Oat Silage Boosts Returns for Corn Belt Cattle Feeding
Illinois trials show oat silage yielding about 4 tons per acre can generate $125 to $180 per acre in beef gains. Calves wintered on silage gained 1.74 lb daily with a ration of silage hay and corn. Higher corn and protein levels raised gains and net returns, with cost of gain dropping to around $16 per hundred at peak feeding.