2-13 IAT Cow Spuds

 FEEDING POTATO PROCESSING WASTES AND CULLS TO CATTLE

The waste products from processed potatoes are a disposal problem for the processors but a valuable source of feed for the livestock industry. Culls potatoes and, in some years, surplus production of potatoes are a source of high-energy feed. All potato products are an excellent source of energy for ruminant animals. Rations high in potato content must be supplemented with protein, minerals, vitamins and a fiber source. Potatoes are a wet feed, usually containing only about 20% dry matter. Therefore in order to get as much dry matter from potatoes as from grain you would have to have 450 pounds of potatoes to equal 100 pounds of grain. Potatoes are primarily a source of energy. On a 100% dry matter basis they would have 81 to 82% Total Digestible Nutrients and only about 10% protein. Here’s University of Idaho potato specialist Norah Olson at a recent potato meeting talking about her involvement. “ The value of potatoes for livestock feed, we are really excited  to have two of our livestock specialists involved with one of our agricultural economists to give a workshop on that kind of topic.”