Alternative Feeds for Ruminants
AS-1182, September 1999
Dr. Greg Lardy, Beef Cattle Specialist, NDSU Extension Service, Fargo
Dr. Vern Anderson, Animal Scientist, Carrington Research Extension Center
Introduction
General Concepts and Recommendations for Using Alternative Feeds
Harvesting and Use of Residues
Procuring Co-Product Feeds
Table -- Nutrient Content of Alternative Feeds
Many feedstuffs are available to North Dakota livestock producers,
including crop residues, processing co-products, new or alternative grains and forages, as
well as more traditional grains and forages. This publication is intended to familiarize
livestock producers with the variety of feeds available and to provide feeding guidelines
for various alternative feeds.
Feeds are listed alphabetically under the broad categories of:
- Forages
- Residues and fibrous co-products
- Weeds
- Roots, tubers and associated co-products
- Grains, screenings, and grain processing co-products
- Oilseeds and protein meals
- Liquid co-products
General Concepts and Recommendations for Using Alternative Feeds
Many of the alternative feeds vary widely in nutrient content, making an analysis or
some assessment of the feed value necessary. Producers must know the energy, protein, and
major mineral levels of these feeds to develop balanced, least-cost diets for livestock.
With alternative feeds, wet chemistry analysis to determine nutrient content is strongly
recommended, not near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS). New and alternative feeds need
extensive calibration for proper NIRS estimation of nutrient content. Whatever feed
products are used, the ration must be balanced to the needs of the animals and the
producer's goals, which should include economical production.
Grazing is one of the easiest ways to harvest crop aftermath. Grazing crop residues
allows the animal to select a diet which is higher in quality than would otherwise be
obtained by harvesting and re-feeding crop residues. This is an important consideration
when developing diets based on crop residues.
Stocker cattle may have acceptable gains if they are allowed to selectively graze
residues. When the grain and high quality residue have been consumed, younger cattle
should be removed from the field. Depending on the number of animals and the acreage,
stocker cattle can feed on residues for about 30 to 40 days. Mud and snow can
significantly reduce the grazing ability, selectivity, and amount of forage available to
the animals. Water availability and lack of fencing are limitations that must be addressed
prior to grazing crop residues. Electric fence can provide a low cost temporary method of
fencing large areas of crop aftermath.
Stack wagons and large round or square balers can be used to harvest crop aftermath
material, but will increase the cost. Chopping residues adds more expense and is
recommended only when crop residues will be included in a total mixed ration (TMR) or as a
method to reduce feed waste.
When stacking dry corn residue, wait until the moisture content has dropped below 20 to
25 percent to avoid mold in the stored material. Corn stover can be packaged in large
round bales; however, a flail harvester or rotary mower should be used to cut the stalks
prior to baling. Wait seven to 10 days after combining to minimize spoilage.
Low quality feeds such as straw, corn stover and beet tops can be used to feed cows in
the second trimester of gestation following weaning, when cow nutrient requirements are
low. Supplemental minerals and vitamin A are usually needed when rations are largely
composed of crop aftermath. A number of low quality forages can be fed to dry cows and
replacement heifers, including small grain straw, corn stover, sunflower stover, slough
grass and cattails. Feedlot diets can use low levels of residue in growing rations
(maximum of 20 to 40 percent of diet) and finishing rations (maximum of 5 percent of
diet).
Increased grain processing in North Dakota has made large quantities of several
different co-products available for livestock producers. Economics dictate if, when, and
how much coproduct could be included in the ration. Shipping, storage, seasonal price
variation, amount available, processing, and nutrient variability need to be considered
for each coproduct. Contracts or volume purchases may be negotiated at less than spot
market prices.
Forages and Fibrous Co-Products
Pelleted or finely ground forages can provide approximately onehalf of forage needs for
all dairy cattle. Since pelleted forage material is quite fine, another forage source will
be needed to maintain fiber adequacy in rations. Five pounds of alfalfa pellets plus straw
can meet the nutrient requirements of beef cows in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Dehydrated pellets are usually higher in feed quality than sun-cured pellets.
Alfalfa regrowth can be grazed without injury to the plant after a killing frost has
occurred. It is advisable to fill cattle with dry hay before allowing them into this
pasture. Alfalfa regrowth can be grazed in conjunction with lowquality aftermath to
balance a growing diet.
