Yes - there is feed value in straw. It runs at somewhere in that 6-8 % range.
We also were able to get some "green feed" bales - underdeveloped oat bales. We call them forage oat bales - really good feed - cows tear them apart before the best of the best alfalfa.
You have to watch out for impaction. Lots of available water or good snow to lick. Mineral provides the top up.
Times were tough back then - drought drove the price of bales in my area to $107.50 per round bale. Still have the invoice and I will someday frame it.
Barlet straw is good but beards on unthrashed grain heads can be a problem. Working from memory I think it was 6 row barley that caused the smallest amount of grief.
Chaff is great if you can get it and the cows love it. Some folks drag a "gatherer" behind the combine and drop it all in piles for the cows to eat in the winter time.
frenchie is simply using his noggin and economizing - it is a good thought and I believe it would work. Just have to ensure there is enough chaff to be had. It would take a lot.
In fact frenchie you might consider having your neighbour drag the chaff piles for you in his field - he gets the benefit of the added manure. All you need to add is the single strand of electric fence.
These diets are really what I call a maintenance diet - the cows do well on them, but will not put the big weight on - but they make it through the winter fine and usually calve out with no probs.
Congrats on reaching 1000 - does that mean you are an old guy? :lol:
Bez