Straw For Roughage

MT. VERNON, MO.
   If your hay supply is running low, you might consider using some wheat straw. It will be low in protein and energy, but properly supplemented with decent hay and a concentrate supplement it might help stretch your hay. Most of the recommendations say to include about 50 percent wheat straw in the roughage portion.
   The values on straw run under 5 percent crude protein and the lower 40 percent range on total digestible nutrients (TDN). Granted, it’s not alfalfa, but it could help get you through a tough time. Wheat straw, like fescue stubble hay, can be treated with anhydrous ammonia and the feeding value will be improved. However, treatment is best done in warm weather so I’d not encourage any treating at this time. Δ
   ELDON COLE: Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri