Feeding Wheat to Finishing Cattle

cyclical, and is historically dependent on factors affecting world supply and demand for wheat as a human foodstuff. Wheat generally becomes economically feasible to feed when the price per bushel is 108–115% that of corn, as a result of higher bushel weight and protein concentration. This generalized value is somewhat of a “moving target” as numerous factors affect the ability to utilize wheat in a specific feeding operation. Previously, it has been recommended that wheat not exceed 40–60% of the grain in finishing diets. This is because wheat has a very rapid rate of ruminal starch digestion (Table 1), which often results in low and erratic consumption patterns, reduced performance, and increased incidences of digestive disturbances compared to corn or sorghum grain. However, with proper management, wheat has been fed successfully at up to 100% of the grain in high concentrate rations in numerous research and commercial feedlot situations. Important factors to consider for successfully feeding high levels of wheat include processing methods, bunk management, and use of feed additives (ionophores, buffers, fat). Further, agronomic effects of wheat variety, growing conditions, test weight and kernel damage (sprouting) may affect feeding value.