Grain Is Better for Drought Feeding

Comments by: James I. Sprague, Livestock Nutritionist

Corn & CSM or Soymeal is Cheaper than Hay
Yes, on a energy and protein basis this is usually true. A feature article by Rodney Preston in FEED*LOT Magazine (Volume X No. 3, Sept/Oct 2002) is important for cattle people to study. This article is an excellent guide to plan for feeding cows and replacement animals under drought conditions. Preston reminded us of this important principle of energy and nutrient management of a feeding program. Here is a direct quote from Preston:

"Energy and protein are the major requirements that determine the worth of a feed for cattle. Presently corn and cottonseed meal and soybean meal may be the cheapest source of these two requirements."

This has been true during the drought this late summer and fall in many parts of the US and Canada. Yet the fact remains, when feeding cattle, the economics of using concentrates rather than roughages is a practical solution. Roughage prices were high, and quality was questionable while grain was relatively low priced until the summer and fall of 2002.

Designing a Program
Preston suggested that consultation would be required. For example, he suggested 7.8 pounds of corn grain and 1.7 pounds of 44 percent soybean meal would meet the protein and energy requirement of a beef cow. We suggest producers work with their feed supplier and nutritionist to design the programs to go with the limited roughages available. We have seen 3 to 5 pounds of a range cube used during drought conditions.

Formulating a High Energy Supplement
High energy supplements from 30 to 40 percent crude protein can be used to supplement the grain and roughages available. These supplements can be fortified with minerals, vitamins and additives. Caution: some range cubes and supplements may contain some ingredients that are low in energy, such as alfalfa. A better source of energy in range cubes and supplements for feeding under drought conditions are wheat mids, rice bran, wheat, milo, corn, or millet. Grain screenings may be used if they are finely ground and pelleted. The pelleting process prevents the weeds in the screenings from germinating.

Fortify for Drought Conditions
If grain and supplements are substituted for dry grass pasture, the supplement will need to be reformatted for the gross minerals, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. The supplements can also provide the vitamin A and E as well as the trace minerals. However, if corn is fed to cows, the carotene in the corn will supply much of the vitamin A needs. Cottonseed meal is a good phosphorus source, and soybean meal is a good source of both phosphorus and potassium.

Feed Additives for Drought Feeding
Feed additives such as Rumensin or Bovatec need to be considered. These additives are cleared for replacement cattle as well as calves and yearlings being retained for the next grazing season. The action of these additives give a higher energy of the ration fermentation and also helps in the digestion and assimilation of protein.

Low Quality Hays, Always a Poor Buy
It takes a small amount of grain and supplement to replace low energy hay. It usually is better to purchase high quality hay and limit the amount offered each day rather than feed a large amount of poor quality hay.

Handling Advantages of Feeding Supplement and Grain Compared to Hay
When feeding grain and a supplement rather than hay, the volume of feed that is offered is much less. This provides an advantage of freight and labor in getting the feed to the cattle under drought conditions. We have seen grain and supplement fed to cows under an electric fence and under existing fences. We have seen whole ear corn fed to cows in the spring of the year as a supplemental feed just before the breeding season. We suggest a total mixed ration be offered and then limit the amount fed per day. ©

Comments on this or any of Dr. Jim Sprague's articles can be directed to him at 625 Grandview Ave., Newton, Kansas, 67114, or call him at (316) 283-8692.