Grain Rations for Beef Cattle

Feeding grain rations to beef cattle can be an effective way to increase weight gain and improve the marbling and quality grade of the meat.

However, improper grain-feeding practices can lead to health issues in cattle. In this blog article,we will provide a complete guide to supplementing beef cattle diets with grain rations.

What are Grain Rations?

Grain rations refer to cereal grains like corn, barley, wheat, oats, or milo that are fed to cattle as an energy supplement. The starch in grains is highly digestible and provides more energy per pound than roughages like hay or grass.

While forage should make up most of a beef cow’s diet, adding grain rations can help meet increased energy needs during certain production phases.

Benefits of Feeding Grain to Beef Cattle

Here are some of the benefits of incorporating grain rations into beef cattle diets:

Increased Average Daily Gain: Feeding grain concentrates boosts energy intake, allowing cattle to gain weight faster. Daily gains of 2-4 lbs daily are typical for grain-fed cattle.

Improved Feed Efficiency: Cattle convert grain to muscle gain more efficiently than roughages. Less feed is wasted as grain is more completely digested.
Higher Quality Grade: Grain feeding increases intramuscular fat or marbling in beef. Well-marbled steaks grade Prime or Choice rather than Select.
Greater Carcass Weights: Faster and more efficient gains result in heavier carcasses at slaughter. This increases profitability.

Higher Market Prices: Grain-finished cattle often receive premium prices than grass-fed beef.

Types of Grains Used in Beef Cattle Rations

Beef cattle rations can contain different cereal grains as energy sources. The most common grains used include:

1. Corn – This is the predominant grain used in cattle feeds in most regions. Corn is highly palatable, energy-dense, and relatively low-cost. It should be processed through grinding or steam-flaking to improve starch digestion.

2. Sorghum – Often called milo, sorghum is heat and drought-tolerant. It can fully replace corn in beef rations if processed. Sorghum has 90-95% the feeding value of corn.

3. Barley – Barley is higher in protein than corn or sorghum but lower in energy. It should be rolled or ground before feeding. Barley starch is rapidly fermented so rations should contain a buffer.

4. Oats – Oats are higher in fiber and protein than other feed grains. The fiber improves rumen health on high-grain diets. Oats are best fed roasted or steamed and rolled.

5. Wheat – Wheat must be processed to break down the seed coat for cattle consumption. It can have 120% the energy value of corn. Limit wheat to 50% of the grain fraction to prevent acidosis.

6. Grain Byproducts – Byproducts like wheat middlings, distillers grains, corn gluten feed, or soybean hulls contain highly digestible fiber and protein. They are often incorporated into grain rations.

When formulating rations, nutritional content, local availability, processing requirements, and cost per pound of energy and protein provided should be considered when selecting grain sources.

Example Grain Ration for Finishing Beef Cattle

Here is an example of an everyday finishing ration for feedlot cattle using a mix of grain sources and a forage base:

Steam-flaked corn – 55%

Dry rolled sorghum grain – 15%
Wheat middlings – 15%
Corn gluten feed – 10%

Chopped alfalfa hay – 5%

This ration provides approximately 13% crude protein, 4.5% fat, and 80 Mcal/cwt net energy for gain. It offers a mix of grain sources to provide adequate starch, fiber, protein, and nutrients.

The steam-flaking and dry rolling process the grain for maximum digestibility, while the corn byproducts and hay provide a needed rumen buffer. This ration could be fed in quantities from 15-25 lbs/head daily in two separate feedings to yearling steers.

The grain fraction should be increased gradually over a 3-4 week step-up period. This allows rumen microbes to adapt to higher starch from grains.

Rations can be modified based on available feeds, cattle type, and production phase as long as the proper nutrition is provided cost-effectively.

When to Feed Grain to Beef Cattle

Producers typically feed grain rations during specific phases of beef production:

Backgrounding: Weaned calves are fed grain-based rations for 30-90 days after leaving cow-calf operations. This “backgrounding” period prepares them for the feedlot.
Feedlot Finishing: Feeder cattle consume high-grain finishing rations for 120-300 days to promote fast weight gains and fat deposition before slaughter.

Late Gestation Cows: Providing thin cows 5-10 lbs of grain per day the last 90 days of pregnancy can boost calving rates and calf viability.
Lactating Cows: Grain supplements help maintain body condition in early lactation when energy demands peak. Feed 1 lb grain for every 3-5 lbs of milk produced.
Replacement Heifers: Developing heifers benefit from 0.5-2% of their body weight in grain to achieve adequate weights and conditions before first calving.

Grain Feeding Recommendations

Follow these grain-feeding recommendations for healthy, productive beef cattle:

Transition diets slowly over 2-3 weeks when introducing grain. Abrupt diet changes can cause digestive upsets and acidosis.

Limit maximum grain rations to 0.5-1% of body weight per day for calves and mature cattle. This equates to 10-20 lbs for a 1,200 lb cow.
Divide daily grain allowance into at least two separate feedings to avoid overconsumption. Feed grain after forage for better digestibility.
Ensure adequate fiber intake. Feed at least 1 lb of roughage per 100 lbs of body weight when grain exceeds 0.5% of body weight daily.

Provide free-choice salt and clean water at all times to promote intake and prevent metabolic disorders.
Select grains that match local availability and prices. Corn, barley, wheat, and grain byproducts can all be used with proper transitions.
Testing feed grain nutrient levels yearly helps formulate optimal rations. Protein, energy, minerals, and vitamin contents vary between grain sources.

Avoiding Potential Problems with Grain Feeding

While grains can enhance productivity, cattle health issues can result from improper supplementation. Here are some potential issues and how to prevent them:

Acidosis – Excessive starch intake causes a rapid pH drop in the rumen leading to acidosis. Introduce grain slowly and include a buffering agent like sodium bicarbonate or bentonite clay when feeding more than 0.5% of body weight in grain daily.
Bloat – Large grain meals can result in frothy bloat. Include an ionophore like Rumensin or feed a bloat-prevention additive. Avoid alfalfa as a roughage source.

Liver Abscesses – High-grain diets create an acidic rumen environment that allows bacteria to migrate to the liver. Feed antibiotics or limit grain to 0.5-0.75% of body weight daily.
Polioencephalomalacia – Thiamine deficiency can develop on high-grain diets, causing neurological disorders. Ensure adequate vitamin supplementation.
Laminitis – Carbohydrate overload can lead to inflammation and lameness. Transition grain rations gradually and feed a mix of fiber sources to prevent issues.

By following proper grain feeding guidelines, beef producers can use cereal grains as a strategic supplement to increase cattle performance without sacrificing the health and well-being of the animals.

Work closely with a qualified cattle nutritionist to develop balanced rations utilizing grain when appropriate for different classes and ages of beef cattle. Learn here more about cattle nutrition and food tips and guides.