Feeding Rice Straw to Cattle

Feed is the largest single cost of producing beef. Producers who have access to alternative feeds often have economic advantages due to the lower costs of production. However, alternative feeds can present challenges due to variable consistency, variable supply, potential toxicants, and unusual composition. Rice straw, a by-product of the rice grain industry in Northern California, is a potential alternative feed for cow and calf producers. Increasing regulations and restrictions on burning rice straw has stimulated interest in using it for other purposes, including cattle feed.