Adapting roughages varying in quality and curing processes to the nutrition of beef cattle. Combinations of wheat straw and alfalfa hay in the winter ration of beef heifers.

Abstract

Previous work at this station (Circular 297. p. 45-47) and at the Fort Hays Branch Experiment Station (Circular 322, p. 1-6) indicates that beef calves wintered on a daily ration of 1.75-2 pounds of ground sorghum grain, 1.25-2 pounds of protein concentrate and wheat straw fed free-choice made average daily gains of only .3 to .6 pound. One pound of molasses substituted for 1 pound of grain and sprinkled on wheat straw increased consumption only .22 pound per head dally but decreased gains .08 pound per head dally. Also 1 pound of molasses had slightly less feeding value than 1 pound of grain in a wintering ration for steer calves with wheat straw roughage. The addition of 1 pound of dehydrated alfalfa pellets increased the rate of gain and feed efficiency. Calves receiving dehydrated alfalfa pellets also consumed more straw.