ANS Topic 6 - High Energy Feedstuffs

By-Product Dry Feeds

1) Beet Pulp - Fed either wet and dry, highly palatable, acts as a filler if fed dry (expands in rumen), highly digestible, good fiber source. 2) Citrus Pulp - Fed wet, highly digestible, good fiber source. 3) Bakery Product - Unused bakery products in NFC, low in fiber, nutritional value varies due to product type (unpredictable).

Fats/Oils

Animal Fats - Rendered fats from beef, poultry and pork. Tallow, lard, grease. Vegetable Fats/Oils - Corn, soybean, olive, canola, sunflower, peanut. Often recycled oils from restaurants. Marine - Fish Essential fatty acids are provided and strictly provide energy. It also helps with feed processing - reduces dustiness, increases palatable, increase absorption of fat-soluble nutrient (vitamins mainly), reduce heat stress and potentially bloat. Becoming increasing used in commercial feeds. They can differ in differ consistency and feeding value from rendering plant to rendering plant or restaurant to restaurant. Rancidity can be a problem due to: oxidation, spoilage from excess moisture, effects palatability. Usually 5-10% added fats/oils AT MOST in the diet. Too much can cause digestive problems and effect feed intake. Other sources include whole oilseeds, like cottonseeds and soybeans (more known as a protein source).

Molasses

Cane and beet types. It is a by-product. Good readily available CHO source, low protein, good source of minerals. Aids in pelleting and acts as a carrier (means it can be mixed with other feeds to get an animal to eat feed they won't eat because its sweet).

Sorghum (milo)

2nd most important cereal grain. Common in Great Plains states. Major food grains found in semi arid areas. 96% of sorghum in developed countries is used towards feed, only 8% is used as feed in developing countries. It has a lower yield than corn per acre. It is a hardy, drought resistant crop used in conditions too harsh for corn. Its seeds are small, round, and hard and come in a variety of colors. Requires processing. Varieties include waxy vs. non-waxy (waxy has improved feeding value, non-waxy contains both amylose and amylopectin as waxy only has amylopectin), hetero-yellow vs. non-yellow (hetero-yellow has improved feeding value), and bird-resistant (high in tannins). Tannins - brown plant means it is high in tannins, astringent properties reduce palatability and give a sour taste. forms a protein complex that reduces protein availability and digestion of other nutrients like energy, processing may help).

High Energy Feedstuff

Feedstuff that is fed or added to a ration for the purpose providing energy. High in NFC (non-fibrous carbohydrates such as starch, sugar, fructans) and/or lipids. 70% TDN (total digestible nutrients) but generally less than 20% CP (Crude protein). Primary source of energy in livestock rations and found in highest portions of rations. Generally are the seeds of plants (COB), some are primarily grown for human consumption such as wheat and rye while others are used mainly in livestock like oats and sorghum. Energy feedstuffs can be fats or oils. Traded based on weight: either bushel (2150 cubic inches) or tons. More weight = more money! Valued based on grades (combines weight and quality, established by the USDA).

Barley

In U.S., 3rd most important cereal grain. Grown in cool, dry climates that have short growing seasons. Feedstuff is called feed Barley and Brewing Industry barley includes Hulls and Brewer's grain. Barley is both an energy source (lower starch than corn, higher fiber than corn, however beta-glucans can cause problems) and for protein (superior in protein content and quality to corn (11-13%CP), similar to corn in minerals, and there is also high lysine barley which is 20-30% higher then normal barley). When feeding barley to livestock, rolling of barley is needed to get most out of it. It is palatable for ruminants and horses. It is not used as primary energy for feedlots cause it can cause barley bloat problems, which is why it is usually fed with other grains. In swine, growth and feed efficiency is adequate in comparison to corn. COB (corn of barley) is popular at stores. Beta Glucans - Glucose compound that is linked differently then normal starch that animals can not break down (can't produce glucanase enzymes). They are poorly digested thus reducing digestible energy content especially in poultry and swine. It can sometimes cause digestive issues. In poultry, it helps gum the intestinal tract and causes wet and sticky droppings. Rumen bacteria can actually break down glucans. Tempering is soaking the grain for 12 hours then rolling it. It lowers glucans levels for increased digestibility.

