– Dr. Haley Linder, Assistant Professor of Ruminant Nutrition, OSU Extension
DDGs are a co-product high in both protein and energy.
A cold, wet spring followed by a dry summer has reduced hay yields across Ohio. Heading into winter, many producers now face the challenge of stretching limited hay supplies to maintain cow condition. Fortunately, Ohio beef producers have several options for supplementing or partially replacing hay with feed co-products.
What Are Co-Products?
Co-products are feed ingredients that remain after grains, oilseeds, or other crops are processed for another primary product such as ethanol, corn syrup, soybean oil, or flour.
These feeds are excellent options for beef cattle because they provide highly digestible energy and protein at a cost-effective price. Most co-products are rich in digestible fiber rather than starch, which makes them especially well-suited for cows consuming forage-based diets as they don’t negatively affect forage digestibility.
Common Co-Products in Ohio
Co-product
| TDN (%) | CP (%) | Key Notes | |
| Distillers grains (wet, modified, dry) | 90 | 30 | High protein & energy; watch sulfur content |
| Soybean hulls | 77 | 12 | Lower protein; low density – best pelleted or mixed |
| Corn gluten feed | 80 | 20 | Moderate protein; good energy source |
| Beet pulp | 72 | 8 | Lower protein – may require additional supplementation |
| TDN = Total Digestible Nutrients; CP = Crude Protein | |||
Selecting the Right Co-Product
Forage should remain the foundation of a cow’s diet. However, choosing the right supplement starts with testing your forage so you know where to fill in the gaps.
Also consider:
- Cost and availability: Compare feeds on a $/lb of TDN or protein basis, correcting for moisture.
- Transportation: Wet feeds can be expensive to haul long distances.
- Storage and handling: Wet feeds (like WDGS or wet corn gluten feed) can spoil quickly, while dry feeds may experience greater shrink from wind losses.
- Mineral balance: Co-products can vary widely in sulfur and phosphorus content, so rations should be balanced accordingly.
Bottom Line
When managed correctly, incorporating co-products into winter feeding programs can stretch limited hay supplies, maintain cow condition, and lower feed costs but success starts with a forage test. Knowing the nutrient content of your hay allows you to balance co-products appropriately and make the most of what’s on hand this season.