Wheat: Feeding Wheat to Cattle

Wheat is a high‑energy, high‑protein feed grain with unique handling and feeding considerations. Compared to barley and oats, wheat contains more protein, less fibre, and a higher TDN value. While similar to corn in energy, its protein level is significantly higher and its starch ferments more rapidly, increasing the risk of digestive upsets if not managed properly.
Protein content varies widely among wheat classes; HRS wheat generally has the highest protein, followed by HRWW and durum types.
 
Nutrient Comparison of Feed Grains
Table 1. Nutrient Content of Common Feed Grains (DM basis)
Nutrient
Oats
Barley
HRS Wheat
Corn
Crude Protein (%)
13.6
13.2
17.2
9.8
Fat (%)
5.2
2.2
2.3
4.1
ADF (%)
14.0
5.8
4.2
3.3
TDN (%)
76
83
88
90
Source: Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle
 
Feeding Challenges and Risks
Wheat’s very rapid starch digestion—especially when dry rolled—makes it the fastest-fermenting grain, followed by barley. Corn and whole oats digest more slowly.
A fast fermentation rate increases the likelihood of:
  • Acidosis
  • Bloat
  • Erratic intake patterns
  • Sudden drops in performance
The gluten protein component also contributes to this higher risk profile.
 
Processing Recommendations
Processing wheat increases digestibility by 20–25%, compared with 12–15% for barley. However, improper processing increases digestive risk.
Processing Guidelines
  • Avoid fine grinding — this greatly increases acidosis risk.
  • Aim for a coarse roll, breaking kernels into 2–3 pieces.
  • Minimize fines at all costs.
  • Tempering is effective for reducing fines and improving consistency.
Low test weight wheat can be more difficult to process uniformly due to kernel size variation; it is safer to under‑process than over‑process.
 
Feeding Recommendations
High-Grain Diets (feedlot cattle, dairy cows)
  • Wheat should supply no more than 40–50% of the grain mix.
Beef Cows, Dry Cows, and Heifers
  • Wheat can be fed as the sole grain, provided:
    • Forage is available free-choice, and
    • Wheat intake does not exceed:
      • 8 lb/day for mature cows
      • 5 lb/day for heifers
Adapting Cattle to Wheat
A 2–3 week adaptation period is essential.
Recommended approach:
  1. Start with a mix containing 10% wheat.
  2. Once intake stabilizes, increase to 20% wheat.
  3. Continue gradual increases until reaching the 40–50% maximum.
Feed management strategies that reduce digestive upsets:
  • Avoid self-feeding wheat.
  • Feed grain more than twice daily.
  • Use a total mixed ration (TMR) where possible.
  • Include ionophores and buffers in high‑grain diets.
 
Feeding Low Test Weight, Sprouted, or Frozen Wheat
Wheat that does not meet milling grade can be used successfully for cattle.
Key Points
  • Sprouted wheat: similar feeding value to non-sprouted.
  • Frozen grain: lower bushel weight but generally usable.
  • Bushel weight ≥50 lb: similar feeding value to 60 lb wheat.
  • Bushel weight 45–50 lb: ~95% of normal feeding value.
  • Always feed by weight, not by volume.
Table 2. Nutrient Analysis of Low Test Weight Wheat (DM basis)
Sample
CP (%)
ADF (%)
TDN (%)
Bushel Weight (lb)
1
16.7
8.5
82.7
43.2
2
17.5
5.6
86.0
50.0
3
16.0
4.2
87.5
50.5
 
Summary
Wheat is a valuable, high‑energy, high‑protein feed grain, but its rapid fermentation rate requires careful processing and feeding management. When used correctly, wheat can be fed to all classes of cattle, including cows, heifers, dairy animals, and feedlot cattle. Success depends on:
  • Proper processing (coarse roll, minimal fines)
  • Controlled adaptation
  • Balanced rations with adequate forage
  • Avoidance of overfeeding
With these precautions, wheat can be a safe and effective component of cattle diets.