Once cattle have been adjusted to this type of ration, the risk of digestive upset is relatively low because a significant amount of roughage is still being fed. Using Byproduct Feeds to Grow Calves or Stretch Forage Prices for byproduct feeds, such as wheat middlings, soybean hulls, corn gluten feed and barley malt sprout pellets, are unusually low this fall. This is primarily a result of reduced exports of these products and the huge corn crop grown in the Corn Belt. These low prices, combined with the lack of hay, stockpiled summer pasture and wheat pasture has resulted in an incredible influx of these feeds into Oklahoma. With the exception of wheat middlings, these feeds are relatively new to Oklahoma cattlemen.
Byproduct feeds tend to vary a great deal in nutrient concentration.
Therefore, it is a good idea to obtain a laboratory feed analysis from the supplier for each load of feed. If an analysis is not available specifically for the feed you have purchased or are considering purchasing, send a sample off and have it tested yourself. By being aware of the nutritional characteristics of each of these feeds and adjusting the ration accordingly, you can minimize toxicity problems and disappointments in animal performance. Once the nutrient concentration of the feed has been determined, an appropriate feeding rate or feed blend will need to be determined. See your Extension Agriculture Educator for assistance in designing the feeding program.