Optimizing the Grain in Your Ration

Cereal grain is fed to ruminant livestock in western Canada because it provides a relatively dense energy source and protein. In order for rumen microorganisms to access the energy contained in commonly available feed grains, further processing is required. The goal of processing is to allow access and increase surface area for rumen microbes to use the available nutrients. Excessive processing may lead to rapid digestion and lowering of rumen pH causing digestive upset (sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA)). This presentation will focus on activities (% fines, Processing Index) that can be undertaken on farm to monitor the performance of feed processing (dry rolling) of grain to maximize feed grain digestibility while minimizing the potential for SARA.