There are several alternative feed resources which may be used to replace all orpart of feed supply during limited forage availability.
1. Corn. Corn should be considered an alternative feed. Corn is generally
the most inexpensive source of concentrated energy, and energy is the nutrient which is
most often limited. One of the most common nutritional errors that producers make is to
feed complex mixtures, usually high in crude protein, when corn can be fed cheaper
with identical or better results.
As a general rule-of-thumb, it takes 5 pounds of corn to replace 9 pounds of
average quality hay.
Things to watch for:
# In some years, there have been many reports of corn which is high in Aflatoxin.
In some cases, this might still be useful feed, but you must be careful. See
“Aflatoxin in Tennessee,” E&PP INFO 212.
# Avoid changing to high-corn diets abruptly. Make changes slowly, over several
days.
# Corn tends to decrease utilization of forage. For maximum utilization of forage,
keep corn levels below 1.0 percent of body weight.
# Avoid substituting corn for hay at over 50 percent of the ration.
2. Other Grains. Grains such as milo, oats, barley or wheat may also be
used in cow-calf rations. These grains will require some processing.
3. By-Product Feeds. Certain by-product feeds may be considered as
alternatives for beef cattle. These may include soybean hulls (soyhulls), distiller’s byproducts,
whey, corn gluten feeds, or vegetable by-products. No matter which byproduct
feed is being considered, there are several factors which the beef producer
should consider before these are used. These include:
a. By-Product Feeds Are Often High in Moisture. This makes
transporting expensive and may make them unstable for *storage. Always calculate the
value of feeds on a dry-matter basis. For example, if a feed is 40% dry matter, divide
the price paid by 0.4 to figure the value on a dry matter basis. Also, calculate
transportation costs. The true cost of feed includes all transportation costs, and should
be calculated based on the value as delivered to the farm.
b. Carefully Evaluate the Nutrient composition of the By-Product Feed.
Most commercial sources of by-product feeds will provide a nutrient composition of the
feed. If this is not available, it is recommended that the buyer have the feed analyzed.
Many feed companies provide this service or feed may be analyzed by the University of
Tennessee’s Forage Testing Laboratory. By-product feeds are often variable in nutrient
content.
c. Be Aware of Problems With Contaminants. These include any
chemicals or waste products added or formed during the production process that may
be detrimental to animal performance or health, or which could leave residues in meat
or milk.
d. Crop Residues. Field crop residues such as soybean or corn stubble
may also stretch carrying capacity where available, but will usually require
supplementation.
e. Ask questions. Extension agents are often aware of the best alternatives
in your area. Feed dealers want your business, so should have good information, but it
is a good idea to shop around.
