surviving the drought john johns, roy burris and kenny burdine university of kentucky
TRANSCRIPT
Surviving the DroughtSurviving the Drought
John Johns, Roy Burris and Kenny BurdineJohn Johns, Roy Burris and Kenny Burdine
University of KentuckyUniversity of Kentucky
The DroughtThe Drought
SurvivingSurviving
BackgroundBackground
• High Corn Prices
• Scarce hay supply
• Drought
• Heat
• High Corn Prices
• Scarce hay supply
• Drought
• Heat
Impact on-Impact on-
• Summer Grazing
• Winter Feed
• Water Supply
• Nitrates / Poisonous Plants
• Summer Grazing
• Winter Feed
• Water Supply
• Nitrates / Poisonous Plants
What do I do to meet needs when forage quality is not the issue but forage quantity is?
DROUGHT!
What do I do to meet needs when forage quality is not the issue but forage quantity is?
DROUGHT!
Assess SituationAssess Situation
• Inventory Cattle
• Inventory Feed Supply
• Do the numbers match?
• Inventory Cattle
• Inventory Feed Supply
• Do the numbers match?
Animal Management Issues
Animal Management Issues
• Pregnancy check, cull opens
• Cull older, lower producing cows
• Cull problem cows, disposition, arthritic, teat, udder and feet problems.
• Pregnancy check, cull opens
• Cull older, lower producing cows
• Cull problem cows, disposition, arthritic, teat, udder and feet problems.
Conduct a feed and animal inventory
Conduct a feed and animal inventory
• Use ASC-78 as a guide
• Group animals by their needs
• Compare how much feed is needed vs what is on hand
• Use ASC-78 as a guide
• Group animals by their needs
• Compare how much feed is needed vs what is on hand
Allocation of Hay to Various Classes of Cattle Based on Quality
Allocation of Hay to Various Classes of Cattle Based on Quality
Quality of Hay
High
Low
Quality of Hay
High
Low
Classes of Cattle• Young Calves• Weaned Calves• Replacements• Yearlings• Bred Heifers• 2-year old Cows• Lactating Cows• Mature Cows, last 1/3 of
gestation• Mature Bulls• Mature Pregnant Cows, first 2/3
of gestation
Classes of Cattle• Young Calves• Weaned Calves• Replacements• Yearlings• Bred Heifers• 2-year old Cows• Lactating Cows• Mature Cows, last 1/3 of
gestation• Mature Bulls• Mature Pregnant Cows, first 2/3
of gestation
Nutritional Quality of Forages
Nutritional Quality of ForagesCrude Protein TDN
Excellent 11.2%+ 56%+
Good 9.5%-11.1% 50%-56%
Fair 8.2%-9.5% 50%-56%
Poor 7.3%-8.2% 50%-55%
Very Poor <7.3% <48%
Source: Parish, Jane et al. 2007. Producer Guide to Coping with Drought Conditions
Approximate forage intake by beef cattle
Approximate forage intake by beef cattle
Forage TDN % DMI (%BW)
Well-eared silage 60-70 2.5 to 3.3
Actively growing pasture 70 2.0 to 2.5
Legume hay, good 55-60 2.5 to 3.0
Grass hay, good 50-55 2.0 to 2.5
Mature grass hay 45-50 1.5 to 2.0
Grass hay, poor 40-45 1.0 to 1.5
Straw 35-40 1.0 or less
Are Alternatives Available on the Farm?
Are Alternatives Available on the Farm?