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Bulrush has little value for forage purposes.
CANOLA FORAGE, GRAZED
Little information is available regarding canola as a forage crop. Anecdotal evidence
indicates that canola regrowth can be grazed following harvest. Goiter is not a problem
with canola due to the low glucosinolate content. Canola is a close relative of rapeseed,
which can cause bloat in some instances. Animals should be introduced to canola or
rapeseed forage gradually. Canadian reports indicate that forage rapeseed is similar to
alfalfa in nutrient content.
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Winter canola's abundant fall and early spring growth makes excellent forage during
these periods. Livestock adjust to canola forage by mixing the feed rations over a seven
to 10 day period. This adjustment helps prevent bloating and other diseases.
In the spring, haying of winter canola should occur before it flowers (similar to
alfalfa). Using canola for high moisture silage may allow the grower to keep it longer due
to canola's inherently high moisture content. Forage yield trials in Idaho and Montana
have had recorded yields of 2 to13 tons per acre.
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Canola straw is of little or no feeding value. It contains 3.5 percent protein and only
20 percent TDN.
Cattails have little feed value but can be fed in an emergency. Cattails cut at a
relatively young age may be equivalent to straw in feeding value. Mature cattails are a
poor feedstuff, being quite low in energy.
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Hollowstem is used quite regularly and extensively as a coarse hay but is of less value
than upland hay. Cut at flowering time or as soon as the area is dry enough.
Lakereed can be used to supplement other hay or forage. It is rather unpalatable for
livestock and can be somewhat laxative. Sometimes two cuttings are possible if the first
crop is cut early. Cut before heading if possible.
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Foxtail and proso millets are annual forages that produce respectable hay yields, even
when planted relatively late in the season. Nutritional quality is related to maturity as
with most other forages. Optimum harvest time is when seeds are in the milk to soft dough
stage. Millet hay may sometimes cause scouring. Avoid feeding it to horses, as it is known
to cause lameness and affect kidney function.
Research conducted in Montana and Alberta indicates that safflower crops damaged by
frost may be cut for hay. Naturally, the thorny nature of the plant causes concern, but in
feeding trials conducted with ewes in Alberta, no aversions to the forage were noted and
intakes were similar to a conventional alfalfa hay-based diet.
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Slough hay is usually higher in nutritive value than cereal straw and may approach
brome hay in quality. However, slough hay is more variable in quality. Slough hay
harvested after a killing frost will have a nutritive value similar to straw.
Wheat, oats, barley, triticale, and rye hay can be used in beef, sheep and dairy
rations. Harvesting should occur between heading and soft dough stages. Rye hay loses
palatability and protein content rapidly after flowering. All these feeds should be
checked for nitrate content if drought stressed and/or fertilized heavily with nitrogen.
The nutritive value of these hays should be similar to brome hay when cut at heading to
soft dough stage.
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SORGHUM (FORAGE), SORGHUMSUDAN, SUDANGRASS
Several commercial seed companies offer these warm season forages. Forage sorghum and
sorghumsudan yield well and are usually ensiled as stems are thick and cure slowly when
windrowed. Nutritional value varies greatly with maturity. Late harvested sorghum and
sorghumsudan are similar in composition to corn stover. Vegetative sorghumsudan and
sudangrass are good protein sources as well as sources of energy. Sudangrass hay cut in
the vegetative state has nutritional values similar to good quality grass hay. Prussic
acid and nitrate poisoning are potential problems. Haying the crop will reduce prussic
acid problems, and ensiling the crop will reduce prussic acid and nitrate problems.
Generally, when the green plant is hit with a killing frost it is advisable to remove
grazing cattle until the plant has dried, during which the prussic acid in the plant
volatilizes. Dried plants normally contain very little prussic acid, but monitor cattle
closely the first few days after turning them back into the field. The problem develops
when the plant is not completely killed by the frost. If the weather turns warm and the
plants start to regrow, pull the cattle out until another killing frost dries down the
plants. Prussic acid or cyanide poisoning is very rapid and clinical signs last only
minutes before the animal dies. Signs of poisoning are nervousness, abnormal breathing,
generalized muscle tremors, gasping for breath and convulsions. Distinguishing
characteristics are bright and cherry red color of the blood. There is no known treatment.
