In 2015, cattle were the top agricultural commodity in Oregon, bringing in around $914 million in sales. Currently, cattle farms exist in all of the state’s 36 counties, with the number of beef cattle highly surpassing that of dairy cows. While the majority of land throughout the U.S. is not fit for crop production, cattle can thrive in these dry, hilly terrains that are common in Southern Oregon.
Most beef cattle start out on a grass-fed diet that is essential for proper stomach development and later switch to pellet feed to promote faster growth. This transition normally occurs when the calf is around 8 months old, which is the typical age for weaning. Agricultural pellet mills in Oregon provide an effective way for farmers to feed their young calves and cattle. Pellets provide many benefits over traditional feed, including a shorter consumption time and a higher amount of digestible energy.
Diet Should Be Slowly Transitioned
The first stomach compartment of a calf, called a rumen, is initially accustomed to digesting forages. If this high-fiber diet is suddenly changed, the animal’s digestive system doesn’t have enough time to adapt. A common condition called acidosis may occur without a proper adjustment period. Increased acid levels caused by this condition can then enter the stomach and result in extreme shock or death in some instances. A gradual introduction of feed pellets into the diet is essential for raising healthy cattle and avoiding serious complications.
Is a Grass or Grain Diet Better for Cattle Farming?
Although some consumers prefer to purchase beef that has been grass fed, each method has both advantages and downsides. Environmentalists argue that grass-fed cattle have less of an impact on the climate due to the fossil fuel necessary for grain production. However, cows that are fed only grass produce more methane because forages are typically harder to digest than grain. Using Pellet Mills in Oregon to produce grain feed requires less time for the animal to reach its target weight. This is a positive factor because it results in reduced water consumption and less land acreage required for grazing. The ability to raise more cattle in less space enables farmers to provide a sufficient amount of meat to a growing population.
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