• Corn that will make little or no grain yield
– Chop it as silage
– Do not graze or roll it for hay due to nitrates
• Soybeans that will not set a bean
– Graze or roll as hay, prevent bloat if grazing
– Cut and roll when all leaves are still green
• Corn that will make little or no grain yield
– Chop it as silage
– Do not graze or roll it for hay due to nitrates
• Soybeans that will not set a bean
– Graze or roll as hay, prevent bloat if grazing
– Cut and roll when all leaves are still green
Soybeans for Hay or SilageSoybeans for Hay or Silage
• For silage, harvest at R6 stage
• May need to wilt after cutting
• Forage beans yield 3-4 tons/ac of DM
• Grain beans yield 2-3 tons/ac of DM
• Animals do not like the silage, eat 20% less than corn silage
• For silage, harvest at R6 stage
• May need to wilt after cutting
• Forage beans yield 3-4 tons/ac of DM
• Grain beans yield 2-3 tons/ac of DM
• Animals do not like the silage, eat 20% less than corn silage
Soybeans for Hay or SilageSoybeans for Hay or Silage
• Hay may need to be harvested at a little earlier stage
• Should be conditioned to crush stem or hard to cure
• If too mature at cutting, will lose bean due to conditioning
• May have feeding loss of up to 20% due to stem refusal
• Hay may need to be harvested at a little earlier stage
• Should be conditioned to crush stem or hard to cure
• If too mature at cutting, will lose bean due to conditioning
• May have feeding loss of up to 20% due to stem refusal
Baling or Grazing Corn StalksBaling or Grazing Corn Stalks
• 120 bu corn = 4 to 5 tons residue/acre
• Cows consume grain, leaves, husks, cobs, stalks in order
• 1 acre of stalks = 30 days grazing/cow with mineral, protein supplementation
• Should be strip grazed
• Baling leaves much of the best (grain, leaves, husks) in the field
• 120 bu corn = 4 to 5 tons residue/acre
• Cows consume grain, leaves, husks, cobs, stalks in order
• 1 acre of stalks = 30 days grazing/cow with mineral, protein supplementation
• Should be strip grazed
• Baling leaves much of the best (grain, leaves, husks) in the field
Corn StalksCorn Stalks
• High Nitrates have been detected
• Low quality feed
• Requires protein and energy supplementation
• Considerable waste in feeding
• Stores poorly
• High Nitrates have been detected
• Low quality feed
• Requires protein and energy supplementation
• Considerable waste in feeding
• Stores poorly
What is an Acre of Stalks Worth to Graze?
What is an Acre of Stalks Worth to Graze?
Hay Cost/Ton
$80 $100 $120
$/lb of hay .04 .05 .06
$/Cow for 30 days
34 42.5 51
Performance of Cows fed Baled Corn Stalks
Performance of Cows fed Baled Corn Stalks
Supplement Trt. CSM CSM + Corn
Int. Wt. lbs 1088 1092
Wt. loss, lbs 28 36
Int. BCS 5.3 5.4
BCS loss -.45 -.50
Rosepine Res. Sta. Rep. 11, 2000; Free choice access to corn stalk bales for 42 days. Supplements were cottonseed meal at 1.3 lbs dry matter or 1.3 lbs + 2.0 lbs of ground corn dry matter.
Cow Rations with Baled Corn Stalks
Cow Rations with Baled Corn Stalks
Ration 1 2 3 4 5
Stalks 12.5 10 10 10 10
SBHulls 3.5 10 3.3 2.2
CGF 4.0 3.3 4.4 6.1
Corn 2.3 2.3
DDGS 2.2
Protein Block
X X
Limest. .1 .1 .1 .25
IRM Min .25 .25 .25 .25 .25
1200 pound pregnant, dry cow in mid-November; Corn stalks valued at 48% TDN and 5.0% CP on DM basis.
Cow Rations with Baled Corn StalksCow Rations with Baled Corn Stalks
Ration 1 2 3 4 5
Stalks 12.5 11 12.5 10 12.5
SB Hulls 11 11 5.5 4.5 3
CGF 1.1 2 5.5 4.5 3
Corn 5.7
DDGS 3.3
Protein Block
X X X
Limest. .1 .1 .1
IRM min .25 .25 .25 .25 .25
1200 pound pregnant, dry cow in mid-January; Corn stalks valued at 48% TDN and 5.0% CP on DM basis.
