DDG question

Gather App
Ok BF, that's kinda how I see it. Your prices are spot on for both here in IN too. I guess I am looking for the disadvantage. Trying to keep an open mind and be objective
 
Bigfoot":fajvgmr1 said:
I'm probably looking at it wrong, but I'll throw some numbers out:
Corn is $150 a ton
DDG is 190 a ton

IMHO the DDG is over priced. It's still my first choice though. The amount of protein it brings to the party, makes it a better value. I don't see myself as saving $40 a ton on corn. I see losing almost 20% protein.
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But if you overfeed the DDG it goes right through the animal. That is waste regardless of price.
 
Now we are getting to my point, what is a safe, efficient amount of DDG to feed as a supplement....not as a significant portion of the ration, more of a protein/energy boost while nutrition demands are higher. I completely understand what TB is saying, excess protein is just excreted as waste (just like humans). So what is excessive feeding of ddg? I'm sure it depends on several variables.
 
The ddg I'm getting is 6.5% fat..a study I read says it has 102 to 127% the energy of dry-rolled corn...of course, feeding at volumes necessary to achieve energy requirements would mean the cows would be getting excess protein and Phosphorus by default because of the concentrated content in ddg.
 
bball":c48mpel9 said:
Now we are getting to my point, what is a safe, efficient amount of DDG to feed as a supplement....not as a significant portion of the ration, more of a protein/energy boost while nutrition demands are higher. I completely understand what TB is saying, excess protein is just excreted as waste (just like humans). So what is excessive feeding of ddg? I'm sure it depends on several variables.
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The math is real simple. Take the pounds they are eating x % protein in decimal form. This will give you the pounds of protein.
If your hay is 10% it will make 2.5 pounds of protein for 25 pounds consumed. For a average milker 1200-1500 pounds that is plenty of feed to survive, and the calf thrive. If your feeding cheaper hay, just supplement with what ever you got. DDG, SBM, CGM, whole Corn, will all get them there, but corn would be the highest energy source.
None of them have calves? Start feeding the cheap stuff with a 22% feed top dressed, or maybe not supplement. Around 1.5 pounds of protein total won't starve them.
 
Which is why I'm interested in supplementing during postpartum, as protein requirement are at the highest demands during these couple months..the extra energy is a nice little bonus.
 
Thanks SAK, the math was useful. At 28% CP, feeding 4# ddg, I'm adding a touch over a lb CP per head. So I think that's exactly what I want to be at..thats estimating my hay at 10% CP, the extra lb makes me feel better during postpartum/ lactation. Puts CP at 3.6 lb per head, which is just a touch over recommendation for postpartum cattle daily requirements. Thanks again
 
Actually, I may just cut back to 3# per head per day...puts it closer to 3.3lbs if they're eating 25# hay.
 
bball":2vwdphgf said:
Actually, I may just cut back to 3# per head per day...puts it closer to 3.3lbs if they're eating 25# hay.
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Leave it at that level, add a little calcium if you want to balance the ca:ph ratio and don't worry abou the sulfur. Cattle should do well.
 

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