Dear BESTer's
Two researchers in Texas, Dr. Wickersham and Merritt Drewery, have been
feeding algae by-products from bio-fuel production to beef steers. They
fed a 20 percent crude protein algae supplement to the steers in
different ratios with cottonseed meal and distiller's grain. They found
that the steers liked the algae supplement up to about a 60 percent mix.
Any more algae and their interest died off. They also tried feeding raw
algae. Wickersham said that he isn't sure how growers will buy an algae
by-product for feed supplementation, but a lot will depend on the cost.
I think this is a great way to use the after products of algal biofuel
production and provide another feed option for beef growers. Though it
would be interesting to see the fiber analysis on the algae supplement.
http://southwestfarmpress.com/livestock/agrilife-research-study-focuses-feeding-beef-steers-algae-co-products
AgriLife Research study focuses on feeding beef steers with algae
co-products
Blair Fannin
Southwest Farm Press
May 30, 2012
Sarah Luther
719-357-1630
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