Gain of Stocker Cattle on Normal or Drought Corn Silage
Gain of Stocker Cattle on Normal or Drought Corn Silage
Normal Drought % Change
Trial 1
Head 44 44
ADG, lbs 2.06 1.88 9.6
Trial 2
Head 18 56
ADG, lbs 1.72 1.32 30
Nebraska
Nutrient AnalysisNutrient AnalysisDM Basis
Feed DM % TDN% CP%
Corn Silage 34 69.9 8.2
Grass Hay 91.9 56.6 10.7
SB Silage 61 56 16
SB Hay 91.6 60.9 16.3
Corn Stalks 51.7 54 7.6
Source: Dairy One Laboratory, Cornell University
Baseline AssumptionsBaseline Assumptions
Feed Stuff
Tons / Acre
DM tons / Acre
TDN tons / Acre
CP tons / Acre
Corn Silage
18 6.12 4.28 0.50
Grass Hay
1.5 1.38 0.78 .148
Nutritional NeedsNutritional Needs
Spring Calving Cow, 1200 lbs, Winter 120 days
TDN lbs CP lbs
Daily 12.37 1.81
Total 1484 217
What will it take?What will it take?Acres needed
per cowCows fed per
acre
Corn Silage .17 5.7
Grass Hay .951 1.08
What will it cost?What will it cost?
Value per acre
Total cost per acre
Cost per cow
Corn Silage
(120 bu)
$360 $511.56 $86.96
Grass Hay
(1.5 tons)
$150 $150 $142.65
What can I pay for silage?
What can I pay for silage?
• Based on previous estimate, hay costs $142.65 per cow to winter
• How many tons of corn silage will it take to winter them?
=> 3.06 tons
• You can pay $46.62 per ton of corn silage if hay is $100 per ton
• Based on previous estimate, hay costs $142.65 per cow to winter
• How many tons of corn silage will it take to winter them?
=> 3.06 tons
• You can pay $46.62 per ton of corn silage if hay is $100 per ton
What can I pay for Corn Silage?
What can I pay for Corn Silage?
$80 $100 $120 $140
Corn Silage (per ton)
$37.29 $46.62 $57.45 $65.26
Standing Corn (per ton silage)
$29.32 $38.65 $49.48 $57.29
Standing Corn (per acre)
$527.76 $695.70 $890.64 $1,031.22
If I need to buy feed, what should I buy, hay or
something else?
If I need to buy feed, what should I buy, hay or
something else?
Nutrient dense feeds such as grains, commodities, etc., are
cheaper per unit of nutrient compared to hay.
Be sure and compare on a dry matter basis.
Nutrient dense feeds such as grains, commodities, etc., are
cheaper per unit of nutrient compared to hay.
Be sure and compare on a dry matter basis.
Stretch Hay with Supplement
Stretch Hay with Supplement
Feed the hay on hand and buy supplement
• Corn will replace hay at the rate of 1.0 lb. Corn can replace 2.0 lb. of hay
Feed the hay on hand and buy supplement
• Corn will replace hay at the rate of 1.0 lb. Corn can replace 2.0 lb. of hay
Alternative FeedsAlternative FeedsFeed CP UIP, %
CPTDN, % Starch %
Corn 9.8 55 90 70
DDG 30.4 52 90 18
DBG 29 50 66 10.7
SBH 12 25 77 6
CGF 23.8 22 80 25.4
W Midds 18.7 21 69 37.8
NRC – Beef 2000 Update, PAS 16:69 - 99
How much hay does a cow have to have
daily?
How much hay does a cow have to have
daily?
Limit fed Corn vs. Hay Rations for Cows, 3 Year Summary
Limit fed Corn vs. Hay Rations for Cows, 3 Year Summary
Ration Corn Hay
Wt. Loss, lbs -53 -72
Calf B. Wt. Lb 102 96
Wean Wt. Lbs 634 613
Conception % 91 84
Average Daily Feed Intake, lb
Hay 2.1 30
S. Corn 11.3 ------
Supplement 2.5 ------
Ration Corn Hay
Wt. Loss, lbs -53 -72
Calf B. Wt. Lb 102 96
Wean Wt. Lbs 634 613
Conception % 91 84
Average Daily Feed Intake, lb
Hay 2.1 30
S. Corn 11.3 ------
Supplement 2.5 ------
Limit Feeding High Energy Rations for Growing CattleLimit Feeding High Energy Rations for Growing Cattle
Corn Silage GEC + Supp.
