The most effective time for supplementing cattle with range cake is during the late fall or early winter months. Many ranchers use this protein-rich supplement to replace hay because of the lower cost. Although it may be tempting to feed hay earlier in the year, many prefer to wait until the cows are calving before providing them with this supplement.
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LS
A study of LS range cake for cattle found that the treatment significantly improved calf crops. Compared with the control, LS calves were 14 days younger and averaged 16 pounds heavier. The liquid supplement was administered as free-choice to cattle on the Palustris Experimental Forest in central Louisiana. The study’s results suggest the product has great potential as a year-round supplement for cattle on southern forest range.
This all-natural range supplement is suitable for beef cows from mid gestation through lactation. It can also be fed to stocker cattle on pasture during the summer and fall.
Cottonseed cake
A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia examined the use of cottonseed range cake as a replacement for soybean meal. The researchers fed the cottonseed cake to 48 mid-lactation Holstein cows. The test diets were evaluated for milk protein yield, milk fat, and body weight. Its use as a supplement for dairy cows may improve animal health and performance. However, the study did not assess the effectiveness of cottonseed range cake as a feed ingredient in cattle diets.
Cottonseed range cake is an excellent plant protein source and has low rumen degradability. This makes it an excellent bypass protein source for dairy cows. However, cottonseed cake also contains gossypol, which can lead to reproductive issues and liver damage. Although ruminants are capable of detoxifying gossypol, binding it to other ingredients in feed can impede its absorption into the blood. Despite these problems, cottonseed range cake has shown promising results as a plant protein substitute in dairy cow diets.
Distillers cake
Distillers’ grains are a by-product of the ethanol industry and are a good source of supplemental protein and energy for beef cattle. It is available as wet or dry feed and can be used in various rations. There is extensive research to support the use of distillers grains in beef cattle diets. Condensed distillers solubles are also useful for cattle diets as a protein source and ration conditioner. However, these by-products can vary widely in moisture and nutrient content, so regular laboratory analysis and sampling are recommended to adjust rations.
Distillers’ range cake is not only for first-calf heifers, but can also be used in the rations of replacement heifers. These heifers may be fed a few pounds of distillers each day, a relatively small amount for a first-calf heifer.
Wheat middlings
Wheat middlings are a high-protein, low-starch byproduct of the wheat milling industry. They are easily digested by cattle and provide high levels of energy. They are also low in calcium and produce no bloat. Wheat middlings make a good supplement for cattle during drought.
Wheat middlings are about 90% DM and 81% TDN on a dry basis, and are priced at $100 a ton. By comparison, a potato byproduct is about 85% TDN on a dry basis and costs about $25 per ton. By applying the same formula to other nutrient sources, producers could expect to pay between $137 and $320 per ton.
Sunflower meal
Sunflower meal range cake is a safe and nutritious food that can be fed to all livestock, including cattle. Its high oil content means it can be a good source of energy and protein, which is crucial for animals with high energy requirements. Sunflower cake contains up to 40% protein and is one of the world’s safest protein sources. It is also rich in fiber and healthy oils.
Sunflower meal has a very high oil content, which makes it a great feed for dairy cows. This is important, because most modern dairies will supplement fat to the feed rations of lactating cows. High fat sunflower meal eliminates the need for fat supplementation. Unfortunately, the supply is not abundant enough to meet all of the demand.
