Over the past two decades, Canada’s barley acreage has been steadily decreasing, losing nearly 155,000 acres each year. In contrast, both wheat and corn have seen significant growth, with wheat expanding by 440,000 acres annually and corn by 300,000 acres annually. This shift in agricultural practices has prompted cattle feeders in Western Canada to explore alternative grain sources.
Cattle feeders in Central Canada and the United States have long been using corn as a feed for their livestock, which means there is a wealth of scientific and practical knowledge available to support its adoption. However, when it comes to feeding wheat, there is still much to learn. Nutritionists and cattle feeders are aware that wheat has a higher starch content, which increases the risk of digestive upsets such as acidosis. Additionally, there are differences in protein content and seed hardness between red wheat (bread) varieties and white wheat (pastry) varieties, which can impact processing and nutritional value for different types of cattle.
Recognizing the need for more information and understanding, a team of researchers led by Dr. Tim McAllister from AAFC Lethbridge embarked on a study to investigate the feeding of wheat to cattle. Their goal was to gather scientific data and practical insights that could help cattle feeders make informed decisions about incorporating wheat into their feed rations.
The research team conducted a series of experiments to evaluate the effects of different wheat varieties on cattle performance, as well as the impact of processing methods on nutrient availability. They carefully monitored the cattle’s health, growth rates, and feed efficiency throughout the study.
The findings of the research are expected to have significant implications for the cattle feeding industry in Western Canada. By providing valuable insights into the nutritional value and processing requirements of different wheat varieties, the study aims to support cattle feeders in making informed decisions about incorporating wheat into their feed rations.
With the shrinking supply of barley, cattle feeders in Western Canada are in urgent need of alternative grain sources to meet the nutritional needs of their livestock. Wheat, with its increasing acreage and potential as a feed grain, presents a promising solution. However, the challenges associated with its higher starch content and variations in protein content and seed hardness cannot be overlooked.
The research conducted by Dr. Tim McAllister and his team will bridge the knowledge gap surrounding the feeding of wheat to cattle. Their findings will not only provide cattle feeders with the necessary information to effectively incorporate wheat into their feed rations but also contribute to the overall sustainability and success of the cattle feeding industry in Western Canada.
As the demand for alternative grain sources continues to rise, the insights gained from this research will be invaluable in ensuring the health and well-being of livestock while maintaining the productivity and profitability of the cattle feeding sector. By embracing new and innovative feeding practices, cattle feeders can adapt to the changing landscape of agriculture and secure a sustainable future for their industry.