Head 45 44
ADG, lbs 1.94 2.46
F/G, lbs DM 7.42 4.68
KY, PR-337, p 54
Corn Silage GEC + Supp.
Head 45 44
ADG, lbs 1.94 2.46
F/G, lbs DM 7.42 4.68
KY, PR-337, p 54
Economics of Corn vs. Hay to Cows
Economics of Corn vs. Hay to Cows
Feed Price, $ Unit $ / lb
Shell Corn $4.50 Bushel $0.0714
Supplement $300 Ton $0.15
Hay $100 Ton $0.05
Daily Feed Cost, $ Per Day
Ration Corn Based Hay Only
Three Trial Average $1.39 $1.50
Winter Feeding Cost* $180.57 $195.00
*Assumes 130 day winter feeding period
Assuming 130 Day Winter Feeding
Assuming 130 Day Winter Feeding
• Corn based may be cheaper if hay price exceeds $93 per ton
• Even if hay is cheaper, what is the goal
• Do we want to minimize costs, or maximize profit?
• What is the value of a 21 lb increase in weaning weight and a 7% increase in conception rate?
• Corn based may be cheaper if hay price exceeds $93 per ton
• Even if hay is cheaper, what is the goal
• Do we want to minimize costs, or maximize profit?
• What is the value of a 21 lb increase in weaning weight and a 7% increase in conception rate?
Value of Increased Production
Value of Increased Production
Hay Only Corn Based
Avg. WW 613 lbs 634 lbs
Conception Rate 84% 91%
Lbs. weaned / cow 515 lbs 576 lbs
Income per cow* $515 $565
Difference -------- +$50
*613# @ $100 / cwt, 634# @ $98 / cow
What about by-products?What about by-products?
LimitationsLimitations
• Moisture content
• Nutrient profile
• Storage
• Contaminants
• Moisture content
• Nutrient profile
• Storage
• Contaminants
• Economics
• Availability
• Transportation
• Economics
• Availability
• Transportation
Soy HullsSoy Hulls• Excellent palatability
• Less starch content than grains; therefore, less negative effect on forage utilization
• Safer, less incidence of founder
• Excellent palatability
• Less starch content than grains; therefore, less negative effect on forage utilization
• Safer, less incidence of founder
Type of Energy Supplement and Gain of Steers on Hay Based Rations
Type of Energy Supplement and Gain of Steers on Hay Based Rations
Supplement Corn/SBM Soyhulls
Steer Wt. lbs 626 629
Sup. Intake lbs
7
($.75 / day)
7
($.49 / day)
Hay Intake lbs
11.7 11.5
ADG, lbs 1.8 2.2
KY PR – 417, p. 86
Corn GlutenCorn Gluten• By-product of soft
drink industry• May be wet or dried• Corn gluten “feed” is
around 22-25% CP; corn gluten meal is about 60% CP
• Low starch
• By-product of soft drink industry
• May be wet or dried• Corn gluten “feed” is
around 22-25% CP; corn gluten meal is about 60% CP
• Low starch
Trial 5: Different Feeding Regimes for Conditioning Weaned Calves (45 days postweaning) Feed
Soyhulls/
Corn/SBM1 Corn Gluten Feed2 Commercial3
Steer calves, no. 15 15 15
Pens 3 3 3
Calves/Pen 5 5 5
Initial (Weaning) Wt, lb 517.4 515.9 516.5
Final Wt, lb 628.1 655.3 658.3
Postweaning gain, lb 111.5 138.7 141.7
Postweaning ADG, lb 2.48 3.08 3.15
Suppl. intake, lb/da 10.4 10.4 10.4
Hay intake, lb/da 11.8 15.1 11.5
Feed Cost per lb of gain, ¢4 33 27 451Diet consisted 88% corn and 12% soybean meal with hay ad lib. 2Diet consisted of 67% soyhulls and 33% corn gluten feed with hay ad lib. 3Diet consisted of a commercial preconditioning feed (14.6% CP) with hay ad lib. 4Feed costs based on corn - $2.50/bu; soybean meal - $200/T; soyhulls - $70/T; corn gluten feed - $120/T; commercial feed - $220/T; and hay - 2.5¢/lb.
