roughages for cattle

[farmersdaughter]

i am doing a project for my animal science class and the question is expain the use of roughages in cattle production systems? i dont understand what its asking can someone please help?  thank you!

 

[kfacres]

cattle are used to create inedible, poorer quality roughage feedstuff-- into a human consumable product- red meat. 

roughages, typically are considered the cheapest source of nutrition for ruminating livestock-- as opposed to purchased or homegrown grains and concentrates. 

If it were my project- I'd check into things such as rotational grazing- to max pastures- stockpiling forages for winter- to min use of hay- and maybe touch slightly on the use of co-by-or bi product feeds- to reduce inputs for grains and concentrates. 

 

[farmersdaughter]

thank for the help!