October 18, 2002
Grazing Soybean Stubble Requires Supplementing Protein
LINCOLN, Neb. — Producers putting their cattle out to graze soybean stubble this fall need to be sure their herds are getting enough protein, a University of Nebraska forage specialist said.
Unlike cornstalks, soybean stubble provides little protein to cattle, but it still is a valuable feed resource this fall due to reduced pasture grazing, and tight and expensive hay supplies, said Bruce Anderson, forage specialist for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
"When most of us think of soybeans, we think high protein, so we expect soybean residues also will be a high protein food," Anderson said. "Unfortunately, the opposite is true because soybean residue often is very low in protein."
Soybean stems and pods contain only about 4 percent to 6 percent crude protein, but dry beef cows need about 7 percent to 8 percent crude protein each day, he said.
"Even though leaves can be up to 12 percent protein, it's only around one-third digestible," he said. "In fact, protein digestibility is low in all bean residues."
Soybean residue is even lower in energy content, Anderson said.
Its total digestible nutrients average between 35 percent to 45 percent for leaves, stems and pods, he said. Unless cows grazing soybean residues also find and eat quite a few beans, they can lose weight and body condition quickly.
"Cattle must be fed quite a bit of higher energy and protein feeds to make up for these deficiencies in soybean residues," Anderson said. "Supplementing soybean stubble with alfalfa hay, corn silage and many byproducts can help form a more complete ration."
One good way to use soybean stubble is as an extender of much higher quality hay or silage, Anderson said.
"Cattle can be fed sufficient hay or silage to meet most of their nutrient needs, then finish filling their intake desire with the soybean stubble," he said.
10/18/02-AF
Bruce Anderson - Ph.D
Agronomy
Professor
(402) 472-6237
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department: Agronomy & Horticulture
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