Oats

In U.S., 4th most important cereal grain. Grown in northern regions (short growing season). Three primary varieties: white (majority), red, gray. Primarily hull varieties. Energy Source. (Lowest of cereal grains, highest fiber, lowest starch). Protein quality is the highest among grains, high lipid content and high mineral content. Highly palatable. Fed especially to equine. Processed (rolled, crimped) to improve value. Slow rate of digestion, usually fed with other grains. Rarely fed to poultry.

Grain Overload

Lactic Acidosis - Occurs when there is an abrupt increase in the intake of readily fermentable CHO's (carbohydrates) Example: Range livestock are suddenly exposed to grain. If the amount of grain consumed exceeds the ability of the rumen microbes to make an orderly exchange of processors (happens a lot when switched straight from hay to grain). Lactic acid is produced in large amounts as a part of the fermentation process in large, and the pH of the rumen drops considerably and becomes very acidic. The increased acidity of the rumen is corrosive to the papillae causing them to peel off. Absorption is impaired, bacteria invade the rumen and gain entrance to the blood stream via damaged rumen wall. The low rumen pH inhibits the growth of new, good microbes. The increase in bacteria and lactic acid can cause liver abscesses if the animal lives. However, if the stage occurs where the rumen is one large acidic vat, death is usually inevitable. Acidosis is not really treated but is best to prevent. To prevent, begin livestock on "warm-up" rations so incoming livestock have the chance to get used to feed. Processing methods that increase digestibility of feeds also increase chance of Acidosis (like steam flaking). Laminitis - Commonly occurs in horses but can happen in cattle. In some cases, the build up is less severe but the lactic acid build up draws water from the blood in the hoof. Causes dehydration and hemoconcentration. Often characterized by sore, tender, cracked feet, un-natural stance, and abnormal overgrowth of hoof tissue. Will result in permanent lameness and could lead to death. Enterotoxemia - Commonly occurs in sheep and cattle. Also called overeating or purple gut. Caused by quick ingestion of easily digested CHO's promotes the abundance of Clostridium perfringes in the intestine that release a neurotoxin into the blood stream and can kill the animal. Vaccinate with C & D can prevent, can also treat with an anti-toxin (penicillin) if caught soon. Grain Bloat - Associated with feeding high grain, low-roughage diets to cattle and other ruminants. The quick consumption of feed suppressed the "cardia" below the fluid level of the rumen producing gas. Gas can't escape and builds up in the rumen until it inhibits an animals ability to breath. Frothy Bloat - Can also occur when animals consume lush, dense standing FORAGE. Some additives can help prevent: Poloxalene (Bloat Guard) or Monoensin. To treat an animal with bloat before it is too severe, you can walk them, tube them, give them oil, or for severe purposes, use a trocar (for emergency release of gas/foam).

Cereal Grains

Major cereal grains: Corn, Sorghum/milo, Barley, Oats, Wheat, Triticale, Rye. Nutritionally they are fairly similar/constant. Starch - Primary CHO source in grains. 72% in corn, 41% in oats. Starch granules increase in size not number as plant matures.2 primary types: Amylose - linear chain molecule of glucose subunits (MOST PREVALENT) and Amylopectin - Glucose subunits with number branch chains. Crude Protein content Generally: 8-14%. Protein quality varies, but in general is low in lysine, methionine, tryptophan, and threonine. Lipid content <1% - >6%. Predominant fatty acids: palmitic, linoleic, oleic. Mineral content: Low in calcium, high in phosphorus, low in micro minerals. Vitamin content: Good source of Vit. E, low in Vit. A (except yellow corn) and D, and low in most B complex vitamins. Relative nutritional value: For energy value, corn is standard: set at 100. Majority of other grains lower than corn. Protein value: Corn: 100. Majority of other grains are higher than corn.

