sweetfeed or corn

[kenojoe]

What is the difference in sweetfeed and corn nutriton wise. I am planning on giving my cows and calves a little something extra when it gets cold. I know that hay gives more heat energy when they eat it so am I wasting time and money by giving some grain or sweet feed? I have read that a cows stomach contains certain "bugs" that digest grass or hay but not corn, or "bugs" that digest corn but not hay. If your cow is used to hay and you feed corn dosen,t it just pass the corn on thru without getting any benifit? It supposedly takes a few weeks before the"bugs" switch around when you change feeds. Is this all baloney or is there anything to it? Is sweet feed better to give than corn? Thanks

 

[Running Arrow Bill]

Cattle have useful bacteria ("bugs") in their rumen and gut. These along with other secretions process food and extract nutrients as needed.

Whole corn tends to pass through the gut, some is digested; use cracked corn. Sweetfeed often contains some corn, along with minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients and food items. Sweetfeed is a more balanced nutrition supplement. Hay and/or quality forage is the #1 need of food for cattle.

Free choice minerals and salt should be available 24/7. Bagged feed supplements used to "supplement" their nutrition and/or improve "condition" of the animal.

 

[redangus]

A lot of people use those liquid tubs for protein, but the average hay in Arkansas has an ample supply of protein. For us, energy is what is needed for lactating cows. If supplementing, I would test hay and see what is needed... it may depend on what stage your cows are in....are they nursing or not...