Hybrid Rye Grain for Beef and Dairy Cattle

Hybrid rye grain is a high-quality feedstuff for cattle and can be included successfully into beef and dairy cattle diets. It has a well-balanced nutrient profile when compared to other common cereal grains used to feed cattle in North America such as corn, wheat and barley. Hybrid rye has higher total digestible nutrients, a good crude protein profile and the soluble fibre component of hybrid rye can help promote a healthy rumen.

Research has shown that hybrid rye can successfully replace a portion of a barley or corn-based ration without impacting the performance of the animals. For both dairy cattle and feedlot steers, up to 30% of the grain portion of the ration can be replaced with hybrid rye. Due to the high level of rapidly degradable starch in hybrid rye grain, it is recommended to feed a mixed ration which includes grains with a slower starch degradation rate.

Early pollination and KWS PollenPLUS® technology means that KWS Hybrid Rye is less susceptible to fusarium and ergot contamination compared to conventional rye and other cereal grains. It is always best practice to test your feed grains for mycotoxins before use. If

mycotoxins are present work with your nutritionist to manage feeding levels.

References:

Rusche, 2020; Buckhaus et al., 2021; Pereira et al., 2022; Wagner et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2024