How to Build a Sustainable Feed Program
• Posted in Articles
Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; a sustainable feed program is one that maximizes resources, minimizes waste and supports long-term profitability. From improving feed efficiency to strengthening local economies and more, here are four ways to promote sustainability within your cattle operation (and reap the rewards).
Select and Source a Sustainable Feedstuff
Whether you rely on a trusted advisor or proven results to guide your feedstuff selection, there are three key nutritional elements to keep in cattle rations — and whole cottonseed covers them all.
In the words of Oklahoma State University Associate Professor Blake Wilson, “Whole cottonseed is a unique feedstuff.” This byproduct of cotton is a powerhouse ingredient, providing cattle with their essential protein, energy and fiber1.
“Its protein, fat and fiber give whole cottonseed utility in both the feedyard diet and the cow-calf sector as a supplement for cattle on low-quality forage,” Wilson says.
When sourcing whole cottonseed — or any feed ingredient — working with local suppliers helps reduce transportation costs and support regional economies. Luckily, it’s easy to connect with buyers and sellers in your area with the Cottonseed Marketplace tool.
Improve Feed Program Efficiency
With the help of a sustainable program, your operation can become more efficient, and, in turn, more profitable.
In the case of whole cottonseed, nutrition gaps from unavailable or expensive ingredients or low forage supply become non-issues. According to Dr. Matt Beck’s USDA-funded research, it can contribute to a 44% increase in average daily gain2.
Plus, when there is just one ingredient to manage, store and source, your business can reap the rewards of fewer supply chain constraints and the long-term operational efficiencies that come along with it.
Tip: Proper feedstuff storage and handling can help to further maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
Keep Environmental Considerations in Mind
As if the triple-nutrient value of whole cottonseed isn’t enough, including it in feed rations makes use of an agricultural byproduct that might otherwise go to waste — and it mitigates methane gas emissions3.
Dr. Beck’s study reinforces whole cottonseed’s role in environmental responsibility. Research revealed a 44% increase in average daily gain and a 6% increase in fat supply for cattle fed whole cottonseed, as well as a 12.5% reduction in methane emissions relative to unsupplemented counterparts2.
“Whole cottonseed is a biodegradable byproduct with high nutritional value, so you don’t have to sacrifice animal health for sustainability,” Dr. Beck explains.
Take Action
There’s no one-size-fits-all feed program, but a strategic approach to sustainability can help guide your optimization of ingredient selection, reduction of waste and increased efficiency.
Consult a trusted advisor to learn more about how whole cottonseed can enhance performance and profitability.
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1 Kellogg, D.W., Pennington, J.A., Johnson, Z.B., Panivivat, R. (2001). Survey of management practices used for the highest producing DHI herds in the United States. J. Dairy. Sci. 84(E. Suppl):E120– E127. doi:10.3168/-jds.S0022-0302(01)70206–8.
2 M. R. Beck, L.R. Thompson, G.D. Williams, S.E. Place, S.A. Gunter, R.R. Reuter, (2019). “Fat supplements differing in physical form improve performance but divergently influence methane emissions of grazing beef cattle.” Anim. Feed Sci. and Tech, Vol. 254, pp. 5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2019.114210.
3 Smith, N.E., Collar, L.S., Bath, D.L., Dunkley, W.L., Franke, A.A. (1981). Digestibility and effects of whole cottonseed fed to lactating cows. J. Dairy. Sci. Vol. 64, no. 11, pp. 2209-2215., doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(81)82831-7.
