Stretching Winter Feed Supplies

REGINA - Feb 10/04 - SNS -- Canadian cattle producers are feeding more than calves than usual this winter because of continuing bans on imports of Canadian beef and cattle in all major trading regions.

As a result of this lack of movement, feeding needs have expanded at a time of unusually strong feed ingredient markets on account of tight supplies of good quality forage because of dry conditions in parts of the province last year. Many beef producers, therefore, are looking at ways to stretch their feed supplies till spring.

"And one way to do this is to use straw in the winter rations," says Naomi Paley, livestock agrologist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization in Yorkton. "Compared to hay, straw is relatively inexpensive and, because of Saskatchewan's high acreage of annual crops, readily available.

"But beef producers must remember that straw and grain alone do not make a good ration for a wintering beef cow. Straw does not contain adequate levels of energy, protein, minerals or vitamins to winter a bred cow."

Paley says cows digest straw at a slower rate than hay, so cannot eat and digest enough straw to meet their nutritional requirements. On a daily basis, therefore, cows will consume less straw than hay. Grinding or processing straw will increase intake but, without proper and balanced supplementation of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals, problems such as malnutrition, impaction, reduced milk output and lower conception rates can result.

In general, she says, cereal straws are comparable in feed value. Pea and lentil straw have higher levels of protein and energy than cereal straws. But pea and lentil straws often contain more dust than cereal straws, and tend to be coarse and stemmy. When introducing pea or lentil straw, therefore, removal of other forages for a day or two can help to encourage better intakes, says Paley. Year-old straw tends to be more palatable than freshly baled straw.

"In a straw-based ration, grain in some form will likely be the main source of energy. A mature cow can safely consume eight to 10 pounds of grain or pelleted screenings at one feeding. If the level of grain being fed each day is more than this amount, producers should consider dividing the concentrate into equal portions twice a day."

Paley says that feeding limited amounts of hay, even poor-to-medium quality hay, will improve any straw ration. In some cases, she says, the cheapest source of protein will likely come from alfalfa or alfalfa-grass hays. She also says it is advisable to feed cows hay instead of straw starting six weeks or at least one month prior to calving and throughout lactation.

"And another important aspect to consider is that of straw stored uncovered outside for long periods of time. Because it will likely be weathered, producers should watch for signs of moulding. Mouldy straw, hay or grain should not be fed to pregnant cows, because moulds and the toxins they produce can cause health problems in the bred cow" says Paley.

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