As winter approaches, feeding weaned calves efficiently becomes crucial, especially when forage options like wheat pasture are limited due to drought. In a recent article, Dr. Paul Beck emphasized the importance of providing balanced nutrition through free-choice hay and supplementation to achieve targeted weight gains.
He outlines several ration strategies, particularly highlighting the need for increased supplementation when hay quality declines. For example, when feeding low-quality grass hay (7% protein), supplementing with high-protein concentrates is crucial to meeting calves’ nutritional needs. In addition, he recommends incorporating an ionophore to boost efficiency and aid in controlling health issues like coccidiosis.
Beck suggests feeding supplements that are accessible, cost-effective, and nutritionally beneficial. This is where DDG (distillers dried grains) cubes become an excellent fit.
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The Benefits of DDG Cubes for Winter Feeding
DDG (Distillers Dried Grains) cubes are an ideal supplement for producers facing the challenges of drought conditions and limited forage this winter. These cubes are high in digestible protein and energy, making them particularly useful for supporting the growth of weaned calves, especially when forage quality is poor.
The science behind DDG cubes lies in their composition, derived from the ethanol production process, which leaves them rich in protein, fat, and fiber. These nutritional components provide several advantages:
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Protein and Energy Boost: Calves require increased protein intake to maintain weight gain when feeding on lower-quality hay. DDG cubes deliver a higher concentration of protein than many other supplements, such as cracked corn or soybean meal, allowing calves to meet their nutritional needs with less feed.
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Efficient Feed Conversion: High fat content in DDG cubes increases energy intake, allowing calves to maintain growth rates even when hay or pasture is scarce. This efficient feed conversion reduces the total amount of supplement needed, making DDG cubes a cost-effective choice for producers.
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Stretching Resources: With feed costs rising due to hay shortages and the need for more supplementation, DDG cubes offer a budget-friendly alternative. Their high nutrient density means producers can stretch their hay supplies, feeding less while still supporting weight gain and herd health.
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Health Benefits: During the weaning phase, calves are more susceptible to stress and illness, particularly in harsh winter conditions. High digestibility of nutrients in DDG cubes allows calves to meet their nutritional demands, boost immune function, and increase resilience.
By incorporating DDG cubes into a winter feeding plan, producers can ensure their calves receive the necessary nutrition to thrive, even under difficult conditions like drought and hay shortages. These cubes offer a practical, science-backed solution to maintaining herd health and growth while managing feed costs efficiently.