See NDSU Extension
Service Circular V-1150, Prussic Acid Poisoning, for more information.
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Soybeans can be harvested as a hay crop. Crude protein content can be similar to
alfalfa or clover, with moderate TDN. In some areas of the U.S., soybean hay is used as a
substitute for alfalfa or sweet clover. When allowed free access to soybean hay, cattle
will generally not eat the stems, since they are quite coarse. Chopping or tub grinding
can be used as a way to improve consumption. However, the stems are quite low in energy
and protein. When stored in round bales, water penetration and spoilage is more of a
problem than with grass hay because of the coarse stems. Hay quality does not change
drastically with increasing maturity, since more mature soybean hays have a higher
proportion of the bale weight as whole soybeans. High levels of soybean seeds in the hay
can cause digestive problems due to the high fat content. Soybeans can also accumulate
nitrate.
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Sunflower silage is 80 to 85 percent as valuable as corn silage under normal
conditions. Intake may be a problem, especially with high oil varieties. Use of another
forage along with sunflower silage is advisable for lactating cow rations. Dry cows and
heifers may be fed sunflower silage as their only source of forage. Damaged sunflowers can
be most easily ensiled by chopping and incorporating into other forage being ensiled at
the same time, such as corn, small grains, or sorghumsudans. Moisture levels are generally
too high when sunflowers are ensiled alone, so ensiling with dry forages or other feeds to
prevent excessive nutrient loss is recommended. Waiting until after one or two killing
frosts or incorporating ground dry roughage are methods to get ensiling moisture down to
70 percent or less.
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Straws, Residues and Fibrous Co-Products
Straw is sometimes ammoniated to improve the feeding value by increasing the protein
and energy content. When limited amounts of hay or other roughages are available,
ammoniation may be a cost effective way to increase the value of straw. Ammoniated feeds
should be analyzed prior to feeding to determine actual nutrient content. Energy
supplementation may still be necessary after ammoniation, depending on the nutrient
requirements of each particular set of livestock.
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The hay and straw from buckwheat should comprise comparatively less of a ration than
other cereal grain straws and cereal hays. Green buckwheat fodder and buckwheat straw can
occasionally cause eruptions on the skin and itching behavior. Only white or lightcolored
areas of the hide are affected. The animals apparently become sensitive to light.
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Straw, the most common crop aftermath in North Dakota, is a good alternative in
wintering rations for cows and sheep if properly supplemented with energy, protein,
minerals, and vitamins. Satisfactory supplements include cereal grains such as barley,
crop processing co-products such as wheat midds, or high quality hays. Oat straw is the
most palatable and nutritious, followed by barley straw and wheat straw. Rye straw has
little feed value. Straw can constitute up to about 60 percent of the brood cow ration but
has only about half the value of hay in growing rations. Straw can be used in combination
with other feeds as the major roughage for beef cows. Rations based on wheat straw and
wheat midds have given similar performance to rations based on corn silage and alfalfa hay
when fed to lactating first calf heifers at the Carrington Research Extension Center.
Grinding straw can increase intake 10 to 15 percent according to research done at the
Dickinson Research Extension Center. However, compaction can be a problem in diets with
high levels of chopped straw. Straw a year or more old is usually more palatable and
digestible than fresh straw.
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CHAFF, SMALL GRAIN
The chaff collected in bunch wagons behind combines is usually of high quality. It
contains grain which passes through the combine, weed seeds and hulls, as well as some
leaves. Bunch wagons, however, can be an inconvenience when harvesting grain. Other
attachments that connect directly to the combine and leave small piles in the field for
later collection or for fall grazing cows to consume are available. Other producers have
chosen to utilize silage dump wagons to collect chaff. These dump wagons can deposit chaff
directly into farm trucks or semis for transport to storage areas at the farm or ranch.
This system requires additional trucks and drivers, however. Chaff can be collected from a
number of different crops, including wheat, barley, oats, peas, lentils, and flax.
Approximately 300 to 500 pounds of chaff can be collected per acre. The feeding
recommendations for chaff are similar to those for good quality straw. Chaff from some of
the very roughawned bearded wheats may cause palatability problems.
