Cow-Calf Corner
 
By-product feeds can be supplement alternatives for cow herds
 
-      Sources of the by-products may be a mystery to many cattle operators.  Therefore the OSU Feed Commodity Bulletin Board is an Internet website worthy of bookmarking.    This site is updated weekly with names, addresses, and phone numbers of retail sources of by-product feeds.  Also included is the latest known price (and the date when that price was quoted), plus information about minimum amounts that can be purchased.  In addition potential buyers can determine if the feed is loose or pelleted plus whether the feed will be available in bulk or sacked. 

      By-product feeds such as wheat mids are notoriously variable.   Consequently, producers that purchase these commodities may wish to routinely sample and test them for nutrient content in order that additional nutrients can be added if necessary.    Great details about the nutrient content of these products and feeding suggestions can be found in Alternative Growing Programs for Stockers by Dr. David Lalman.  Dr. Lalman currently is on the Extension Faculty at Oklahoma State University.  Producers should pay particular attention to the mineral supplementation needs of cattle fed these by-products.  The calcium and phosphorus contents of these feeds must be balanced carefully.  Corn gluten feed is occasionally high in sulfur content and must be fed as a limited portion of the diet to avoid toxicity. 

 

When forage supplies are low in amount and quality, producers need to examine all available feed alternatives closely. 
 

 
 

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