Feedstuffs

grasses undergo several stages of growth in the spring

1) leafy vegetative; 2) boot with seed heads enclosed in leaf sheath; 3) heading when the seed heads begin to show; and, 4) bloom. Cellulose and lignin (both part of the cell wall) contents increase as the plant matures while digestibility decreases. Concentration of protein also decreases as the grasses head out. Therefore, a goal for grazing management is to maintain the forage in the vegetative stage to avoid grazing mature pastures. Regrowth after grazing is leafy and does not continue through all stages of maturity. Legumes also go from leafy to stemmy growth in stages. As with grasses, percentage protein and most minerals decline while cell wall content increases to lower quality

Legumes

3 leaflets per stem; symbiotic relationship with bacteria in nodules in the root system; rhizobia bacteria can use atmospheric nitrogen by reducing it to ammonia which the plant can use to synthesize amino acids. As a result, legumes do not need N fertilization and increase soil nitrogen content. Common examples are clover and alfalfa.

wheat middlings

A wheat by-product that is a good grain substitute is: Select one: a. wheat bran b. wheat middlings c. brewers grains d. wheat flour

Meat packing and rendering Fish and fish processing Poultry and poultry processing Milk and milk processing

Animal protein supplements are derived from four major industries: Meat packing and rendering Fish and fish processing Poultry and poultry processing Milk and milk processing

Cool season grasses mature at a slower rate and are slower to decline in quality than warm season grasses

Choose the true statement when comparing warm and cool season grasses: Select one: a. A pasture containing a mixture of warm and cool season grasses is undesirable. b. Warm season grasses are higher in protein and lower in fiber than cool season grasses. c. Cool season grasses grow best at a temperature of 95-105F and have deep root systems that are adapted to water stress. d. Cool season grasses mature at a slower rate and are slower to decline in quality than warm season grasses.

2.25 times

Fats and Oils provide ______ more energy than cereal grains. Select one: a. 2.25 times b. 5.65 times c. 9.45 times d. 3.75 times

soybean meal

If a certain feedstuff is described as having 44% to 48% crude protein content and having the most nutritive value of any plant protein, the feedstuff could be ______. Select one: a. corn silage b. corn grain c. oats d. soybean meal

problems when silage is made

If silage is too wet there is nutrient loss due to seepage. High moisture also decreases the temperature of the silage during heating resulting in greater growth of bacteria that produce butyric acid. This results in poor quality silage with a final pH that is less acidic. On the other hand, if the forage is too dry it will be hard to pack resulting in improper fermentation and mold growth.

energy feeds

In general, they are higher in energy density and lower in fiber than forages and roughages. Relative to fiber content they are defined as having less than 18% crude fiber or less than 35% cell wall. They are highly digestible. Types of feedstuffs in this category are: Cereal Grains Co-products from the milling industry Molasses Fats and oils Roots and tubers Beet and citrus pulps Whey products Seeds of other plants Fruits and nuts - not that common for livestock

1. Dry roughages and forages - dry (hay) 2. Pasture - fresh grass 3. Silage 4. Energy feeds 5. Protein supplements 6. Mineral supplements 7. Vitamin supplements 8. Nonnutritive additives

National Research Council (NRC) feedstuffs categories (based on their chemical compositions, physical forms and use as a feed); *first 5 are described in this module; 1st 3 combined into "Forages and Roughages"

high energy feed

Oat grain is an example of a _______. Select one: a. forage b. high energy feed c. mineral supplement d. protein supplement e. legume

take advantage of this to extend the grazing season in two ways

One is to plant mixed pastures, containing more than one forage type, so forage is available for most of the year. The second is to plant a cool season grass in one pasture and warm season grass in another pasture. Animals can be moved among pastures to match periods of forage growth

will decrease both over and under grazing

Select the advantage(s) for rotational grazing: Select one: a. low cost and low management time b. livestock will tend to graze in patches c. does not require extra fencing d. will decrease both over and under grazing

Animal protein supplements Plant protein supplements Nonprotein nitrogen

The categories of protein supplements are:

Nutrient Composition of Grains

The cereal grains are a good source of energy but are relatively low in crude protein, ranging from 10 to 15%. Corn has the lowest and wheat the highest CP concentration. Oats and barley have lower energy content because of their hulls and the greater content of fiber.Carbohydrates are the major component of the grain and are approximately 70% of the dry matter. Starch is the primary carbohydrate. Lipids are low and vary from 1 to 6%. These are oils containing many unsaturated fatty acids which have double bonds. Grains are low in calcium. They are high in phosphorus; however, much of the phosphorus is in the form of phytic acid (or phytate). Grains are relatively low in vitamins. Corn is high in β-carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A.

fiber

The seed coat of a grain is relatively high in: Select one: a. lipid b. protein c. starch d. fiber

both c and d

The situation of undergrazing a pasture affects the pasture value by: a. weakening the plants by decreasing the amount of leaf surfaces left b. causing greater soil erosion and greater weed invasion c. increasing maturity of the plants d. decreasing the plants nutritional value e. both c and d

poultry by-product meal and hydrolyzed feather meal.

Two products derived from poultry and poultry processing are

NPN - Nonprotein Nitrogen

Urea is the most common source. Pure urea is 46.7% N and feed grade urea is 45% N. Urea is only fed to ruminants. Bacteria in the rumen convert the urea to ammonia. Ammonium products are fed mostly to ruminants only. They include ammonium phosphate and ammonium chloride.Amino acid supplements are in the NPN category. The ones most commonly included in the diet are methionine, lysine and threonine. Supplemental amino acids are commonly added to feeds for simple-stomached animals.

cottonseed meal

What feedstuff can be fed in higher amounts to ruminants than other species due to its toxic gossypol content? Select one: a. soybean meal b. blood meal c. cottonseed meal d. corn gluten meal

lignin

Which of the following cell wall components contributes most to decreased total digestibility of the plant?

mow, cure, rake, collect and store

Which of the following choices lists the hay making process in the proper order?

Protein decreases and fiber increases as the stage of maturity increases.

Which of the following is a true statement about forages? Select one: a. Stems are more nutritious than leaves. b. Older plants are more nutritious than young plants. c. Grasses have a higher protein content than legumes. d. Protein decreases and fiber increases as the stage of maturity increases.

starch

Which of the following is not part of the cell wall? Select one: a. cellulose b. lignin c. starch d. hemicellulose

animal fat>sorghum grain>alfalfa hay

Which of the following is the correct ranking of the feedstuffs from highest to lowest energy content? Select one: a. sorghum grain>animal fat>alfalfa hay b. alfalfa hay>sorghum grain>animal fat c. animal fat>alfalfa hay>sorghum grain d. animal fat>sorghum grain>alfalfa hay e. sorghum grain>alfalfa hay>animal fat

Molasses

a coproduct of manufacturing of sugar from sugar cane (cane or blackstrap molasses) or sugar beets (beet molasses). It is available in liquid or dehydrated form. 50 to 60% sugar and high in mineral content. It is added to diets to enhance palatability, decrease dustiness and may serve as a vehicle for medications or other additives. A relatively small amount, 3 to 5%, is added to diets. Inclusion at levels exceeding 10% can lead to digestive upset.

fermentation process - silos

about 3 weeks. When the silo is filled there is an initial aerobic phase. During this time plant respiration continues. Plant enzymes and aerobic bacteria convert readily available carbohydrates to heat, water, and carbon dioxide. This results in depletion of the oxygen and heating of the silage over the first 48 hours. Lack of oxygen inhibits mold growth. As the oxygen depletes, anaerobic bacteria multiply and ferment starches and sugars. Early on in the fermentation process bacteria that produce acetic acid predominate. As time progresses this changes to bacteria that produce lactic acid. Lactic acid is the major acid in high quality silage and will be 4 to 10% of dry matter. When fermentation is complete, the pH will be 3.5 - 4.5. This prevents bacterial growth. Silage is stable for years if properly fermented and oxygen is kept out.

Cool season grasses

also referred to as C3 plants or temperate plants. There are two major photosynthetic pathways. The term C3 plant means that the first product in the pathway of photosynthesis has three carbon atoms. These grasses grow best at temperatures less than 80 F. They have two periods of growth during the year. They store carbohydrate in roots for re-growth although re-growth is lower in soluble carbohydrate and therefore, lower in quality. mature at a slower rate and have slower decline in quality with aging than warm season grasses. period of rapid growth in early spring and re-growth in the fall. They are relatively dormant in summer

Warm season grasses

also referred to as C4 plants or tropical plants. The first products in the pathway of photosynthesis have four carbon atoms. As a result, C4 plants are more efficient in use of solar energy, carbon dioxide and water to make carbohydrates. They grow best at 95-105 F. They have deep root systems and are better adapted to water stress than cool season grasses. They are also lower in protein and higher in fiber than cool season grasses. period of most rapid growth in the summer and are dormant in the cooler months

pasture

an area of land on which there is a growth of forage that animals can graze. Use of this tends to lessen feed costs and, if well-managed, provides a good source of high quality protein, vitamins and minerals.

Cottonseed hulls

an important roughage source for dairy and beef cattle in the south. They are palatable. They contain approximately 3.8% CP. roughage and are incorporated into the diet of many animals. Examples are oat hulls, peanut hulls, and soy hulls

Cereal plants

annual grasses

Wheat middlings

are used as a grain replacement.

Bloat

associated with legume pastures particularly, alfalfa and clover. Ruminants are more susceptible to bloat than horses because of their anatomy. The normal eructation process is prevented due to foam accumulation in the rumen which entraps gas within the rumen leading to distension; Because the animal is unable to eructate there is no way to relieve the gas pressure. The rumen continues to distend and ultimately the condition can result in suffocation and death. Prevention is the best approach. Prevention strategies include use of anti-bloat mineral blocks that contain poloxalene on pasture, limiting grazing time, and use of mixed pastures. Agents to destabilize the foam can be administered through a stomach tube (poloxalene, corn oil) if an animal is in distress.

Grass tetany

associated with low magnesium intake or interference with use of magnesium in the body leading to low blood magnesium concentration. High N fertilization, cool weather, and rapid plant growth intensify the problem. It is usually associated with rapid growth of cool season grasses in the spring which results in a plant that is relatively low in magnesium, high in potassium, and high in organic acids which may decrease absorption of magnesium from the rumen. Ruminants are most susceptible. Symptoms include incoordination, convulsions, and death. Supplementation of animals on pasture with magnesium oxide will prevent the condition.

Roots

beets, turnips, and carrots are high in sugars.

Roughages

bulky feeds with a low weight per unit volume. Bulky feeds are high in fiber; include items such as peanut hulls or cottonseed hulls which are not forages

Proteins

complex organic molecules composed of amino acids. Each protein has a different arrangement of amino acids. There are 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins. Bacteria and plants can synthesize all amino acids from simple starting materials. Animals obtain their amino acids from these sources (or other animals) because they cannot synthesize all the ones they need. Proteins are on average 16% N.

Co-product feeds

concentrates and roughages other than the primary products from animal and plant processing. They are derived from many industries including meat packers, fish processors, milk processors, flour millers, brewers and distillers, oil seed crushers, corn millers, and grain processors. In general, these are not fit for human consumption. Many of these co-products are concentrates and are included in the category of energy feeds or protein supplements.

Nitrogenous feeds

concentrates containing more than 20% crude protein. Soybean meal is the most commonly used animal feed in this category. The nitrogenous concentrates (high protein) are part of a broader category of feedstuffs termed protein supplements. Protein supplements are feedstuffs containing more than 20% crude protein and may be of plant or animal origin.

Carbonaceous feeds

concentrates that have relatively low protein content, less than 20%. This category includes the cereal grains. Corn is the major animal feed in this category.

Meat and bone meal

contains added bone such that the product contains more than 4.4% P. The Ca content is limited to no more than 2.2 x the phosphorus content. It contains 45-50% CP. Ca and P must be labeled.

Dried blood meal

contains all the components of blood including cells and plasma. It contains 80-85% CP. It has low palatability and is added to diets at a low percentage (less than 5%).

forage plant cell

contains highly digestible cell contents in a less digestible cell wall; cell wall is a feature that distinguishes plants and animals. The structure of the cell wall is a major factor in the digestibility of plants; The carbohydrates associated with the cell wall are termed structural carbohydrates and include cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. Cellulose and hemicellulose form a greater proportion of the cell wall than pectin. The other major component is lignin. Lignin is not a carbohydrate but is usually discussed with the carbohydrates because of their association in the cell wall. These components are also considered plant fiber

crude fiber (CF)

contains the cellulose and most of the lignin; does not give a complete characterization of the fibrous components

Wheat bran

contains the outermost layer of the grain. It is bulky and has laxative properties.

Whey products

derived from the liquid remaining after processing milk in making cheese. It may be in liquid or dry form. It is approximately 14% CP in DM. It contains a significant amount of lactose and mineral which can have laxative properties if included in diets in unlimited amount. It is often included in diets of young growing animals following weaning.

Horizontal silos

either above the ground (bunker silo) or below the ground (trench silo). These are packed with a tractor.

Upright silos

either of the concrete stave type or glass lined. Forage is blown to the top of the silo through a tube on the side of the silo and falls into the silo. Forage is packed by gravity.

phytase

enzyme added added to the diets of other animals (pigs, poultry) to increase availability of the phosphorus in phytic acid.

fats and oils

fats are solids at room temperature and oils are liquids at room temperature. They have 2.25 times the energy value of carbohydrates per unit weight. Animal fats include lard (pork fat), tallow (beef fat) and poultry grease. Vegetable oils are extracted from different seeds such as corn (corn oil), soybean (soybean oil), or cotton (cottonseed oil).

Silage

fed mostly to dairy and beef cattle. Corn silage is most common. Corn for silage is cut when the moisture content is 60-70% The forage is chopped into small pieces, packed into a silo and sealed. Silages or haylages are fermented forages stored under anaerobic (without oxygen) conditions in a silo. The conditions provide an environment where microorganisms ferment the soluble carbohydrates in the forage producing lactic acid, and other short chain fatty acids. As the acids are produced, the pH decreases until it is around 4.0-4.5. As the pH decreases, microbial growth is inhibited and as long as the conditions remain anaerobic, the silage is relatively stable.

bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, mad cow disease)

first reported in Great Britain in 1986. It is a progressive neurological disorder that includes deterioration of the brain and spinal cord. BSE is caused by an infectious form of a normal protein called a prion. It is not known what causes the prions to become harmful. This disease can be passed to other cattle by consuming products from a BSE infected animal. A similar disease in humans is variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). This was first reported in the United Kingdom in 1996. Consumption of meat products from contaminated animals could be linked to this human disease based on epidemiological evidence.

Hay

forage harvested during the growing period and preserved by drying. It retains much of its nutritional value during storage. The objective in making hay is to reduce the moisture content of the hay to 10 to 15% and thus retard enzymatic or microbial degradation during storage. The quality of hay will vary with the species of plant (grasses vs legumes); stage of maturity at which it was cut; and general handling and weather during cutting.

mow, cure, rake into windrows, and collect and store—usually as bales

four steps to making hay

Soybean meal

has the greatest nutritive value of any plant protein. It is the most common protein supplement and is incorporated into the diet of most animals. The concentration of protein is either 44 or 48% depending on the amount of hulls in the final product

Tubers

include potatoes, are high in starch.

Cotton fiber by-product

includes by-products of both the ginning and milling of cotton. It contains mostly cellulose and approximately 4 to 9% CP. It is a roughage that is fed to beef cattle.

neutral detergent fiber (NDF)

includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin and approximates the cell wall. Dry matter intake of forages is related to the cell wall content. An increase in NDF will limit intake

Hydrolyzed feather meal

is cooked with steam to break bonds in keratin. The protein keratin, which is a major protein in feathers, is not digestible without processing. Processing increases digestibility; however, this is a low quality protein.

Spray-dried plasma protein

is derived from the plasma portion of blood. It is included in the diet of young animals. In young pigs, inclusion of plasma protein stimulates intake. It contains 78% CP.

Poultry by-product meal

is produced from head, feet, undeveloped eggs and viscera. It contains 48-64% CP that is of lower quality than flesh.

Cottonseed meal

is second in tonnage to soybean meal. The concentration of CP is 45 to 55% depending on the amount of hulls. It is fed in limited amount to all animals because of gossypol, which is a toxic substance in the seed. Ruminants tolerate more than other animals because the microorganisms in the rumen decrease its toxicity.

forage quality

leaves are more nutritious than stems. Stems have more structural carbohydrate in the cell wall whereas leaves have more soluble carbohydrate which has greater digestibility. A measure that is used to estimate forage quality is the leaf:stem ratio. A greater leaf:stem ratio indicates forage of higher quality. Young plants are more nutritious than old plants. As plants age the cell wall takes a greater portion of the total cell and digestibility decreases. The concentration of protein decreases also with aging.

