The soaring price of traditional cattle feed is forcing producers to look for the best deals possible.
But there are some less-used options that cow-calf producers can use with a little effort and pencil work.
“Supplementing non-traditional forages like straws, chaff and greenfeeds to make them nutritionally sound will take some thinking,” said Bill Grabowsky, a beef specialist with Alberta Agriculture.
“One of the best ways is to use a software program developed by Alberta Agriculture called Cowbytes. Nutritional information and prices can be added in and you can do some ‘what if’ scenarios.”
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For those who don’t have the software, compare protein and energy costs between two grain supplements, on a dry matter basis.
For example, if 12 percent protein barley grain, with total digestible nutrients, or TDN, of 83 percent, costs $3 per bushel, then the cost per pound of energy and protein will be 7.5 cents and 52 cents, respectively.
If you compare barley to 11 percent protein oat grain with a TDN of 76 percent that costs $2 per bushel, the cost per pound of energy and protein will be 7.7 cents and 53 cents. This example finds that barley grain is the better buy.
Nutrient levels can vary from grain to grain, so a feed analysis would confirm the energy and protein levels in your grain.
“Keeping track of the grain markets is key to getting the best deal,” Grabowsky said.
“While some products may supply the necessary energy and protein at the least cost, some producers will be making a big mistake in not adequately supplementing the missing minerals and vitamins in the ration.
“A little common sense will go a long ways in meeting the needs of your cow herd this winter when dealing with non-traditional feedstuffs by comparing energy and protein costs.”
New products on the market will also help producers use lower quality feeds in the 40 to 45 percent TDN range.
Non-protein nitrogen, or NPN slow release protein supplements, combined with a readily digestible energy source makes sense for producers who use fence-line grazing, stubble fields and sloughs.
For information, contact Bill Grabowsky at 780-361-1240.
For information on Cowbytes, see www.agric.gov.ab.ca/ruraldev/homestdy/cowbytes.html.
