March 27, 2003

 

Field Peas Compete for Recognition in Beef Cattle Diets

The progressive beef producer is continually searching for alternative feeds to increase operation efficiency and profit. Consequently, many studies at North Dakota State University are dedicated to investigating the value of specific cattle rations.

One particular feedstuff has received ample attention in recent years. Field peas have been successfully used in several beef cattle diets with equal or better performance compared to control rations, according to Vern Anderson, animal scientist at the Carrington Research Extension Center.

Multiple studies at NDSU and other universities have proven the value of field pea as a nutrient dense feed. The grain is an annual legume with energy content comparative to corn and barley, and crude protein consistently ranging from 23-25 percent.

Palatability is another advantageous trait associated with the use of field pea. Anderson notes that feed intake has generally increased in diets utilizing peas tested in several NDSU trials. In a 1999 NDSU study, peas were fed at 76 percent of the dry matter to determine any palatability or anti-nutritional concerns. "Intake was numerically greater for the pea treatment, suggesting no inhibitory factors were present," says Anderson. Several studies since then have proven that field pea is a palatable feed for all classes of beef cattle.

"Of course, there are situations where field peas would be better adapted than others," Anderson notes. Peas may best be utilized in beef cattle diets where voluntary intake is limited. Examples include creep feed, receiving diets for growing calves, and supplementing beef cows on low quality high-forage diets.

Anderson says that creep feeds with 33 to 67 percent field pea have produced optimum animal performance and return. "Weaned calves can be fed pea at essentially any proportion of the concentrate when grains and supplements make up 60 percent or less of the total diet," he says. However, the economic decision to use field peas at levels higher than 25 percent requires careful evaluation, because of the cost vs. return as higher levels provide excess crude protein.

Research indicates that field pea is also a suitable substitute for corn in growing diets, according to Jacob Reed, NDSU ruminant nutritionist. "Increasing levels of field peas in growing diets increase ruminal, intestinal, and total tract digestion of crude protein." In addition, field pea increases total tract digestion of organic matter, starch and neutral detergent fiber.

Field pea can also be valuable as supplement for beef cows. The nutrient density translates into less pounds of feed and lower transportation and storage costs for the producer. Peas can be incorporated into range cake at any level or fed alone. Peas are also great binders for pelletting and cubing.

Clearly, field pea is a feedstuff of many uses and growing popularity. Therefore, NDSU plans to conduct further research on economics, processing and value in certain operational settings. Currently, researchers are in year two of a three-year trial evaluating the use of field pea in receiving diets. Anderson and colleagues have observed that peas appear to improve intake and gain during the first 42 days on feed. No economics have been calculated yet, and more processing research is planned to determine if peas can be fed whole or need to be rolled or ground for cows, calves and feedlot cattle.

For more information about this trial, visit the 2002 Beef Research Report at www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/carringt/.  Additional information about field pea can be obtained through your local extension office.

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Sources: Vern Anderson, (701) 652-2951, vanderso@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Jacob Reed, (701) 231-7641, jake.reed@ndsu.nodak.edu
Writer: Teresa Oe, (701) 231-8371, teresa.oe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu