Beef

By-Product Feeds Quick Reference Guide
  • September 30, 2019
  • Posted by: Kim Mullenix and Jack Tatum
  • in Beef
  •   Print

1 min read
Hereford and angus cattle

Nutrient Composition of By-Product Feeds

The nutrient composition of by-products varies widely. The following table is a general guideline for understanding feed composition, but a feed analysis should be requested to more accurately determine feed value for your situation.

 

Table 1. Nutrient Composition of Byproduct Feeds

†Adapted from NRC (1996) and Preston (2014) Feed Composition Tables
‡DM, dry matter; TDN, total digestible nutrients; CP, crude protein; Ca, calcium; P, phosphorous.

 

Selecting an Energy or Protein Supplement

Evaluate the feed on a cost per pound (lb) of nutrient basis.

2000 lb per ton x % DM x % TDN = lb TDN

$ per ton / lb TDN = $ per lb TDN

 

2000 lb per ton x % DM x % CP = lb CP

$ per ton / lb CP = $ per lb CP

Example

What is the cost of soybean hulls as an energy supplement?

Given: 90% dry matter, 75% TDN, 12% CP $180 per ton

2000 lb per ton x 0.90 x 0.75 = 1350 lb TDN per ton

$180 per ton / 1350 lb TDN per ton = $0.13 per lb TDN

Bulk Density of Commodities

The following table provides density estimations for storage considerations.

 

Table 2: Density Estimations for Storage Considerations

†Based on standard, dry storage moisture content
‡Sources: Kammel (1991); Rankins, unpublished data, 2013

 

For further information on by-product feeds, consult the publication, By-Product Feeds for Alabama Beef Cattle, ANR-1237.