Evaluation of Feather Meal for Calves Grazing Cornstalks

Authors

D. J. Jordon, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Mark Klemesrud, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 1998

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 1998, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Three years of cornstalk grazing trials were conducted from 1995-97 to determine the feeding value of a sunflower, feather and blood meal supplement compared to a traditional soybean meal supplement. Analysis revealed no year x treatment interaction in years 1 and 2, so data were pooled. Gains of calves receiving soybean meal (0.97 lb/day) were not significantly different from those consuming sunflower/ feather meal (0.83 lb/day). In year 3, protein sources were evaluated for undegradable intake protein before formulation. Gains were similar between soybean meal (0.19 lb/day) and sunflower/feather meal (0.16 lb/day). A supplement containing sunflower/ feather meal is an acceptable alternative to a soybean meal supplement while saving approximately $50-64/ton.