Consider corn -based diets as alternatives to hay for beef cows (2024)

Hay is the most common feed used for beef cows in the winter.In the past 20 years, American hay production has been fluctuating over the past 20 years and production has been below average (Figure 1) since 2011..

Figure 1. HO production in the United States during the past 20 years (USDA, 2018).

In Pennsylvania, when grazing is properly checked in the fall, the cows must be able to graze until the mid -November.Snow early, extra winter feeds to the cow herd are needed.As a Timing Winter Food is the largest costs in a cow calf operation.In 2012, with drought and weather filmton.The production costs increased for further winter food.

Food requirements of queues

Before we start talking about alternative food sources, we must understand the requirements for arrival.Presented for discussion (Table 1).

Table 1. Nutrient requirements for non-lactating beef cows with a weight of 1,000, 1,200 or 1,400 lbs.

Adapted from BEEF NRC (1996).
Inlet and nutritional concentrations are expressed on a dry matter.

This scenario shows that heavier cows require more nutrients than lighter cows.

Based on the average nutritional concentrations in hay all over the United States (Table 2), Hooi can only meet the nutritional needs of the ripe beef cow in the middle of the gesture.Or just too expensive, producers can, for example, producers can consider alternatives.Majs can be replaced by hay as the primary energy source in adult cow rations.

Table 2. Area of Nutrition Concentratic of hay fed to livestock

Corn is often used as a feed in finishing or food, cattle diplomas in the US.Hooi (Loerch, 1996) .fordi maize is much more energy than hay.), limited corn intake, so that cows do not get fat.Put just enough to meet their nutritional needs.In general, an adult cow needs about.1 pounds whole core corn for every 2 kg hay she ate it from an economic point of view, whose hay is $ 160 a day.on and corn are $ 4.50 a day..

Table 3. Nutrients concentrations of corn grain

Although corn is energetic, it contains relatively few proteins.Avoid ruminal acidosis in cows.

Limiting the feeding of the entire core saving is a good alternative in times of bad Hauk quality or when hay is too expensive.someHay.It is best to feed cows from 2 to 6 pounds per day.2 to 4 hours a day to restore the food area.Grafting limits access or limits the pounds that are fed per day. Day the Haybrug of cows reduces and may save money.

Sample scenario

In 2007 Loerch suggested a 5 kg diet first hay, 2 pounds supplement and 12 pounds of the entire core of corn (per cow base).

Table 4. Example of supplement to cows limited corn grain

Remark:This supplement contains the following nutrients: raw protein, 36%;Calcium, 3.76%;
Adapted from Loerch, 2007

1. The protein and the mineral supplement must correspond to what is used for nutritional lease fed with a grain -based diet (Table 4).
2. Feed all the core corn.Helle Maize is digested and consumed slower than processed grain.
3. Adjust the intake of the corn to achieve the desired weight and/or body condition.Cows must consume approximately.1% of their body weight in cold winter months and when they are breastfeeding.
4. When you start the program, take 7 to 10 days to adjust the cows to the corn -based diet.) To ensure that all cows have the opportunity to eat the limited feed that is supplied.
5. Example of how you can start the border stock program:

Day 1 and 2: Foot 4 LBS entire dispute corn + 2 lbs supplement + 12 lbs hay

Dag 3 en 4: Feed 6 kg maken + 2 lbs supplement + 8 lbs ha

Day 5 and 6: Feed 8 kg corn + 2 LBS Supplement + 5 LBS Hay

Day 7 and 8: Feed 10 kg corn + 2 LBS Supplement + 5 LBS Hay

After day 8: Feed 12 kg of corn + 2 lbs supplement + 5 pound hay;Adjust the amount of corn offered corn, based on cow body condition, weather conditions and needs before and after calves. Cow if the cows become too thin or too fat.

The supplement must be 30 to 40% protein (and urea can be used), 4 to 5% calcium and must contain space cleaning or BOVATEEC (to prevent space -off acidosis)., corn stalks or first quality, which first cuts hay, fine.

Since corn is the easily accessible source of additional energy in many areas, it was used here as an example.Well.Work together with your dietary physiologist or your expansion specialist to determine the best feed used in your own scenario.Results for the farm.

Conclusion

Winter feed costs usually represent most of the costs of a cow/calf.Cows that feed alternative energy sources with hay.

References

Loerch S. C. 1996.Limited corn food as an alternative to hay to kill beef cows.J. Anim.Sci.74: 1211–1216.

Loerch S. C. 2007.Corn as an alternative to hay for pregnancy and breastfeeding breastfeeding.Ohio Beef Cattle Letter.ohio State University.Extension Beef Team.

National Investigation Council.1996.

USDA.2018.Nass.usda.gov.land Farm Counts.Statistics per Subject.National statistics for hay.