Maximizing wheat straw utilization in beef cattle diets through protein supplementation strategies

Extreme weather events, rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns have resulted in increased feed insecurity. Therefore, cattle producers must find reliable and sustainable alternative feed sources to ensure operational viability. The utilization of local, low-cost, and abundant, crop residues and byproducts may be an alternative. An example of such feeds in western Canada is wheat straw, however, its low digestibility (< 50%) limits its use in feedlot cattle diets. Consequently, developing strategies that can maximize the utilization of wheat straw in feedlot diets is needed.

The current study aims to determine: Can wheat straw, with adequate protein supplementation, replace barley silage in backgrounding and finishing feedlot cattle diets without affecting growth performance? This feedlot study (20 pens; 15 steers/pen) will test two levels of wheat straw inclusion (50% or 100% replacement of barley silage) supplemented with two different protein sources (canola or flax screenings) in backgrounding and finishing feedlot diets and compare it to a standard barley silage: barley grain western Canadian feedlot diet. Intake, growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass quality parameters will be measured and analyzed. An economic analysis of each treatment will be performed to showcase economic viability.

Providing evidence for the inclusion of crop residues with protein byproduct supplementation may offer producers opportunities to capitalize on economical alternatives without compromising performance metrics. Producers would benefit by increasing their ability to adapt to challenging climatic conditions, and the industry by ensuring that low-quality crop residues are being upcycled into high-quality, nutritious end products, consequently increasing its sustainability.