Grasses

long narrow leaves on a cylindrical stem; There are two major grass categories based on growth patterns - cool and warm season grasses.

Feedstuffs

loosely defined as any component of a diet, of natural or artificial origin, that has useful or nutritional value when properly prepared; can provide nutrients such as protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals; whereas it can also provide energy (derived from carbohydrate, fat, or protein). Feedstuffs can be of either animal or plant origin, and even though they have the same components [water and dry matter (organic and inorganic matter)], they differ in composition

seed coat and bran layer, the endosperm, and the germ or embryo.

main parts of the seed

Undergrazing

more mature forage that is of lower nutritional value and may be less palatable. Increases in height of tall growing grasses may also drive out lower growing plants. Tall growth of orchardgrass would shade white clover making it difficult for the clover to survive in the pasture.

Feeds

naturally occurring ingredients fed to animals for the purpose of sustaining them.

Fescue toxicosis

occurs in cattle, sheep, and horses. Kentucky 31 is the most prevalent variety of fescue. It is hardy due to the presence of a fungus that lives inside the leaves, stems and seeds. The fungus, termed an endophyte, gives the plant greater insect resistance and increases tolerance to poor soils. The endophyte produces compounds which are toxic to the animal. Cattle consuming infected pastures decrease intake and gain. They are less heat tolerant, have rough hair coats, and may have hair loss or lameness (Figure 9). There are more serious concerns for horses consuming infected pastures. Mares consuming infected pastures in the last trimester of gestation may have abortions, prolonged gestation, and decreased milk production. Endophyte-free varieties of fescue were developed to address the problem; however, they are not as hardy and are expensive. This can be seen by visual comparison. Infected seed can germinate in a noninfected field and start the transition to an infected field. Other varieties of fescue were developed that contain an endophyte that confers hardiness but does not have toxic effects. These are referred to as "Endophyte friendly". An example is Max Q.

Forages (grasses and legumes)

plants grown or used for feeding animals; defined as vegetative materials in a fresh, dried, or ensiled state. It includes the leaves, stems, and stalks of plants; usually used to describe the whole plant rather than a part of the plant such as the seed. Pasture, hay, and silage are examples

acid detergent fiber (ADF)

portion includes cellulose and lignin only. It is inversely related to digestibility of the forage. As ADF increases in the DM, digestibility decreases. It is the content of lignin in the ADF that is the most indigestible component. Lignin also forms cross-links with cellulose which decrease the digestibility of cellulose. Acid detergent fiber is similar to crude fiber but ADF more completely measures the cellulose and lignin

Meat meal

processed from carcass trimmings and condemned carcasses. It includes organs, bone, and fat but does not contain blood, hair, hooves, horns or hides. It contains 50-55% CP. It is rich in minerals especially calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P).

Concentrates

relatively high in energy and low in fiber content. They are highly digestible. can be high or low in protein and are usually separated into two categories based on their protein content. Nitrogenous feeds are concentrates containing more than 20% crude protein. Soybean meal (see figure below) is the most commonly used animal feed in this category. The nitrogenous concentrates (high protein) are part of a broader category of feedstuffs termed protein supplements. Protein supplements are feedstuffs containing more than 20% crude protein and may be of plant or animal origin.

Nitrate toxicity

results from excess nitrate intake due to excess nitrate accumulation in plants. Two conditions that lead to this are excess N fertilization and drought. Use of swine lagoon effluent to irrigate bermudagrass pastures has resulted in this condition. Nitrate is normally converted to amino acids during plant metabolism; however, this process is decreased with excess N or drought. Ruminants are most susceptible because their site of fermentation is at the beginning of the GI tract. Nitrate is converted to nitrite and absorbed into body. It is nitrite that is toxic because it converts hemoglobin to methemoglobin which cannot transport oxygen. Microbes in the rumen do the conversion. This also takes place in the cecum and colon but to a lesser extent. Symptoms include increased respiration, trembling, convulsions, and death. Awareness of conditions that may increase nitrate concentration in forage and testing forage for nitrate concentration are important to prevent the condition.

