Completed Competitive Grant

Development and implementation of low-input delivery systems for ethanol co-products in forage-based beef systems

Project ID: E2006-12

Abstract

Increased corn production to fuel Iowa's ethanol plants leads to diversion of cattle pasture land to cropland. This project looked at the value of using distillers' grain (an ethanol by-product) as a supplement for beef cattle feeding in a forage system.

Key Question: Are there practical ways to use distillers' grains to stretch pasture supplies, and maintain or increase cattle numbers without overgrazing?

Findings: Methods exist to minimize waste in supplementation of grazing cattle and substitute corn co-products for forage. Producers must consider the cost tradeoffs and the rate of supplementation to be successful.

Lead investigator: Dan Loy, ISU Extension, et al

Year of grant completion: 2010

This competitive grant project was part of the Leopold Center's Ecology Initiative.

Topics: Agroforestry, Animal management and forage, Market research and feasibility studies

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences | Sitemap

The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/grants/e2006-12 on 01/21/2013