Cattle Feeding

Beef Cattle Feeding and Nutrition is the third in a series of books on animal feeding and nutrition. These books are designed to keep readers abreast of the rapid developments in feeding and nutrition. These developments have resulted in changes in diets, the use of new feed processing methods, improved use of by-product feeds, and more supplementation with minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and nonprotein nitrogen compounds. The book is organized into four parts. Part I focuses on the nutrient requirements of beef cattle. Beginning with a review of rumen physiology and energy requirements, the remaining chapters discuss the vitamin, mineral, and protein, requirements of beef cattle. Part II on feedingstuffs includes studies on pasture and other forages; hay and haylage making; silage and crops for silage; and concentrates for beef cattle. Part III includes studies on breeding herd nutrition and management; and milk production and calf performance. Part IV on cattle finishing covers cattle finishing systems; feedlot disease; and economics of cattle feeding.

The byproducts of making ethanol, sweeteners, syrups, and oils were considered less valuable than the primary products. But the increased livestock-feed market for such byproducts has switched that perception to one of the ethanol industry making grain-based ¿co-products (CP)¿ that have market value separate from the primary products. CP such as dried distiller¿s grains, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, corn oil, and brewer¿s grains have become economically viable components, along with traditional ingred., in feed rations. The CP have limitations, such as variable moisture content, product avail., nutrient excesses or deficiencies, and nutrient variability. These limitations affect how they must be handled and stored and how much they cost. Illus.

Organic cattle farming is on the increase, with consumer demand for organic milk and meat growing yearly. Beginning with an overview of the aims and principles behind organic cattle production, this book presents extensive information about how to feed cattle so that the milk and meat produced meet organic standards, and provides a comprehensive summary of ruminant digestive processes and nutrition. Since the publication of the first edition, global consumers have increasingly become concerned with the sustainability of meat production. Here, Robert Blair considers the interrelationships of sustainable practices and profitability of organic herds, reviewing how to improve forage production and quality, and minimizing the need for supplementary feeding using off-farm ingredients.

Rice straw, under increased scrutiny when burned as agricultural waste, has new promise as a livestock feed.

Dairy Cattle Feeding and Nutrition was designed to provide information needed by those interested in the feeding and nutrition of dairy cattle. It contains basic information for students in courses on feeds and feeding, dairy cattle production, and animal nutrition.