Triticale is a useful cattle feed in three forms: grain, silage or baleage, and winter pasture. Nutritionally it sits between wheat and rye, with protein usually somewhat higher than corn and energy close to wheat.
Triticale grain
Triticale grain has roughly 12 to 15 percent crude protein, a good amino acid profile for a cereal, and plenty of starch. Like wheat and barley it ferments quickly in the rumen, which means:
- Roll or crack it rather than feeding whole kernels, so the animal can digest it.
- Introduce it gradually and keep roughage in the ration. Too much too fast can cause acidosis.
- Blend with other grains or fiber sources, such as hay, to slow fermentation.
- Inspect for ergot, dark fungal bodies that replace kernels, and discard affected grain.
Triticale silage and baleage
Triticale yields a lot of forage in cool weather and makes good silage when cut between boot and soft dough. Later cutting boosts tonnage and starch but lowers protein and fiber digestibility. It is often compared with oats and cereal rye as a spring forage for dairy and beef operations.
Grazing triticale
Fall-planted triticale can be grazed in late fall and early spring, giving green forage when other pasture is dormant. Young cereal pasture is high in protein and low in fiber and magnesium, so provide hay and a magnesium-rich mineral to reduce the risk of bloat and grass tetany. Move cattle off before the stems elongate if you want to harvest grain.
Other risks
- Nitrate accumulation in drought-stressed or heavily fertilized crops.
- Winter injury in some varieties.
- Moldy grain or silage, which should never be fed.
Related reading: triticale hay for beef cows, soaking barley for cattle, and ground ear corn for cattle.
Bottom Line
Triticale is a solid grain, silage, and pasture option when you process grain properly, keep roughage in the diet, and test forage. Work out the ration with your veterinarian or a nutritionist. This is general information, not veterinary advice.
