Wet cake cattle feed is an excellent way to supplement your cattle feed and provide them with an extra boost of protein, a higher fat content and a greater energy output. However, you should be aware that not all wet cakes are created equal. Here are some of the key differences between wet cakes and dry cakes.
Dry form vs wet form
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing which cow feed is the best. The first is cost. Feeding a dry lot cow isn’t cheap. To keep costs down, producers will have to make smart choices about what goes in the cow’s tank and what goes out. They may also have to take advantage of by-product feeds, especially if they’re lucky enough to be located in an area with adequate rainfall.
The most effective way to do this is to develop a management plan for dry periods. One example is feeding a higher grain diet in conjunction with a more traditional semi-confinement feed. Another is to utilize the best hay for dry-cow rations. A combination of the two, or more, can be the secret to a thriving herd.
For a dry-lot cow, the most appropriate feed isn’t always the most expensive. A good quality alfalfa hay and some soybean meal should do the trick. In addition to the usual suspects, a few by-product feeds can make the grade, such as distillers grains. While ensiled, these feeds can be stored in silo bags, which may require a little more compaction than their wet counterparts.
When it comes to implementing a dry-lot diet, a few key things to remember are that the cows will have a limited diet, and they will need to be fed regularly to keep up with production.
Aerobic stability of CS and WDG feedstuffs
Dry distillers grains (DDGS) and wet distillers grains (WDG) are important sources of energy for finishing and growing cattle. They may also contribute to milk fat content and protein levels.
DDGS is a good source of phosphorus. However, the amount of phosphorus in a feed ration can depend on the total contribution of the feed from other ingredients. For example, soybean hulls, citrus pulp and small-grain straw can be a good match.
DDG is a good source of palatable protein, although there are a few limitations to its use. The balance of amino acids and the total fat content of other ingredients limit the quantity of DDG used in a ration.
WDG can be purchased alone or in blends with other feeds. It can be bagged or ensiled. Wet distillers grains may be used as an alternative to corn silage. Depending on the market, a variety of other agricultural by-products can be used in a ration.
When purchasing WDG, look for a dry matter concentration of between 30 and 40%. This will increase the palatability of the ration. But, beware of excessively wet rations. A high moisture content can cause the bags to tear.
To minimize nutrient losses, it is best to store WDG in covered silo bags. Concrete storage can prevent nutrient leaching into the ground.
DDGS vs MDGS vs WDGS vs CDS
The most popular feed additive in the cattle industry is Distillers Dried Grains or DDGS. This is because of its high nutritional value and its ability to provide good energy for lactating cows. However, DDGS also has several disadvantages, including its chemical and physical properties. Unlike corn, DDGS is not a complete source of protein and its fat content is not balanced. So, its use should be limited.
DDGS contains many nutrients, but its main carrier is the energy-neutral detergent fibre (NDF). DDGS also has other characteristics, such as a high protein content, low lignin content, and a fermentation method.
DDGS has an advantage over corn because it has a higher digestible fiber content. This may result in a healthier rumen environment. In addition, it also contains a lot of soluble fibre, which has a positive effect on digestion.
Compared to other feeds, DDGS is cheaper. It is also considered as a safe and efficient feed for ruminants. However, it is necessary to balance its use as a feed additive.
In order to evaluate the effects of DDGS, a research group tested the various combinations of corn and distillers grains. They found that the smallest precipitated fraction had strong caking properties. Another advantage of DDGS is its high sulphur content.
