and nutritionist. Feed formulation software can also be used to help you create rations. Another resource for information on feed formulation is a local extension beef specialist. Ruminant nutritionists are also a great resource to consult when determining what to feed your cattle.
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Cereals
Cereals are a popular source of feed for livestock. These grains have high energy content and moderate protein levels. However, they are deficient in calcium and vitamins A and E. Maize, in particular, is very low in trace minerals. So it is necessary to supplement cereals with a suitable additive.
Several cereal crops are grown in North America for livestock feed and industrial purposes. They are grown in various parts of the world as whole plant forages or as feed grains.
Hay
Hay is one of the most common sources of stored feed for livestock. According to the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, 86 percent of harvested hay is used by the original producer. For this reason, quality of hay should be a high priority for producers. Increasing the quality of hay is a better investment than increasing the quantity.
There are many factors that influence haying in pastures. These factors include the growing season and species of forage. Moreover, weather conditions, such as precipitation and drought, affect forage availability. In some areas, freezing temperatures will reduce the growth of forage. Likewise, flooded pastures will reduce access to forage that is submerged in water. The timing of haying depends on the availability of forage and the calving season.
Grain
There are many types of food for cattle. Most of them are fed pasture forage, which is a high-quality, nutritious meal. However, grass fields are not always available, and farmers often supplement their cattle’s diet with other edibles to keep their herds healthy. Some cattle feeds include wheat, oats, corn, and rye, and others include a mix of these grains.
To reduce grain requirements, try sorting cattle into smaller nutritional groups. Alternatively, you can feed hay to them when fresh pasture is available.
Distiller’s grains
Distiller’s grains are an excellent source of phosphorus and other minerals for cattle. Their high digestibility allows cattle to benefit from the energy they provide. However, there are a few things to consider before feeding this type of grain to cattle. In particular, distillers grains should not be consumed in large quantities.
This type of feed can contain high amounts of sulfur. It is important to choose a quality product that is low in sulfur content. The levels of sulfur in distillers grains vary greatly across states, but are generally less than 0.35 percent. High levels of sulfur in the feed may cause copper deficiency and decreased absorption.
Cottonseed
Whole cottonseed is a moderate source of protein. It has a protein content of seventeen to twenty-six percent. It also contains a high amount of energy, mainly from oil, which is a form of fat. This food should be kept below 4 percent of total dry matter in the ration. It should not be fed more than two pounds per day per head.
Whole cottonseed is an excellent source of protein and available fat, which make it a highly nutritious feed for cattle. It also helps dairy producers reduce the number of other feed ingredients in their rations. The high nutrient content of cottonseed makes it an ideal feed for dairy cows.
Alfalfa hay
Alfalfa is a great forage for cattle. Its fast growth, small particle size, and nitrogen-fixing properties make it a good choice for cattle. Cattle that eat alfalfa hay are more productive. However, there are risks associated with the feed. For this reason, most farmers recommend an alfalfa-grass forage blend.
Alfalfa hay is highly nutritious and comes in various textures. It is also available in different levels of coarseness, which makes it an ideal feed for picky mouths. Before changing your animal’s diet to alfalfa hay, make sure to research their nutritional requirements, and choose the right blend of hay for their age and health. In addition, try to make the transition slowly.