Corn Gluten FeedCorn Gluten Feed
• High level of Sulfur (around 0.6%)
• Limit to 50% of DMI due to its high sulfur content (Cu deficiency and polio)
• High level of Sulfur (around 0.6%)
• Limit to 50% of DMI due to its high sulfur content (Cu deficiency and polio)
Distillers GrainDistillers Grain
Distiller’s Grain (30%CP)Distiller’s Grain (30%CP)
DM% Price
$/T
DM #
Ton Feed
Cost
#/DM
Dried 88 120 1760 6.8
Modified 50 58 1000 5.8
Wet 30 38 600 6.3
Storage of Wet Distillers Grains
Storage of Wet Distillers Grains
ChallengesChallenges
• Transportation costs
• Equipment needs for handling and storage
• Rancidity
• Transportation costs
• Equipment needs for handling and storage
• Rancidity
Methods of EnsilingMethods of Ensiling
• Silo Bags
• Bunker Silos
• Covered Piles
• Silo Bags
• Bunker Silos
• Covered Piles
Ensiling WDG With Soy Hulls
Ensiling WDG With Soy Hulls
Advantages of a 70:30 Mixture
(50:50 DM basis)
Advantages of a 70:30 Mixture
(50:50 DM basis)• Reduces dust in soybean hulls
• Reduces seepage
• Decreases CP content to 21%
• Maintains high energy values
• Reduces dust in soybean hulls
• Reduces seepage
• Decreases CP content to 21%
• Maintains high energy values
Ensiling WDG with Crop Residues
Ensiling WDG with Crop Residues
• On farm study
• Blended corn stalks with MWDG
• Blend was 60% DM– Cool at bag
opening– Heated quickly
• On farm study
• Blended corn stalks with MWDG
• Blend was 60% DM– Cool at bag
opening– Heated quicklyGarcia et al., 2004
Recommendations Recommendations
• DM of blends should be no more than 50%
• Drier blends do not preserve as well
• Use of WDG over MWDG is preferred
• DM of blends should be no more than 50%
• Drier blends do not preserve as well
• Use of WDG over MWDG is preferred
Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Early Winter
Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Early Winter
Feed/Ration 1 2 3 4 5
CGF 7.8 2 5.5 3
SBH 12 4.5 9 6.0 6.5
Grass Hay 3 3 3 3 10
DDGS
Limestone .2 .1
Protein Block
X
Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Late Winter
Commodity Rations for Limit Feeding Cows, Late Winter
Feed/Ration 1 2 3 4 5
CGF 6.7 5.5 2.3
SBH 15 7.3 6.0 9.0 11
Grass Hay 3 3 3 3 10
DDGS 2.0 2.2
Lime .1 .1 .1
Protein Block
X
Meet the nutritional needs
Meet the nutritional needs
You must maintain body condition
–Calving
–Rebreeding
You must maintain body condition
–Calving
–Rebreeding
Energy Deficiencies Affect
Energy Deficiencies Affect
• Cow Rebreeding
• Calf Health/Survival
• Calf Growth Rate
• Cow Rebreeding
• Calf Health/Survival
• Calf Growth Rate
Energy Deficiencies Decrease Calf Survival Through Lowered
Immunoglobulin Transfer to Calf
Energy Deficiencies Decrease Calf Survival Through Lowered
Immunoglobulin Transfer to Calf
Timing of Deficiency Influences Effect
Timing of Deficiency Influences Effect
• Pre-calving deficiency days of post partum interval
