Identifying feeds - Cereals

Question 1

Characteristics of Whole Maize?

Answer 1

• Can be grown as a cash crop for sale to livestock farmers.
• Great source of energy whole for poultry.
• High in starch which provides the high energy, can be used to improve dairy cow production, such as increasing milk yields, and it can also improve reproductive performance.
• Can be fed mixed with silage in bins or through in shed feeding system.
• Lower risk of acidosis in comparison to barley. 30% of starch is bypass, low in protein, under 10%, low in calcium.

Question 2

Characteristics of Whole Wheat?

Answer 2

• High energy, high starch, rapidly digestible.
• Higher risk of acidosis than barley or maize.
• Low in vitamins and calcium.
• Limit to 2-3kg, unless caustic treated.
• Feed rolled only.

Question 3

Characteristics of Whole Barley?

Answer 3

• High energy, high-starch.
• Risk of acidosis at high feeding rates, low protein (10-11%) and low fibre.
• Low in vitamins and calcium.
• Limit to 6-7kg.

Question 4

Characteristics of Whole Oats?

Answer 4

• Can be fed to sheep of all ages, and calves up to 8 months, can be fed to older cattle, but some grains, they are likely to remain undigested.
• High fibre content.
• High percentage husk, which takes a long time to be broken down in the rumen.