Strip grazing

same as intensive rotational grazing. Movable electric fence can be used to provide many smaller grazing areas or paddocks. Animals are usually moved after several days of grazing. The advantages are better use of forage, less selection, and greater stocking rates. The disadvantages are the cost of fencing and water systems, requires more management, and increased labor cost

seed coat, endosperm, and germ/embryo details

seed coat forms the outer protective layer of the seed and is higher in fiber content than other parts of the seed. The endosperm provides nourishment for the developing embryo. It contains starch and protein. The germ is rich in protein, oil, and phosphorus.

Pasture Quality

soil and fertilizer, plant species, stage of maturity, and grazing; nutrients required in greatest amount by plants are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In addition to adequate nutrients the soil must have the proper pH. If the pH of the soil is too low (acidic), a number of nutrients needed for plant growth will be less available for use by the plant. Soils are often acidic. Addition of lime increases the pH of the soil to allow plants to increase uptake of nutrients. A soil pH that is too high (alkaline) also decreases availability of some nutrients and plant growth.

FDA rule

stated that proteins derived from mammalian tissues are prohibited in ruminant feeds. This included meat meal, and meat and bone meal. It excluded milk products, porcine or equine protein, and blood and blood products. prohibited high risk products in the feed of any animal. Examples of high risk products are the brain and spinal cord of cattle greater than 30 months of age.

Rotational grazing

system that uses 2 or more pastures which are grazed and rested in a planned sequence; The advantages are better match of forage growth/pasture condition and animal needs, plants get a recovery period for regrowth, it decreases over- and under-grazing, feces are distributed more evenly throughout the pasture, and stocking rate is greater than with continuous grazing. The disadvantages are that it requires more capital input for fences and water system, and requires more management input.

Plastic bag silos

temporary silos that are packed as they are filled.

Citrus pulp

the product remaining after juice is extracted from citrus fruits. The fiber it contains is a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber and insoluble fiber have different effects in the GI tract. The insoluble fiber increases the rate of transit through the GI tract, as noted above. Soluble fiber increases viscosity. It also decreases plasma cholesterol concentration which is of interest in humans and companion animals. Both types of fiber improve health of cells lining the colon if the fiber is fermentable.

Beet pulp

the residue after extraction of sugar from sugar beets. It is dried and then shredded or pelleted. very palatable and added to the diets of many species. It is frequently added to dog and cat food. often soaked to rehydrate for moist feeding when fed separately. contains insoluble fiber. The insoluble fiber (NDF) increases transit through the GI tract and has a laxative effect.

Whole cottonseed

the seed of the cotton plant before extraction of the oil or any other processing. This contains approximately 22 to 24% CP. It is classed as an energy feed or a protein supplement because the percentage CP is very close to 20%. It is fed to dairy cattle in early lactation to add additional energy to the diet without adding more grains.

Continuous grazing

uninterrupted grazing of a specific pasture throughout the grazing season; The advantages are that it requires less management and capital input is minimal. The disadvantages are that animals tend to graze in patches resulting in both over- and under-grazing and lower forage quality. Feces are concentrated in areas around the pasture rather than being distributed evenly. Stocking rate is lower than with other systems.

crude protein (CP)

used to describe the protein content of feedstuffs. This term derives from the chemical analysis used which measures N content. The N content of a feedstuff is converted to CP by multiplying the value by 6.25. This factor assumes that the protein is 16% N. The term nonprotein nitrogen is N from a source other than protein.

Overgrazing

weakens the plant due to less leaf surface area for photosynthesis, allows weed to infiltrate the pasture, and contributes to erosion.

cereal grains

whole seeds of these plants; seed may be processed yielding a number of seed co-products. The major industries that process grains for human consumption and produce co-products for use in animal feeds are the brewing, distilling, wet milling and dry milling industries. Some of the co-products are energy feeds; however, some are protein supplements or roughages. In addition, production of biofuels, specifically use of corn to produce ethanol, produces distillers grains (a protein supplement) for animal feed. The cereal grains and their co-products are a part of the diet of many domestic animal species. The vegetative portion of the cereal plant can provide pasture (wheat, rye), straw (wheat) and silage (corn, sorghum)