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Chaff may be ammoniated to improve its feeding value. Ammoniation improves the energy
availability and protein content of chaff. Procedures are the same as those used to
ammoniate straw or other low quality forages. Dry cows can be successfully wintered on
ammoniated chaff. Lactating cows may require a source of supplemental energy (grains or
grain co-products) for optimum performance on ammoniated chaff rations.
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Corn cobs can be used as a ration ingredient in cow wintering diets. Corn cobs are low
in protein (2.8%) but higher in TDN (48%) than other crop residues such as wheat straw.
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Grazed corn residue (cornstalk fields following harvest) can effectively winter beef
cows or "rough winter" beef calves. The amount of downed ears in a particular
field will vary with the weather conditions prior to harvest, variety, degree of insect
infestation, and other factors. High amounts of downed ears can result in a high incidence
of digestive disturbances (acidosis, founder). Corn residue is made up of grain, husk,
leaf, stalk, and cob. Grain and husk are usually highest in protein and energy, while
stalk and cob are the lowest. Protein supplements should be provided once the grain has
been consumed. Supplemental phosphorus and vitamin A should be provided for cattle grazing
corn stalks. Do not force cattle to eat stalks and cobs. These products are of low
quality.
As one might expect, irrigated corn has more residue per acre than dryland corn.
However, dryland corn residue is typically higher in energy and protein content than is
irrigated corn residue. Grazing is typically the most cost effective method of harvesting
corn residue. However, many producers in North Dakota will bale or mechanically harvest
corn residue due to the possibility of snow cover limiting grazing (see Corn Stover).
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Corn stover is corn residue which has been mechanically harvested. Nutrient content is
similar to other crop residues such as straw. As with other residues, corn stover can be
used as a portion of the diet for wintering beef cows. Nutrient content is low, so energy
and protein supplementation is necessary. Phosphorus and vitamin A supplementation is also
needed.
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DRY EDIBLE BEAN RESIDUE
Dry bean residue may be harvested in bales or stack wagons, but yield is modest and
often there is substantial dirt. Grazing is the cheapest and most efficient method of
utilizing this coproduct. As a legume, bean residue generally contains more protein than
cereal grain residue and is quite palatable, although cattle will not consume the coarser
stalks.
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The residual vines, leaves, and stems from field peas are a palatable and nutritious
residue often resembling medium quality grass hay in nutritional content. However, field
pea straw appears to be quite variable (6 to 12%CP; 40 to 60% TDN). Consequently, a feed
analysis is recommended. Peas are harvested in the early fall so grazing or baling are
options for utilizing pea straw. Windrows may blow around or the straw may wrap on
rotating equipment such as stack wagons or balers.
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GRAIN SORGHUM STOVER (MILO)
Residue from this crop remains upright in the field and retains nutritional value
similar to grass hay late into the fall and winter. Cows can graze the plants down through
snow up to 2 feet deep.
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Millet straw is more palatable and higher in energy and protein than small grain
straws. Several millet varieties are available and residue may vary in nutrient content,
so nutrient analysis is recommended.
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Soybean stems are very low in feed value, and animals should not be forced to consume
them. Most of the nutritive value of soybean stover comes from the pods and leaves. This
residue is most efficiently harvested by grazing ruminants.
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The head contains the most feed value, followed by the top, middle, and bottom thirds
of the stalk. If residue cannot be collected behind the combine, grazing will afford some
use, although the time before snow cover is usually limited. Sunflower seeds are quite
high in energy (due to the high oil content) and a good source of protein. Consequently,
downed heads in the field result in a residue which can be highly nutritious.
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Sunflower hulls are a very poor roughage. They may be used to increase the total fiber
level of dairy rations or to provide roughage in high grain growing or finishing rations
at not over 20 percent of ration. Hulls are low in protein and digestibility.
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AWNED GRASSES AND WEEDS
Little wild barley and cheat grass awns stick to clothing, hair or wool. Awns may work
into nostrils, mouths and eyes of livestock causing mechanical damage, soreness and
infection of mouths. Use forages containing these weeds cautiously. Viable weed seeds may
be passed through the digestive system. Composting manure will help control weed
infestations.