Corn (Maize or Zea mays)

Most important feed grain! Produced in Great Plains and Midwest. It is so popular because it has the largest yield, most digestible energy, and usable stover after harvest. Corn produces the most energy per acre than any other cereal grain. Corn is a C4 plant. Corn is very low in Ca but moderately high in P. For monogastrics, this means enzymes. Yellow corn has carotenoids (a yellow to red pigment) and beta-carotene (a Vitamin A precursor). Corn also has a fair source of vitamin E, but is a poor source of Vit. D and B-complex (lacks B complex (niecein) but most animals can synthesize this from tryptophan, which corn is low in - can lead to pellagra, dermatitis, diaherra, and dementia. Major kernel type that we feed is dent. Pop, Flint, Sweet, Waxy, Pod, Flour are others. Yellow most popular over white in US because it has more carotenoids (from yellow pigment). Processing of corn increases nutritional value (includes rolled, flaked, steam flaked, cracked, ground). Corn is highly digestible and palatable, has cost-effective energy, is lowest in protein, leads to increased weight/fat gain, and improves Meat quality and Milk production. It is combined with SBM (soybean meal) as standard for swine diets. C4 Plants: Tropical in origin, use solar energy with more efficiency, more efficient use of CO2 and H2O, more tolerant of heat, and require warmer weather. C3 Plants: Grow in cooler temperatures. Have less efficient use.

Wheat

Primarily grown for human consumption, only small portion fed to livestock. Too expensive to be used in livestock feed, only used when price is low because of excess surplus. Human culls often fed to livestock along with milling by-products. Kernel Texture: Can be either hard (produced in dry areas, higher protein but higher gluten content) or soft (produced in humid/irrigated areas). Kernel color: white, red or amber. Grown in either winter or spring, winter has higher yielding. We often eat hard, red, winter wheat. Wheat is virtually equal to corn in energy content and use. Can cause digestive disturbances in ruminants due rapid digestion (acidosis is more common in cattle with wheat). Rolling can improve its value. Higher protein content then corn (10-14% CP), but lower in essential fatty acids therefore animals could have rough, scaly skin. Ergot is a toxic fungus that can grow in some types of wheat grain that produces a mycotoxin that can cause sloughing of the feet and hooves.

Plant By-Products

Roots and Tubers - By-products of human food production. Examples: Potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots, parsnips. They have high water content (75-90%), meaning problems with spoilage. They also have good CHO at 50-75% on a DM (dry matter) basis. Generally fed to ruminants. Potatoes - High energy feedstuff. Processed to improve value. Do not feed sprouted, green, or frozen (forms alkaloids (solanin) that are HIGHLY toxic). Approximately 1/3 of potato weight ends up as waste. Potato slurry and pulp is most common potato by-products due to the high cost of drying. Feed at moderate levels in feedlot and dairy rations, high levels will reduce performance. Commonly stored in pits at feedlots or mixed with other feedstuffs to make silage.

Other Grains

Rye - Mainly used for bread making Similar to wheat with higher protein content Unpalatable and susceptible to ergot like wheat Mainly fed in cattle on limited amount in diet. Triticale - Cross between wheat & rye. Comparable to hard winter wheat in nutrients with more fiber. Not widely used due to palatability, anti-nutritional factors (ergot, trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibitors).

Milling By-Products

Screenings - The initial step of grain processing is cleaning the seed (done by passing grain over a set of screens that sieve out dust, dirt, weed seeds and broken grain). Screenings are a mixture of materials therefore are inconsistent in feeding value (be careful of toxic weed seeds, and dust can affect intake). Wheat Bran - A flaky, reddish material, highly palatable, high water absorption, superior in amino acids to whole wheat. Bran and other milling by-products are extremely high in phosphorus and low in calcium so intake needs to be monitored. This can lead to nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (causes the animal to become extremely fragile and fibrotic). Wheat Middlings - Similar to bran except lower in fiber and high in flour content therefore higher in digestible energy. Considered a roughage source in cattle and can be easily substituted for alfalfa. Corn By-Products - Hominy feeds consist of bran, germ, and some flour and is high in protein and fiber compared to whole corn. Corn gluten are by-products from syrup and starch production. Rice Bran - Extremely high in oil content (rancidity occur in warm, humid climates), can be toxic and highly unpalatable, and high in phytates which can bind to Zinc and cause parakeratosis (sloughing of intestinal cells).

Milk By-Products

Whey is liquid portion remaining after the curd forming in the cheese making process. Consists of lactose, minerals, and water soluble protein. Dry and liquid is available but liquid is highly susceptible to spoilage (55-70% lactose sugar present, 10-13% CP).