Effect of Corn Stalk Grazing and Baling on Cattle Performance and Irrigation Needs

The effects of removing corn residue by grazing and baling on continuous corn production were investigated. Initial data showed a trend toward keeping more water in the soil in the treatment with the most residue left on the field (no grazing or baling), but there was no effect of either grazing or baling on subsequent corn yield. Water conservation resulting from maintaining residue on the field may help reduce pumping costs or increase yields when water is limited. However, this benefit is likely to be outweighed by feed cost savings or grazing rental income, and good cow performance

Transitioning Cattle from RAMP\u3csup\u3e®\u3c/sup\u3e to a Finishing Diet on Feed Intake and Ruminal pH

A metabolism trial was conducted where steers were adapted to high grain diets using a traditional approach or one of two RAMP® adaptation programs. RAMP programs adapted cattle to a finishing diet either gradually over 28 days in four steps or switched to a finishing ration without steps. Feed intake and ruminal pH were monitored continuously throughout the trial. Cattle on the 4-STEP treatment spent more time eating compared to other treatments but total feed consumption was similar among treatments. Ruminal pH was greater for cattle on RAMP adaptation programs when compared to traditional grain adaptation. Cattle fed RAMP for 10 days can be transitioned directly to a finishing diet containing 47.5% Sweet Bran®

G84-693 Protein Levels for Growing and Finishing Cattle

This NebGuide describes the use of nonprotein nitrogen and bypass protein sources to fulfill the protein requirements of growing and finishing steers, heifers and bulls. Protein supplementation can be an expensive feed cost for cattle producers. Through the use of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) and bypass protein sources, however, these costs can be reduced. Bypass protein is the protein that escapes breakdown in the rumen and passes as is into the small intestine where it is digested and absorbed. Because NPN sources are usually the most economical sources of supplemental nitrogen, NPN should be used whenever possible. The potential for using NPN depends on the ability of the rumen microorganisms to synthesize protein, the bypass protein supplied by ration ingredients, and the protein requirement of the animal

Anaerobic Digestion of Finishing Cattle Manure

Utilizing manure from cattle fed distillers grains in anaerobic digesters improved methane production and DM degradation of manure compared to manure from cattle fed no distillers grains. Manure from cattle fed in open lot pens had soil contamination which decreased OM content and led to decreased total methane production (L/day), but not when expressed as methane/g OM. If ash buildup is avoided, open lot manure can be used as anaerobic digester feedstock

The Effects of Supplementing Wet Distillers Grains Mixed With Wheat Straw to Growing Steers

A growing study compared feeding wet distillers grains, dried distillers grains, and a mix of 66% wet distillers grains and 33% wheat straw as supplements to a forage-based diet. Steers were supplemented 0, 2, 4, or 6 lb distillers grains/head daily. Wet distillers grains and dried distillers grains produced higher final body weight and dry matter intake compared to the mix. Increasing levels of distillers grains increased performance in forage based diets and wet grains mixed with straw reduced forage intake

Effect of Grazing Corn Residue on Corn and Soybean Yields

Grazing corn residue in the fall/winter or spring in either a corn-soybean rotation or a continuous corn system shows generally positive effects on yields. Soybean yields for both fall/winter and spring-grazed corn residue when compared to ungrazed corn residue in a corn followed by soybean rotation show an increase in yields

The Effects of Supplementing Wet Distillers Grains Mixed With Wheat Straw to Growing Steers

A growing study compared feeding wet distillers grains, dried distillers grains, and a mix of 66% wet distillers grains and 33% wheat straw as supplements to a forage-based diet. Steers were supplemented 0, 2, 4, or 6 lb distillers grains/head daily. Wet distillers grains and dried distillers grains produced higher final body weight and dry matter intake compared to the mix. Increasing levels of distillers grains increased performance in forage based diets and wet grains mixed with straw reduced forage intake

Effect of Grazing Corn Residue on Corn and Soybean Yields

Grazing corn residue in the fall/winter or spring in either a corn-soybean rotation or a continuous corn system shows generally positive effects on yields. Soybean yields for both fall/winter and spring-grazed corn residue when compared to ungrazed corn residue in a corn followed by soybean rotation show an increase in yields