Over the past two decades, Canada’s barley acreage has been on a steady decline, shrinking by nearly 155,000 acres annually. In contrast, both wheat and corn have seen significant growth, with wheat increasing by 440,000 acres annually and corn by 300,000 acres annually. This shift in crop preferences has prompted Western Canadian cattle feeders to explore alternative grain sources.
Cattle feeders in Central Canada and the United States have been feeding corn to their livestock for many years. As a result, there is a wealth of scientific and practical knowledge available to support its adoption as a feed source. However, the same cannot be said for wheat. While wheat has long been a staple in human diets, its potential as a cattle feed has been relatively unexplored.
One of the main concerns with using wheat as cattle feed is its higher starch content, which increases the risk of digestive upsets such as acidosis. This has led to apprehension among nutritionists and cattle feeders who are wary of introducing a new grain source without a clear understanding of its potential risks and benefits.
To address this knowledge gap, a team of researchers from AAFC Lethbridge, led by Dr. Tim McAllister, embarked on a study to investigate the use of wheat as cattle feed. Their goal was to gather scientific data and practical insights that could help inform cattle feeders about the best practices for incorporating wheat into their feed programs.
The researchers focused on comparing the nutritional value and processing characteristics of different wheat varieties, specifically red (bread) and white (pastry) varieties. They found that red wheat had higher protein content and a harder seed compared to white wheat. These differences in protein content and hardness can have significant implications for processing methods and the nutritional value of the feed for different types of cattle.
The findings of this study are significant for both cattle feeders and the agricultural industry as a whole. By providing valuable insights into the use of wheat as cattle feed, it opens up new possibilities for diversifying feed sources and reducing reliance on barley. This is particularly important given the declining acreage of barley in Canada.
Furthermore, the research conducted by Dr. McAllister and his team contributes to the growing body of knowledge surrounding the use of alternative grain sources in livestock production. It highlights the importance of conducting rigorous scientific studies to inform agricultural practices and ensure the health and well-being of livestock.
Moving forward, it is crucial for cattle feeders to have access to accurate and evidence-based information about the use of wheat as cattle feed. This will enable them to make informed decisions and optimize their feed programs for the benefit of their livestock and the sustainability of the industry.
In conclusion, the decline in barley acreage in Canada has prompted cattle feeders to explore alternative grain sources. While corn has been widely used in Central Canada and the United States, wheat has been relatively unexplored as cattle feed. The recent study led by Dr. Tim McAllister and his team provides valuable insights into the nutritional value and processing characteristics of different wheat varieties. This research opens up new possibilities for diversifying feed sources and reducing reliance on barley, while also contributing to the growing body of knowledge in agricultural practices.
