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I found an interesting article from Canada on stretching hay supply with straw. The article is located at https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/2017/11/06/stretching-your-cattles-hay-supply-with-straw/. I asked Dr. Megan Van Emon (MSU Assistant Professor, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist) to review the article to see if it is a good fit for Chouteau County producers. I have included Megan’s comments.
Travis Peardon, the regional livestock specialist in Outlook, Saskatchewan says straw has its limitations when used in beef cattle diets. Straw does not contain enough energy, protein, minerals or vitamins to be the sole source of winter feed. Cows cannot eat and digest enough straw to meet their nutritional requirements. Straw is digested at a slower rate than hay. As a result, cows consume less straw than hay. Grinding or processing straw increases intake, but without proper balanced supplementation of energy and protein, problems can appear. Malnutrition, impaction, reduced milk output and lowered conception rates are all possible outcomes if too much emphasis is put on straw.
The cheapest source of protein will likely be alfalfa or alfalfa-grass hay. Dr. Megan Van Emon warns producers about feeding poor hay with straw. A cow needs at least medium quality hay (8-9% protein) to minimize impaction problems. Straw should not exceed 50% of the diet of mature cows during the 2nd trimester. A maximum of 25% straw can be fed during the 3rd trimester. Heifers should never be fed more than 20% of straw in the ration because nutrients will be insufficient for heifer growth. Dr. Van Emon also warns producers that including a grain source or non-forage protein isn’t enough to overcome impaction. Management techniques to minimize impaction are grinding hay with the straw or rolling out straw on top of good quality hay.
Peardon reminds producers that adequate and balanced levels of main and trace minerals need to be incorporated into the ration. The requirements for minerals change throughout the various stages of pregnancy and lactation. Developing a balanced ration is the key to successfully feeding straw.
Montana State University U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
