Cottonseed meal is another good sou

Cottonseed meal is another good source of protein that is becoming more readily available in Virginia. Cottonseed meal is slightly lower in protein content than soybean meal. Whole cottonseed is also high in energy and fiber. Whole cottonseeds may also be fed to cattle, but whole cottonseed contains only half the protein of cottonseed meal and are high in fat. Because of the gossypol content, cottonseed meal or whole cottonseed are not recommended as a protein supplement for young bulls due to detrimental effects on reproduction

High to moderate protein by-products include distiller’s grains, brewer’s grains, corn gluten meal, poultry litter, feather meal, and fishmeal.

Poultry litter is potentially the cheapest protein supplement available in the Southeast. It contains moderate levels of protein and marginal to adequate levels of energy. As long as it is properly deep-stacked before feeding, it contains no harmful bacteria or other pathogens. When mixed with a high-energy grain, it is an excellent feedstuff for beef cows and stockers. Because of high levels of calcium, phosphorus, and copper, special mineral mixes are needed when feeding high levels of poultry litter.

Feather meal may be available in some parts of Virginia. It is high in protein, but most of the protein is by-pass protein. Feather meal should not be used as a sole protein source.

Feeding animal proteins to cattle is banned, restricted, or tightly controlled depending on the source of the protein. These restrictions are to prevent the introduction of bovine spongiform encephalomacia or Mad Cow Disease to the US. In general, mammalian derived proteins can not be fed to cattle. Feeding proteins from poultry and fish are permitted.

Urea is the most common of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) fed. NPN must be fed with an energy source that is readily available to the rumen. It should not make up more than 1% of the total diet or 3% of the concentrate mix. Urea is often used in lick tanks or liquid protein supplements to increase the CP value of the product or added to corn silage to boost the CP level.

Summary
The cow-calf herd’s primary source of nutrition is forages, but forages are variable in nutrient content. A nutrient analysis or forage test is highly recommended. By knowing the nutrient content of their base forages, producers can then identify the deficient nutrients that need to be supplemented. Your Extension Agent can provide information on sampling forages and sending them to laboratories for analysis. Beef producers can then seek economical supplements from products in their area. A firm understanding of the categories of feeds and their role in feeding cattle will make identifying alternatives easier.