Optimizing the Utilization of Cereal Crop Residues for Beef Cattle

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Abstract
Cereal crop aftermath residues represent a tremendous potential feed source for beef cattle. This manuscript reviews research concerning increasing utilization of cereal crop aftermath by cattle. These residues are low in protein and high in fiber. Two methods of increasing the utilization of these residues are chemical treatment and proper supplementation. Sodium hydroxide has been evaluated as a method of chemical treatment and does result in improved digestibility and animal performance when treated straw is compared with non-treated straw. Ammonia treatment has gained increasing acceptance among livestock producers. Although the benefits of ammonia treatment are not as great as with sodium hydroxide, ammonia is easier and cheaper to use and also supplies N. Not all of the added N is available and utilized by the ruminal microorganisms. Only 50% of the added N is actually utilized. Utilization of non-treated straw can be optimized by proper protein supplementation. To obtain maximum animal production, the protein supplement must be a pre-formed protein and not nonprotein N. The factors in pre-formed protein that lead to maximum utilization of straw have not been identified. With proper supplementation and chemical treatment, cereal crop aftermath can economically supply a significant portion of the energy needs of wintering cattle. Copyright © 1987. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1987 by American Society of Animal Science