Straw
We source Barley and Wheat Straw. For more information on this product please give us a call or ask for a quote.
An agricultural by-product, straw is the dry stem of a cereal plant after the grain or seed has been detached. Straw is about half of the generated cereal crops such as wheat, oats, barley, rice and rye.
Origin / Place of manufacture:
Worldwide
Nutritional features / Benefits:
- Straw has a percent of total digestible nutrients (TDN) values around the mid 40%, it can be used more than just filler, as it provides a considerable quantity of energy needs as well. Straw is low in protein so the ration must include a good source of protein, along with the suitable mineral mix and salt.
- Oat straw is the highest in energy content; it is the better option for cow provisions, followed then by barley straw.
- Straw can be fed as part of the roughage component of the diet to cows that are on a close maintenance level of energy needs. Its energy is low digestible and nutrient content.
- When the bacteria in a herbivore's gut digests straw, the heat generated can be useful in maintaining body temperature in cold climates.
- Mature dry cows in good body condition, up to six weeks away from calving are the best participant for straw feeds. These cows have the lowest requirement for nutrition of any in the herd.
Colour / Texture:
Cereal - light in yellow colour
Legumes - more green in colour
Palatability:
Generally needs to be coated in molasses or mixed for it to be more palatable. Oat straw is more palatable than barley straw. Barley straw is more palatable than wheat straw.
Storage conditions:
When possible, straw should be stored under cover and protected from the elements.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient Content of Straws | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Straw | DM % | TDN % | NEm (Mcal/lb.) | CP % | ADF % | Ca % | P % |
| 100% Dry Matter Basis | |||||||
| Barley | 90.0 | 43.0 | 0.38 | 4.1 | 52.0 | 0.37 | 0.11 |
| Flax | 87.0 | 37.0 | 0.36 | 4.3 | 56.0 | 0.63 | 0.06 |
| Millet | 86.0 | 51.0 | 0.47 | 7.0 | 45.0 | 0.44 | 0.12 |
| Oat | 90.0 | 47.0 | 0.45 | 4.5 | 50.0 | 0.27 | 0.10 |
| Rye | 88.0 | 41.0 | 0.40 | 3.6 | 53.0 | 0.22 | 0.08 |
| Soybean | 88.0 | 42.0 | 0.44 | 5.2 | 55.0 | 1.59 | 0.06 |
| Wheat | 90.0 | 43.0 | 0.40 | 3.6 | 52.0 | 0.19 | 0.09 |
Disclaimer
These feeding recommendations are to be used as a guide only, and to assist readers in understanding generally accepted feeding levels. Readers should not rely on these guidelines in making specific feeding decisions but should consult an appropriate nutritionist for specific total dietary approach recommendations. Online Supplements Ltd. makes no warranties that these recommendations are suitable for any particular herd or for any particular animal. Online Supplements Ltd. disclaims any liability for any problems encountered in the use of these recommendations.
