Feeding Frozen Grain to Cattle – Low Bushel Weights
Overview
Frozen grain can be fed effectively to cattle and often provides a cost‑efficient energy source. Grain is primarily valued for its energy content, though direct measurement is difficult. Test weight is commonly used as an indirect indicator, but it is influenced by many factors—including maturity, disease, kernel size, and freezing.
Immature or frost‑damaged grain typically has lower starch and higher fiber, which can reduce energy density. However, animal performance studies show that frozen or low test‑weight grains can still perform well when used appropriately.
Effects of Low Test Weight Grains by Type
Barley
- Feeding trials with barley as low as 34 lb/bu show no reduction in average daily gain (ADG).
- Feed efficiency begins to decline when test weight drops below 43 lb/bu (4–10% decrease reported).
- Barley below 43 lb/bu should be discounted due to reduced efficiency.
- Barley above 48 lb/bu does not improve performance and should not command a price premium.
Corn
- Research from the University of Nebraska found that corn with 46 lb/bu and 56 lb/bu test weights produced identical gain and feed efficiency in growing and finishing cattle.
Oats
- Energy (TDN) values from samples ranging 21.7–33.5 lb/bu showed that oats under 24 lbs maintained ~95% of NRC TDN values.
- Even very light oats appear to have good feed value.
Wheat
- Wheat over 50 lb/bu shows little difference in feeding value compared to heavier wheat.
- When test weight decreases to 45–50 lb/bu, feeding value declines by ~5%.
Summary of Feeding Recommendations
- Barley (43–48 lb/bu): Similar gain and feed efficiency.
- Barley (<43 lb/bu): Expect reduced feed efficiency.
- Corn (46 vs. 56 lb/bu): No difference in gain or efficiency.
- Oats (as low as 21.7 lb/bu): Maintain good feed value.
- Wheat (50 lb/bu): Comparable to 60 lb/bu wheat; 45–50 lb/bu ≈ 5% lower value.
- No price premium should be paid for higher‑than‑average test weights.
- Lightweight grain must be fed by weight, not volume, to avoid ration inconsistencies.
- Avoid mixing grains of differing test weights prior to processing, as this prevents achieving uniform processing quality.