Table 2*
* Kansas State University
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Protein frequently is the
most limiting nutrient for cattle wintered on poor
to moderate quality harvested forages as well as
for mature cows and growing cattle grazing dormant
grass pastures and crop residues. Ample amounts of
protein are required in order for cattle to efficiently
harvest energy from forage-based feeds. Protein is
needed to support a healthy, active population of
fiber-digesting microorganisms in the stomach. Consequently,
when dietary protein is limiting, fiber digestion is
not optimal. Poor digestion results in inefficient
energy use, and often decreases feed intake too. The
combined effect of these factors is a significant decrease
in overall energy balance for the animal. This can
limit growth rate of young animals or lead to poor
body condition scores in reproducing cows and heifers.
Cattle Performance Trial
A study was performed at the Kansas State University
Beef Cattle Research
Center using 175 crossbred beef heifers averaging 683
pounds. Heifers were fed prairie hay free-choice, or
the same hay supplemented with 5 pounds daily of alfalfa
hay. Heifers within each forage group had access to
The Feed In A Drum blocks or no supplement. Heifers
were fed the forage-based diets for 89 days, and had
free access to white salt and water at all times.
Daily gains, feed intakes, and efficiencies of heifers
are shown in Table 2. Heifers fed prairie hay with
no alfalfa actually lost weight, indicating that the
hay had limited energy content. Performance was improved
substantially by feeding blocks. In particular, the
higher protein content of Range 30 MF improved forage
intake and reduced weight loss compared to the unsupplemented
controls.
Feeding five pounds of alfalfa daily effectively increased
overall energy intake by heifers, allowing for a substantial
improvement in gain compared to heifers fed only the
prairie hay. Feeding The Feed In A Drum blocks resulted
in additional boosts in gain and efficiency, illustrating
that The Feed In A Drum supplements are effective over
a range of forage qualities. |
