Supplementation can be cost-effective when producers understand the nutrient needs of cattle.

December 8, 2020

5 Min Read
Cattle and corn stalk residue
ECONOMICAL OPTION: Cornstalk residue is an economical forage resource across Nebraska, which can help producers reduce annual cow costs. Tyler Harris

With about 9.8 million acres of corn yielding an average of 182 bushels per acre, cornstalk residue can be an accessible and economical winter grazing forage option for producers in Nebraska. Historic research at the University of Nebraska has suggested cattle select mostly dropped corn, husks and leaves.

The total digestible nutrients of the selected diet can be variable, but it tends to range from 50% to 60% TDN. Variability can be attributed to many factors, including stocking density, harvest methods and conditions, weather, and grazing duration.

Additionally, producers must remember the highest forage quality in a residue field is available at the onset of grazing. As the more desirable plant parts are selected, the quality of the remaining residue decreases. Therefore, questions often arise about proper supplementation for cattle grazing residue fields.

Weaned growing calves

While maximizing gain is typically not the goal for producers grazing weaned calves on cornstalks, supplementation is still necessary to achieve the desired gain for the winter. Growing calves not receiving supplement will lose weight.

If a producer wants 600-pound calves to gain 1.5 pounds per day, the calves will need 9.2 pounds of TDN and 1.53 pounds of crude protein. Grazing cornstalk residue alone, the calves would likely only consume 6.8 pounds of TDN and 0.66 pounds of CP, falling very short of the desired outcome.

Research at the University of Nebraska has shown calves grazing cornstalks and supplemented with 4 pounds of dried distillers grains (as is basis) per day will gain 1.5 pounds per day.

Have a different target rate of gain in mind? Check out the table in this UNL BeefWatch article: Low Cost Option for Growing Calves: Corn Residue Grazing with Distiller Supplementation.

Dry pregnant cows

Fortunately, the dry pregnant cow in only the second trimester of pregnancy has a rather low nutrient requirement if she is in moderate-to-good body condition (5-6 on a 1-9 scale). A mature cow in moderate condition could maintain her weight consuming about 26 pounds of residue (DM basis).

A five-year study at the University of Nebraska found that mature cows supplemented 2.2 pounds per day of dried distillers grains (DM basis) experienced an increase in body condition (5.4 to 5.6) while nonsupplemented cows maintained a body condition score of 5.4 from October to February. No difference was detected in calf birth weight or subsequent pregnancy rate.

While weather conditions, residue availability and previous BCS of the cows all play a role in the need for supplementation, producers should be aware that little to no protein or energy supplementation may be needed for the mature pregnant beef cow until very late gestation.

However, a free choice mineral to provide supplemental phosphorus, copper, zinc and vitamin A would be needed. For a free choice mineral, with a target intake of 4 ounces per day, suggested concentrations would be 4% to 5% phosphorus, 1,500 to 2,500 parts per million copper, 3,000 to 5,000 ppm zinc and 140,000 IU per pound of vitamin A.

Lactating cows and nursing calves

Lactation increases the energy requirements of the cow substantially. If a lactating 1,350-pound cow could eat 30 pounds (DM basis) of residue, it would only supply about 13 to 15 pounds of TDN, which is short of the energy needs of lactation.

An energy supplement is needed, not just a protein supplement at this point. For example, consuming 1 pound (as is basis) of a lick tub would not supply 1 pound of TDN, and the cow would need 3 to 5 pounds of supplemental TDN to meet her needs just for maintenance, without consideration for mud and weather conditions.

The nursing calf also needs supplemental nutrition in addition to milk while grazing cornstalks. Calves will graze the stalks and likely manage to consume some of the supplement given to the cows.

Summer calving cows

A University of Nebraska study indicated supplementing summer born (July/August) pairs after breeding on cornstalks with 5.5 pounds of dried distillers (DM basis) resulted in nursing calves gaining 1.43 pounds per day from December to March, while confined nursing calves gained 2.1 pounds per day.

However, because the cornstalk residue was an economical forage resource, the net income was more for the lighter residue grazing calves compared with the confined calves. Producers who desire more gain during residue grazing might consider a method of creep feeding or creep grazing.

Fall calving cows

Producers will want to pay special attention to the fall calving cow grazing cornstalk residue during peak lactation, just before breeding. This is a time when her nutrient needs are the highest and need to be met to provide the best chances for rebreeding.

Supplementing 8 pounds as is of dried distillers grain per pair would provide enough energy to meet the demands of the cow, as well as provide some supplement for the calf.

Producers often ask about supplementing alfalfa on cornstalks, but for the lactating cow in peak lactation, the energy in alfalfa is simply not enough to meet their needs. Producers who would like assistance in developing a supplemental ration for lactating cows on cornstalks are encouraged to contact their local university Extension beef personnel for assistance.

Cornstalk residue is an economical forage resource across Nebraska, which can help producers reduce annual cow costs. Supplementation strategies can be cost-effective when producers understand the nutrient needs of the cattle grazing residues and design supplementation programs accordingly.

Wilke is a University of Nebraska Extension cow-calf systems and stocker management specialist. Drewnoski is a Nebraska Extension beef systems specialist. McCarthy is a Nebraska Extension cow-calf specialist.

Source: UNL BeefWatch, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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