1. Comparing the Economic Energy Value of
Bermudagrass and Corn
Griffin, B.S. 1, Kirkpatrick, D.L.2
, p ,
1. Extension Agent, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, Johnson County, Clarksville,
Arkansas, 72830
2. Extension Agent, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, Logan County, Paris, 72855
Abstract
When forage or hay quality drops below the minimum nutritional
requirements for beef cattle, producers usually utilize corn to satisfy Picture
their energy requirements. As corn prices rise, Arkansas producers are
utilizing high quality bermudagrass hay as an economic feed option. By
participating in hay shows, hay analysis programs and forage production
meetings, producers have improved their ability to produce quality
bermudagrass hay. In a study that was conducted in Logan and
Johnson Counties in 2010, 78% of the bermuduagrass hay had an Nutrient Requirements for Beef Cattle
average analysis of crude protein (CP) 13.2% and total digestible
nutrients (TDN) 64.1%. Hay of this quality can supply the nutritional Animal DMI TDN Berm Hay
needs of most Arkansas cattle herds without any additional
Type lbs /day lbs /day TDN 64.1%
supplementation. If you compare the cost of corn and high quality
bermudagrass hay based on energy value, the bermudagrass is a much
more economical option. Corn has a TDN of 90% and is currently Steer 500 lb 12.9 8.1 8.2
selling for $240/ton. Bermudagrass with a TDN of 64.1% has a TDN
value of $170/ton compared to corn. Since a 900 lbs bale of hay Preg. Heifer 19.5 9.9 12.5
usually sells for $30 – $40 the energy cost would be one half that of
corn. Producers have learned to compare energy costs to reduce their Mature cow
feeding expenses. 20 lbs milk 25.4 15.9 16.2
Breeding bulls 37 18.5 23.7
Educational Methods
• Production meeting that focus on forage quality and beef
cattle feeding.
• High Quality Forage Hay Shows
• Forage analysis Objectives
• Forage demonstrations on fertility, varieties and weed
control
• Forage newsletters 1.To educate producers on the nutritional needs of their cattle.
2. Reduce feeding costs.
3.To educate producers on the energy value of high quality bermudagrass
Impacts
4.To provide technical knowledge to forage producers to produce high quality 1. Increased awareness in proper hay sampling and
Goal bermudagrass hay. analysis.
5.To encourage producers to submit forage samples for analysis to determine 2. Increased participation in winter feeding workshops,
To encourage Johnson County cattle producers to compare forage quality. with emphasis on grouping cattle by nutritional needs.
the energy costs of corn versus bermudagrass hay to reduce 3. Bermudagrass hay purchasers are requesting hay
their feeding expenses. Encourage producers to produce high
expenses analysis reports with th h
l i t ith the hay.
quality bermudagrass hay. Results 4. Four beef producers have eliminated corn as an energy
source for their cattle feed.
The average quality of hay submitted in Johnson County has an analysis of crude
5. As corn prices continue to rise, the value of high quality
protein (CP) 10.5% and total digestible nutrients (TDN) 55%. In a study
bermudagrass increases.
conducted in 2010 78% of the bermudagrass hay had an average analysis of CP
13.2% and TDN 64.1%. Hay of this quality can supply the nutritional needs of
most Arkansas cattle herds without any additional supplementation. Corn has a
TDN of 90% and was selling for $240/ton. Bermudagrass with a TDN of 64.1%
has a TDN value of $170/ton compared to corn. A 900 lbs bale of of
bermudagrass hay sells for $30-40 the energy cost is one half that of corn.
Producers have learned to make economic decisions based on bermudagrass
quality and corn and bermudagrass prices.
United States Department of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, and County Governments Cooperating
The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.