What Crops Do Livestock Eat?

If you’re wondering what types of crops livestock — such as cows, pigs and poultry — should consume regularly, the answer is it depends on several factors. The type of livestock, the season, the availability of crops, costs and many other variables play a role in your farm animals’ diets.

These crops, whether corn, grains, vegetables or fruits, make up the foundation of the food system. While humans eat a significant portion of the harvest, research shows that more than 67% of the crops grown in the United States are used to feed livestock. Read on to learn more about what these crops are made of, the different types available, their nutritional value and how to best store them.

The Importance of Crop Selection

Different crops bring unique nutritional benefits to livestock. Corn, for example, is energy-rich and helps fatten livestock. On the other hand, soybeans are a high-protein option that helps support growth and reproduction. 

When choosing crops, it’s essential to focus on the dietary needs of your livestock. Ask yourself — what types of animals do you have, and what do they need? For example, cattle benefit from a mixture of high-energy grains and fiber-rich forage, while protein-rich diets are ideal for pigs and poultry. In addition to the nutritional benefits, you’ll need to consider the cost, yield, local availability and storage requirements when it comes to crop selection. 

What Is Farm Animal Feed Made Of?

Farm animal feed is made of a variety of ingredients, which have different nutritional values and benefits:

• Corn (and other grains): Corn is the most commonly used animal feed grain in the U.S., contributing 95% of total crop and grain production. It gives livestock carbohydrates and a rich source of energy for growth. In addition to corn, animal feed may include popular grains such as barley, oats and sorghum.
• Soybeans: These are a species of legume that are a great source of protein for animal feed. Soybeans can also aid in digestion.
• Animal protein and waste: Feeding livestock waste and proteins from other animals is one of the most common farming and agricultural practices. Animal protein is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins, such as A, D and K2. Additionally, feeding animal proteins and waste to livestock can help reduce feed costs and unnecessary waste, contributing to a circular economy.
• Additives and preservatives: The Code of Federal Regulations permits a long list of food additives and preservatives in livestock feed, such as ammoniated cottonseed meal, ammoniated rice hulls and ammonium formate.
• Antibiotics: Animal farms are often confined in small spaces where illnesses and diseases can spread quickly. Antibiotics are administered through water and food, allowing the livestock to survive these conditions.

Forage Crops for Livestock

Forages are plants or crops that can provide feed for grazing animals, such as farm livestock, and wild animals like deer, moose and elk. 

Some common types of forage crops include:

• Kale
• Swedes
• Stubble turnips
• Fodder beet

Benefits of Forage Crops

Forage crops offer multiple benefits to both livestock and farmers. They are:

• High in protein and energy.
• High-yielding crops that can fill the forage gap when grass growth slows down, particularly in the fall and winter months.
• A low-cost solution.

Understanding Silage Types

A silage is a type of feed made from green forage crops. It is harvested, compacted and stored so that it can ferment. Creating silage involves controlling the fermentation process, which preserves the nutritional value of the crops. This makes them suitable for feeding livestock when fresh forage is unavailable or scarce, such as during winter or dry seasons.

The most common silage crops for livestock feed include: 

• Corn
• Alfalfa
• Sorghum
• Grasses like clover or ryegrass

Advantages of Silage

While forage crops are the most commonly used types for livestock feeding and nutrition, silage crops also have their benefits, such as:

• Providing a consistent, high-energy feed source.
• Reducing dependence on fresh forage.
• Minimizing waste.

Grain Feed Options for Livestock

Grain feed offers high-energy options for livestock, which can help support growth, reproduction, milk and meat production. Grains often supplement forage and offer livestock the necessary nutrients to thrive.

The most popular grain crops for livestock feed include:

• Corn
• Barley
• Wheat
• Oats
• Soybeans
• Sorghum
• Rye

Nutritional Benefits of Grain Feed

Grain feed offers a wide variety of nutritional advantages:

• Corn is high in starch and provides livestock with energy and a moderate amount of protein.
• Barley is rich in carbohydrates, with moderate protein and fiber levels.
• Wheat is high in energy and protein.
• Oats are high in fiber with a moderate amount of protein.
• Soybeans are high in protein and provide energy for livestock feed.
• Sorghum is high in energy and starch. It is also drought-tolerant, making it cost-effective in dry regions.
• Rye is high in fiber, with a moderate amount of protein and energy.

Effective Feed Storage for Crops

Besides understanding the ideal crops for livestock diets, knowing how to store these ingredients is a must. When livestock feed isn’t properly stored, the food is exposed to pests, fungi, bacteria, water and heat damage. To store crops safely, you’ll need to keep them away from direct sunlight and out of the rain, place them in a ventilated area, and keep them off the ground. 

Methods of Storage

There are multiple ways to securely store crops for your livestock. For example, grain storage requires proper moisture management to prevent mold and spoilage. Storage structures, such as silos or grain bins, that are clean, dry and well-ventilated are a good option. Ensuring these structures are rodent- and pest-proof with sealed seams is also essential.

For forage, it’s essential to store it in airtight containers. Before storing, you’ll have to eliminate air pockets, which can lead to spoilage. You can also store hay in well-ventilated areas and off the ground to avoid moisture absorption. In addition, proper moisture control is essential for any by-product in feed storage. This is because wet feed has a shorter shelf life.

Investing in quality solutions, such as LCDM’s custom grain handling equipment, will help you meet your needs while protecting your valuable livestock feed.

Let LCDM Help You Meet Your Crop Handling Needs

Effective feed storage is essential for maintaining crop quality, reducing waste and ensuring a consistent livestock feed supply. Whatever crop you’re storing, proper pest prevention and moisture control are key to preserving the feed and minimizing losses. You can protect your feed by investing in durable storage solutions and sustainable practices. 

At LCDM, we understand the many challenges that come with feed storage. We offer innovative handling and storage solutions to ensure your feed stays fresh and nutritious. Contact us today to speak to one of our consultants, and learn more about how we can help protect your feed and support your livestock’s health.