Innovative Feeding Strategies to Optimize Ruminant Health and Cost
By Andi Anderson
For livestock owners, the traditional reliance on hay for feeding ruminants is being reevaluated with a focus on alternative and economically viable options.
In Ohio, where livestock operations are prevalent, using by-products and diverse feedstuff has emerged as an effective strategy to meet the dietary needs of ruminants while managing costs.
Ruminants require a balanced diet consisting of energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber to maintain rumen health.
This flexibility in dietary requirements allows the use of various by-products, positioning ruminants as exceptional upcyclers.
Common alternatives include straw, corn stalks, and various industrial by-products, which can substitute traditional feeds when mixed with enhancers like molasses or distiller's grains.
Corn stalks, often used for bedding, can also serve as a dietary fiber source. When baled, they provide less nutritional value compared to when grazed, due to the loss of grains during the baling process.
However, supplemented with protein sources, corn stalk bales can sufficiently meet the energy needs of beef cows until late pregnancy. Similarly, wheat straw, while less absorbent than bedding, can be an effective feed when combined with wet by-products.
For smaller operations, collaborating with local microbreweries or distilleries offers access to nutritious wet by-products, although logistical challenges such as frequent deliveries and preservation must be considered.
Research supports the mixing of wet distillers grains with straw to maintain body condition in livestock efficiently.
Dry by-products like soy hulls and corn gluten feeds also present viable options. Studies indicate that feeding soybean hulls, for instance, can significantly reduce hay consumption while maintaining weight, proving cost-effective depending on hay prices.
Ultimately, the success of these alternative feeding strategies relies on careful nutritional planning and consultation with agronomists or nutritionists.
Testing feed for nutrient content and collaborating on bulk purchases can further enhance the affordability and effectiveness of these alternatives, making them a practical choice for ruminant diets in varying economic conditions.
Photo Credit - gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Hay & Forage, Livestock, Beef Cattle