K-State Research and Extension

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Beef Tips

Tag: dry matter

How Does Moisture and Composition Affect Feedstuff Costs?

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Jason Warner, extension cow-calf specialist

In the previous edition of KSU Beef Tips (July 2024; How Much Does Water Cost? – Beef Tips (k-state.edu)), the importance of the fundamental concept of dry matter (DM) was discussed along with how to price feedstuffs on a cost per unit of DM basis.  While understanding the impact of feedstuff DM is critical for making informed management decisions, we also must consider how differences in nutrient composition, in addition to DM, influence feedstuff cost scenarios.  Continue reading “How Does Moisture and Composition Affect Feedstuff Costs?” →

How Much Does Water Cost?

Posted on by Sandy Johnson

Jason Warner, extension cow-calf specialist

Mark Twain has often been credited with the infamous statement “Whiskey is for drinking; water is for fighting over.”.  While applicability of this quote varies based on the context with which it is used, it highlights the fact that water is a precious and valuable resource.  Just as we pay for bottled water at the convenience store, we pay for water when we purchase and/or harvest feedstuffs for beef cattle.  This is an important concept to keep in mind as nearly every feedstuff commonly used in nutrition programs for beef cattle, with the exception of pure forms of some minerals and vitamins, can and will gain or lose moisture depending on harvesting, processing, and storage conditions. Continue reading “How Much Does Water Cost?” →