Extending Feed Supplies: Alfalfa Cubes, Pellets, Barley, Dried Pulp and Molasses, Brewers Grains, Buckwheat, Canola Forage and Cereal Crops

This document provides a concise overview of several feed ingredients that can be used to stretch forage supplies for cattle. Each section highlights key characteristics, nutritional values, and feeding considerations.
 
Alfalfa Cubes
Alfalfa cubes are coarsely chopped forage that is artificially dried and compressed into ~3.2 cm cubes. Particle size is larger than pellets, allowing cubes to serve as the sole forage source in dairy rations.
Feeding Guidelines
  • Introduce gradually over 1–2 weeks.
  • Individual intakes vary widely (4.5–14 kg/day).
  • To prevent poor performance, feed ≥2.5 kg (5 lb) of long hay along with cubes.
 
Alfalfa Pellets
Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets
  • Made from early‑cut alfalfa, then dried and pelleted (1.3 cm diameter).
  • Nutrient profile: 16–20% CP, 1.5–2.0% Ca, 0.2–0.3% P, ~60% TDN.
Feeding Considerations
  • Excess intake may cause digestive upset.
  • Limit to ≤4 kg (8 lb)/cow/day.
  • Feed ≥4.5 kg (10 lb) of hay or straw unless forage supply is critically low.
Sun‑Cured Alfalfa Pellets
  • Field‑dried forage; more variable nutrient quality.
  • Typical nutrients: 13–15% CP, 1–1.5% Ca, 0.2–0.3% P, 50–60% TDN.
  • Feed up to 3–4 kg (6–8 lb) per cow per day as a supplement to low‑quality forage.
 
Barley
Forage
Suitable for hay, silage, or pasture but may accumulate nitrates.
Grain
Highly common energy source, intermediate between oats and wheat.
Nutrient Composition (DM%)
  • CP: 12%
  • ADF: 7%
  • TDN: 83%
  • Ca: 0.05%
  • P: 0.37%
 
Dried Beet Pulp & Dried Molasses Beet Pulp
Highly palatable, bulky, and mild laxative. Commonly used in dairy diets.
Nutrient Composition (DM%)
Component
Beet Pulp
Molasses Beet Pulp
CP
10%
10%
ADF
23%
25%
TDN
69%
76%
Ca
0.9%
0.6%
P
0.10%
0.10%
 
Brewers Grains
Residual product from the brewing process, available wet or dried. Wet form is most common.
Nutrients – Wet Brewers Grains
(As fed → DM basis)
  • DM: 22% (100%)
  • CP: 6% (28%)
  • TDN: 16% (72%)
  • Fat: 1.1% (5%)
  • ADF: 5% (23%)
  • Ca: 0.08% (0.35%)
  • P: 0.13% (0.60%)
 
Buckwheat
Forage: Low‑value; ~4% CP and ~40% CF (DM). May cause photosensitivity in light‑skinned animals.
Seed Nutrients (DM%): 13% CP, 17% ADF, 72% TDN, 0.10% Ca, 0.35% P.
  • Less palatable than other grains.
  • Should not exceed 20–25% of concentrate mix for dairy or beef cattle.
  • Valued at ~10% less than oats.
 
Canola Forage, Seed, and Meal
Forage (Whole-plant Canola)
Canola is challenging to harvest and store due to its high moisture content and slow drying characteristics. It can be harvested as hay or silage, but each method presents limitations:
·        Hay: Drying canola for hay is difficult, and spoilage risk is high if moisture remains elevated. Achieving a safe dry-down is often not practical under typical field conditions.
·        Silage: Canola can be successfully ensiled, but moisture content must be below 65%. Higher moisture levels lead to poor fermentation, excessive seepage losses, and reduced feed quality.
  • Comparable to alfalfa in protein and energy (DM basis).
  • Introduce gradually to avoid digestive issues and potential bloat.
  • Feed dairy cows after milking to avoid milk taint.
Canola Pasture Nutrient Composition (DM%)
  • ~17% CP
  • ~15% CF
  • ~65% TDN
  • 1.5% Ca
  • 0.40% P
Frozen canola forage has been fed successfully. Canola straw is very low in value (3–4% CP; ~20% TDN).
Canola Seed
  • High in fat (41%); limits inclusion to ≤10% of grain ration.
  • Nutrients (DM%): 21% CP, 12% ADF, 127% TDN (from high fat), 0.44% Ca, 0.68% P.
Canola Meal
Primary protein supplement in Manitoba.
Nutrient Composition (DM%)
  • CP: 39%
  • ADF: 19%
  • TDN: 70%
  • Fat: 4%
  • Ca: 0.7%
  • P: 1.2%
 
Cereal Crop Hays and Silage
Best harvested in the early‑dough stage for optimal feeding value.
Nutrient Composition (DM%)
  • CP: 12%
  • TDN: 60–65%
Oat and barley forages compare well with good‑quality hay; wheat and rye provide ~90% of that value.
Nitrate accumulation—especially in oats—can be a concern.

Additional Feed Supply Options