Ohio Farmers Use Co-Products to Stretch Hay Supplies This Winter

By Andi Anderson

Ohio’s beef producers are entering winter with tight hay supplies after a challenging growing season marked by a cold, wet spring and a dry summer. These weather extremes have lowered hay yields, forcing many farmers to look for alternative feed options to maintain cow condition through the colder months

One promising solution is the use of feed co-products, which are the by-products of grain, oilseed, or crop processing for other primary products like ethanol, corn syrup, or soybean oil. These feeds provide highly digestible energy and protein at a reasonable cost and are well-suited for forage-based diets because they do not disrupt digestion like starchy feeds can.

Among the most common co-products available in Ohio are:

• Distillers grains (wet, modified, dry): 90% TDN, 30% CP — rich in protein and energy; monitor sulfur content.
• Soybean hulls: 77% TDN, 12% CP — lower in protein but excellent fibre source; best used pelleted or mixed.
• Corn gluten feed: 80% TDN, 20% CP — moderate protein and strong energy source.
• Beet pulp: 72% TDN, 8% CP — low in protein but a useful energy supplement when balanced properly.

Experts stress that forage should remain the foundation of any cow diet. The first step in planning winter feeding is to test hay and silage to determine nutrient content. From there, producers can identify gaps and select the most suitable co-products to fill them.

When selecting feeds, it’s essential to consider cost, moisture content, storage, and transportation. Wet feeds like wet distillers grains or wet corn gluten feed can spoil quickly and are expensive to haul long distances. Dry feeds, on the other hand, are easier to store but can suffer from handling losses.

Another key point is maintaining mineral balance. Co-products vary in sulphur and phosphorus content, so rations must be balanced to prevent nutritional imbalances.

The bottom line: Using co-products wisely can stretch hay supplies, maintain herd condition, and reduce feed costs. However, success begins with a forage test. By understanding the nutrient value of hay, Ohio producers can make informed feeding decisions and keep their herds healthy and productive all winter long.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-diane-kuhl