Purchasing large lots of commodity feeds delivered directly to the farm can reduce the cost of feed by up to a half compared to buying the same feed by the bag at the feed store. When looking at what supplemental feed to buy, compare feeds based on price and nutritive value, the availability of homegrown forages and their nutritive value, and the nutritional requirements of the livestock being fed. The nutritive value of several supplemental feeds available in West Virginia is presented in Table 1. Nutritive Value of Commonly Available By-Product Feeds. It is not as palatable as some other by-product feeds but animals perform well on it.
Corn is the staple livestock feed commodity in the United States.
It is readily available and relatively inexpensive. It a good source of energy, but it is low in protein. It is used regularly to feed growing and finishing cattle, dairy cattle, and sheep. It can be used as a feed for dry beef cows, but caution needs to be exercised that it is used as a cost-effective supplement. For young calves that chew the corn better, whole-shell corn may be a practical alternative to grinding when corn is inexpensive or is a major part of the diet.