Wheat Straw in Growing Cattle Diets

Authors

Gary Lesoing, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Ivan G. Rush, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
John Ward

Date of this Version

1980

Comments

Published in Journal of Animal Science, Vol. 51, No. 2, 1981. Used by permission.

Abstract

Three cattle growth trials were conducted to evaluate the use of untreated and alkali-treated wheat straw as energy sources for ruminants. In trial 1, daily gain decreased as level of untreated wheat straw increased in the diet. A 14% decrease in gain occurred when the level of straw was increased from 30 to 40% of the diet. In trial 2, cattle fed 4% NaOH-treated wheat straw at the 30 or 60% level had better daily gains and feed efficieneies (Pvs. .54 kg/day). In addition, in this trial, cattle fed 50% treated wheat straw gained faster (Pvs. .62 kg/day).