Straw and Chaff
     Fresh cereal straw is a good alternative in wintering rations for cows and sheep if properly supplemented with an energy source like grain and with added minerals and vitamins. All cereal straws can be fed, with oat and barley straws being preferable because they are more palatable. Straw can be used in combination with other feeds as the sole roughage for beef cows, however, its use should be limited to 8 to 10 pounds to maintain milk production in dairy cows.

     Straw one year old should also be considered a feed source. It usually is slightly more digestible and palatable than fresh straw.

     Ammoniating straw and chaff will improve their feed value and increase consumption. Calculate the cost of ammoniation before treating straw. Ammoniation reduces but does not eliminate the need for grain.

     Chaff can be used in a similar manner to straw in rations for beef cows and sheep. It contains some grain and weed seeds making it slightly better in feeding value than straw. It, however, still must be supplemented with minerals and vitamins and an energy source such as grain. Producers have successfully left chaff in fields as bunches to be grazed or fed in combination wintering rations. Feeding on the ground can waste up to 50 percent of poor quality feed. Using tombstone feeders or electric fences greatly reduces wastage. Using chaff as feed leaves the straw on the land to prevent erosion.

     Flax straw is considered to be of lower feeding value than cereal straws. It is coarse and fibrous and as a result, cannot be processed but is readily eaten by cows. If frozen, it should be analysed for prussic acid, which can be poisonous to animals consuming it. Energy and protein must be adequate to guard against rumen impaction.

<< Previous    1  [2]  3  4  5    Next >>