June 5, 2003

 

Drylot Operations Give Producers More Options

Last summer’s drought put a heavy burden on many pastures in the state. This year producers are looking for alternative ways to feed cattle without overgrazing. Drylot feedlots are one option, says a North Dakota State University livestock specialist

For cow-calf producers, a drylot operation means feeding confined cows and calves forages, crop residues and grains, which may have more value marketed through cattle than as a cash crop. That feeding may continue through all or part of the traditional summer grazing period.

"There are many reasons pastures are not available for grazing. Drought, increased competition for pastures due to higher cattle prices or lack of communication are just a few. Many producers may feel their only alternative is to sell," says Karl Hoppe, NDSU extension livestock specialist. "The drylot is just one more option."

The NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center has used a drylot operation year-round for almost 30 years. Studies show many advantages to the system including lower capital investment per cow, more control of herd health and management, low weaning stress for calves and the ability to feed low-cost feeds. Hoppe says that due to a seasonal decline of feed prices in the summer months, feeds such as potato waste, wheat midds, barley malt sprout pellets and corn gluten can be used. With an expanding ethanol industry, the co-products such as distiller’s grain and condensed distiller’s solubles (syrup) could also be used.

"These feed sources are much cheaper in the summer," Hoppe says. "In February wheat midds were $85 per ton and now they are $55 per ton. Wheat midds are also available at several locations around the state. Carrington, Minot, Grand Forks, Fairmont and Cando all have plants."

Disadvantages of drylot operations include increased labor, greater investment in feed storage and handling facilities, higher management for ration balancing and herd health and increased transportation costs for feed. Producers need to weigh the cost of feed against the cost of pastures, Hoppe says.

"If a month of grass costs $15 per cow/calf pair, feed costs are about 50 cents per cow daily. Drylot feeding may cost 60 cents-$1.00 per cow daily," Hoppe says. "While pasture costs may be less than drylot, drylotting cows is a viable alternative when pasture is not available."

Cattle in the drylot operation perform just as well as those on pasture. There are no major differences in weight change of cows or calves. In the drylot, appetite needs are met in a different way, Hoppe says.

"Cattle are accustomed to continuously grazing in the pasture. In the drylot situation the cattle are very content with having low-quality feeds in the bunk all day long to pick at," Hoppe says. "Drylotting requires balanced rations using supplements to offset the deficiencies in low quality feeds. Feed testing is important."

For more information on setting up a drylot operation contact the Carrington Research Extension Center or your local county extension agent.

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Source: Karl Hoppe, (701) 652-2951, karl.hoppe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Writer: Stephanie Renner, (701) 231-8371, stephanie.renner@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-0629, tjirik@nduext.nodak.edu