Soybean Residue for Forage

By Ben Beckman

Forage this fall is tight and crop residues offer a cost-effective opportunity for cows to graze or for baling and feeding later. We’ve looked at corn and sorghum residues previously, so let’s take some time to assess the quality of soybean residues.

Soybeans themselves are very high in protein and fat. At about 40% crude protein and 20% fat, the beans alone can be a good feed source when fed in moderation. The high fat content can cause issues with rumen function, especially in young calves, so before letting animals out to graze a bean field, clean up any piles of spilled grain.

Soybean residues, on the other hand, have a much different feed composition. Empty bean pods and stems contain only 4 to 6% CP and the TDN is only 35 to 45%. Soybean leaves are slightly higher in protein at 12%, but the leaves break down quickly and are usually no longer available for consumption once harvest has been completed.

With these qualities, soybean residues are unable support the nutritional requirements of a dry cow even if there is some grain left in the field. There is still opportunity to graze soybean residue in conjunction with a supplemented high-quality feed. Not only does this provides rest to pastures, but can help stretch feed resources while still ensuring the cow is properly fed.  

Baled soybean residue can be used as a roughage source in rations if needed. Just like grazing, baled soybean residue does not meet cow requirements, with even lower quality than baled corn stalk residues. 

Soybean residue may not be the quality we often think. While it can be used to rest pasture and stretch feed resources, residue alone will not meet even a dry cow’s nutrient requirements. Supplementation will be need if you decide to utilize your soybean residue.

Fall Grazing of Alfalfa

By Jerry Volesky

With pastures running short this year because of drought, there has been interest grazing alfalfa in the fall. In some cases, the alfalfa may not have been big enough to warrant haying or maybe you have an alfalfa field that is adjacent to some cornstalks. A side benefit is that grazing alfalfa in late fall or winter can reduce alfalfa weevil infestations by removing stems and plant parts that serve as a wintering site or a spring laying site for weevil eggs. 

Even though it is early November, alfalfa is still quite green, despite several nights with low temperatures in the 20s. There may be some wilting and yellowing, especially on the top, but most leaves still are attached to the plant stems.

The real question often being asked is, “Can I be sure my cows won’t bloat if they graze my alfalfa?”. To be quite honest, you never can be 100% certain that alfalfa won’t cause bloat. Bloat occurs in ruminant livestock when gas produced during fermentation becomes trapped inside the rumen. 

Bloat risk is much lower a week after a hard freeze that causes wilting. But always use good management methods to reduce the risk further. Have cows full before turning out to alfalfa. Wait until midday, after frost or dew is gone, before turning out. Provide other dry, palatable feeds or even bloat retardants. And keep a close eye on them for the first couple days. 

Alfalfa can be grazed safely. Just be careful and realistic.

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