Other Feedstuffs
     Pea Vines - The residue from production of field peas and lentils is a satisfactory feed that is about equivalent to a low quality grass hay in feeding value. The palatability is quite good.

     Brewer's mash - This byproduct from malting barley can be used as a feed in either wet or dry form. It is low in energy (61 per cent TDN of dry matter) but high in protein (25 percent of dry matter). It's an excellent source of B vitamins, but its use for swine may be limited due to its bulkiness in wet form.

     Bakery waste - Stale bread and other baking products may be ground and used as a replacement for cereal grains. Because of the fine particle size, it should be mixed with other concentrates and limited to about 10 percent of the total ration.

     Bullrushes, willows, buckbrush and other woody material are generally not well digested by cattle or sheep. Limited quantities present in hay are not harmful but enough hay should be provided to allow animals to sort out and reject the woody material. They may, however, be used as bedding, if ground.

     Grinding roughages. When hay and straw are scarce, grinding has several advantages. Animals cannot sort as easily and will eat everything, reducing waste. Low quality roughage can be mixed with higher quality in proportions you choose and the cows have to eat it all. Feeds with high nitrate levels can be diluted below the toxic level. Animals can eat more poor quality roughage if it is ground, and therefore grow faster or maintain themselves easier than on the uncut roughage. However, if energy and protein supplementation is not adequate, rumen impaction can be a very real problem. There is no point in grinding forage for beef cows if they can get enough to eat without grinding. It increases cost, encourages over consumption and could lead to impaction. Grinding might pay if you were mixing quality feeds and limit feeding to prevent waste. If hay or straw is tough or damp, power requirements to grind it go way up. The dryer the better. A 1/2 inch screen is the best size as there is better intake, less bridging and feed particle separation in complete rations. Acidulated fatty acid (AFA), tallow, mineral oil, crude vegetable oil, molasses and water have all been used to cut dust problems. If water is used, the cut feed should be consumed within 24-48 hours to prevent heating.

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