MU researcher and partners will share techniques to improve digestibility of corn stover and other feed alternatives at Sept. 20 evening program.
Mid-Missouri cattle producers can learn techniques to improve feed
alternatives and strategies to stretch their hay supplies on Sept. 20 at the
Beef Forage Field Day at MU’s Beef Research and Teaching Farm, just south of
Columbia off Highway 63.
Sign-in
begins at 5:30 p.m. and the outdoor program begins at 6 p.m. The Missouri Corn
Growers Association is sponsoring a free meal following the workshop. Call the
Beef Research Center at 573-882-2829 to register and reserve a meal.
Justin
Sexten, University of Missouri beef nutritionist, the Missouri Corn
Merchandising Council and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association are working
together to explore alternative forages and to demonstrate how to improve
digestibility of corn stover and lower-quality CRP hay by 15 percent while
doubling the feeds’ protein content. “We’ll show what we have for getting cows
through the winter,” Sexten said.
Incorporating
a specific treatment process called ammoniation, producers can treat corn
stover at a cost of approximately $25 per ton of forage. The added nutritional
value makes it an economical choice in a season filled with climatic and
economic challenges.
Sexten
will also demonstrate treatment of processed corn stover with calcium
hydroxide. Similar to ammoniation, stover digestibility is improved with this
process and the protein content remains unchanged. The process is relatively
unknown and has generated lots of questions. “We will be learning, but we do
know it increases digestibility in the rumen.”
Different
hay feeders will also be on hand and Sexten will discuss the different designs
as they relate to minimizing hay waste.
Several
people are trying strategies for the first time this year, such as bailing corn
stover. Sexten said in addition to the demonstrations, he wants to answer
producers’ questions.
“The
livestock industry is our No. 1 customer,” said Gary Wheeler, vice president of
operations and grower services for Missouri Corn. “Through free forage
demonstrations, we are working to help connect corn growers with cattlemen for
the good of all parties involved.”
Farmers
interested in purchasing or selling corn stover, cornstalks or hay as a
feedstock are encouraged to visit the following online forage directories:
- MU: www.agebb.missouri.edu/haylst
- Missouri Cattlemen: www.mocattle.org/haydirectory.aspx
- Missouri Department of Agriculture: www.mda.mo.gov/abd/haydirectory
(by Mike Burden, MU Senior Information Specialist)
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