Although lower feed grain prices will reduce the cost of beef rations this year, beef producers are wondering if costs can be further reduced by eliminating the processing of grain.
The short answer is beef producers can save money by feeding whole oats, but processing is the most efficient way to feed barley.
“A summary of research trials suggests the digestibility of oats is decreased by five percent if it is fed whole rather than rolled,” said Jim Armstrong, livestock agrologist with Saskatchewan Agriculture in Tisdale.
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“The digestibility of barley is decreased by 16 percent if it is fed whole. Decreased digestibility can be overcome by feeding a little more.”
Armstrong illustrates his statement with an assumed grain-processing cost of $10 per ton. If the price of whole oats is $1.50 per bushel, the lower digestibility would raise this cost to $1.58 per bushel because of increased feed required. Processing would increase its cost to $1.67 per bushel.
Urging producers to calculate their own costs, Armstrong said they will find that it is less expensive to feed whole oats.
If whole barley cost $2 per bushel, processing it would increase that cost to $2.24 per bushel. Because of the 16-percent reduction in digestibility of whole barley, feeding whole barley would increase the cost to $2.32 per bushel. This illustrates the fact that it’s less expensive to feed processed barley.
“But the cost of processing and digestibility of whole grain compared to processed grain is just part of the equation,” said Armstrong.
“Processing may be necessary to make it easier to blend in other ingredients and to increase the palatability of the feed.”
He said other factors to consider are dustiness, risk of digestive upsets and storage needs.
Processing can increase dustiness and fines can create digestive problems. Research has also shown that feedlot cattle on whole barley rations had a higher incidence of bloat than those on rolled grain.
The cost of processing and mixing are also considerations when comparing barley and oats to byproducts such as screening pellets.
Armstrong said screening pellets require no processing and, in some instances, the minerals, vitamins and protein supplements can be added into the pellet as it is processed in the mill.
“Lowering the cost of winter feed will lower the cost of production. Tight margins suggest constant scrutiny of feeds and the processing and handling costs.”
Provincial extension agrologists can help develop the right feed mixes.
