November 30, 2007

UNL Extension programs Dec. 5 and 19 will use ongoing UNL research to help producers determine if byproduct feeding is a economical feed staple in their operations.

The expansion of the ethanol production industry in Nebraska has created opportunities for cattle producers to use byproducts as a feed source. The programs will focus on using ethanol byproducts from feed rations to storage.

The programs run from 7-9 p.m. Both programs will be at the Saunders County Extension Office located at the UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center's August. N. Christenson Research and Education Building near Mead.

Dec. 5 Program

Ethanol By-Product Use for Cow/Calf Producers is the focus of the Dec. 5 program. Rick Rasby, UNL beef specialist, is the featured speaker. Topics include:

• nutrient quality and differences between distillers grains and corn gluten feed,
• storage and handling issues for cow/calf producers,
• use in heifer development and backgrounding diets,
• using solubles in cattle diets and pricing distillers grains.

Dec. 19 Program

The Dec. 19 program is aimed at farmer feeders and will be presented by Galen Erickson, UNL beef feedlot nutrition specialist. Topics include:

• what are these byproducts,
• how they fit in feeding operations,
• what to expect in terms of cattle performance,
• how much can be fed,and what does it change in the diet,
• what are the challenges,
• pricing wet byproducts and
• how to manage inventory (storing wet byproducts).

Complimentary hot roast beef sandwiches and refreshments will be served. Preregistration is requested one day in advance of each workshop by calling UNL Extension at (800) 529-8030 or e-mail kglewen1@unl.edu.Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.