Farms.com Home   News

High prices demand better feed efficiency

While feed efficiency is always important, it becomes even more so when grain prices are high.

Tackling higher feed bills requires a multi-faceted game plan, says Justin Waggoner, Extension beef specialist at Kansas State University.

The goal should be finding the least expensive energy source while making sure cattle are getting the nutrients they need, he says.

“You always want to be looking for opportunities to lower your costs,” he says. “Don’t get locked in to the conventional approach only. Be careful to avoid that mindset.”

In the Midwest, grain co-products are readily available for many producers. Waggoner says using a co-product requires careful examination before making any ration change.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Season 5, Episode 11: New Split Suckling Research Reveals Surprises

Video: Season 5, Episode 11: New Split Suckling Research Reveals Surprises

A recent research collaboration between a university and a commercial farm studied 1,500 sows and 22,000 piglets and discovered unexpected findings about the common practice of split suckling. Their research found that this long-standing practice might not be benefiting piglets on day one as much as producers previously thought.

Discussing the research are Mikayla Spinler, a graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, and Ashley Hartman, a research coordinator at Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics. The two discuss how the research was chosen, conducted and next steps on today’s episode.