Cattle were blocked on weight and weighed unshrunk every 28 days with two consecutive daily full weights averaged for on and off test weight. The purpose of this study was to evaluate supplementation of low levels of unprocessed cull great northen beans. Low levels of beans were selected to reflect levels that might occur when beans are used as a pellet binder or filler in protein supplements. Animal was the experimental unit and data was analyzed using micro SAS in a randomized block design using orthoganal contrasts to separate means. The cull great northern beans used in this study were split, cracked, and shriveled beans and fairly clean from gravel, dirt, and other foreign material.
Beans make a significant economic contribution to Colorado farmers.
Because of varying environmental factors at harvest, there may be significant quantities of cull beans available to the livestock industry at harvest. They appear to be a decent source of energy. Unfortunately, they also have some proteins called phytohemaglutinins or lectins that interfere with protein digestion in the small intestine. When beans are fed at high levels they have been reported to cause a watery diarrhea and may cause an antibody response. Heat processing may eliminate this problem.