When finishing cattle, selecting the appropriate grain for your operation is essential. Not only does this affect feed costs and profitability, but it can also impact quality of life for your cattle.
Corn is the most commonly fed grain to cattle, though barley may be more suitable in certain areas due to its lower protein content which helps avoid digestive upsets that can arise with high-protein finishing diets.
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1. Corn
Corn is a beneficial element of many beef cattle diets and can be used to supplement low quality forages to enhance performance. Unfortunately, due to its high starch content, corn-based diets may have an adverse effect on forage utilization if not balanced with additional protein sources.
Fortunately, there are numerous smaller grains with similar energy values to corn that may even be more cost-effective for some producers. Some of the potential replacements include barley, oats and hay.
Finding the optimal grain to finish a steer depends on personal preference and what production system works best for your situation. Consider factors like feed efficiency, price point and feeding standards when making your decision. Ultimately, select something that helps you reach your desired results with minimum stress – the key being understanding what those goals are and finding an option that meets them.
2. Barley
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the world’s four largest grains by area, following wheat, rice and corn. It’s grown primarily for human and animal consumption as well as beer production.
When cooking barley, there are various ways to prepare it. Using hulled barley, pearl barley or sprouted barley will affect the nutritional benefits you receive from eating this grain.
Barley is a great source of protein, phosphorus, potassium, copper, magnesium and selenium. Additionally, barley contains soluble fiber which may reduce hunger and promote feelings of fullness – helping to support weight loss over time while aiding digestion as well.
3. Oats
Oats are widely considered one of the world’s healthiest grains due to their high fiber content, which helps you feel full and improves digestion. Plus, they’re an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Oats boast more fatty acids than other cereal grains, as well as being packed with antioxidants, sterols, B-complex vitamins and micronutrients. Furthermore, they contain more protein than barley or maize does.
Oats are a widely used livestock feed ingredient and can be fed in either whole or dehulled forms. Dehulling the oats increases their energy value and palatability, as well as improving the overall quality of the ration.
4. Hay
Hay is produced from grasses such as fescue, clover and rye or legumes like alfalfa. After cutting this crop and leaving it to dry out, it is then raked up into narrow rows and baled for storage.
Preparing and baling hay is a relatively straightforward process that’s similar regardless of location. The purpose is to maintain the green hue and essential nutrients within the hay.
Once harvested, hay is typically stacked or baled to protect it from rain and snow. The bales are typically stored under a tarp or shed, or wrapped in plastic to avoid moisture and rot.
Hay is an incredibly nutritious and high quality feed for animals, though it can be expensive. To ensure the health of livestock or horses, only feed quality hay that has been grown locally. Poorly condition hay may lead to malnutrition or health issues in cattle or horses, while moldy or toxic hay could prove hazardous to these pets.
