Grain feeding is becoming a more common production method for producers finishing cattle for either the export or domestic market. While the majority of cattle are fed in established feedlots, many are also finished in on-farm opportunity feedlots.

One of the more significant costs in feedlot operations is the feed cost. Feed prices depend upon availability and suitability of feed grains. Identifying the suitability of grain for lotfeeding allows greater flexibility in the selection and purchasing of grains that will provide the greatest return on the feeding operation.

This Primefact looks at:

• suitability of oats for feedlotting;
• preparation of oats;
• sourcing oats for feeding;
• oat hull digestibility;
• balancing an oat-based grain ration;
• protein supplements;
• rumen modifiers;
• comparing the cost of grains.