Poultry Manure as a Supplement in High Concentrate Diets Limit-Fed to Beef Cows

Three trials were conducted to evaluate poultry manure as a CP and mineral supplement in high concentrate diets limit-fed to gestating and lactating beef cows and heifers. Trial 1 used 67 pregnant Simmental × Angus beef cows (BW, 640 ± 6 kg). During this 126-d trial, no differences (P>0.10) in BW changes or body condition scores (BCS) were observed between cows provided supplemental CP and minerals from either poultry manure or a soybean meal-based protein and mineral supplement. Feed costs per day were lower for cows fed diets supplemented with poultry manure ($0.82) than for those fed diets supplemented with the soybean meal-based protein and mineral supplement ($1.11) and were much lower than those for cows fed an all hay diet offered for ad libitum intake ($1.46). In Trial 2, 26 pregnant Simmental × Angus beef heifers (BW, 503 ± 11 kg) were used to determine the efficacy of poultry manure as a source of energy, protein, and minerals. No differences (P>0.10) in performance were observed between heifers consuming a low poultry manure diet (4.6 kg/d corn and 1.1 kg/d poultry manure) or a high poultry manure diet (3.1 kg/d corn and 3.2 kg/d poultry manure). Feed costs per day were lower for heifers on the high poultry manure treatment ($0.61 vs $0.73 for high and low poultry manure treatments, respectively). Trial 3 was conducted with 61 beef cows and 23 beef heifers in late gestation. Animals consuming the poultry manure-supplemented, corn-based diet lost more weight during both the gestation (P<0.10) and lactation periods (P<0.05) than those fed the soybean meal-based protein and mineral supplement. Overall BCS change was similar among treatments (P=0.31). Feed costs per day were lower for cows fed supplemental poultry manure ($0.82) than for those fed the soybean meal-based protein and mineral supplement ($1.11). Poultry manure was a more economical source of supplemental CP and minerals than a soybean meal-based protein and mineral supplement when fed to meet nutrient needs of cows that were limit-fed a cornbased diet. Effects on cow performance were minimal.