Potatoes are primarily a source of energy. They are relatively low in minerals, particularly calcium and phosphorus. Canadian scientists observed that potato pulp or meal that was dehydrated at high temperatures had practically no digestible protein. Potatoes are better suited for cows or yearlings than they are for calves. E. When supplements are formulated for rations containing high levels of potatoes, the amount of vitamins present in potatoes can be ignored and the total daily requirement provided by the roughage or supplement part of the ration.
Potatoes are practically devoid of fiber.
A source of roughage is needed to maintain normal rumen function. A minimum of 2 pounds of roughage per day is recommended. Because of the high moisture content of many potato products, rumen fill can limit performance and you may need to feed additional roughage or grain. The optimum dry matter content is not known, but it probably should not be less than 25 percent when feeding wet product. There are other ways that can be used in feeding potatoes, particularly if you want to try to limit the intake of potatoes and balance it with grains and roughages.