A good source of energy for cattle is Citrus pulp, and it is also a good source of protein and nonprotein nitrogen. Bakery waste can also be included in the beef cattle feed. In addition to this, wheat bran is also a good source of protein and nonprotein nitrogen. Hence, you should look for ways to incorporate these materials into the beef cattle feed. In this article, we’ll discuss some of these methods.
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Citrus pulp is a good energy supplement
Researchers have tested whether citrus pulp can replace barley in concentrate supplements for beef cattle. The results showed that the supplement did not affect grass silage intake, live weight gain, or final body weight. Additionally, it did not affect body composition measurements or ultrasonically assessed skeletal size. The rumen pH of citrus pulp was 6.64 and its acetate-to-propionate ratio was lower than that of BAR. Citrus pulp is a good energy supplement for beef cattle feed, but it should be limited to 50 percent of the total diet for growth.
The fruit of the citrus plant is processed into pulp by pressing, shredding, or liming it. Although it is low in protein and crude fiber, citrus pulp is an excellent feed supplement for beef cattle. Although it is limited in Mississippi, citrus pulp can be used as one-third of a cattle’s dietary dry matter. Moreover, it is usually pelletized to facilitate transportation. It is best to check the quality of the product, especially if it is turning black or is turning ash-like.
Bakery waste can be incorporated into beef cattle diets
Beef producers in New England have been incorporating bakery waste into their cattle diets for years. The Cornell animal science department has documented the nutritional and energy value of bakery waste and its positive effects on meat quality. Bakery waste can contribute a substantial amount of fiber to cattle diets and can boost the quality of meat. Cattle owners should be aware of potential negative impacts before incorporating bakery waste into cattle diets.
Research has shown that bakery waste has the potential to be incorporated into cattle diets. It is highly digestible and can be included at up to 30% of ruminant diets without affecting palatability. Because it contains a high amount of non-fibrous carbohydrates and has a low crude protein content, bakery waste is suitable for inclusion into cattle feeds. Moreover, it is ruminal-degradable and can be incorporated into cattle diets at a higher rate than barley.
Rice bran is a good source of nonprotein nitrogen
The inclusion of rice bran in cattle feed is a natural method for supplying high levels of nonprotein nitrogen. The finely ground material contains around sixteen percent crude protein, about 13 percent fat and variable ash. In one study, half of the calves were fed rice bran and hay with soy hulls at the same level as the rice bran. Calves that were given rice bran consumed about eight and a half pounds of hay daily.
While most rice is milled in Arkansas, the by-products of the crop are shipped to Alabama for competitive prices. Rice bran contains up to 14 percent ether extract and can be used for cattle feed. However, high-oil bran is subject to rancidity and is generally limited to about twenty-five percent in poultry and swine feed. Higher amounts of deoiled rice bran have been used successfully in cattle feed.
Wheat bran is a good source of protein
Wheat bran is a valuable supplement for cattle diets. Wheat bran is one of the highest-quality ingredients in animal feeds. It contains balanced amino acids and phosphorus and is unique among other sources of protein. Its non-starchy composition means it does not produce excess acid in beef. Wheat bran can be purchased either in raw form or as pellets. Its protein content is approximately 25% higher than corn or rice.
Wheat bran is not only a good source of protein, but is palatable for a variety of animals. While it is not as digestible as corn or milo, it can be fed to cattle in large quantities, up to 50% of wheat bran in a normal balanced diet. Overfeeding may cause digestive issues, hot stomach, and thin stools, so a diet containing only fifteen to twenty percent wheat bran is ideal for cattle. For this reason, it is advisable to buy wheat bran that has been freshly milled for feeding cattle.
Corn silage is a good source of energy
A recent study has examined the energy value of corn silage as a source of energy in beef cattle feed. It was found that the energy values derived from the ME method were not significantly different from those derived from the direct and substitution methods. Thus, corn silage is an excellent source of energy for beef cattle feed. This study also identifies a number of advantages of corn silage.
A study published in 2013 compared four different methods for assessing the energy content of feedstuffs for cattle and rabbits. It found that corn silage was a good source of energy for growing heifers at 6 months. Heifers’ energy requirements decrease from 69.6% TDN to 60.6% TDN by 12 months. If corn silage is fed unrestricted to heifers, it can result in excessive fatness and fatty infiltration of the udder. This study also noted that heifers can develop uneven body conditions when fed corn silage.
Citrus pulp
In addition to other sources of energy, citrus pulp can be used as a source of fibre in cattle diets. Citrus pulp is high in moisture content and has above-average palatability for cattle. It can replace approximately 40 to 45 percent of ground snapped corn in cattle diets. This ingredient can be purchased in bags or bulk material. The final recommendation should be made by a qualified person. Citrus pulp is available all year around from several fruit juice manufacturing facilities.
The nutritional value of citrus pulp for beef cattle feed has been reviewed. Citrus pulp contains high amounts of calcium, digestible energy, and trace minerals. However, it does not replace all of the roughage allowance. Citrus pulp may be used as a supplement for dry grass-based rations. It is also safe to use in feedlots for cows consuming high levels of cereals. Citrus pulp can supply approximately 40% of a cattle’s roughage requirements.
