Reading Time: 2 minutes Improving the feed efficiency of a beef cattle herd can mean big savings for producers. One way to achieve this goal is to select breeding bulls that are naturally feed efficient, since 80 to 90 per cent of the genetic improvement in a herd comes through the sires. “With this being bull-buying season, I think […] Read more
Take ‘a little extra look’ at residual feed intake number
Beef research scientist says feed efficiency is a trait that can be measured and can lead to significant herd improvement
Myth busted: Properly processed feed wheat won’t cause digestive upset
Researchers in Lethbridge swapped wheat for barley in a cattle ration without any negative effects — but the wheat must be properly processed
Reading Time: 3 minutes Shrinking barley acres have cattle producers on the hunt for a low-cost feed option. And feed wheat could be the answer — as long as the wheat is processed properly. “There was a feeling out there that you probably couldn’t feed more than 50 per cent wheat in the diet because wheat is quite rapidly […] Read more
The environmental pros and cons of feeding dried distillers grains
Cattle fed DDGs produce less methane and more nitrogen, Lethbridge Research Station scientists have found
Reading Time: 2 minutes In beef production, finding a balance between feed costs and environmental health takes continuous navigation. Feed is one of the highest on-farm costs and when the price of barley, corn and wheat rises, producers often turn to using dried distillers grains (DDGs) in their rations. While this ethanol co-product lowers methane production in cattle by […] Read more
Building winter cattle rations without wrecking your bottom line
Improving your feeding efficiency and reducing waste can help you save money overwintering your cattle this year
Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite record-high cattle prices and strong demand for beef, margins remain tight for cattle producers who are battling the high price of land and feed. But cattle feeders can widen their margins as they head into winter by taking measures to improve feed efficiency and reduce waste right now. “To prepare your cattle for winter, […] Read more
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