| Condensed Distillers Solubles (CDS) and corn stover mixed at a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio has shown to be of potential value for beef and dairy cattle producers. Through lab scale silo tests, the aerobic stability, pH, mold and nutrient values suggest that these blends can partially replace corn silage. Crude protein for the 3:1 and 2:1 blends ranged from 13 to 18% on a DM basis. The NEL was 1.41 Mcal/kg DM and NDF averaged at 55%. The pH was under 5.0 for blends that were mixed, but above 5.0 for those that demonstrated a layering process in a bunker.;Cost projections were modeled for 8 processes of mixing the CDS and stover for storage in bag silos. They were based on published custom rates, machinery prices, fuel price, machinery capacity, power requirements, transportation, and material costs. Stover nutrient removal cost was also included. The processes focused on strategies of baling or chopping the stover, while shredding and processing were additional options. Five of the processes used a vertical mixer, while the last three left the mixing cost out so we could determine the value of a (not yet developed) device that would meter and dribble the CDS over the stover as it entered a bagger. The least expensive methods were Chop/Dribble/Bag and Shred/Chop/Dribble/Bag, but since they did not include mixing cost, the Chop/Mix/Bag model was considered best with currently available technology, costing ;CDS was priced as a function of corn. The base corn price was ;A sensitivity analysis to mixer performance was determined by adding 6 minutes onto each scenario's original 4 minutes of mixing time. This additional time cost the user ;Overall, it seems that the use of CDS and stover blend can be appropriate for some cattle farmers in close vicinity to ethanol plants that sell CDS. Corn silage may be preferred, however, due to its close proximity to the farm, relatively easy handling and lower fat content compared to the CDS and stover blend. |