• Post-calving deficiency % conception
• Pre-calving deficiency days of post partum interval
• Post-calving deficiency % conception
BCS and Cow-calf Performance
BCS and Cow-calf Performance
BCS 3 4 5 6
Wean age, da
194 200 216 215
Calf ADG, lbs
1.88 1.93 1.97 2.00
Wean Wt. Lbs
441 452 504 512
% Preg 51 76 92 100
JAVMA 207:1292
BCS 3 4 5 6
Wean age, da
194 200 216 215
Calf ADG, lbs
1.88 1.93 1.97 2.00
Wean Wt. Lbs
441 452 504 512
% Preg 51 76 92 100
JAVMA 207:1292
Limit Forage ConsumptionLimit Forage Consumption
• Supplement Forage
• Feed in Hay racks
• Utilize all hay before moving rack
• Delay feeding by 12 hours after roll eaten
• Move feeding area to reduce mud
• Supplement Forage
• Feed in Hay racks
• Utilize all hay before moving rack
• Delay feeding by 12 hours after roll eaten
• Move feeding area to reduce mud
Rumensin for Wintering Cows
Rumensin for Wintering Cows
• 50 – 60% of total cost is winter feed• Prevent and control coccidiosis• Improved feed efficiency• Feed in 1 lb of feed daily
Cow and Calf Performance, Feed Intake, lbs
Control Rumensin
Precalving Hay 26.8 23.2
Postcalving Hay 30.5 26.2
SBH 3.5 3.0
Total Feed Costs and Savings
Control Rumensin Difference
Hay @ $120
$168.50 $146.27 $22.23 (13.2%)
Hay @ $40
$63.86 $56.51 $7.35 (11.5%)
Feed Prices• Soybean Hulls = $70/ton• Supplement = 5.35 or 6.85 ¢/lb• Hay = $120 or $40/ton
Cost per day on Purchased Hay
$75 $100 $125 $150
25 lb $0.94 $1.25 $1.56 $1.88
30 lb $1.13 $1.50 $1.88 $2.25
Dis
ap
peara
nce
per
day
Cost of hay per ton
Cost per day on Hulls / HaySubstituting Concept (Late Winter)
$100 $125 $150
$140 $1.20 $1.24 $1.28
$160 $1.35 $1.39 $1.43
$180 $1.50 $1.54 $1.58
Cost
per
ton o
f so
y
hulls
Cost per ton of hay
*Ration: 15 lbs soy hulls, 3 lbs grass hay
Cost per day on Hulls / HayStretching Concept (Late Winter)
$100 $125 $150
$140 $1.57 $1.70 $1.82
$160 $1.68 $1.81 $1.93
$180 $1.79 $1.92 $2.04
Cost
per
ton o
f so
y
hulls
Cost per ton of hay
*Ration: 11 lbs soy hulls, 10 lbs grass hay, w/ protein block
Cost per day on Stockpiled Fescue / Fall Fertilization
$0.50 $0.55 $0.60
20 : 1 $0.89 $0.98 $1.07
25 : 1 $0.71 $0.79 $0.86
30 : 1 $0.59 $0.65 $0.71
Lbs
of
DM
per
lb o
f N
Cost per lb of Nitrogen
Note: Considers only additional fescue production from fertilizer (70% utilization)
Restricting Hay Intake for Cows Nursing Calves
Restricting Hay Intake for Cows Nursing Calves
Hay Access, hrs
4 8 24
B. Wt. Ch. -125 -61 -44
Final BCS 5.4 5.5 6.1
BCS Ch. -.63 -.25 .15
Calf ADG lb 2.17 2.15 2.21
Milk, lbs 9.9 9.9 10.1
Hay Disap. 22.4 32 36
%<24 hr. 38 11.1 -------
PAS 21:182-189
Restricting Hay Intake for Cows in Last Trimester of Gestation
Restricting Hay Intake for Cows in Last Trimester of Gestation
Hay Access hrs
3 5 7
B. Wt. Ch. +52 +70 +106
Final BCS 5.3 5.3 5.6
Hay Disap. 15.4 17.6 20
%<7 hours 23 12 ---------
PAS 21:182-189
