Feasibility and Effects of Increased Use of Crop Residues in Beef Cattle Rations : An Exploratory Study

摘要

Beef production is expected to be 11 percent below estimated U.S. consumption by the year 2000. An increase in forage production is a necessary condition for increasing domestic beef production. Crop residues can add to forage supplies and are economically feasible to use as feed where cattle and residues are in close proximity. Generally, however, concentrations of residues are in locations differing with the concentrations of cattle. Also, most crop residues produced in the U.S. are needed to maintain the productivity of the soils. Limiting the amount of grain in the rations would likely increase consumer prices of meat.