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Feed Catagories ]
Kochia can be used as an alternative feed source for cattle. Harvesting kochia at 20 to
26 inches in height, before flowering, will ensure a palatable and nutritious feed. Kochia
cut at later stages is less desirable but can still be used if there is no other
alternative. Kochia can yield approximately 1.8 tons per acre. A second cutting may be
obtained if the first cutting leaves live branches on the stubble. Hairy leaves give hay a
gray appearance. The nutrient analysis of kochia can resemble alfalfa hay, although second
cutting kochia alone may not be adequate for growing heifers. Reports indicate kochia hays
vary from 6 to 22 percent protein, suggesting wide variation in quality, which can be
explained by variation in plant maturity at harvest. Palatability seems very good.
Unfortunately, the laxative nature of kochia means much of its potential nutrient value
will likely be lost in feces due to a rapid rate of passage. Cattle have been reported to
become sensitive to light from eating kochia. Some cattle that have been on kochia for 45
days or more may develop impaired liver and kidney function. Kochia is high in oxalates,
which may cause the problem. Kochia is less laxative than Russian thistle. Do not graze
kochia heavily, and only maintain cattle on kochia for about 60 days. Provide calcium
supplementation to counteract the effect of the oxalates. Provide clean, fresh water when
feeding kochia.
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Feed Catagories ]
Leafy spurge can be very palatable and nutritious for sheep and goats. However, cattle
appear to develop an aversion to the milky latex found in the plant. Leafy spurge can be
hayed or grazed as a feed for sheep and goats. Grazing leafy spurge with sheep or goats
can be an effective control measure. Leafy spurge hay cannot be hauled to other farms due
to noxious weed laws. Seeds are not digested well, so manure from animals fed or grazing
leafy spurge may contain viable seeds, resulting in further spread of this weed. Ensiling
does not improve palatability of leafy spurge for cattle.
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This grass is often present in small grain straws. It is a medium quality grass hay if
harvested in the vegetative state, but as maturity approaches the plant lignifies and
decreases in value. The presence of pigeon grass in small grain straw increases the
nutrient content of the straw. Pigeon grass can be grazed following small grain harvest.
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Feed Catagories ]
Quackgrass can be harvested and fed to beef cattle and sheep. Quackgrass hay is of
moderate quality (8% CP; 52% TDN).
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The crude protein of young Russian thistle is similar to alfalfa, and the TDN or energy
is about 10 to 15 percent less. Russian thistle should be hayed at blossom stage before
spines form. Russian thistle makes good silage when mixed with other crops. It is somewhat
laxative and should not make up over half of the ration.
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Roots, Tubers and Associated Co-Products
Occasionally, regional sugar processors must dispose of whole sugar beets due to
spoilage during the processing campaign. Whole beets can be fed successfully to cattle.
Whole beets are low in crude protein (6.8%) but high in energy (75% TDN). If possible,
whole beets should be broken up prior to feeding. Producers can utilize extended mixing
times with a conventional mixer wagon to break up whole beets. In addition, some producers
report success using manure spreaders to spread whole beets on stubble or stalk fields and
allowing cows access to the beets on the field. Choking may be a potential problem when
feeding whole beets.
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Beet pulp can be used effectively as an energy supplement for gestating or lactating
cows, as an ingredient in backgrounding diets, or as a roughage source in finishing diets.
Beet pulp is relatively low in protein (8%), but relatively high in TDN (72%). Research
conducted at NDSU indicates that beet pulp has an energy value slightly less than corn in
backgrounding diets. In finishing diets it can be used as the roughage source, having an
energy value greater than corn silage. Beet pulp is available wet (pressed shreds) or dry
(shreds or pellets). Wet pulp contains approximately 75 percent moisture, which limits the
distance it can be transported economically. Wet pulp can be stored effectively in silage
bags or in trench or bunker silos. Dry pelleted pulp can be stored in bins or quonsets.
