Cereals and By-Products

Barley, Wheat & Oats

Characteristics

Barley, wheat and oats are all starch rich cereal grains. They can be fed whole or processed. During processing, these grains can be rolled, bruised, milled, crimped, micronised, or treated with alkali or acid (e.g.prop-corn). In general, cattle need the grains to be processed more than sheep and goats.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
Barley	86	12.8	110
Wheat	86	13.5	120
Oats	86	12	110

Associated Problems

Bloat. Acidosis. Soft fat. Liver abscesses. Cereals typically very poor source of calcium and deficient in Vitamins A and D.

Distillery and Brewing By-Products

(Brewer’s grains, Distiller’s grains (draff), Distiller’s dark grains, Malt culms)

Characteristics

These by-products can be variable and are more suited to ruminants. They are a good source of fibre and have high unsaturated fatty acid content. The low DM by-products can be fed fresh or they can be ensiled. They are high in phosphorus but low in calcium and other minerals.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
Brewers grains	26	11.2	250
Distillers grains	25	14.7	270
Distillers dark grains	89	12.2 – 14.8	275 - 350
Malt culms	90	11.2	270

Associated Problems

Can be associated with deficiency in calcium, magnesium and other minerals. Poor fermentation and its associated problems can be encountered when ensiled.

Maize and Maize Gluten Feed

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Characteristics

These feeds are typically processed and may be flaked, rolled or micronised. They are suitable for ruminants and non-ruminants. Maize and maize gluten feed have high digestible energy, but poor source of calcium.

	DM (%)	ME (MJ/kg DM)	CP (g/kg DM)
Maize	86	14.2	98
Flaked Maize	90	15	110
Maize gluten feed	90	12.7	250

Associated Problems

Maize and maize gluten feed can cause bloat and acidosis. The carcase fat colour can have a yellow pigmentation (due to presence of cryptoxanthin).