Supplemental feed usage in beef cattle operations across the southeastern United States

Abstract

This study assessed the extent of use and nutritional value of essential byproduct feedstuffs in beef cattle production systems across the southeastern US. Byproducts like distillers grains, whole cottonseed, and corn-gluten feed are crucial for supporting cattle growth during times of limited forage availability. However, many novel feedstuffs are underrepresented in industry reference tables. Conducted from September 2023 to February 2024, this research used a regional survey of 142 participants to analyze feeding practices, alongside nutritive analysis of 35 submitted samples. The experiment assessed the nutritive value of whole samples and separated components, revealing significant trends in line with Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (2016) reference values, though deviations in total digestible nutrients, ash, and acid detergent lignin were noted. Additionally, a systematic review of 17 publications confirmed byproduct supplementation generally improves average daily gain in cattle in forage-based beef systems.