Animal Husbandry

Producers can offset high forage prices by using by-products from cereal grains, sugar beets, sugarcane, and even waste from bakeries as animal feed. These by-products, including wheat bran, corn gluten meal, and brewer’s grains, offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional forages like pasture grasses and hay. By strategically incorporating these feeds, producers can maintain animal […]

Grain prices significantly influence the composition of feed rations for cattle. These prices affect the economic decisions that farmers make when determining the most cost-effective and nutritious feed for their livestock. Understanding this relationship is crucial for maintaining profitability in cattle farming while ensuring the animals’ health and productivity. How Grain Prices Impact Cattle Feed […]

Balancing forage and grain is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of different livestock species. Forage, like pasture grass and hay, provides fiber and roughage, while grains offer concentrated energy and nutrients. Adjusting this balance depends on the animal’s species, age, physiological state (e.g., growth, pregnancy, lactation), and the type of production. How to […]

The right balance of forage and grain in animal feed depends on the animal species, their physiological state (growth, maintenance, reproduction), and the type of production (meat, milk, work). Forage, like pasture grasses and hay, provides essential fiber and nutrients, while grains offer concentrated energy. Balancing these ensures the animal’s health, productivity, and economic efficiency […]

Underfeeding forage can significantly impact livestock, leading to malnutrition and reduced productivity. Forage, such as grasses and legumes, provides essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, necessary for the maintenance, growth, reproduction, and overall health of animals. Insufficient forage intake can result in weight loss, poor growth, weakened immune systems, and decreased reproductive performance. How […]

Maintaining forage quality during wet seasons presents several challenges, primarily revolving around moisture control and the prevention of spoilage. Excess moisture can lead to nutrient loss, promote undesirable fermentation, and create conditions favorable for microbial growth, ultimately reducing the nutritional value and palatability of the forage. Implementing proper storage and harvesting techniques is essential to […]

Calculating grain feed for beef cattle involves several factors, including the cattle’s weight, stage of production, and desired rate of gain. Generally, fattening cattle are fed 2.2 to 3.0 percent of their live weight daily, adjusting for the concentrate amount in the ration and the fattening rate. This typically results in a daily gain of […]

Feeding grain to animals can lead to rapid weight gain and increased marbling in meat, which can increase its market value. Grains such as corn and soy provide a high-energy diet that supports maximal growth and reduces the amount of foraging activity needed, which maximizes profits for producers. However, grains are not the optimal diet […]

The recommended grain intake for pigs varies based on their age, size, and stage of life. Generally, pigs require a balanced diet of concentrates, including cereal grains, to meet their nutritional needs because, unlike ruminants, they cannot process large amounts of forage. The amount and type of grain in a pig’s diet should be adjusted […]