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Beet tops can be grazed directly or windrowed and grazed. Windrowing aids in
preservation. The tops may be put into small piles and allowed to dry, then hauled to the
feedyard. When gathered, the tops will weigh about half as much per acre as the marketed
beets. Beet tops are laxative and should therefore be fed in moderation. Feeding a high
calcium mineral with them will reduce scouring. Cattle should be watched closely when
grazing beet tops, since the smaller beets left behind by the harvesting equipment can
cause choking problems. No more than 20 to 30 percent (dry basis) of a growing ration
should be beet tops. Limit beet tops to 10 percent of the ration (dry basis) for finishing
cattle. Beet tops should not be the only source of roughage in finishing rations. Most
cattle feeders remove all the beet tops from the ration 20 to 30 days before marketing.
Recent advancements in defoliator technology have limited the usefulness of beet tops,
since the beet tops are essentially mulched as they are removed. This makes it difficult
to gather the remaining residue into a windrow or for cattle to graze the material.
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Sugar beet top silage will be approximately half of the per acre root yield. Tops
should be ensiled at approximately 60 percent moisture, so allow the tops to partially dry
in the field. Mixing with other feeds or forages at ensiling will reduce the sticky, gummy
consistency of this byproduct. Field harvesting may be a problem and considerable soil
contamination usually results. Beet tops are accumulators of nitrate, but the ensiling
process should reduce this problem. Beet silage should be used as an extender of another
forage source and not used as the principle forage crop. The silage is less laxative than
the fresh tops, but it is best not to feed more than 30 pounds per head daily to cattle
and 3 pounds to sheep (as fed basis). If feeding the maximum amount of tops is desired,
add 1 pound of finely ground limestone to each 50 pounds of tops (wet basis) and allow to
ensile.
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Beet tailings consist of small beets, broken or damaged beets, soil, and other foreign
material not suitable for sugar production. Tailings are high in moisture (approx. 80%)
and can be quite variable. Depending on soil contamination levels, beet tailings have a
feeding value similar to or higher than corn silage on a dry matter basis. Choking may be
a problem with beet tailings. Transportation is a major expense with beet tailings.
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Potatoes have a feeding value equal to cereal grain (barley) on a dry matter basis.
Potatoes are high in energy and low in protein and vitamin A. Chopping potatoes will
prevent choking in cattle, but they can be fed whole if necessary. This risk is minimized
if they are fed from low troughs. Acclimate cattle to potatoes gradually or they may cause
digestive disturbances. Sprouted potatoes contain toxic alkaloids. The long sprouts should
be removed before feeding. Frozen potatoes should never be fed because of the danger of
choke. Satisfactory results can be obtained in finishing rations by feeding potatoes
freechoice with a protein supplement and low quality dry roughage. Fifty percent of the
ration (as fed basis) as potatoes is probably the maximum for finishing cattle. Do not
remove potatoes from finishing rations once the cattle are adapted to them.
Ensiling can be used as a method of preserving potatoes. Potatoes should not be ensiled
alone because of their high (80%) water content, as effluent losses will be excessive.
Adding either 20 to 25 pounds of dry forage or 400 pounds of corn or sorghumsudan silage
per 100 pounds of potatoes will reduce moisture to an acceptable level. Other products
such as wheat midds, sugar beet pulp, or grains can be added to potatoes to reduce the
moisture content. Moisture levels for optimum ensiling should be 60 to 65 percent (35 to
40 percent dry matter). Potato waste plus small grain chaff (1:1 mix) and potato waste
plus chopped alfalfa is a viable alternative. One ton of potato haylage was found to be
equal in nutrient content to one ton of corn silage on an equal dry matter basis.
Potatoes can also be spread on fields or pastures and freezedried over the winter. The
following spring cattle are allowed to graze the pasture or field and consume the
potatoes. Danger of choking is reduced or eliminated as the potatoes freeze dry.
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Potato waste is the product remaining after potatoes have been processed to produce
frozen potato products for human consumption. The product can include peelings, cull
potatoes, reject french fries, and other potato products. Due to differences in processing
plants, moisture levels can vary considerably from plant to plant (75 to 85 percent
moisture). The high water content limits transportation distances to local areas
surrounding the processing plants. Potato waste is equal in energy to grains on a dry
matter basis. However, it is low in protein and vitamin A. The starch in potato waste is
fermented rapidly, limiting inclusion levels due to problems such as acidosis and bloat.
Due to the wet nature of the product, spoilage can be a concern, especially during the
summer.
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AS-1182, September 1999
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