Feed Lot Magazine Online, Feeding Wheat to Cattle

With wheat harvest over and weaning dates approaching, some producers may be considering including wheat in growing and/or finishing rations this year. In general, wheat energy values are similar to corn, with protein ranging from 12 to 15 percent. Considering both energy and protein, the relative feed value of wheat is approximately 103 to 105 percent that of corn.

When economical, wheat can be used to partially replace more traditional livestock grains such as milo or corn, and can also be used in cow herd and stocker supplementation programs.

Comparing the Cost of Wheat

Because of wheat's heavier bushel weight, lower moisture level, and slightly higher relative feed value, wheat is normally included in least cost rations when its price is less than 110 to 115 percent of corn per bushel. Although relative grain prices may not dictate feeding wheat, producers still may be interested in including wheat in growing and finishing rations, particularly if low test weight or sprout damaged wheat is available at discounted prices.

Growing Rations

Wheat can be three to five percent higher in protein than corn or milo, and works well as a grain substitute in backgrounding rations. Fort Hays University research suggests that four pounds of wheat can replace 4.5 pounds of corn or five pounds of milo, and may be used as the only grain source in silage-based growing rations.

Dry, hay-based growing rations should limit the use of wheat to no more than 50 percent of the grain to reduce fines. Because the starch in wheat is more rapidly digested than that of corn, cattle should be adjusted to wheat slowly and monitored closely.

The addition of an ionophore is suggested to improve feed efficiency and help reduce the slight chance of bloat and acidosis.

Finishing Rations

In high concentrate rations, the amount of wheat generally should be limited to 30 to 50 percent of the grain. As with the grower rations, changes should be made slowly.

Other suggestions include using a coarse roll or grind on the wheat, keeping the fiber level of the ration above six percent, and including an ionophore to reduce the chances of acidosis and bloat. Feedyards with flakers can steamroll wheat to about 37 to 39 pounds test weight, and make an excellent flake.

Discounted wheat

One low-cost feeding alternative is feeding off quality, light test, or sprouted wheat. Research in North Dakota, Montana and Canada shows very little effect of light test weight on the feeding value of wheat.

On the basis of these studies, producers can assume that wheat weighing over 45 pounds per bushel should have at least 95 percent of the feeding value of normal wheat for cattle. In addition, sprouted wheat also works well in livestock rations. Idaho researchers have shown that sprouted wheat can be substituted for normal wheat without affecting feedlot performance. In their trials, the wheat was approximately 60 percent sprouted and tested 56 pounds/bushel.

Concerns

When feeding off-quality wheat to cattle, there may be concerns about molds and mycotoxins when feeding wheat with head blight or "wheat scab." Most livestock feeds have mold spores on them. Even when mold counts increase to the point that they are visible, either in the field, during storage, or in the bunk, not all molds produce the mycotoxins responsible for decreased intake and performance.

If the grain you are feeding has visible mold and a distinct musty odor, and you have noticed decreases in feed intake and/or performance, lab analyses may be necessary to determine grain quality and the presence of mycotoxins such as zearalenone and vomitoxin. Fortunately, growing and finishing cattle tolerate fairly high levels -- up to 10ppm -- of these two mycotoxins without problems, but breeding cattle are more sensitive.