Cattle forage oat crop - is it safe

3 posts
Sat, 10/31/2015 - 19:38 #1

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12 years
Shannon
Last seen: 05/13/2018 - 20:47
Joined: 12/27/2012 - 12:34

Cattle forage oat crop - is it safe

Hi All,

 

We put in a forage oat crop earlier in the year and have been strip feeding our cattle on it.

 

My concern is the oats have now set seed and wondering if it is still safe to feed off without risk of bloat etc?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Lisa

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Sun, 11/01/2015 - 14:35 #2
barb
Last seen: 09/17/2019 - 18:07
Joined: 11/23/2011 - 09:38

Hi Lisa,

perhaps Rob or Charlie might have a different idea, but from experience, I would say that there should be no problem in continuing to strip graze as you have been. Most of the protein in the oats will now be in the oat seed. Just keep your eye on them, but it should be fine.

cheers,

Barb

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Wed, 11/04/2015 - 09:28 #3
charlie
Last seen: 12/26/2018 - 09:21
Joined: 05/31/2011 - 09:44

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the question.

The largest risk of feeding oats or grain to cattle is grain poisioning or acidosis. During this process bateria in the gut produce acid, causing slowing of the gut, dehydration and often death. 

Oats have a lower energy, higher fibre content than other grains are are generally seen as a safer option to wheat or barley. Once a plant goes from being vegetative to reproductive the feed value moves from the leaves and stems to the grain. The grain will have value once it reaches a milky/cheesy dough stage (when the grain is squashed between your finger), prior to this it has minimal value. 

I think you would be safe to carry on strip feeding the crop, however it would be a good idea to keep the same cattle on the oat crop as their gut will be well adjusted and be at least risk of grain poisioning.

Regards,

Charlie

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