Grain sorghum requires rigorous processing for optimal feeding value. The seed coat of grain sorghum is hard and it must be crushed mechanically prior to feeding it to cattle. Dry-rolling or steam flaking have been utilized to increase the feeding value of grain sorghum. Barley also is a cereal grain that grows well in cool weather, relatively drought-resistant. Barley must also be processed prior to feeding it to beef cattle.
Wheat is typically too expensive to be considered as a livestock feed.
The starch in wheat is rapidly fermented compared to other grains and can lead to lactic acidosis. Wheat may be ensiled as a high-moisture grain or fed in ground or rolled form. Processing of these cereal grains typically increase the ruminal digestion of starch. Those grain starches having a greater rate of ruminal fermentation are more likely to cause acute acidosis. One must also take precautions in adjusting cattle to these grains because they are more likely to cause acidosis.