Alternative feeds can be an excellent source of protein and energy for beef cattle, as well as providing essential vitamins and minerals needed by these animals.
Research by NDSU has indicated that some crop residues can be utilized as supplemental forage. However, producers should exercise caution not to oversupplement with grain during growth and finishing rations.
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Soybean Hulls
Soybean hulls are a by-product of the soybean processing industry. When soybeans are crushed, three end products result: oil, meal (protein) and hulls. To destroy urease activity in these hulls, they’re usually toasted before being ground to an appropriate particle size.
Soy bean hulls boast high levels of digestible fiber, providing a valuable source of dietary fiber for ruminants. Furthermore, their low starch and ash content makes them suitable for grazing animals.
Wheat midds and soy hulls can both be utilized as feed ingredients in beef cattle rations that contain either hay or grass for supplementation. Not only are these more cost-effective than corn grain or commercial feeds when properly incorporated into forage-based diets, but they are also more nutritious.
Recently, a study examined the inclusion of soybean hulls as an alternative to corn grain in high-grain diets. They discovered that adding 30% dry matter provided 30% dry matter without affecting nutrient fermentation or digestion in cows’ gastrointestinal tract or milk production performance.
Cornstalks
Alternative feeds can be an economical way to supplement cattle diets. However, it is essential to assess their nutrient composition and suitability prior to feeding them.
Travis Meteer, University of Illinois Extension beef cattle specialist, states that cornstalks can be an economical and healthy feed option for many cattle operations if they have access to healthy fields. All parts of the plant – leaves, tassels, stalk and bracts – contain essential nutrients.
TDN mainly consist of protein and energy (TDN), with higher concentrations of crude protein in the leaves, tassels and stalk. Furthermore, they have lower amounts of crude fiber.
Cornstalks can be an expensive alternative feed, so it is recommended that they only make up a small part of your total dry matter intake. Furthermore, their protein and energy contents vary widely; thus testing these values before making a determination as to their worth is necessary.
Beet Pulp/Tailings
Sugar beet processing produces two byproducts: beet pulp and tailings. These byproducts tend to be high in moisture (75-85%) and vary in nutrient content.
Pressed beet pulp is an excellent source of digestible fiber, and can replace part of the grain or forage in a growing ration or cow-calf diet. It also has similar crude protein and energy levels as corn silage.
Beet pulp has 85-90% energy content, more digestible fiber and molasses compared to corn, making it a safe supplemental energy source that’s often included in dairy rations for pregnant or lactating cows.
Wet beet pulp is typically compressed into shreds or pellets for storage and transportation, though it can also be ensilled as a forage replacement if the correct moisture level is achieved. While this method reduces nitrate levels in silage, care should still be taken to monitor and control product quality – especially when feeding pregnant or lactating cows.
Corn Gluten Feed
Corn gluten feed, also known as CGF, is an alternative feed that can provide energy to cattle. It’s high in crude protein and low in rumen undegradable proteins.
Nutritionally speaking, legumes are an ideal addition to forag-based diets as they provide energy and contain fat and can easily be included in the ration on a cost-based basis. They come in either dry or wet form.
The wet form is usually pelletized and highly exported.
As a by-product, it’s often added to cow and calf rations as a source of protein and methionine.
Nutritionists must consider the nutritional value of co-products when selecting a supplier, as the levels can differ between companies. Furthermore, keep in mind that co-products typically contain higher nutrient levels than corn grain does, so these differences must be taken into account when creating your ration.