Savings from Limit Hay FeedingLactating Cows
Access 4 Hours 8 Hours 24 Hours
Hay Consumed 22.4 32 36
Hay Savings / Day 13.6 lbs 4 lbs ---------
$ per day* $0.68 $0.20 ---------
Saving over 130 days
0.88 tons
0.26 tons ---------
Total $ Savings* $88.4 $26.00 ---------
* Hay valued @ $100 per ton
Savings from Limit Hay FeedingDry Cows
Savings from Limit Hay FeedingDry Cows
Access 3 Hours 5 Hours 7 Hours
Hay Consumed 15.4 17.6 20
Hay Savings / Day 4.6 lbs 2.4 lbs ---------
$ per day* $0.23 $0.12 ---------
Saving over 130 days
.299 tons .156 tons ---------
Total $ Savings*
$29.9 $15.6 ---------
* Hay valued @ $100 per ton
Early Weaning of CalvesEarly Weaning of Calves
• Decreases nutrient needs of the cow
• Cheaper to feed calf than cow
• Calves as old as 50 days can be weaned
• Feed conversion 4 to 5 lbs/lb of gain
• Good health practices
• Must be able to reach feed and water
• Decreases nutrient needs of the cow
• Cheaper to feed calf than cow
• Calves as old as 50 days can be weaned
• Feed conversion 4 to 5 lbs/lb of gain
• Good health practices
• Must be able to reach feed and water
Early Weaning Rations, 300 lb Calf, ADG = 2.0 lbs
Early Weaning Rations, 300 lb Calf, ADG = 2.0 lbs
Feed/Ration 1 2 3 4
Corn 2.0 2.3
CGF 1.5 3.3
Soy Hulls 5 3.3
Alfalfa hay 5.5
Grass hay 5
SBM-44% 2 2.2 1.7
SBM-49% 1.0
DDGS 1.3 1.65
Limestone .15 .1 .15
Dical Phos. .1
Preconditioning Rations - Normal Wn. WeightsPreconditioning Rations - Normal Wn. Weights
Ration 1 2 3 4 5
Grass Hay
3.3 4.4 6
Alf. Hay 5.5 5.0
SB Hulls
4.4 6.5 6.4 1.1
CGF 3.3 1.1
Corn 5.7
SB Meal 2.0 .7 2.0 1.8
DDGS 1.6 2.2
IRM St. Min.
.25 .25 .25 .25 .25
500 lb calf, ADG = 2.5 lbs for 45 days. Grass hay 50% TDN and 9% CP; Alfalfa 62% TDN and 19.9 CP DM basis.
Feed Price AssumptionsFeed Price AssumptionsFeed Price Feed Price
Sh. Corn $171 / ton DDG’s $167 / ton
Corn Gluten
$145 / ton Alfalfa Hay $150 / ton
Soy Hulls $160 / ton Grass Hay $100 / ton
SBM 44% $288 / ton Limestone $3.05 / bag
SBM 48% $296 / ton Dical $11.15 / bag
Cost of Gain on John’s Rations
Cost of Gain on John’s Rations
Ration Cost per Day Cost / lb gain
1 – Alf, corn, SBM
$0.89 $0.45
2 – Hay, Corn, SBM
$0.77 $0.39
3 – Hull, Gluten, SBM, DDG
$0.87 $0.43
4 - Hull, Gluten, SBM, DDG
$0.80 $0.40
WarningWarning
Consider all alternatives before you pay too much for poor-quality large round hay bales or other sources of
roughage.
Consider all alternatives before you pay too much for poor-quality large round hay bales or other sources of
roughage.
Long Term AdjustmentLong Term Adjustment
• Store a surplus of hay (carry-over)
• Consider some warm season grass pasture
• Select cattle for reproductive efficiency
• Calving season
• Store a surplus of hay (carry-over)
• Consider some warm season grass pasture
• Select cattle for reproductive efficiency
• Calving season
QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?